The Times Union recently featured an article about New York City-based Warby Parker, which is marketing and selling prescription eyewear online ("Affordable eyewear never looked so good," April 13). While the article focused on the company's process for purchasing "snazzy" eyewear designs, this article minimized the potential impact purchasing eyeglasses from a website can have on the consumer's vision health.
Prescription eyeglasses are highly customized. Numerous measurements go into the fitting and fabrication that cannot be conveyed over the phone or Internet. Such measurements can only be done when a patient is face to face with a licensed optician wearing the frames he or she is planning to purchase.
Using facial recognition programs to "see" how eyeglasses look on one's face or having frames available in a boutique for consumers to try on before ordering online is no substitute for the quality, professional and precise care that can be provided by a licensed optician.
As president of the New York State Society of Opticians, I cannot stress the importance of working with a licensed eye care professional when seeking eyewear.
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Consumers need to be fully aware of the challenges presented when ordering prescription eyewear online.
Ethan J. Brown
New York State Society of Opticians Albany