The next time you purchase new eyeglasses, how do you make sure they look good, suit your face and fit perfectly? There is no substitute for a knowledgeable optical assistant. Optical assistants work for optometrists, and a good one can make sure you get into the frames that are best for you.
Besides showing you the available options in eyewear, an optical assistant will also measure you for your glasses and get them fit to your face. Some optical assistants also order the frames that the office carries and perform other administrative duties.
How can you know if your optical assistant is truly working for your best interests? Here are some ways to know if you've got a good optical assistant helping you:
- They ask you a lot of questions about your previous frames and your needs. Your optical assistant will begin to use their skills in assessing which frames will look good on you as soon as they meet you and see your face shape. But a good optical assistant wants to make sure your glasses fit your lifestyle. A more delicate frame might not be well suited for someone who loves adventure and spending time outdoors, while a heavy frame might annoy someone who spends a lot of time at the computer.
- They show you a select range of frames. There's no substitute for trying some options on your face. But although you want to see several choices, you don't want wildly varied frames. A good optical assistant will have already narrowed down the best shapes and colors for your face, and will show you some choices that are suited for you.
- They won't act rushed or bothered. A good optical assistant knows how important the right choice of frames is so you can look and feel your best. They also will take their time making sure the glasses fit and adjusting them as needed. In other words, they won't hurry you through the process or act like there are other things they need to be doing.
- They won't ignore your budget. Sure, an optical assistant may offer a choice or two that is above your price range, but you shouldn't ever feel pressured to take the most expensive frames in the office. (Note that some optical assistants won't ask outright about your budget; it depends on the office and the style of the doctors as to whether you are asked about price. But the right assistant will pick up on your cues. Are you looking at or asking about prices right off the bat? Are you gravitating toward frames in a particular price range?)
- They make sure you know how to care for your new frames. They'll point out places you may need to be careful about and let you know what to look for in the next few days to identify if a fit adjustment is needed. They may even send you home with samples of cleaning cloths and wipes for your glasses.
You may not know immediately if your optical assistant meets all these criteria, but during the process of identifying and fitting your glasses, if you find that their attention to you is less than stellar, be sure to request more help or a different assistant. Most optical assistants love what they do and will be thrilled to help you find the perfect eyeglass frames.
To learn more, contact a group like Vision Eyeland Super Optical LLC.
