Over the past decade, most of us have resigned ourselves to the fact of internet sales of contact lenses. But, I have seen a disturbing trend lately in the sale of internet GLASSES. Now, keep in mind, I do not have my own glasses dispensary, so I have no conflict of interest here (unlike my last entry.)  I am not entirely sure how one decides where to place the multifocal seg height on a pair of "nonexistent" glasses, but nearly daily, I am asked to measure a PD and seg height so the patient can take the sale to the Internet. (In Canada, the PD is a required part of the Rx and contact lenses can be purchased without a prescription.)

But honestly, I can see the appeal. Think about it. If someone is willing to purchase contact lenses on the internet for a cost savings of $3 to $4 per box, they are certainly going to be excited about a cost savings of $300 to $400.

What many of these folks don't realize is, however, is these sales are going outside the United States. Yes, this means their money is not only leaving their community, but the country as well!

So what am I doing to counteract this? I shop locally! So what if I pay a bit more? I want my local stores to stay in business, and I want the people who work there to come to me for eyecare. (For Dr. Sindt's contact lens inventory suggestions, see her feature article from RCCL, "The Dollars and 'Sense' of a Contact Lens Practice.")

This is indeed a disturbing trend ... what's next? An iPod eye exam? I'm sure there's an app for that.