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Paul R. King |
Hi boys and girls in Opti-land. Oh yeah, and you too
Fezz.
He is the funny looking guy you see at all the shows. The
one who is wearing the sunglasses and has a deck of cards in
is hip pocket. Just go up and say "Hi!" I don’t
think he will bite.
I guess I struck a nerve with my article a few months
back about not selling nose pads, screws, adjustments and
the like to your patients. I have received more emails on
this topic than any other that I have written. This is a
good thing for two reasons; first, it shows that we as
Opticians are concerned not only with the care that our
patients are getting but also how they are being treated.
Secondly, it shows that you are reading what I’m writing. |
Here is one interesting response in particular that
Publisher Jeff Smith received regarding my column:
Over the years, OptiCourier has presented itself as a
professional publication. I am saddened to see a column in
your magazine titled "Ask the King". The pictures
of "The King" represent a slovenly, unkempt man
posing as an eyecare professional. Over the course of my 35
year career as an optician, I have fought the very image
that this gentleman portrays. Please remind Mr. King that
although I'm sure he feels this is "amusing"...it
is embarrassing to see someone representing our profession
that looks as though he is a clerk at a discount store.
Quite frankly, after reading his "advice"
concerning charging for services vs. not charging for
services, he would be most at home in a WalMart environment.
Sincerely,
Catherine A. Giroux, President
Giroux Opticians, Inc.
Ms. Giroux,
Thank you for your thoughts, I hope you don’t mind my
rebuttal. I don’t know about the Wal-Marts in your area,
but any that I have ever seen, which happens to be quite a
few, charge for replacement nose pads and the like. The
adjustments tend to be free, but that is about all. If you
are able to sleep after charging people for nose pads,
screws, and adjustments, then good for you.
Another fellow who agreed with you cited the fear of
scratching the lens as his reasoning behind charging for
nose pads. I may scratch 5 pair tomorrow, but I haven’t
scratched a single lens in over ten years due to my
inability to use a screwdriver. As for being "slovenly
dressed" I guess I should have dressed up so I could
have taken a better photo, but no one would have recognized
me. Look, the column is satirical in nature, a funny look at
us and our chosen profession, with a little of my opinion
tossed in for good measure. I’m sorry if you don’t like
my wit or my opinion, nonetheless, thanks for reading!
Gang, what I’m saying is, you can’t stand out in the
crowd if you act like every one else. Take care of your
patients - send the customers to the other guys.
Next is a letter on the other end of the spectrum. And
may I say that this lady must be as good looking as she is
smart!
In response to Mr. Raines' issue with your article
regarding giving nose pads and cleaner away as a courtesy
(see August Issue), I also agree that it may initially sound
like a give-away program; however most people do not forget
a kindness that is extended to them. The hope is that they
will remember and ultimately return to make a purchase,
which I have seen happen in my case many times. Charging for
nose pads and such can be winning the battle (lab expenses),
but losing the war (where the patient chooses to purchase
eyewear). Please note that I did use to word
"patient".
Coincidentally, I own a Toyota and I had been having it
serviced at an outside mechanic, not Toyota. When a few
electrical parts failed to work, I returned to Toyota and
they fixed the problem. It was a fuse, which they put in,
and did not charge for the part or the labor. My car was no
longer under warranty, but guess who I remembered that had
helped me and did not charge me???? Yes, I am now a
"faithful" Toyota cheerleader (note -I did not say
"Customer).
I hope my patients always remember my acts of kindness.
Apparently they have because I have made a lot of friends
and loyal patients in 30 years.
Keep up the good work, Paul, and keep up the great
articles that I look forward to.
Jo Ann Knox, ABOC
When I was a young optician, an old grizzled veteran, I
think her name was Sally, said, "don’t send any thing
out that you would not want your mother to wear." Now I
know she was talking about the prescription being right, but
in my opinion, the same applies to nose pads. Would you
charge you mom ten bucks for a set of nose pads? I would
hope not.
I hope that the changes in this issue are to your liking.
Jeff and his minions have worked hard over the last few
months to make these changes possible. If you like what he
has done, drop him a line and let him know. Feel free to
email me at
asktheking@ECPmag.com
PS I hope this new picture is more to your taste. |
