Don't buy a lemon unless you're planning on making lemonade!

Most people when buying a car look only at certain things: cost, miles per gallon, 4-door vs. 2-door, standard or automatic, does it come in the color I want, etc.  Some of you, like me, go so far as to ask our mechanic's opinion.  Actually, I wouldn't dream of buying a car without first consulting my preferred mechanic, Dan.  In fact, Dan buys the cars for me... but that's another story.

Why do I do this?  Well, honestly, it's because I've had bad luck in servicing cars that I thought were my dream only to cost me a small fortune because it didn't work the way I thought it would.

Let's switch now and talk about vision plans.  The time to find out your vision plan - or, for that matter, any insurance - doesn't work as you thought is NOT when you're at the doctor's office!  And the best way to find out if you're spending your money wisely is to ask your DOCTOR questions (they WILL welcome the discussion).

It really works... before buying health insurance, I consulted with my kid's pediatrician to see if (a) they accepted that plan, and (b) what they thought about the plan.  I do the same with dental insurance.  Why?  Because if my medical provider doesn't like the plan, I'm fairly certain I'm not going to like it when I get bills for unpaid balances or be limited to certain materials/benefits! 

So I thought I'd give you a little food for thought by drawing an analogy to buying a car... understanding, of course, that we're talking about two completely different price points (it just may feel like you're buying a car when you pay for medical care and services!).

Questions to ask the mechanic when buying a car and the analogy to buying a benefit plan/insurance:

• What has your experience been with this car?  I want to know if the doctor's office has experience with the benefit plan I'm looking to purchase and - more often than not - they have experience... sometimes good, sometimes bad.

• How difficult will it be to service the car?  Let's talk about when the doctor's office has bad experience with a benefit plan.  Was it difficult for them to file a claim?  Did they get paid in a timely manner?  Is it hard to get a live human on the phone when they had questions?

• Are we restricted to using specific replacement parts?  Did you know that certain benefit plans tell the doctor what materials can be used?  OR they say something is included (i.e. $20 copay for standard progressive lenses) and then limit the product to 3-4 specific lenses?  When specific parts/products must be used, ask the doctor's office if they recommend using that product!  One very popular vision plan has progressive lenses included in their plan, but the lens that MUST be used is not one recommended by any doctor I have visited with.

Bottom line - and this is one I've said over and over - be a good consumer and know what you're buying.  Although price is oftentimes a factor, you get what you pay for (remember the Yugo?).

Internet glasses... yes or no?

I've committed a blogging no-no... I haven't posted in a couple of months.  Quite frankly, I just haven't had a burning desire on a particular message.  That is, until today.  The question about buying glasses on the internet has come up several times over the past week and I've been asked whether or not it's a good idea... so I thought it would be a splendid topic to share my point of view.

Let me start by saying that I have no personal experience in purchasing glasses over the internet, but I still have an opinion.  Buying glasses through a website is very enticing... wide range of frames and such low prices that you can buy multiple pairs.  I get it, really I do... particularly since I'm a consumer as well.

When I'm spending my hard-earned money, especially in an investment as costly as glasses, I want to know that I'm purchasing the product that is best for me.  We tend to forget that glasses and contact lenses are medical devices... and as such, our vision is far too important to not take seriously by simply buying the cheapest product we can find.  They're medical devices, folks... not socks.

From working in the industry I know there are hundreds of different lenses, frames, and product add-on's ranging from high to low in both QUALITY and PRICE.

• I've had cheap lenses (read my blog for more on that) from a retail store's "special" that made me ill... headaches, nausea, neck strain.  
• I've seen scratch and anti-reflective coatings that peel off.  
• I've heard stories about people buying frames on-line only to discover they were close-out models with no replacement parts when they broke (so they had to buy a whole new pair).

Because of this, I want to work with an expert to help me decide the best bang for my buck and protect my health (and my investment)... to me, that means working with an educated optician at the doctor's office.  But, that's just my opinion.

You may have had a terrific experience buying your glasses through the internet and, if you have, then I applaud you.  For me, however, I'm not willing to risk it.  I want the experience of trying on various frames.  I want to be able to ask questions about product add-ons to determine what will work best for my eyes.  I want to have someplace I can turn to in case something goes wrong, and know they'll take care of me.

For me, personally, I just don't get that warm, fuzzy feeling from the internet; I'd rather deal with a professional.  Again, it's just my opinion.

Multiple glasses... a luxury?

I once worked with a woman who - I swear - had multiple eyeglasses to match her wardrobe; it seemed like she wore a different pair every day!  To her, eyewear was an accessory in the same fashion as a colorful scarf or specific piece of jewelry.  Being on a very limited income at the time, I was amazed at the luxury and expense of having more than one pair of glasses.  My own glasses retailed for about $700... I couldn't imagine paying that amount for 3, 4 or more pairs!

Well, today I am that woman.  I must have a dozen pairs laying around (if not more!)... I have glasses that are chrome, red, burgundy, black, brown, copper, green, and multi-color frames.  I have two pairs specifically for working on the computer, one pair of prescription sunglasses, and several sun clips.

If you'd like multiple pairs of glasses, but the cost is prohibitive, here are a couple of ideas to help you out:

• As I've said in previous posts, I won't go to the eye doctor unless I'm on a vision plan, and I make sure my vision plan provides annual benefits whether I need new glasses or not.  That way I'm assured that I'll have a new frame giving me a new look every year.  Luckily, my prescription hasn't changed much over the past few years, so I can still wear the same glasses I wore three years ago.

• For a few years I would have the lenses in my old frames tinted (about $20-30) giving me a pair of prescription sunglasses... and if you're the type using clip-on shades, you've GOT to try prescription sunglasses.  I LOVE them!

• Have a pair of old frames you really like but your eyes have changed and the prescription is wrong?  Ask your doctor to have new lenses put into the frames.  About 6 years ago, I paid way above my vision plan frame allowance for a pair of classic-look titanium frames that are virtually indestructible (and trust me when I say I've tried).  Back then the price was about $220... today, the same frames retail in some stores for over $400.  I love these frames... when I needed a significant change in the lens, I simply had new lenses put into the frames.  Cost me a little bit, but far less than if I'd had to buy new frames.

So if you want the luxury of having multiple pairs of glasses two, take my advice:  make sure you have a vision plan with annual benefits, use your benefits whether you need new glasses or not (you'd be amazed how many people don't get new glasses if their prescription hasn't changed), and consider re-purposing your old frames into sunglasses.  It may take awhile to accumulate multiple pairs, but eventually you'll have an assortment.

In the grand scheme of things, does the vision plan really matter?

In re-reading my blogs, you'd think worrying about your vision plan should be at the top of your crisis list!  Yikes!  Let's face it, we're talking about an inexpensive, fluffy little vision plan.  Small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, right?

Why is this such a big deal to me?  Well, let's start with the fact that I'm a consumer.  When I spend my hard-earned money, I want to know that I'm getting value for what I'm buying.  I believe you get what you pay for, so I'm willing to spend more in order to make what I'm buying last... but I don't want to spend MORE than what I have to spend.

Second, I have a terrible habit of not going to the eye doctor unless I have a vision plan.  I can't really say why that is, just that I'm not motivated to go spend money at a doctor's office unless something doesn't feel right or is broken.  As for preventative care and annual exams, hey I understand their importance but call me lazy.  In order to get me in for preventative care, I better have low co-pays!  THAT gives me an incentive to go.

Third, I have a very low tolerance for bad surprises and having to spend more than I thought is a REALLY bad surprise.  Telling me that my plan's $15 copay for progressive lenses doesn't cover quality lenses and in order to get something good I have to pay 20 times more... well, that makes me a little cranky (and I'm not very nice when I get cranky... just ask my kids).

Fact is, I'm probably a lot like you.

So, I'm willing to take the time to make sure I have good benefits be it health, dental, life or vision.  I want whatever I buy to give me an incentive for regular wellness checkups, I want it to eliminate or reduce bad surprises at the doctors office, and I want to leave feeling I received value for the additional money I paid to the doctor.  A bonus is when the doctor says to me: "Kudos for selecting the plan you're on as it allows me to take better care of you."

There really are some good vision plans out there... and a lot of really bad ones.  If you're on a vision plan that doesn't work like what I outlined above, contact me at denise@omalleyandassociates.biz.  I have a couple of companies I'd be happy to recommend or refer you to.

It may not be the Doctor's fault!

Have you ever ordered glasses from your optometrist and it seemed like forever before they came in?  And when they finally arrived, they were wrong and the process had to start all over again?  I have... and my natural inclination was to be mad at the doctor!

Last week I met with an eye doctor who shared with me a problem.  Glasses were ordered for a patient 3 MONTHS ago, and the patient is still waiting for the glasses!  The doctor is frustrated and the patient is furious... and his fury is now being directed at the doctor for not being able to get the glasses made correctly.

So what happened?  The patient's vision plan is part of his medical insurance.  Although the doctor doesn't like that particular vision plan, he accepted the insurance to accommodate his patients who have it.  It's a cheaply priced vision plan which is why it appeals to many employers, insurance agents, and - of course - the people who sign up for it.

What none of these people know - as it's not disclosed on any of the vision plan documents - is the doctor may be required to use the vision plan's own lab for making the glasses... and this takes quality control out of the doctor's hands completely.  If the doctor doesn't use the mandated lab, he/she doesn't get paid.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event as I could hear stories like this almost every day.

So, as a consumer, what can you do to prevent this from happening to you?

• DO YOUR HOMEWORK!  
• Every vision plan company has a published toll-free number... if you are on a vision plan now, or are considering enrolling in a vision plan, call and ask questions.  
• Find out if restrictions are placed on the doctor like using a specific lab or specific materials.  

The old adage is true... you DO get what you pay for so please keep this in mind even when buying a vision plan.

And if you're experiencing the same thing right now?  Ask your doctor about options available to you.  Sometimes it take the squeaky wheel to get the attention you deserve... and your doctor might be able to get your vision plan to make an exception allowing your glasses to be made at a lab the doctor trusts.

Being a good consumer

I'm one of those people who don't go see the eye doctor unless I'm on a vision plan, so I have always been used to paying my copayments and extras over what my plan allowed.

Here's how a typical visit would go...  after seeing the doctor and getting my eyes dilated, I'd be directed over to the optical department to pick out my new frames.  It's a little difficult picking out the frames and seeing the retail prices with dilated eyes, but hey... that's a subject for another post!

Once I had my frames in hand, I'd sit down with one of the employees and place the order for my new glasses... and at the same time my cost would be figured out.

Exam - $10
Frames - $20, plus the amount above the allowance on the plan... which was usually $120

We're coming to the part where I'd usually get sticker shock.  Walking into the doctor's office I had it in mind that I'd only be paying about $30.  But noooo.... suddenly I find out I owe several hundred dollars more!  How did that happen?

I wear no-line bifocals - otherwise known as progressive lenses - and my vision plan doesn't pay much towards them, so I had to pay the difference.  The optical person also recommended anti-reflective coating, scratch coating, and a tint (since I work under florescent lights).  When all was said and done, I was writing a check for a couple hundred dollars.

Has this happened to you?  There is a way to avoid the sticker shock and become a good consumer: ASK QUESTIONS about what and why add-on's are being recommended.

The doctor's office has about 150 different lenses to offer ranging in quality from sub-par to premium (i.e. cheap to expensive), so ask "Why have you selected that particular lens?"  Is it out of habit to use that lens?  Is the lab offering special incentives to use that lens?  Or is it the lens that they have the fewest complaints and greatest results?

I'm a huge believer in anti-reflective coating and - being an insider - know that a quality coating is worth the money because it won't peel or turn green around the edges.  But a quality coating also includes scratch coating... so you don't have to pay twice for this!  Ask them to explain the advantages of the coating selected and why they've chosen that one over another.

Ask questions for every single option they've recommended!  This will make you feel good about the glasses you've ordered and you'll understand better what it is you're paying for.

On another note, many vision plans now include specialty coatings as part of their plan with an additional copay.  This SEEMS like you're saving money, but you may regret going with the included options.  When a vision plan includes coatings as a defined benefit, the doctor's office must use SPECIFIED coatings... and these may not be the best product.  In order to get the quality you want, you'll have to pay more for it.  The old adage, "you get what you pay for" tends to hold true.

Hope this helps you on your next office visit.  It's always wise to be a good consumer!

Retail vs. Private Practice... "savings" vs. quality

On my last post I talked about why going to the doctor costs so much.  Today we're going to talk about retail stores vs. private practice.

You've all seen the ads in the Sunday circulars... "Two pairs of glasses for $99!"  WOW, what a deal!  But is it really?  Before you jump at the ad, I recommend you Google "(name of store) vision complaints".  You might be very surprised at what you find.

I've always seen private practice doctors, so I decided to take advantage of one of these ads just to see what it's like.  To protect the guilty store, I'll leave their name out of it and just call them XYZ Store.

The ad said, "Any pair of glasses $99 including no-line bifocals and frames up to $139 retail."  With my prescription in hand, I visited the store.  First problem was finding a pair of frames for $139; turns out the frames in the ad retailed for $169 and we had to hunt to stay in the limit.  Being in insider in the industry, I know you can find a darn good pair of frames at many private practices for $139, but they were dramatically more expensive at XYZ.

Once we found a pair of frames that were in the price range, we sat down to order the glasses.

• Did I want the extended guarantee?  That would be an extra $15.  Their included guarantee was only 90 days... from the date on the receipt and you pay for the glasses when you order them!
• Did I want expedited handling so I'd get the glasses in 4 days?  That would be an extra $15.  As it was, they arrived in about 7 days.  Well, at least the first attempt at making the glasses.
• Did I want this, did I want that... you guessed it, $15 for everything they suggested.  And they suggested a lot!

I held firm to the ad price and the glasses were ordered.  When I picked them up, the clerk simply handed them to me and didn't offer to fit them.  Hmmm.... interesting especially since I have one ear slightly higher than the other.

I couldn't wear the glasses so I took them to my private practice doctor... and the prescription was wrong!  Back to the store I went and met with a different clerk who checked them and sure enough, they'd gotten my prescription incorrect.  They hadn't been checked to verify it was right before having me pick them up (this takes all of 15 seconds to do).

Off they go back to the lab and about 10 days later the new glasses came in.  This time the clerk - yet a different one - fitted them on me.  When I asked why that hadn't been done the first time, she replied, "the clerk was probably filling in from a different department (shoes??) and didn't know how to do it."

So here's the upshot... 

• The no-line bifocal was a very inexpensive lens that creates distortion around the edges.  This distortion gave me incredible headaches and I can't wear the glasses.  If I wanted a better lens, I would have to pay a significantly higher amount.  
• Side note - I have a particular lens I've worn for years and I've never had a problem with it.  My private practice doctor sells it for about $250; at this retail store, they told me it would be anywhere from $600-$800!
• Between my schedule not allowing me to drop everything and rush back to the store, and having the glasses made a second time, I didn't actually get the glasses until 48 days after I'd ordered them... that's more than half-way through the 90 day guarantee.
• At a private practice doctor's office, you don't typically pay for the glasses until you've received them and they're RIGHT.
• Getting help from the clerks was a crap-shoot... I never knew if I would have someone qualified to work with me, or someone who had no optical training whatsoever.

Had I paid for all the extras and add-on's suggested, including decent lenses and frames, I would have paid MORE than at my private practice doctor... and most private practice doctors will guarantee their workmanship for a year or more!

Does everyone have a bad experience at retail stores?  No... otherwise they couldn't stay in business.  The moral of this story is ASK QUESTIONS and COMPARE PRICES.  Sometimes a deal simply isn't a deal.

Next post we'll talk about being a good consumer and how to save money on your glasses.