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Frames and Lenses
Independence matters
There are dozens of companies who manufacture or import spectacle lenses. Often the big chains of “opticians”, and even some independent practices, align themselves to one manufacturer. The inducements for this are plain: some manufacturers offer a 25% discount to opticians for such arrangements.
In some of the big corporate optical practices, staff are not allowed to order their lenses from the supplier of their choice. Instead, they have to order from certain suppliers, or from the company’s own manufacturing centre.
We see this as a worrying development. No single manufacturer has the monopoly on good lens design. One manufacturer might make the best varifocal for a certain prescription, another the best high index plastic lens, and so on.
At First Optic Brecon we are an independent practice. We are not tied in to any single company and regularly order from dozens of suppliers. In short, we are committed to providing the best lenses and frames for your requirements and will go to whatever lengths are required to obtain these.
Continuity of service
Although it is rare for people to have trouble adapting to new glasses, problems are more likely to occur when the eye examination occurs at one practice and the prescription is dispensed elsewhere. This is stressed by an independent body, the Optical Consumer Complaints Service. The College of Optometrists has issued the following advice:
“The prescribing and dispensing of spectacles are very closely linked and it would be in your best interests to have your spectacles dispensed where you have your eyes examined. It is often more difficult to resolve any problems you may have with your spectacles when prescribing and supply are separated.”
Buying Frames
Patients nearly always find the frame they want from our extensive range and we get new frames in very regularly, so our range is constantly being updated. We also hold extensive catalogues giving us access to thousands of other frames, which can be ordered on approval. In the very unlikely event that you do not find the frame that you require in our range, then if you buy it elsewhere we can arrange to have lenses put into the frame.
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Comparing like with like
Spectacle lens design has never been more complex. There are many large manufacturers, such as Zeiss, Rodenstock, Essilor, Pentax, Seiko, and Nikon who each make a dozen or more different types of lenses. These, and other, reputable companies often make a “top of the range” lens for a given visual problem and other cheaper alternatives. Additionally, there are also many other manufacturers who might make cheaper copies of lenses.
This is particularly true of sophisticated lenses like varifocals. You need to be sure that you are getting the optimal lens for your own particular visual requirements. Comparing prices has never been more hazardous. You must be completely sure that you are comparing like with like and that what you are being quoted for is the best lens for your needs.
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Last Updated 11 February 2008 22:26