contact lens discussion thread (merged)

nedmundo

Pssst wrote: »

Hi Nedmundo...and thanks for your contributions to this thread.
Now would you be able to divulge whether Optometrists get piad extra for securing Direct Debit supply arrangements with suppliers? No worries if you cant ned.

It would be a pleasure. I'd love to say we do, but we don't get paid anything by suppliers! The whole purpose for direct debits and or standing orders is that it bundles care and lens supply in to a convenient monthly payment which some patients find more convenient. Quite simply, we purchase contact lenses from the manufacturers at prices frequently higher than we could do on the web and are billed accordingly. If we register a patient, it is only so their lenses are shipped out at appropriate intervals and save having to keep ordering them.

Therefore, if an Optician has a preference for a particular lens, it is usually because from experience that product has produced good results.

nedmundo

daysoftlenses wrote: »

Dear Moneysavers...

We thought you should know that...

· daysoft is a proven world-wide brand
· over 200 million daysoft lenses have been sold by Optometrists
· over 22 million daysoft lenses have been sold online
· 800+ NEW online wearers join us each week

To find out more, see What Our Wearers Say at daysoftcontactlenses.com

Kind regards,
daysoftcontactlenses

Thankyou for enhancing this discussion with that constructive and unbiased post!

nedmundo

Pssst wrote: »

Now would you be able to divulge whether Optometrists get piad extra for securing Direct Debit supply arrangements with suppliers? No worries if you cant ned.

What gave you the impression that we get back handers? Manufacturers have royally shafted Opticians over the past decade!

nedmundo

You've gone very quiet Pssst - are you out there?

nedmundo

You obviously didn't get the answer you were expecting Pssst! If you ask a question - it is normally considered good manners to acknowledge the reply!

Pssst

nedmundo wrote: »

You obviously didn't get the answer you were expecting Pssst! If you ask a question - it is normally considered good manners to acknowledge the reply!

Sorry..humblest apologies. I was waylaid both by work and activities on other threads.

No I am just wondering why there seems to be such a stranglehold on the premium contact lens market.

For instance,why is it that Acuvues are pretty much the same price wherever you buy them give or take a pound or two?

I am hoping that J&Js introduction of their new Trueye product will lead to a fall in price of Acuvues so that they are more competitive.

If Optometrists have no special relationship with suppliers, why are they pushy with DD supply contracts? My Optometrist is rather...erm...assertive in that direction.

nedmundo

Because it is an easy way of tying service and product together. The true cost of a check up is in excess of £50, so the cost usually allows for 2 checks and cost of the lenses.

J & J are genuinely that much more expensive. They don't offer any great discounts unless an account is particularly large - eg multiples or online suppliers. So the cost won't vary much between Opticians. I promise you there is no cartel in operation there!

I would wait until next year, when other suppliers bring out their silicon hydrogel daily disposables. They are the way the market is going and eventually they will cost similar to convention lenses do today. 1day Avuvue are yesterdays technology now.

Michelle99_2

I am sure you have a right to it under the Data Protection Act as stated above. Usually just mentioning this gets you want you want in cases like this as people don't understand it properly and it sounds so official. Specsavers gave me my contact prescription immediately.

-N34

I'm thinking of getting a free assessment but the price of those lenses are horrendous. Family told me about daysoft so was wondering if I had my free assessment I could then just ask for a copy of my prescription? Apparently daysoft contact your optician and find out if you have a valid prescription what if they say I don't?


Thanks in Advance

mapcr77

does anybody know the difference between daysoft 58 and 72? Ta!