Contact Lens Fitting - Just Sucking an extra $50 out of my wallet (2 Viewers)

[lombardi]

My son wears contacts, he has worn them for two years. It's time for a new exam, we moved, so we bring him in to a new eye doctor.

Insurance covers exam and pair of basic glasses, can pay for nicer ones. Fine.

Now we ask for the numbers to order some contacts because there are about a dozen places on line that charge less than half of what the eye doctor charges.

"Well, you need to come in for a fitting of the trials"

I informed them he has worn contacts for a couple a years we don't need a fitting.

"Oh no sir, he needs to come in to fit his trials and make sure no adjustments are needed".

After more back and forth I told them I would call back and hung up.

This is nonsense right? Just a way to get another $50 out of my pocket that my insurance company doesn't cover? The kids knows how to stick his contacts in. If they know what his eyes need for glasses they should know what his numbers should be for contacts.

Is there anything legal making them give me the prescription, can I tell them, in kinder words, to pound sand and insist on the prescription?

 

[trogg78]

Don't you want to make sure the lenses fit his eyeballs correctly?

 

[Mad Cow]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple. There would be no CL Rx, in fact.

I would also be wary of anyone charging a bottom of the barrel or no fitting. I see far too many patients that are fit in contacts and told that discomfort is just the way contact lenses are, and you have to deal with it. Then we take time and fit them in other lenses and they are ecstatic to not feel them all of the time.

 

[culdeus]

My Dr. quit charging me these after the first appointment. In fact, he advertises just like this. Only get hit for that if you change rx dramatically or need a new brand for some reason. Nice getting that back in my pocket. I've also had people let you use the $50 as a credit towards glasses, but that's a ripoff as you can get better deals from the national chains.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Prescriptions can change year to year (hopefully because your eyes changed and not because the doc is just tweaking the Rx). Once you have the updated Rx just ask for a copy and go buy them where ever you want.

 

[Dentist]

I just pay it, eye docs have enough trouble making any money as it is, and I'm happy to support my individual doc rather than utilize a big chain.

I've been wearing the same contacts with just slight prescription changes for 15 years. I definitely don't need a fitting and they are comfortable, but the fee is the fee, I pay it and move on.

 

[James Daulton]

I just pay it, eye docs have enough trouble making any money as it is, and I'm happy to support my individual doc rather than utilize a big chain.

I've been wearing the same contacts with just slight prescription changes for 15 years. I definitely don't need a fitting and they are comfortable, but the fee is the fee, I pay it and move on.

Who hijacked Dentist's account?

 

[NutterButter]

Just another reason to get lasik

 

[McGarnicle]

Bastards. Go to Mexico imo, screw their $50 extortion bs. Now I'm all fired up.

 

[shuke]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple.

I have to pay for a "contact lens service", but all it is for the guy to sit down and ask me if I'm happy with my current lenses. I say yes, and he puts the order in. I haven't been fitted for new lenses for 6 years but I still have to go through this charade every year. Sorry, but you know it's bull####.

 

[Mad Cow]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple.

I have to pay for a "contact lens service", but all it is for the guy to sit down and ask me if I'm happy with my current lenses. I say yes, and he puts the order in. I haven't been fitted for new lenses for 6 years but I still have to go through this charade every year. Sorry, but you know it's bull####.

I spend an extra 10-15 minutes at least with a contact lens patient, not counting any follow-up, etc. I do additional tests and it does take more expertise. I am willing to bet every one of you calling BS would be on the other side if you were asked to provide additional services at your job but were told you would be paid the same as the basic service.

 

[johnnycakes]

I just pay it, eye docs have enough trouble making any money as it is, and I'm happy to support my individual doc rather than utilize a big chain.

I've been wearing the same contacts with just slight prescription changes for 15 years. I definitely don't need a fitting and they are comfortable, but the fee is the fee, I pay it and move on.

What's this, professional courtesy not to jerk each other around on pricing... you rip each other off?

 

[otello]

I pay the fee, and also get the undercoating. Belt and suspenders.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Is there anything legal making them give me the prescription

You own your prescription. If you want it, just ask for it. Here is the relevant (federal) law.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2009-title16-vol1/pdf/CFR-2009-title16-vol1-sec456-1.pdf

 

[madshot31]

It depends on you eye doc. I had a really great one and he spent the time to make sure everything fit well, felt good, and just worked. My girlfriend had a bad eye doc that basically used it as a scam and spent about 30 seconds in the room with her and charged her the fee. Hers didn't fit well and she hated them. He said that was normal and we didn't know how contacts work. I wonder why he went out of business over the next year...Just like any trade, it's worth the money for quality extra work, just sometimes it may not be up to standards and then you move on and research better.

 

[lombardi]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple.

I have to pay for a "contact lens service", but all it is for the guy to sit down and ask me if I'm happy with my current lenses. I say yes, and he puts the order in. I haven't been fitted for new lenses for 6 years but I still have to go through this charade every year. Sorry, but you know it's bull####.

I spend an extra 10-15 minutes at least with a contact lens patient, not counting any follow-up, etc. I do additional tests and it does take more expertise. I am willing to bet every one of you calling BS would be on the other side if you were asked to provide additional services at your job but were told you would be paid the same as the basic service.

I wouldn't expect the doctor to spend extra time and not get paid for it, I wouldn't want to do that at my job you're correct. The question is more about whether that extra time is necessary. I could get another few bucks out of my clients suggesting things that they didn't really need or providing services for all clients that only a small number of them actually require.

I just wonder about the necessity of sitting and showing my son who has worn contacts for 2 years how to put in his contacts. If he needs it and it's a valid service I don't expect it to be provided for free.

 

[Sweet J]

dot

 

[FUBAR]

It's been 13 years since I last wore contacts - PRK was absolutely worth it. But I don't remember ever getting a contact fitting. Is this a new thing or am I just not remembering?

 

[James Daulton]

Of course it's a money grab. Just like all the bs they try to upsell on glasses. Anti-glare, thinner lenses, etc. It's all the undercoating of the optometrist world.

 

[FUBAR]

Of course it's a money grab. Just like all the bs they try to upsell on glasses. Anti-glare, thinner lenses, etc. It's all the undercoating of the optometrist world.

transitions lenses. My parents both have those now. thinner lenses though, are understandable when your glasses would otherwise be 2" thick.

 

[doowain]

Does anyone else get uncomfortable with another guy's face less than 3 inches from yours for 5 minutes or so? I mean, he could sneak a kiss and you'd have no way of defending yourself.

 

[James Daulton]

Of course it's a money grab. Just like all the bs they try to upsell on glasses. Anti-glare, thinner lenses, etc. It's all the undercoating of the optometrist world.

transitions lenses. My parents both have those now. thinner lenses though, are understandable when your glasses would otherwise be 2" thick.

My wife and daughter got glasses about a year ago. The "sticker price" of the frames on the wall was like $150. By the time the optometrist office was done upselling wifey, each pair were > $300. I went separately, choose none of the upselling stuff (much to the chagrin of the tech fitting me) and amazingly enough, I still love my pair.

 

[larch]

People will ##### about anything.

 

[Instinctive]

I feel like I have only been charged a fitting fee 4 times. The first time I got contacts, when I moved to a new eye doctor, when the new eye doctor recommended switching to daily lenses after I was having issues with bi-weekly ones, and when I came to a new eye doctor again this year.

 

[Dentist]

I just pay it, eye docs have enough trouble making any money as it is, and I'm happy to support my individual doc rather than utilize a big chain.

I've been wearing the same contacts with just slight prescription changes for 15 years. I definitely don't need a fitting and they are comfortable, but the fee is the fee, I pay it and move on.

What's this, professional courtesy not to jerk each other around on pricing... you rip each other off?

Yes, in fact we even meet a few times a year to discuss new theories on ripping people off, it's a good time.

I also meet with my regional Coke, Skittles, Red Bull, and Marlboro reps to discuss better marketing strategies for their product since we're in cahoots.

 

[Mad Cow]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

 

[Cjw_55106]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

At least you arent touchy about it.

 

[Bobcat10]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple.

I have to pay for a "contact lens service", but all it is for the guy to sit down and ask me if I'm happy with my current lenses. I say yes, and he puts the order in. I haven't been fitted for new lenses for 6 years but I still have to go through this charade every year. Sorry, but you know it's bull####.

I spend an extra 10-15 minutes at least with a contact lens patient, not counting any follow-up, etc. I do additional tests and it does take more expertise. I am willing to bet every one of you calling BS would be on the other side if you were asked to provide additional services at your job but were told you would be paid the same as the basic service.

My guess is most people don't think it's an additional service.

 

[Dentist]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

All doctors are rich, bro, and they only got that way by ripping people off, certainly not by providing a needed service to people. Surely you know that by now. That contact lens fee is probably going to your car payment on your Land Rover.

In my next life I want to be either an actuary where I never talk to people, or be content with being poor and be a photography blogger or something

 

[James Daulton]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

All doctors are rich, bro, and they only got that way by ripping people off, certainly not by providing a needed service to people. Surely you know that by now. That contact lens fee is probably going to your car payment on your Land Rover.

In my next life I want to be either an actuary where I never talk to people, or be content with being poor and be a photography blogger or something

You of all people must realize that most people hate to part with their hard earned cash. If they are not receiving perceived value for their money, it makes them mad. Take the OP's point, his kid had worn contacts, was fine with everything about the contacts, and just needed a new prescription. Yet the eye doc wouldn't give it to him without some unnecessary fitting. OP wasn't complaining about the eye exam fee, just the fitting fee.

 

[Dentist]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

All doctors are rich, bro, and they only got that way by ripping people off, certainly not by providing a needed service to people. Surely you know that by now. That contact lens fee is probably going to your car payment on your Land Rover.

In my next life I want to be either an actuary where I never talk to people, or be content with being poor and be a photography blogger or something

You of all people must realize that most people hate to part with their hard earned cash. If they are not receiving perceived value for their money, it makes them mad. Take the OP's point, his kid had worn contacts, was fine with everything about the contacts, and just needed a new prescription. Yet the eye doc wouldn't give it to him without some unnecessary fitting. OP wasn't complaining about the eye exam fee, just the fitting fee.

Fitting fee is just built in to the entire structure. Now, you could argue that they should just charge more for the eye exam and skip a fitting fee since it sounds more bogus.

It's like with my office. The person that just comes in and wants their teeth cleaned but with no doctor's exam, and no x-rays. I just can't do that. I pay a hygienist $35 an hour and the bill for a cleaning only is like $70 - I'm going to lose money on that, and that's just not going to happen.

Similarly the eye doc probably knows that at $X for contacts (which probably don't have much margin on them to sell to the consumer) that charging just the eye exam results in a break even to loss situation, whereas when you throw the fitting fee on, there is profit.

 

[sartre]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

All doctors are rich, bro, and they only got that way by ripping people off, certainly not by providing a needed service to people. Surely you know that by now. That contact lens fee is probably going to your car payment on your Land Rover.

In my next life I want to be either an actuary where I never talk to people, or be content with being poor and be a photography blogger or something

You of all people must realize that most people hate to part with their hard earned cash. If they are not receiving perceived value for their money, it makes them mad. Take the OP's point, his kid had worn contacts, was fine with everything about the contacts, and just needed a new prescription. Yet the eye doc wouldn't give it to him without some unnecessary fitting. OP wasn't complaining about the eye exam fee, just the fitting fee.

Fitting fee is just built in to the entire structure. Now, you could argue that they should just charge more for the eye exam and skip a fitting fee since it sounds more bogus.

It's like with my office. The person that just comes in and wants their teeth cleaned but with no doctor's exam, and no x-rays. I just can't do that. I pay a hygienist $35 an hour and the bill for a cleaning only is like $70 - I'm going to lose money on that, and that's just not going to happen.

Similarly the eye doc probably knows that at $X for contacts (which probably don't have much margin on them to sell to the consumer) that charging just the eye exam results in a break even to loss situation, whereas when you throw the fitting fee on, there is profit.

What prevents you from establishing a pricing structure that is fair to you and your customer? (e.g., a cleaning costs $100 or whatever)

 

[Lowen1]

I read this part "I just wonder about the necessity of sitting and showing my son who has worn contacts for 2 years how to put in his contacts" and I'm not sure the OP understands what the fitting fee is for. Or maybe I don't understand. I don't think the fitting fee is to teach your kid how to put contact lenses in, I think the fee is to make sure he has the right lenses for his eye profile. Different than the prescription which I think is the power of the lens. Maybe one of the eye docs can confirm.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Ah, the FFA. Where everyone makes millions, knows everything, tips enormous amounts for any conceivable service they receive and yet still ##### about paying fees for services rendered. I am sure they are also the ones that will go to local stores to look at products and ask questions, then buy them online.

All doctors are rich, bro, and they only got that way by ripping people off, certainly not by providing a needed service to people. Surely you know that by now. That contact lens fee is probably going to your car payment on your Land Rover.

In my next life I want to be either an actuary where I never talk to people, or be content with being poor and be a photography blogger or something

You of all people must realize that most people hate to part with their hard earned cash. If they are not receiving perceived value for their money, it makes them mad. Take the OP's point, his kid had worn contacts, was fine with everything about the contacts, and just needed a new prescription. Yet the eye doc wouldn't give it to him without some unnecessary fitting. OP wasn't complaining about the eye exam fee, just the fitting fee.

Fitting fee is just built in to the entire structure. Now, you could argue that they should just charge more for the eye exam and skip a fitting fee since it sounds more bogus.

It's like with my office. The person that just comes in and wants their teeth cleaned but with no doctor's exam, and no x-rays. I just can't do that. I pay a hygienist $35 an hour and the bill for a cleaning only is like $70 - I'm going to lose money on that, and that's just not going to happen.

Similarly the eye doc probably knows that at $X for contacts (which probably don't have much margin on them to sell to the consumer) that charging just the eye exam results in a break even to loss situation, whereas when you throw the fitting fee on, there is profit.

Holy crap. Do people actually expect that for free? That's ridiculous.

 

[Mad Cow]

I read this part "I just wonder about the necessity of sitting and showing my son who has worn contacts for 2 years how to put in his contacts" and I'm not sure the OP understands what the fitting fee is for. Or maybe I don't understand. I don't think the fitting fee is to teach your kid how to put contact lenses in, I think the fee is to make sure he has the right lenses for his eye profile. Different than the prescription which I think is the power of the lens. Maybe one of the eye docs can confirm.

That is correct. If a patient is a new wearer, then the fitting will cost a little more. For the record, my fitting is lower than the $50 the OP was charged, and you get something from the fee regardless. Talking about fees and what is or is not feasible is a lengthy debate, as I am sure Dentist can attest.

 

[johnnycakes]

Jeez. Really struck a nerve in Dentist with that ripping people off comment.

 

[shuke]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple.

I have to pay for a "contact lens service", but all it is for the guy to sit down and ask me if I'm happy with my current lenses. I say yes, and he puts the order in. I haven't been fitted for new lenses for 6 years but I still have to go through this charade every year. Sorry, but you know it's bull####.

I spend an extra 10-15 minutes at least with a contact lens patient, not counting any follow-up, etc. I do additional tests and it does take more expertise. I am willing to bet every one of you calling BS would be on the other side if you were asked to provide additional services at your job but were told you would be paid the same as the basic service.

I apologize, I didn't realize this was for something extra the doctor did. I asked one time and I swear they told me it was for the after-exam sit down.

 

[swirvenirvin]

yes scam to make it harder to order contacts online.. Bottom line

 

[shuke]

Contact lens fittings are the standard. You are getting extra services and time above and beyond the basic exam. You don't do a fitting, you don't get the Rx, plain and simple.

I have to pay for a "contact lens service", but all it is for the guy to sit down and ask me if I'm happy with my current lenses. I say yes, and he puts the order in. I haven't been fitted for new lenses for 6 years but I still have to go through this charade every year. Sorry, but you know it's bull####.

I spend an extra 10-15 minutes at least with a contact lens patient, not counting any follow-up, etc. I do additional tests and it does take more expertise. I am willing to bet every one of you calling BS would be on the other side if you were asked to provide additional services at your job but were told you would be paid the same as the basic service.

I apologize, I didn't realize this was for something extra the doctor did. I asked one time and I swear they told me it was for the after-exam sit down.

I just went back and read the OP. What he is describing sounds nothing like extra time spent with the doctor.

 

[netnalp]

Sounds like the Dr.s way of trying to make you come back to him to buy the contacts.

I went to one that would give you the script for contacts and glasses. The contact one was good for only 1 year and the glasses for two.

Your Dr. should give you the script for the lenses. Legally he might be required to if you ask for it, not sure. Maybe you'll have to buy a box from him to get it. Then use the numbers on the box to order from some place else.

When I didn't have a current script, I tried 1-800-Contacts. They wouldn't fill the order because they check if the Rx has expired.

http://www.visionpros.com/ is where I've gotten contacts from without a script. I knew my numbers already. The site just has a box that you check about having a script or not. By checking it, I suppose they excuse themselves from liability or get around the script requirement. I've been happy with the lenses during the past year and they were less expensive than the sites I tried before.

 

[Cjw_55106]

When I didn't have a current script, I tried 1-800-Contacts. They wouldn't fill the order because they check if the Rx has expired.

http://www.visionpros.com/ is where I've gotten contacts from without a script. I knew my numbers already. The site just has a box that you check about having a script or not. By checking it, I suppose they excuse themselves from liability or get around the script requirement. I've been happy with the lenses during the past year and they were less expensive than the sites I tried before.

Whatever man. If you want to put your life on the line to save $50, thats on you.

 

[James Daulton]

When I didn't have a current script, I tried 1-800-Contacts. They wouldn't fill the order because they check if the Rx has expired.

http://www.visionpros.com/ is where I've gotten contacts from without a script. I knew my numbers already. The site just has a box that you check about having a script or not. By checking it, I suppose they excuse themselves from liability or get around the script requirement. I've been happy with the lenses during the past year and they were less expensive than the sites I tried before.

Whatever man. If you want to put your life on the line to save $50, thats on you.

You make a good point, contact lenses are notorious killers.

 

[Cjw_55106]

When I didn't have a current script, I tried 1-800-Contacts. They wouldn't fill the order because they check if the Rx has expired.

http://www.visionpros.com/ is where I've gotten contacts from without a script. I knew my numbers already. The site just has a box that you check about having a script or not. By checking it, I suppose they excuse themselves from liability or get around the script requirement. I've been happy with the lenses during the past year and they were less expensive than the sites I tried before.

Whatever man. If you want to put your life on the line to save $50, thats on you.

You make a good point, contact lenses are notorious killers.

Thats what Im saying. If you dont pay $50 for 10 minutes of additional expertise, dont come around looking for help when you go blind.

 

[netnalp]

When I didn't have a current script, I tried 1-800-Contacts. They wouldn't fill the order because they check if the Rx has expired.

http://www.visionpros.com/ is where I've gotten contacts from without a script. I knew my numbers already. The site just has a box that you check about having a script or not. By checking it, I suppose they excuse themselves from liability or get around the script requirement. I've been happy with the lenses during the past year and they were less expensive than the sites I tried before.

Whatever man. If you want to put your life on the line to save $50, thats on you.

You make a good point, contact lenses are notorious killers.

Thats what Im saying. If you dont pay $50 for 10 minutes of additional expertise, dont come around looking for help when you go blind.

Same lenses I had before. They just shipped from Canada. Lenses were made in USA. The chances of them being counterfeit lenses is about as likely as if I ordered them from the 1-800-contact or similar source.

 

[SandraPolk]

Just bumped into this resource-  http://bccontactlenses.ca/
Seems like a great new store for local communities (with low shipping fees). Lots of coupons and occasional discounts coming up too, with no hidden price mark ups 

 

[Otis]

Just pay the fee, losers. 

 

[SacramentoBob]

Just pay the fee, losers. 

Sure. Just line the pockets of the optical industrial complex.

 

[mquinnjr]

Of course it's a money grab. Just like all the bs they try to upsell on glasses. Anti-glare, thinner lenses, etc. It's all the undercoating of the optometrist world.

I work for a contact lens maker, so if I get company made lenses they're covered 100%. I told my optician my company name years ago back when I started, and to pick his choice for me within the brand. We go through this song and dance every single year when I'm done my exam and the sales associate puts on a full court press to get me to order the lenses on my behalf at like 200% retail markup (I have to order via a specific website once I have my annual exam with my insurance plan). When I say I'm ordering online and I'll take my Rx and be on my way TYVM, it's as if I just told them there's a body in the trunk of my car.

I feel like the $55 I'm charged for the fitting is a jacking since my Rx and lenses haven't changed in I think 6 years, I'm paying full price for one set of lenses with a fitting that I simply do not need, since I get a full year's set via insurance. If the eye exam yields same Rx and same lenses as the prior year, I don't see how this isn't another way to separate one from their HSA funds. I completely get it if the Rx changed or the lenses change, but otherwise I disagree on this standard of care if nothing has changed with the Rx.

 

[Tom Skerritt]

I work for a contact lens maker, so if I get company made lenses they're covered 100%. I told my optician my company name years ago back when I started, and to pick his choice for me within the brand. We go through this song and dance every single year when I'm done my exam and the sales associate puts on a full court press to get me to order the lenses on my behalf at like 200% retail markup (I have to order via a specific website once I have my annual exam with my insurance plan). When I say I'm ordering online and I'll take my Rx and be on my way TYVM, it's as if I just told them there's a body in the trunk of my car.

I feel like the $55 I'm charged for the fitting is a jacking since my Rx and lenses haven't changed in I think 6 years, I'm paying full price for one set of lenses with a fitting that I simply do not need, since I get a full year's set via insurance. If the eye exam yields same Rx and same lenses as the prior year, I don't see how this isn't another way to separate one from their HSA funds. I completely get it if the Rx changed or the lenses change, but otherwise I disagree on this standard of care if nothing has changed with the Rx.

Your eyes could have changed. And the fitting protects the optometrist/optician from future liability.