By Julie Kubsch
In today’s world there is not much you can’t buy online. Despite the obvious pleas for people to shop local, to spend their hard earned dollars in their community — which benefits all by keeping sales tax dollars in their town and keeping people employed — the choice of online shopping is here to stay. Purchasing prescription eyewear online may seem convenient but there are consequences that you don’t realize or consider until it’s too late. An incorrect, uneducated, or uninformed purchase could end up costing you more time and money in the long run, not to mention poor vision.
The Better Vision Institute reported that, in 2009, there were 66.2 million pair of glasses purchased online and 70 million pair in 2013. That sounds like a lot, but yet, in 2009, that was only 1.9 percent of all eyeglasses sold and, in 2013, the figure of 70 million was only 3.2 percent of all eyeglasses sold. The online market is definitely growing but is not likely to overtake purchasing your eyewear from your doctor or optician anytime soon. Here’s why.
Eyeglasses are an investment in your health. Glasses are a medical device and should be custom-fit, not only for comfort, but also to meet the needs of your prescription. An experienced optician is trained to find a great fit and look while taking into consideration your prescription. Important measurements are needed to assure your prescription eyewear is perfect for you. When buying online the consumer is often making uneducated decisions about lens materials, options, frame styles, and measurements — it can be confusing. The quality, fit, and vision can easily be compromised. When you purchase your eyewear from a trained professional, you can be confident about your choices.
On the front end, it may appear you are getting a bargain but how does the online company help you if or when you have an issue? Here are just a few examples to think about. Your new glasses arrive at your front door step. You anxiously slip them on only to find they slip right off! They are so loose you can’t bend over to tie your shoes. How can an online eyewear provider know the shape and size of your head without ever seeing you to assure they will fit? Or perhaps you accidentally fell asleep in your glasses and proceeded to roll over them. Can you assume your local retailer/eye doctor’s office/optician will straighten out the glasses you bought online? Perhaps you are getting a sore neck from working at your desk on a daily basis and you think the progressive lens is set too low. You wonder if they were accurately measured. And how were they measured? You’ve been wearing your new online purchase for days and have had a headache every day and wonder if the lenses were made correctly. Perhaps the pupillary distance is inaccurate causing strain and pull. Where do you go to help figure out these problems? Don’t be surprised if you are charged for prescription verification, adjustments and repairs on your eyewear that was purchased online if you seek out the help of a local establishment.
When you purchase your eyewear from a brick and mortar shop, you can be assured they are looking out for their clients by making sure the product they dispense is exactly as prescribed. You will feel well educated in regard to your purchase and have developed a relationship knowing with confidence you can return at any time if you have any need for repairs or adjustments. It is your decision how to care for your vision. Now that you know more about buying eyewear online, you may think twice before clicking the order button!
Julie Kubsch is an ABO optician and owner of Specs Around Town. They offer the most unique eyewear and accessories in Central Illinois. To find your perfect eyewear, contact Specs Around Town, 317 N. Center Street, Bloomington, IL at 309-827-7327 or www.specsaroundtown.com.
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