Close to half (44.8%) of online-ordered prescription spectacles did not meet either the optical requirements of the patient's visual needs or the physical requirements for the patient's safety, reveals a study in September's Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association.

“. . . Spectacle eyewear ordered without the benefit of a dispensing process can come with significant risk of error in providing the correct type of lenses needed or ordered, the optical parameters that are within acceptable tolerances and the physical parameters that provide sufficient protection to the wearer,” the researchers concluded.

Specifically, the study showed that of the 154 pairs of spectacles evaluated (308 lenses) from 10 of the most-visited Internet vendors (two pairs of spectacles from each), more than one of every five pairs were delivered incorrectly, with lens treatments added or omitted; more than one of every four pairs had at least one lens with at least one optical parameter out of tolerance; and more than one of every five pairs had at least one lens that did not pass impact testing.

The study was comprised of 10 individuals, from throughout the United States, including the researchers themselves, their colleagues and associates. Through two-months, these individuals ordered an adult and child pair of spectacles, which totaled 200 eye-wear orders. A total of 154 of the orders were received. Frame styles were chosen from the midrange options offered by each vendor, in varying frame materials, lens styles and prescriptions, the latter of which reflect current distributions in the United States.

The researchers then evaluated the spectacles for sphere power, cylinder power and axis and add power (if indicated), horizontal prism imbalance and impact testing, while an independent accredited laboratory assessed the optical requirements using the “drop-ball” methodology.

Various online spectacle retailers could not be reached for comment.

From: http://www.optometricmanagement.com/articleviewer.aspx?articleID=106403

Optometrist Dr. Kyle Johnson is now taking patients at Eyecare Specialties in Clinton.  Dr. Johnson has been practicing Optometry since 2004 in the Clinton area.
 
“Many individuals in the Clinton community will know Dr. Johnson from his great work as an Optometrist here for the past seven years,” says Dr. Jason Lake.  “We are pleased to add an outstanding Optometrist like Dr. Johnson to our practice in Clinton.  He is friendly, knowledgeable and committed to serving patients in Central Missouri.”
 
Dr. Johnson received his doctorate at Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.  Before working in Clinton he was at a private practice in Belton, MO.
 
“I am very excited to be part of the growing practice at Eyecare Specialties,” says Dr. Johnson.  “They have a tradition of providing high technology with high touch patient care and I am very happy to practice at a place with such a wonderful reputation.  I look forward to seeing all of my patients at my new location and I am also accepting new patients.”
 
With the addition of Dr. Johnson to the staff, Eyecare Specialties will also extend hours to meet their increasing demand for patient care. 

“Adding Dr. Johnson to our clinic means that we will have the ability to expand our offerings and hours of service to better service the community's eye care needs," says Dr. Lake.  
 
To make an appointment with Dr. Johnson you can call Eyecare Specialties at 660.885.7116.