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pnbecker's blog
Calling all professionals
Topic discussions of issues facing the professional optician (i.e. certified, licensed).
Too many McTicians, not enough Opticians.
4 Comments
I recieved a phone call today from someone at a retail vision chain(think walmart,target,sam's)who claimed to be an optician there. This person told me that a customer who was successfully wearing trifocals wanted to buy a pair of Rx suns with the "middle part" of the prescription in the bifocal. The "optician" then asked me if the Dr. could write out a new Rx for this because they couldn't convert the Rx as given. When asked if this was the company policy, the optician said "no, I just don't know how to convert the Rx."
My frustration with the situation is this: people visit these establishments expecting to helped by at least competent staff who know how to read an Rx and adjust a frame. But many times the person was flipping burgers or selling coffee the week before and with a few hours of "training" bam an optician is born.
I live in a state where you need a license to cut hair, but you can dispense glasses and fit contacts with no proof of competency.
What can be done in these states where "anyone" can dispense?
Comments
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 1
Sorry, and I know this was frusrating. I live in a state with a fairly active association and we are still faced with this on a daily basis. It is very upsetting that such an important part of peoples lives such as their vision is taken so lightly by those supposidly in the profession of eye care. When I receive calls such as you did I ask that they refer my patients to another optician that can transpose the rx on site themselves. Without having to call us. I am a dual licensed Optician, managed opticals for many years but manage an Opthalmology practice now without an optical so I hate dealing with the Walmarts of the world.
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 1
I Think that for this approach to be successful first you have to document the need for better regualtions. Then you need to get the Optometry board involved, (they often already have an established PAC). Then you need to show a force in numbers of actual Opticians. The hardest part is getting enought folks on board.
Location: Sedro Woolley, WA
Posts: 54
Organize! Collect and document examples such as this. Join the OAA if you haven't already. Ask them for help. Get political, meet your legislators, and get a license bill passed. Good luck!
Location: roseville, MN
Posts: 1
Thanks for your enthusiasm, but based on New Hamphire's fight, Minnesota's Chances for a successful bid are slim if any.