October 7, 2012 4:33 PM
One factor: the world's largest eyewear company, the Italian firm Luxottica, controls a big chunk of the business. Lesley Stahl reports.
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See all 261 CommentsHowever, having said that, I went to one of those chain outlets recently and while I spent less money on glasses and frames, I ended up with terrible headaches after wearing the glasses for a while. When I went back to my regular eye doctor she told me the prescription wasn't even close to what I needed. So while I may pay more to see my eye doctor, it's worth it.
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CHECK OUT THESE GUYS AT DOM VETRO: https://vimeo.com/52895877
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During my last two years of college my photography skills earned me a part time job with a local studio. I quickly learned during this time of film cameras that the quality of the lens was far more important than the box that held the film. I used a Zeiss Planar f2.8, the same lens the astronauts used to photograph the moon. Therefore I view the lens as more important for good vision than the frames that hold them.
After graduation I worked my way up through the ranks as a pharmaceutical sales rep. It was then I learned that it was actually the generic drugs, both Rx and house brand OTC items, that had a far greater profit percent for the retailer than did the brand names. Some of the generics were actually made by the same mfg. as the brand name and were of equal quality. That was not always the case however and some of the low cost generics were of such poor quality they were virtually ineffective. Some blood level test revealed some to be less than 25% of what they should be. Today before I take generics I look at who made it. With years in the business I know the manufactures so it's easy for me, but may not be for the average consumer.
When it comes to eye glass lenses I don't have that inside knowledge and think maybe generics were pushed on me because of a larger profit percent. I had always purchased Varilux progressive lenses with great results through a local private practice. When I moved to another city I was drawn into Visionworks by a half price sale. I picked out one of their best Flexon frames, but was told by the salesman I was wasting money paying for the Varilux name and should buy their lenses that were equal in quality, but a lot less money. I did so, and the lenses actually turned out to be very good. Next time I needed glasses I was back in for the same lenses but was told they no longer had that exact lenses but did have another that was even better. This time I was not so lucky, the Antireflective coating was so bad it looked like cracking paint. They replaced them but the new lenses are still terrible. After a short time they have somewhat of a fog look and require cleaning several times a day. Walk outside an hour they need cleaning. I always clean my glasses with the same care as any lens. With my glasses I rinse, spray with cleaner and wipe, rinse, dry with a quality lens cloth. Next trip to Visionworks I want my Varilux back. The salesman then tells me they now have a new HD lenses and if I want the best lenses this is it and Varilux has nothing to compare with it. Driving home that night something wasn't right and I had to change back to my old fog glasses. The next day in the sunlight I noticed there was no peripheral vision, somewhat like looking through binoculars.
My family member's medical needs followed by her death prevented my returning them to the store, which is almost 4 hours roundtrip away, so I am past their 30 day period and probably have two pair to throw away. I don't want to make a mistake again. I'm looking at going back to Varilux but the Crizal ad claiming less cleaning problem is appealing and I think they may be made by the same company
So in short, I am looking for the BEST Progressive lenses available and I don't mind paying for the best. I would really appreciate any input from those of you that are truly knowledgeable of high quality progressive lenses.
I also added this comment as a reply to two post from people who indicated knowledge of progressive lenses in hopes they could help. Sorry for the duplication but I'm really looking for all the expert input I can get.
Is it any surprise that while optical shops are facing stagnating sales in these hard times, the sales of eye wear through online shops is booming? Just look at their visitor numbers and it clear there is a 20-30% increase in this sales channel per year.
As much as opticians try to talk down the online shops, it is a reality that savings of 80% or more are possible. And these online shops are not stupid. Some are investing very significantly in the development of tools to address the very things opticians hammer on, such as correct vertical placement of the lenses and a correct adjustment of the frame to the customers' face.
Of course, opticians are concerned of what the internet future has in store for them. But in my opinion, we'll see a significant increase in sales of eye wear over the internet in the next few years. Sites like www.visio-rx.com clearly show that buying your glasses online is a safe way to get good quality glasses for a very competitive price.
Is there a market for $300 or $800 glasses. Sure. But the reality is that many people will not spend this on a pair of shoes. Nor will (or can) they spend this on a pair of glasses. In those cases, a good quality pair from an online source is not a bad thing.
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