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Jeffrey Kiener,
O.D.
Westerville Eye Care, Westerville, OH |
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Jeffrey Kiener, O.D.
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What progressive lens do you usually dispense?
While I think there are many equally good products on the market, I have decided to use Essilor lenses because of their good marketing concept,
cross-availablilty of materials and photochromics, and good designs. I use the Physio for my workhorse lens, but also the Shamir Piccolo and Varilux Ellipse for short corridors.
What A/R coating do you prefer?
Our wholesale lab has done a great job with Zeiss coatings for a long time. The Carat Advantage is superb, and we price it to sell. I also have high regard for the high end Essilor coating.
Do you tend to dispense more silicone or non-silicone
contact lenses?
We fit far more silicone hydrogels because of the higher margin of safety. The acceptance rate is in the 90%+ range.
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What are your thoughts on ophthalmologists opening more dispensaries in the future?
Ophthalmology has their segment of the population to serve, and more general ophthalmology practices like the idea of a profit center and comprehensive services for their patients. As long as it's done well, I think it's a benefit to the patient. The independent optician is faced with a challenge, however.
What do you think the future holds for independent dispensaries?
Independent opticals have a market niche: creativity, expertise, and passion. No one loves optics like the "indy optician." A good optician with a focused strategy is still a very viable enterprise.
Do you find it easier to convert traditional bifocal wearers to the new PAL designs
now available?
My experience is that progressive lenses have penetrated the market very well. I do not actively convert segmented multifocal wearers unless they request PALs or I feel there is a benefit they are missing. Segmented MFs are a thing of the past.
Are you finding that adaptation time is now shorter for those who switch to
PALs?
I do believe the refined progressive designs are making life much easier, and I tip my hat to the advances in the field. We probably don't realize how much improvement has been made over the past twenty years.
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