Yes, I Do
We get our contacts next day and ship directly to the patient at no charge. There will always be a few who like the convenience of it. Tiffany Ernst, Cedar Creek Eye Care, Winchester, VA
No matter how many times we try to direct patients there, they always call the office. Dr. Keshav Bhat, Austin Village Eyecare, Matthews, NC
Clients are able to purchase online, but it happens infrequently. Most people want to try styles on before committing to them. It’s understandable because there are so many factors involved in attaining the perfect frame. The website is a good way for clients to get familiar with your offerings. Duane Littles, Duane Littles Eyewear, Brooklyn, NY
We sell only contacts online, and this is a new venture for us. Deborah Harmon, Southboro Medical Group, Southboro, MA
The option is not utilized much. Our clients seem to prefer the human interaction. Dr. Bruce Jeffries, Jeffries Eye Care, Sebring, OH
People who want online lenses are bombarded with advertising efforts from major online retailers. It’s hard to compete with that after they’ve left our office, and the margins are so low, it’s not a great place to invest a lot of marketing dollars. Dr. Sarah Jerome, Look + See Eye Care, Minneapolis, MN
Patients can order contacts through our website. (But) glasses are personal, and people need a professional to select and fit. Brad Subrin, Drs. Lauck & McLean, Carmel, IN
No, I Don’t
We’re not yet set up on e-commerce. Dr. Shelley Williams, Williams & Associates Eyecare, Columbia, MO
We sell each frame only once. It would be impossible to keep the inventory current. I also believe that eyewear must be tried on to ensure a proper fit. Paula Hornbeck, Eye Candy, Delafield, WI
Many eyeglass lines I carry do not allow it. Wendy Salle, Salle Opticians, Atlanta, GA
We prefer our patients to come into our offices for better, friendlier service. Martha Davenport, Longe Optical, Fort Wayne, IN
We’re using social media and currently getting patients to use that portal. Jeanne Bogdal, CNY Eye Care, Syracuse, NY
We prefer to do business in a more personal manner, and our clients seem to agree and appreciate that personal service. Bryan Finley, Island Opticians, Palm Beach, FL
This article originally appeared in the January 2015 edition of INVISION.