Inbox: Letters From Our Readers for January 2018

There are going to be big changes in this biz in the next few years. We have got to stay on our toes, stick together as much as we can and not panic. I find new ideas to try, through INVISION’s readers. Sometimes I wonder…why have I not thought of that before? Billy Isgett, Eyecare of Florence, Florence, SC

• I’ve been in this field for 20 years and I’m always learning something new. I’ve only been licensed for two years. People who are licensed need to remember that we can learn from many sources, including those who are unlicensed! And just because someone is licensed doesn’t mean that they know everything. Amanda Moreland, America’s Best, Jacksonville, FL
• Insurance sucks. And vision plans that require you have a doctor who owns 51 percent of your business are ridiculous. Jennifer Leuzzi,  Mill Creek Optical, Dansville New York
• With the Essilor/Luxottica the best is yet to come. It will drain any last ability to make a buck. Maxine Kobley, Metrovision, Carle Place, NY
• The proliferation of insurance companies dictating to ECP’s is taking control away from practitioners and the result is declining quality for both the patients and the practice. Andrea Salmond, The Gaze Group, Healdsburg, CA
• ECPs need to revolt against the “insurance” companies.  They are trying to force us to do our work their way while shortchanging us every step of the way. Pablo E Mercado, The Eye Gallery, Woodstock, GA
• For God’s sake people….STOP servicing eyewear that has been purchased online! Respect yourselves! Kate Giroux, MacPherson Opticians, Arlington, VA
• We cannot hide the fact that online sales of eyewear have shifted the way eyewear is sold/purchased and valued. Our patients see ads for $7.99 + free shipping from Zenni advertised 10X a day. Patients assume this is the “normal price” of glasses. I would like an article on frame companies that do not sell glasses online. I know Europa and Dolabany are very proactive in keeping their eyewear offline. I know there are other small frame companies we can support that do NOT sell online. Diana Sims, Buena Vista Optical, Chicago, IL
• Why is Essilor starting to alienate itself from customers? They are only offering promotions to big accounts: Vision Source, EyeMed, buying groups, IECP, but not the smaller customers. BJ Chambers Carrera Optical, McQueeney, TX

This article originally appeared in the February 2018 edition of INVISION.   

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