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Some time ago, when I was still working at a stand-alone private practice, I occasionally felt conflicted regarding which vision correction options I should offer my patients. Especially in that setting, certain options could add a LOT to the patient’s financial obligation, and I was definitely conscious of that. I feared ever getting into a situation where my recommendations could ever be tainted by a desire to “up-sell” my patients.
Although opening a practice inside Costco has lessened some of my concerns regarding astronomical costs for my patients (see my post on potential savings through Costco), I have continued to abide by a philosophy developed at my previous practice – namely, I recommend to the patient whatever options I would want if I had their eyes. If a patient’s prescription is so low that contacts aren’t really necessary to enjoy swimming, basketball, etc, I let them know contacts are optional. If the prescription is incredibly high, I let them know it’s a strong recommendation. If they abhor the very idea of contacts but have a pretty substantial prescription, we’ll definitely talk about prescription sunglasses or possibly LASIK.
Frankly, I’m somewhat grateful that I don’t profit from the sale of contacts or glasses, because it really allows me to remain objective about what to recommend! With this golden rule philosophy, I can feel confident that I am offering each patient the best options available without judging their ability to pay; and I let them choose what they can, or want to, afford.
Costco Eye Doctor 