Consult a Colleague (Optometrists)
The Good, The Bad, and the Hohum...Optical Laboratories
As the editor of LabTalk magazine, I'm always on the lookout for topics and information of interest to optical laboratory owners and managers. I'm putting together an article titled, "The Good, the Bad and the HoHum."
I'd like to hear from OD's and retail stores on what they think about their optical laboratory. WITHOUT naming names, tell us what you like the best, what you think they need to improve on, and what is making you pull out your hair.
The purpose is to pass this information onto the labs via an article in LabTalk to help optical labs improve their service to you, their most valued customers.
Remember, please don't name the lab, but other than that, be honest. Labs DO want to know how they can be better partners with their customers.
Christie Walker, editor, LabTalk
More On: office management, optometrists, retail stores
Comments
Location: Rockville, MD
Posts: 77
I'm sure my experiences with
I'm sure my experiences with labs are similar to most opticals; our lab does good work for a spell, starts to mess it up with poor quality control either with the Rx or the fit of the lens-to-frame, we pull all our work and use another lab and they sent their rep in trying to get back our business. The cycle continues for the past 20 something years .. . Everyone makes mistakes, but there is a certain level where it is more than mistakes; just plain incompetence. Vouchers sure do help,and we may opt to stay with a lab that is messing up a little so we can take advantage of the vouchers they provide for discounts.
Location: Big Bear Lake,
Posts: 3
Thanks for your comments, Dr.
Thanks for your comments, Dr. Glazier. Doesn't sound like a great way to do business. I'm hoping other ODs will chime in later to help build this story.
Christie
Location: Rockville, MD
Posts: 77
I think there's room for a
I think there's room for a lab to enter the market with paradigm shifting customer service, accuracy and reproducibility. It's time and would love to work with someone like that as I'm sure we all would.
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 1
I love my lab! Actual
I love my lab! Actual opticians answer the phone and are very friendly and helpful. The lab calls if an Rx is not going to cut out correctly, or if they question our choice of material or such. Other than VSP jobs being treated like second-rate citizens - which I guess they are with their lower reimbursements - I have not true complaints. That is why I will NEVER switch to any local labs.
Location: Big Bear Lake,
Posts: 3
Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for your comments. Your lab sounds like it's doing a great job. Christie
Location: Rockville, MD
Posts: 77
drwallach - who is your lab?
drwallach - who is your lab? Give them a plug; would like to push some business their way