ABDO responds to Which? report
Remote frame selection not recommended, said ABDO president
ABDO has responded to a new report from Which? magazine investigating the quality of prescription spectacles purchased online.
In an undercover investigation into the quality of glasses bought online, the consumer magazine found that some spectacles with ‘high-prescription or varifocal lenses’ were “poorly made and could present a potential safety risk as a result”.
Posing as three different customers, investigators ordered one pair of ‘low-prescription’ single vision glasses, one pair of ‘high-prescription’ single vision glasses and one pair of varifocals from nine popular online retailers. They then asked independent experts to assess the glasses. “Only three of the nine stores provided acceptable glasses for every order investigators submitted”, the article reported.
Which? reported that a quarter of glasses failed the tests for the following reasons: because the actual measurements were too far off what was supplied; they didn’t conform to British Standards; or the lenses were loose and could fall out or be easily rotated.
Eleven pairs of glasses drew criticism from experts for poor construction – even taking low price into account. Eight pairs had poor quality lenses that were scratched, loose, warped or positioned badly. Two pairs had issues with nose-pad positioning and two had loose arms.
ABDO president, Clive Marchant, commented: “The Which? report highlights the reasons why patients should not use online companies to purchase spectacles or lenses and that it could cost more than money in the long-term when things go wrong.
“Spectacles are first and foremost a medical device to aid patients’ visual needs and if the prescriptions within the lenses are not correct, or if the spectacles are not fitted correctly, then they are not fit for purpose.
“It is important to speak to a qualified dispensing optician to find the best fitting spectacles and suitable lenses to aid your visual needs. Facial measurements and facial characteristics cannot be measured properly unless you have this done face to face. Optical practices offer a variety of spectacles at a wide range of costs to meet all patients’ budgets and for some patients, NHS vouchers can be issued to help towards the cost of spectacles.”
Clive continued: “The remote selection of frames, even for the most simple prescriptions, is not recommended. Dispensing spectacles is a skill which dispensing opticians study for three years for, obtaining a degree level qualification. Advice on appropriate eyewear can only be given after lifestyle considerations have been obtained by the dispensing optician, who can them make recommendations. Frames not only have to look good but they must fit the face and be suitable for the prescription glazed in them.
“There are thousands of lens options to consider depending on the prescription and lifestyle needs, and many measurements are required to ensure the prescription sits correctly in alignment to your eyes. The PD, or pupillary distance, is only one of these measurements. If the fitting is incorrect, the effects can range from visual discomfort to blurred vision making you unsafe in the workplace or when driving. With young people, incorrect fitting can induce lazy eyes or increase myopic progression.
“Spectacles also have to be fitted once manufactured and will require regular adjustments to ensure the correct alignment and comfort is maintained. Obviously this is not provided by online retailers. Your High Street practice will provide a lifetime of after sales service, which is included in the fees paid for spectacles but will charge a fee for fitting and adjust spectacles they have not supplied.
“Spectacles purchase from an optical practice includes professional fees for the advice and services provided by the dispensing optician. Obviously online purchase can be cheaper but include none of the professional advice your High Street practice provides.”