Ophthalmic Lenses

In-House Lens Fabrication = Fast, Cost-Efficient Service

By Kenneth M. Daniels, OD, FAAO, Diplomate ABO

Acquiring an in-house lens casting system that is easy to use and affordable can provide patients with fast service at a good value.

Providing patients with quality eyewear at a competitive price and in a short amount of time is a patient service that many of us strive for. At my practice that goal was given a significant boost over a year ago when we purchased an in-house lens molding system by Qspex to complement our finishing lab. QSpex gives us the ability to create eyeglasses made of a proprietary mid-index plastic in about an hour with powers between +2.00 to -4.25D , both single vision and progressives, and costs us less than it would to send the lenses to be made by an outside lab. The system also can produce lenses with single vision and progressives with an option of anti-reflective coating, polarization, and soon-to-be introduced photochromic. Here are some of the key benefits of using this kind of in-house lens molding system. These cost savings enable us to pass on the savings to patients while providing them with a fast turnaround of a high-quality product enhancing the patient experience and long-term loyalty to our practice.

Kenneth M. Daniels, OD, FAAO, Diplomate ABO
Hopewell-Lambertville Eye Associates
Hopewell and Lambertville, NJ

Bought practice in 1992; practice founded in 1984

Three doctors; three opticians

Two offices

5,000 patient encounters (including all office visits) annually, comprehensive and medical

Cost-Efficient, ROI

The cost of the system, which creates digital lenses from molds with digital-based optics rather than outsourcing to a lab for expensive surfacing, was around $5,000 at the time we purchased it. That cost was recouped after selling around 10 to 15 pairs of progressives using this in-house Qspex Lens molding system. One of the reasons for the fast recouping of the investment is that it costs us 30 percent to 40 percent less to create eyeglasses using the in-house lens molding system rather than sending the job to an outside lab. About 30 percent of the eyeglasses patients purchase from us are made using the QSpex system. When the system is further updated in the coming year(s), it will accommodate a wider number of power parameters–inclusive of AR, polycarbonate, and photochromics–we have the potential to create up to 50 percent of our patients’ eyeglasses using it.

Staff Training Easy, Jobs Done Fast

When you purchase a system like this, one of the first concerns after cost is training staff to use it. In this case, there was nothing to worry about. QSpex reps visited us on-site to train each of our three opticians. It takes two to four hours to train the opticians after the representative sets up the system. The system takes up no more space than a desk top computer, in keeping with the ergonomics of the lab. The method is a simple “cook book” step-by-step that is quick and easy. Having a strong knowledge base of optical is always preferred, but the system is simple enough that a lesser-trained individual could also perform the molding process. The molds are supplied in the inventory and the Qspex online portal assists the optician in the selection of the proper molds based on the power parameters and the coating or treatments required. If there are any questions, their customer service is immediately accessible by phone. If the mold is not in the inventory, it will be sent overnight and delivered within 24 hours. It takes no more than 20 minutes to make each pair of eyeglasses.

Produced Fast, But Still High-Quality

The lenses produced by QSpex are comparable to a high-quality digital lens that offers the same level of vision that a patient would get from high-quality lenses produced by an outside lab, and can accommodate options of a high quality tier 3 type anti-reflective material consistent with Trivex, digital quality progressives, and an optimized Abbe ratio.

Educate Patients About Benefits of System

We are a medical eyecare-focused rather than retail-focused practice. In our two locations, we offer 600 to 700 frames. We do not opt for large marketing signs in the reception area touting our ability to provide same-day service. We prefer to discuss lens alternatives with patients on a one-on-one basis. We explain to them the science and optics behind the eyeglasses and that we have the capability to create the eyewear using an in-house lab that assures quality of product. We present only the highest quality of frame and lens, but as most practices, we also offer more cost-affordable packages. We will never over-promise delivery time, but if a patient is in a time constraint for delivery, the Qspex system allows us to possibly have it completed by end-of-day or within 24 hours. This is no different than a “big box retail optical,” yet with the personalization of our practice and service.

Create Value Packages

With the savings to our practice allowed by using the Qspex system, we are able to create bundled value packages that, along with the purchase of a frame from us, can save a patient up to 20 percent or more compared to what they would pay for a lens created by an outside lab Aside from those times when a patient’s vision benefit stipulates the use of a particular outside lab, we are given more flexibility than ever to offer products at a value to patients, for even those covered by managed care plans.

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Kenneth M. Daniels, OD, FAAO, Diplomate ABO, is the owner of Hopewell-Lambertville Eye Associates in Hopewell and Lambertville, NJ. To contact him: kennethdaniels@att.net.

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