Contact Lens Cost Cutting article discussion

tidus

nedmundo wrote: »

Daysoft are essentially not the same as any other contact lenses, despite their claims. They are so cheap because they are made using the same antique equipment and design originally developed in the early 90s - everyone else has moved on several times since then.

I second this comment. Almost everybody in the industy will be of the same opinion - i.e those in the know.

nedmundo

daysoftlenses wrote: »

daysoft would like to make it clear that “Nedmundo” is again posting untrue statements. It would seem that the sole aim of making these remarks is to damage the daysoft business.

daysoft remains at the forefront of manufacturing and design technology and is the only company in the world dedicated to the manufacture of daily disposable lenses, the healthiest type of contact lens wear.

By concentrating solely on daily disposables, daysoft achieves economies of scale which keep costs down. Furthermore, regular manufacturing and design innovations bring additional cost savings.

For a member of the Optical Profession to make such untrue statements under the guise of anonymity speaks for itself. It is clear that “Nedmundo’s” vested interest is clouding his judgement and it is disappointing that a Professional and forum member should post this type of disinformation, which only serves to create confusion among contact lens wearers.

daysoft can point to an ever-increasing, satisfied customer base as evidence of the quality of experience our contact lens wearers enjoy. All at a price which remains much more affordable than our competitors'.

To be clear to all Moneysavers… daysoft reiterates that the derogatory statements made about daysoft are entirely untrue and as with other abusive postings, daysoft would appreciate it if they were removed from the thread.

Welcome to the forum, where we all have the right to an opinion. In order to clear up some 'confusion', perhaps you would like to answer some questions here.

1. If the comment about the antique nature of the lens is so untrue - why are they packaged, why do they handle exactly in the same way and why is the fitting characteristic remarkably similar to the 'Award' 1 day lens of yesteryear?

2. If you are at the forefront of manufacturing and design and if the product is so cost effective, why would any practioner fit anything else and why haven't Daysoft got a monopoly on the daily disposable lens market?

3. Is it not true that your website deliberately misleads the public into thinking one of your 2 products is a suitable replacement for virtually every mass produced spherical soft contact lens currently available (silicone hydrogels excepted).

4. Is it not true that you will supply lenses of a specification that differs to that prescribed in a written contact lens specification, effectively a 'refit' without clinical follow up and supervision?

5. Are you aware that the above is a contravention to the rules regulating contact lens sale and supply in this country?

6. Are you aware that the above mentioned rules are in place to prevent the public obtaining unsuitable contact lenses and without clinical supervision - in other words for the public protection?

7. Considering the above, are you not a bit concerned about the recent case involving Vision Direct?

Perhaps forum members would like to read the article below-

Vision Direct fined over illegal CL sales

A judge has ordered Vision Direct to pay over £60,000 after the General Optical Council achieved a successful prosecution against the company for illegal sales of contact lenses.

As reported on the Optician website last Tuesday, Vision Direct pleaded guilty to six offences of selling CLs without a valid specification and without the supervision of a registered doctor or optician at the September 3 hearing at Hendon Magistrates Court.

Sale and supply of optical appliances are regulated under the Opticians Act.

The charges dated back to 2007 when GOC solicitors carried out test purchases.

The company was fined £600 for each offence – a total of £21,600 – and ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs of £39,296.

Passing the sentence the district judge said: ‘This is important legislation, which has the protection of the general public at heart. The defendants appear to have paid only lip service to the legislation and to the duty of care that they owed to members of the public.’

Welcoming the judgement, acting chief executive, Dian Taylor said: ‘This is a significant result for the Council. The law is designed to protect consumers from eye health problems by ensuring that qualified professionals are involved in prescribing and selling contact lenses. We will continue to take action in the interest of public safety against companies who breach those rules.

‘The GOC is currently investigating other alleged offences and will not hesitate to bring further prosecutions in the criminal courts should it be necessary.’ Taylor added that she, ‘would urge all other online retailers to ensure that their processes are compliant with the legislation.’

BCLA president Sarah Janikoun also welcomed the verdict and urged optical professionals to report suppliers who they believe are acting outside the law. ‘This ruling is reassuring proof of the teeth of the Act in place to protect the public from the dispensing of incorrect or inappropriate contact lenses. Contact lens wearers and practitioners must be vigilant of contact lens suppliers who do not request a proper contact lens specification from a qualified practitioner, since lenses that are not as the practitioner prescribed can cause visual and ocular problems. The requirement for supervision of some contact lens sales is another measure put in place to protect the public. We should all be ready to report any suppliers we fear are not acting within the law so that the GOC can investigate,’ she said.


and then check out your website.

http://www.daysoftlenses.com/GB/Buy.aspx

As intelligent members of the public, they can no doubt draw their own conclusions.

I have no wish to damage the Daysoft business. I have no vested interest in doing so as I do not manufacture contact lenses and do not supply online. The likelyhood of one of my patients reading this forum and being influenced by my views here is remote to say the least.
I do however, have a moral obligation and vested interest in trying to educate contact lens wearers that not all lenses are the same, that lenses should only be worn under supervision as prescribed, that there are risks to contact lens wear, therefore care and safety should not be compromised in favour of economic savings and that the laws of contact lens supply are there for good reason - their own protection. If that is clouding my judgement, then I can only put my hands up and apologise - guilty as charged.

wishiwasarichgirl

well said nedmundo.

tidus

NickyDee wrote: »

Wow, did not expect to create such a storm! But great debate guys.

I recently started wearing contact lenses and decided to go with 1-Day Acuvue TruEye, because of the convenience of a daily disposable and was advised that these are some of the most comfortable (which is backed up by a couple of your subsequent comments).

However, as I had them supplied by Vision Express, they were particularly expensive! Would be really grateful for any advice around:

* How best to source these same lenses cheaply (same brand, different supplier or different brand, similar product)
* Any alternatives
* Something similar in a monthly disposable

Unfortunately, my optician was more of a saleswoman than anything else. Would be really grateful if you guys could share any information that would allow me to make a more informed decision next time!

Trueye are similar to other lenses in the silicone hydrogel material, such as purevision, acuvue advance etc. These are monthly replacement or 2 weekly, and should work out cheaper provided you don't mind the cleaning.

mazza1985

Today I went for my first contact lens assesment with d + a.

Now, because I have astigmatism, I wasz expecting them to be a little more expensive.

But I have been told £25 a month for 2 weeklys! (this includes cleaning fluids etc etc).

I've looked on some comparison sites and I would only be saving £5 a month- and that does not include any fluid, check ups etc.

Is it me being stupid or is there any out there that are genuinly cheaper?

Also, my optition said I am only very slightly astigmatic. Could I get away with normal contact lenses? Or is that a definate no go?

moneypooh

I'd check out websites as all now sell toric lenses. My DD has them and we have saved a small fortune going direct. She has both monthly ones for everyday and daily ones for holidays/sleepovers etc...
Once you have settled on a lens type that you and the optician are happy with no need to pay expenaive DD plans. There are many to try and you should be able to trial some first. Most cashback websites have them listed.

mazza1985

moneypooh wrote: »

I'd check out websites as all now sell toric lenses. My DD has them and we have saved a small fortune going direct. She has both monthly ones for everyday and daily ones for holidays/sleepovers etc...
Once you have settled on a lens type that you and the optician are happy with no need to pay expenaive DD plans. There are many to try and you should be able to trial some first. Most cashback websites have them listed.

So it is better for me to pay the assesment fee and having the choice to order else where?

They have alredy started the process of ordering the first months lenses in, and they say the first month is free, if I get tied into the beginning of the contract do I have to stick to it? I havnt been chanrged anything yet, or given my prescription which I find a bit puzzling!

nedmundo

wishiwasarichgirl wrote: »

well said nedmundo.

Hi5!

:beer:

moneypooh

mazza1985 wrote: »

So it is better for me to pay the assesment fee and having the choice to order else where?

They have alredy started the process of ordering the first months lenses in, and they say the first month is free, if I get tied into the beginning of the contract do I have to stick to it? I havnt been chanrged anything yet, or given my prescription which I find a bit puzzling!

We kept the contract for a few months so we could keep the free consultation sessions. As she is 14 we wanted her to be completely happy with her lenses and she had frequent check ups to help her get the best ones for her needs. Then after about 4-6 months we cancelled the plan and have appointments when needed. I did speak to the optician today and they said they would match our current 'online' price too, so we may go back to a plan - but a cheaper one now. The contract we have includes as many appts as we want, a brilliant idea if your nervous about trying them.

You can ask for your prescription, but I feel they are keeping it to keep your business. When your lenses arrive they will have the prescription on the box.

mazza1985

moneypooh wrote: »

We kept the contract for a few months so we could keep the free consultation sessions. As she is 14 we wanted her to be completely happy with her lenses and she had frequent check ups to help her get the best ones for her needs. Then after about 4-6 months we cancelled the plan and have appointments when needed. I did speak to the optician today and they said they would match our current 'online' price too, so we may go back to a plan - but a cheaper one now. The contract we have includes as many appts as we want, a brilliant idea if your nervous about trying them.

You can ask for your prescription, but I feel they are keeping it to keep your business. When your lenses arrive they will have the prescription on the box.

Thanks for the reply, this was very helpful, I think I will go down the same route as you did for your daughter so I get all the follow up care during the first few months.

Thank you!