The Benefits of A.B.O. Certified Opticians vs. Salespeople in Optical Stores

October 19, 2023

Optician adjusting a pair of glasses on a person's face

Read time: 5 minutes

When it comes to your eye health and vision, choosing the right professionals is crucial. Optical stores are essential in bridging the gap between eye health and stylish eyewear, and the individuals who staff these places play a pivotal role. In many optical shops, you'll find both salespeople and certified opticians. However, there are compelling advantages to choosing a shop staffed by certified opticians who hold accreditation from the American Board of Opticianry (A.B.O.).

Let's delve into these benefits in greater detail, enabling you to make an informed decision for your eye care and eyewear needs.

Expertise and Knowledge

A.B.O. certified opticians are seasoned professionals with an extensive background in optics and eye care. Their comprehensive education and training include in-depth knowledge of eye anatomy, optical principles, and the art of fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses. This unique expertise enables them to accurately assess your vision needs and provide tailored eyewear solutions. Salespeople, while certainly helpful, often do not possess the specialized knowledge and training that certified opticians offer.

Accurate Prescription Determination

Accurate prescriptions are the foundation of effective eyewear. A.B.O. certified opticians are equipped to perform detailed eye examinations, ensuring your prescription is precise and up-to-date. This guarantees that your eyeglasses or contact lenses are perfectly suited to your vision requirements. In contrast, salespeople are typically not qualified to conduct comprehensive eye exams, potentially leading to prescriptions that do not fully meet your needs.

Customization and Fitting

The perfect fit of your eyewear is crucial for both comfort and visual clarity. A.B.O. certified opticians possess the expertise to take precise measurements of your face and eyes, ensuring that your glasses or contact lenses fit flawlessly. They can also make any necessary adjustments to maximize comfort. Salespeople, while certainly capable of helping with basic fitting, generally lack the specialized training required for these crucial customization and fitting processes.

Access to the Latest Technology

Optical shops that employ A.B.O. certified opticians tend to invest in advanced diagnostic and fitting equipment. This ensures that you have access to the latest technological advancements in eye care, contributing to more accurate eye examinations and tailored eyewear solutions.

Eyewear Selection and Style Advice

Selecting eyewear that suits your personality, style, and needs can be a daunting task. Certified opticians can serve as your style advisor, helping you navigate the vast selection of eyewear options while considering your prescription requirements. Their unique ability to blend functionality with fashion ensures you leave with eyeglasses or contact lenses that not only enhance your vision but also complement your style. While salespeople can certainly provide style guidance, their knowledge might be more limited in this area.

Troubleshooting Expertise

One of the lesser-known but crucial advantages of having A.B.O. certified opticians at your service is their ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues with your eyewear. These professionals possess an extensive understanding of the intricate details of lenses, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices. When problems arise, such as loose frames, lens scratches, or issues with contact or optical lenses, certified opticians are well-equipped to address these concerns efficiently and effectively.

Lens Issues: A.B.O. certified opticians play a crucial role in troubleshooting optical problems with lenses by carefully considering various factors. To start, they assess whether the prescription was correctly modified for vortex/vertex distance or slab-off prism and whether these modifications were accurately applied during lens crafting. When troubleshooting, opticians meticulously examine the sphere, cylinder, and axis values, ensuring they align with the prescribed correction. They also scrutinize add power, prism, and the precise placement of the optical center both vertically and horizontally. Base curves, tints, coatings, and filters are scrutinized for conformity. Moreover, opticians assess for waves, warpage, vertical imbalance, and any unintended prism, checking the power to detect vertical imbalance problems or unwanted prism caused by decentration errors. This comprehensive troubleshooting approach for lens-related issues is an expertise that will rarely be found in uncertified salespeople.
Contact Lens Problems: If you wear contact lenses, you're likely familiar with occasional discomfort or fitting issues. Certified opticians are well-versed in the various types of contact lenses and can help troubleshoot issues related to lens fit, comfort, and proper cleaning and care. They can also provide guidance on switching to a different type of contact lens if needed.
Frame Repairs: A.B.O. certified opticians can skillfully repair eyeglass frames, often on-site, which means you don't have to wait for days or weeks for repairs to be completed. Whether it's a loose screw, a bent frame, or a broken hinge, these experts have the tools and knowledge to get your eyeglasses back in top shape.
Other Optical Concerns: Beyond frames and lenses, certified opticians are your go-to experts for addressing a wide range of optical concerns. Whether it's advice on lens coatings, anti-reflective treatments, or specialized tints, these professionals can provide the insights and solutions you need. In contrast, while salespeople can assist you in selecting eyewear, they typically lack the comprehensive knowledge required to troubleshoot and resolve these issues. Relying on their expertise can save you time, money, and the frustration of dealing with eyewear problems on your own.

When you opt for a shop staffed by A.B.O. certified opticians, you not only invest in superior eyewear but also in the peace of mind that comes from knowing that any issues or concerns with your eyewear can be promptly and professionally addressed. This level of support and problem-solving expertise ensures that your eyewear serves you optimally and enhances your overall visual experience.

Peace of Mind

Choosing an optical shop with A.B.O. certified opticians offers peace of mind. You can trust in their expertise, knowing that your vision needs are in capable hands. Their dedication to your eye health and visual style underscores the importance of making an informed decision regarding your eyewear.

The Takeaway

While salespeople in optical shops provide valuable assistance, the significant advantages of choosing a shop staffed by A.B.O. Certified Opticians cannot be understated. Their unique qualifications, dedication to eye health, and their ability to cater to your specific needs make them the preferred choice for your vision care requirements. Prioritizing your eyes and vision means opting for the extra care and expertise that certified opticians bring to the table, making your eye care and eyewear experience exceptional and truly customized to your unique needs.

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The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is strongly recommended to consult with an eye care professional for personalized recommendations and guidance regarding your individual needs and eye health concerns.

All of Urban Optiks Optometry's blog posts and articles contain information carefully curated from openly sourced materials available in the public domain. We strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. For a comprehensive understanding of our practices and to read our full disclosure statement, please click here.

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