By: Monica McKee, MPH, RDH and Abbee Geissler, RDH
Transforming Optometry
In the fast-paced world of optometry, patient expectations continue to rise. Gone are the days when a visit to the eye doctor meant waiting a month or more for a new pair of glasses. OKCIC embraces advanced technology, setting themselves apart by offering quicker, more efficient services. One such innovation is the in-office lens edger — a game-changer for both OKCIC Optometry and patients alike.
What is an In-House Lens Edger?
A lens edger is a specialized machine used to cut and shape lenses to fit perfectly into a frame. Traditionally, optometry offices have to send patient prescriptions to off-site laboratories where lenses would be crafted and mounted into frames, a process that could take anywhere from several weeks to over a month. With the integration of in-house lens edging technology, OKCIC can now produce high-quality lenses right in the office.
This means that instead of outsourcing, the entire process — from eye examination to final eyewear fitting — can be completed under one roof, often on the same day.
Advantages of In-House Lens Edging
- Same-Day or Next-Day Service
For patients, one of the most significant benefits of in-house lens edging is the speed. Traditional methods often meant waiting for lenses to be shipped back from external labs. With in-office edging, patients can have their glasses ready within hours, or at the latest, the next day. This is particularly valuable for those with broken frames, damaged lenses, or those who need a prescription change immediately.
Imagine the relief of a patient who breaks their glasses and can leave the office the same day with a new pair, without missing a beat in their daily routine. - Better Quality Control
Quality is a non-negotiable aspect of patient care. When patients trust you with their vision, they expect nothing but the best. By integrating an in-house lens edger, OKCIC has enhanced their quality of service in several key areas:
Precision and Control: Having the ability to craft lenses in-office allows complete control over the quality of the finished product. We can now monitor each step of the process to ensure that lenses meet exact specifications, reducing the margin for error and enhancing the accuracy of the final product.
Quick Adjustments, Perfect Results: If a patient’s lenses don’t fit perfectly into their frames or need any minor adjustments, we can address the issue immediately. This means fewer remakes and higher-quality eyewear, all without the delays associated with external labs.
Top-Notch Materials: With an in-house edger, our team can ensure that every lens is crafted using the best available materials, guaranteeing durability, clarity, and comfort for your patients. This attention to quality reinforces our commitment to providing eyewear that not only looks good, but performs optimally for years to come.
Continuous Improvement: With the in-house lens edger, our team can learn from the process, refine techniques and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality lenses. Every pair of glasses represents an opportunity to improve, offering better results for the next patient.
This hands-on approach leads to fewer errors, quicker adjustments, and patient satisfaction. - Reduced Cost
By bringing this process in-house, OKCIC optical can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping, lab fees, and extended production times. This streamlined approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also allows us to pass on the savings to our patients. Here at OKCIC, we offer all lenses and frames at wholesale pricing, resulting in more affordable pricing for prescription eyewear. - Tailored Care
In-house lens edgers enable more personalized eyewear solutions. Instead of waiting for an external lab to handle custom requests, OKCIC can now adjust lenses and frame styles to suit a patient’s individual needs on the spot.
At the end of the day, integrating an in-house lens edger is not just about adopting new technology — it’s about using that technology to strengthen our commitment to our patients by shortening wait times, improving precision, reduced cost, and allowing for more personalized care.
To schedule an appointment with Optometry, call (405) 948-4900 ext. 390.