Optical Prism August 2013 | Page 8

Making A Connection A key factor in achieving a high success rate with patients is one-onone care . It is important that ECPs listen to the concerns of their patients to identify what type of lens is right for them .
Many companies are now offering packages to help both ECPs and patients develop a multi-faceted care plan .
Essilor has carefully researched the needs of patients to provide them with an exceptional lens fitting and purchasing experience . Keenly aware of the challenge of finding lenses , they have offered ECPs tools to help make the process easier .
“ Consumers wanting to purchase new lenses are faced with many struggles when deciding where to buy their lenses . At the outset , their options vary in quality , service and personalization ,” said Essilor Marketing Manager Sakina Barrault . “ Furthermore , consumers now have several options to choose from for their fulfillment of prescription . These vary from a visit to an eyecare professional , who offers very professional and detailed services , or a retail chain and lastly an online purchase where they are left to themselves to make important decisions .”
Barrault noted these models have emerged since the market has dramatically changed and there are a lot of very aggressive offers featuring very cheap pricing , especially online , but the trade off is made with lower quality products , lower quality guarantees and little or no personal service .
Understanding the importance of working with an ECP one-on-one will ensure a superior lens purchasing experience .
An effective ECP-patient experience also helps better understand eyewear better . Essilor ’ s latest lens technology , Crizal Prevencia offers improved eye health with a no-glare lens that offers clarity of vision and protection against glare , scratches , smudges , dust and water .
The Crizal Prevencia also protects against Blue-Violet light and has UV filtering to prevent eye impairment and disease . It prevents premature aging of the eyes by selectively filtering out harmful light
The innovative and exclusive Light Scan technology that filters out harmful blue-violet and UV light , allows essential visible light including blue-turquoise to pass through while still insuring excellent transparency and the best enduring clarity of vision by eliminating glare , scratches , smudges , dust and water .
Taking the risk of ordering lenses on line from a questionable source may lead to the purchase of a product that simply cannot match that of a professionally crafted and fitted lens .
“ Although consumers are used to searching online for information , the information they find online is not always from a reliable source and can therefore be misleading and confusing ,” said Barrault . “ The economic situation is tougher , leading to a change in consumer behaviour . They take more time before buying . They shop and compare . They try to make a conscious and rational purchase based on the best value for money they think they are getting .”
Barrault said consumers trust their eyecare professional and often turn to them for advice , personalization and service that they do not get online .
This groundwork is laid at the eye exam and needs to carry through to choosing the best ‘ visual solution ’ for their lifestyle and medical needs .
“ They also ensure the consumer ’ s total satisfaction thanks to first class products ( designs , coatings , materials , guarantees ) and measurement tools that will enhance the consumer ’ s vision and eye health ,” said Barrault .
8 OPTICAL PRISM DIGITAL SUPPLEMENT | AUG 2013