Lens Troubleshooting

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Question: I have a lens that seems to have an aberration?

Possible Cause #1: Contaminants on the lens

Solution: Before annealing – If the lens is not properly cleaned before the annealing step, the contaminants may cause an optical defect. Carefully clean all lenses before annealing.

After annealing – A common error that can cause a defect is for an operator to lift up the lens from underneath with a fingertip when removing from the annealing stage of the Post Cure chamber. This can leave a permanent mark on the lens where touched, particularly if there was any lens monomer on the gloved fingertip. When removing the lens from the annealing stage, remember to handle the edges only.

Possible Cause #2: Pre-released lens

Solution:  Improper mold cleaning – Follow proper mold cleaning and preparation procedures.

Improper job queuing – If a job is run out of order, the initial curing step may cause the wrong amount of light to be directed toward the mold assembly, resulting in an increased possibility of a pre-release. Always follow the proper production sequence.

Wrong mold or gaskets selected – If the wrong mold or gaskets are used, the lens will be too thick or thin. Make sure to double check your mold and gasket selection as part of the production process.

The Million Dollar Practice’s Keys to Success

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Vision Monday, July 21st, 2014 RE-POST

  1. Success ImageLocation, location, location was a recurring theme among million dollar doctors. If your not in a position to purchase a building, be sure to pick a visible, easily accessible location.
  2. Each underscored the importance of a comfortable office.
  3. Hire, train, pay and incentivize people properly.
  4. Stay abreast of current technology. Some even suggest buying a new piece of equipment each year to add to the range of diagnostic services you can offer your patients and others recommend having an in-office laboratory to make glasses on site.
  5. Control your personal overhead.
  6. Don’t try to be all things to all people and don’t try to blame others for your shortcomings
  7. Arrive early, stay late and be a person integrity
  8. Lastly, don’t forget that most practices are built by one referral at a time

Differentiate Your Practice with the Q-2100

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CI601 ImageCidra Optical is located in Cidra, Puerto Rico, a city of approximately 43,000 people in the central part of the island. Away from the tourist destinations of the coast, owner Melvin Alvarez has the only system in his city. Celebrating his 6-year anniversary as part of the Optical Dynamics family this August, he wanted to provide a different level of service to his patients.

Not only does he have the only system in the city, he is the only laboratory in town that can provide one to two hour service on progressives and FT lenses. Alvarez consistently produces over 60 pair per month utilizing the equipment to its fullest potential with particular focus on nanoCLEAR AR and sunSMART II photochromic lenses. Alvarez is thrilled to have all his patients in eyeglasses the same day. “That is truly amazing,” he concludes.

3 Tips for Engaging Sales Associates

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As shared by CEO Tom Stockham in the August issue of Eycare Business, here are three key ways to engage your sales staff and help them sell more.

happy sales people1. DEFINE YOUR FOCUS: When thinking about helping the customers in your store, determine whether the interactions need to be more about providing technical details or more about recognizing the right customer for each type or brand of product – or both. Then, define that focus for your sales staff. Having the ability to relate to the variety of consumers who walk through the door is what makes a really helpful expert salesperson on the floor.

2. MAKE IT FUN: Make sure you are offering your sales associations an interesting and fun way to engage with your products and your customers.

3. OFFER REWARDS: The biggest deal, really, is defining how you track, manage and reward your sales associates’ engagement. This really needs to be something for which you create accountability.

Changing Main Chamber Actinic Lamps

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1. Follow the steps outlined in the Service Help Screen for “Lamp On Time”.

2. Remove the Main Chamber face plate by pulling it off

3. Remove the two screws on the front of the Main Chamber

4. Gently pull out the drawer assembly

5. Remove the lamps by twisting them and then gently pulling them from the lamp holders

6. Install new lamps by pushing them into the lamp holders and twisting them in to lock them

7. Make sure new bulbs are securely installed before continuing

8. Reinstall the drawer assembly when all required bulb changes are complete

9. Make sure drawer assembly screws are reinstalled and tightened

10. Snap the Main Chamber face plate back on

Consumables

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20/20 Eyecare by Alexandra Hough

As technology and trends evolve, navigating the eyewear industry can sometimes be challenging. Using facts and figures can help you understand and fulfill the needs of your customers.

  • 65% of total population 18+ wear eyeglasses
  • Metal frames 41%, plastic Frames 22%, combination 31%
  • 63% of prescription eyeglass wearers purchase 1-pair, 29% 2 pair,  5% 3-pair
  • Types of lenses sold are 53% SV, 16% bifocal/rifocal, 31% no-line bifocal

Kentucky’s New Eyecare Law Is Widely Applauded

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Vision Monday By Staff

FRANKFORT, Ky.—Legislation governing telehealth and online eye tests in Kentucky that had been debated by proponents and opponents of the tests has been signed into law by Governor Matt Bevin, and both sides are claiming victory. The new law, House Bill 191, known as the Consumer Protection in Eye Care Act, was passed both the Kentucky House and Senate with widespread, bipartisan support. It allows for online eye tests, but requires patients to be at least 18 to use technology. It also requires all diagnostic information and data to be reviewed by a Kentucky licensed optometrist, osteopath, or physician.

Additionally, patients cannot use an online exam for their initial contact lens prescription, or the first renewal of their contact lens prescription, and must be seen for a complete in-person eye examination at least every 24 months to be eligible to use the technology.

“House Bill 191, or the Consumer Protection in Eye Care Act, creates reasonable consumer protection standards for Kentucky consumers,” said Ben Gaddie, OD, past president and current legislative liaison for the Kentucky Optometric Association, told VMAIL. “The legislation addresses online technologies for eyecare, such as those web applications which provide prescriptions for contact lenses or glasses. These technologies may still be utilized in Kentucky, but the legislation establishes safeguards for its appropriate use.

“Some of these safeguards include a minimum age of 18 to use the technology, a prior in-person eye examination within the previous 24 months, the same standard of care is applied as when conducted in an in-person visit, and the technology cannot be utilized for an initial contact lens prescription. Kentucky consumers still have the freedom to choose where they purchase contacts or glasses, but will now also have the same consumer protections as if they were seen for an in-person exam. These safeguards ensure that patients will still get the appropriate level of needed care from their local eye doctor, which also still providing accessibility to appropriate telehealth services,” Gadie said.

The American Optometric Association also praised the new law. “This is a turning point victory for higher standards, greater accountability and improved outcomes in health care,” an AOA spokesperson told VMAIL. “Governor Bevin and legislators from across the commonwealth have acted decisively to put health quality, safety and access to proven new technologies first while keeping the doctor-patient relationship at the center of health care decision-making. American Optometric Association doctors applaud Kentucky’s bold leadership and its powerful message to unscrupulous companies that undermine patient health to keep out of the Bluegrass State.”

“This was a huge victory for us. HB 191 was an attempt by the Kentucky Optometry Association to shut down Opternative. We are grateful that the Kentucky Senate added our amendment to allow for our platform to continue operating in Kentucky,” said Pete Horkan, a spokesman for Opternative.

Best Image Optical Shares 18 Years of Q-2100 Ownership

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Best Image Optical located in Bridgetown Barbados has utilized the Q-2100 Digital Lens System since 1999. Paul Hinds, Lab Manager, has been operating the equipment for nearly 18-years. As one of our long time customers, Paul has years of experience to share.

“What I like about the Q-2100 is that it’s fast and efficient compared to grinding lenses,” says Hinds. “I love when I use it to make rush job for customers who are waiting only an hours or less,” he added.

According to Hinds, “the technology has impacted the practice very positively through the progressive lens produced with the Q-2100. “Customers have a wider area of view so they have no problem seeing,” he added.

Adding the ultraSUN photochromic product to their practice, Hinds concludes with, “the photochromic product is great and works very well in the hot and sunny climate of the Caribbean.”

Celebrating 7-Years of Improved Service & Patient Satisfaction

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La Grande Family Eye Care in La Grande, OR added the Q-2100 Digital Lens System with nanoCLEAR AR to their practice 7-years ago this month. Their knowledgeable optometrists and friendly staff are eager to help their patients with all their vision needs. For this reason, the practice wanted to dispense a “high quality lens with a short turn around time to their patient base.” The purchase of the Q-2100 with nanoCLEAR AR was the perfection choice to make to make this happen.

According to the staff, “improved patient satisfaction and lower lab bills,” have been achieved by making digital lenses in house.