Is social media overhyped?

I was talking to a marketing consultant today and asked him what he though of social media marketing. He said that it had its place but he thought that it was over hyped. I wasn't sure what to think of this statement. In some ways I agree with him. It takes time and effort to be a part of social media. It's as simple as setting up a Facebook page and becoming famous online.

Social media takes time and interaction. Just like face to face marketing, social media marketing requires interaction. Attending the local chamber of commerce is OK but to get the most out of your membership you must interact with others. Social media is much the same it is a networking group, in a sense. Simply having a presence is only part of the equation. Interaction with others is what makes social media work.

Online networking has the advantage over "brick and mortar" networking in that time and space are less of an issue. You can meet and interact with people at any time of the day, anywhere. You can meet people that you would not have the opportunity for otherwise.

So, is social media marketing over hyped? Maybe, if you think that it is a passive marketing strategy then yes. If you look at it like a new portal to other people and ideas and are willing to interact then I think it can be a valuable tool.

Introducing online optical

Clear View Eye Care is proud to introduce our very own online optical. We had a start in selling sunglasses with shopify and now have expanded that to a full service, huge selection optical. This website features thousands of glasses, sunglasses and contacts to choose from. It also features a virtual try on system to see if you like the way they look on your own face. We will continue to have our brick and mortar store to offer you personalized service, hands on fittings and expert advice. But, if you want to shop for glasses in your pajamas then our online optical is a great place to go.

You get what you pay for

There are a number of ads I've seen on TV. It is for ultra low prices glasses and exams. This seems very inviting. Glasses can be a significant investment and for people looking to save money in a rocky economy are pulled by these offers. I want to address these ads and clarify what you are getting.

The adage goes that you get what you pay for and the same holds true in this case. Yes, you get glasses and free eye exam for $100 but that is all you are getting. You aren't told in these advertisements what you will not get.

First, these deals include standard plastic CR-39. This is a very cheap plastic that is good for a small range of prescriptions. The lens does not block UV and is subject to shattering. They are a very fragile lens and you run the risk of injury if the lenses shatter.

Second, it does not include premium treatments that can greatly enhance your vision and the functionality of the lenses. Crizal Avance with Scotchguard costs money but it makes the lenses super scratch resistant, easy to clean and reduces the glare that causes eye strain at the computer and while driving at night. Further, it improves the appearance of the glasses by allowing people to see your eyes instead of a reflection of the lens.

Third, the deal only include a very small range of prescriptions. If you have a moderate or high prescription you are not able to capitalize on this deal. Kids are another group that shouldn't be in CR-39 plastic for safety reasons.

Finally, I can't confirm this but have heard that staff is trained to up sell you. You come in expecting to spend $100 at your visit and end up spending much more by the time you leave. Surveys show that retail chains do not cost less than a private optometrist. The difference is only in perception, average retail price of equal lenses and technologies are on par with each other.

So, next time you see one of these commercials remember that you get what you pay for.

What is myopia?

Myopia or nearsightedness is a condition where light comes into focus before it hits the back of the eye. This causes images to be blurry.

In order for you to see a clear image, light must come into focus and land on the retina while in focus. The cornea and lens refract or bends light

Prevalence

Myopia affects about to about 1/3 of people in the USA. In fact a recent study found that the percentage of nearsighted people has increased over the last 30 years. Nearsightedness affects men and women equally.

Signs and Symptoms

Myopia primarily affects distance vision. This can cause headaches and eye strain. Nearsighted people will often squint to see objects and signs. 

Causes

Nearsightedness has a genetic component and can run in families. Typically, myopia arises from the length of the eyeball outstretching the focusing elements in the eye. The change in myopia, or myopic creep, will slow and stop at maturity when a person is fully grown.

Treatment

The most common forms of treatment for myopia is glasses or contacts. 

Other treatments include LASIK surgery, intacts or orthokeratology. These forms can offer a higher degree of freedom than glasses or contacts. There are some caveats in that these procedures cannot be done on everyone who is myopic. If you are interested in one of these, consult with us and we can tell you if you a good candidate or not.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive eye exam including a refraction can help diagnose nearsightedness. Frequently, an optometrist will perform an objective measure of refraction using retinoscopy or an auto-refraction instrument. The actual prescription is then refined through subjective refraction.

A nearsighted prescription will appear on the prescription pad with a minus sign in front of the numbers. A larger number indicates a higher level of nearsightedness.

Prognosis

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Children suffering from nearsightedness can have problems participating in sports or reading the board in school. Further, measures to slow the progression of nearsightedness using orthokeratology are better utilized in the early stages.

A time not to treat

There are certain occasions when strabismus is not something that you treat. For instance a child with a large eye turn may be corrected with surgery. Now that the surgeon has corrected the cosmetic aspect the question should be asked concerning vision therapy. Vision therapy can be used to reduce suppression and improve alignment. However, in some cases if alignment is still too far off the patient may experience double vision that is hard to correct.

Many factors need to be taken into account when someone with an eye turn wants to improve their vision. It may not be in their best interest to have vision therapy treatment. Consult with your eye doctor or a vision therapist to discuss the best treatment plan.