Whether an eye exam, eye glasses frame fitting, or contact lens fitting, navigating the modern world of eyewear can be tricky. If you are asking yourself, “Where is there an eye doctor near me who will spend time carefully diagnosing my eye health as opposed to quickly fitting me for corrective lenses?”, an optometrist in an independent practice rather than at a retail chain is probably for you.
Here, we will talk about some of the benefits of going to a private, independent optometrist for your eye exam and eyewear.
Experienced Local Professionals
Independent optometry specialists are likely to have stronger ties and a proven track record in the local community. They are experienced professionals and know a lot about eye care services. Most independent optometrists are the owners and operators of their own practices. Many are members of professional associations and national conferences.
As owners, and chief decision-makers, private practice optometrists make the decisions about the diagnostic equipment they use to diagnose you, the treatments they use to treat you, and the eyewear they sell in their stores. Eye care professionals in retail chains usually can’t make these decisions. They must use equipment and materials provided to them by the decision makers in a boardroom.
Personalized, Quality Care
When you choose an independent, private practice optometrist over a retail chain, you are likely to experience more personalized care and attention than you would receive from a larger business. Private practice eye doctors can provide patients more accurate, personalized vision care. With more dedicated time, they can make sure they understand the patient’s individual needs and concerns and provide honest advice about diagnostic options, glasses frame fitting, and contact lens fitting. And finally, they make the time ensure patients understand instructions and advice.
Larger Selection of Fashionable Frames
Compared to low-priced “bargain” or “knock off” options you might find at chain stores, a private optometrist like Dr. Lauren Agnew at Eye Wares will have larger selections of fashionable frames to choose from.
Private practice optometrists make decisions about the eyewear they carry in their local optical stores. Designers, brands, and styles can range from very basic to unique and luxurious. Typically, exclusive brands prefer independent retail optical stores.
Eye Wares, located in New Orleans, Mandeville, and Metairie, is an excellent example of a local optical that offers a wide selection of luxury frames. Dr. Agnew and her team take personal interest in choosing designers, styles, and quality eyewear to feature in the stores. They research trends, explore cutting-edge technology, and visit luxury eyewear markets to build their local eyewear inventory, while keeping a pulse on regional trends. That means a huge selection of stylish and quality eyewear without compromising your vision and eye health.
In addition to providing quality eye care and a larger selection of frames, Eye Wares’ experienced optometrists can provide advice on how to best care for your eyewear.
Staff Not Required to Meet Quotas
Retail chain stores often require the staff to make a certain number of sales or amount money or take care of a certain number of customers within a specific time. That means they concentrate on large sales volumes and profits rather than individual patient needs. Independent optometrists like Dr. Lauren Agnew at Eye Wares have no need to meet sales quotas. Instead, they focus on your vision and making sure you have the frames, prescription glasses, and contact lenses to suit you.
On-Staff Stylists to Help You Choose the Right Frames
Every eye appointment for glasses frame fitting and contact lens fitting at Eye Wares begins with a consultation with one of the experienced opticians on staff. These opticians are trained to work with you to find the perfect frames for your face shape and style. Unlike when buying glasses online or in a busy mall store, a live person will be seated right there with you to offer the best advice and guidance. They can also discuss which lenses best meet your needs, such as progressives or blue light lenses.
Flexibility for Scheduling and Emergencies
Scheduling an eye appointment at retail chains can sometimes be difficult. Larger chains frequently use online or central telephone booking systems, and it can be difficult to get or change an appointment time to fit your schedule. With a more direct access to independent optometrists, you can usually book a same-day or next-day appointment, especially if there is an emergency. This flexibility helps you get the eye care you need in a timely manner.
Focus on Advanced Technology
Retail chain stores tend to rely on basic technology and treatments. An independent optometrist is often able to provide more advanced services, like the optomap retinal imaging system – which offers eye exams with higher accuracy as well as more comfort and convenience for patients. Eye Wares also offers several dry eye treatment options beyond prescription eye drops. This offers more choice for the treatment that works best for your unique circumstances. You won’t go home with a one-size-fits-all solution.
Reinvestment Into the Community
At Eye Wares, Dr. Agnew and the team take pride in the fact that they are reinvesting in the local community. When you purchase eyewear from a local, independent optical store like Eye Wares, you are helping support the local economy. This means more jobs for locals as well as a better quality of life for everyone in the area.
The Bottom Line
Retail chain providers are adequate choices for basic eyewear, contact lenses, and eye care services. However, if you want a more personalized experience and access to advanced technology and treatments, turning to a local independent optometrist like Dr. Agnew at Eye Wares is your best bet. You’ll get the customized professional care you need from an experienced professional who makes it their job to focus on you, your eye care, and your eye wear. And you can be satisfied knowing that you’ll be supporting your local economy by shopping locally.
So, the next time you’re looking for an eye doctor, feel free to contact Eye Wares to get the best eye care experience! All major insurance accepted.
