MIGHTY EYEWEAR:

Dispensing Poly & Trivex to Kids

Kids can dish out the darndest things, from jumping inside—and out—to show off their "magic lenses" (photochromics) to confessing that "the dog ate my glasses." Here's how dispensing polycarbonate and Trivex lenses to this tribe can make your practice strong

By Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

Let parents know that kids' active lifestyles call for product safety and durability. Image courtesy of Transitions Optical

go online to reach teens might be some of the best advice today's retailers can receive.

Results from a PEW Teens and Technology report shows that nearly one-third of teenagers online—about six million teens—access health information, including content covering eye health.

Promoting poly and Trivex successfully in today's market starts with having an up-to-date website with regular updates to catch teens' and parents' eyes. Offer impartial eye health information while briefly displaying and discussing products to reel in younger consumers.

But whether a practice has a strong presence in cyberspace or not, communicating with kids and parents to get the word out about these superstrong lens options is a critical factor in practice success.

BENEFITS TO AND FOR KIDS

Selling safety first, then other poly/Trivex benefits like lighter weight, appeal to kids and parents alike. Approach each sale knowing that you're recommending the best visual and wearing option.

"In this market, we've made an assumption that parents want the safest lenses for their children," states Pamela N. Rhodes, LDO, owner of Suburban Opticians, Inc. in Tacoma, Wash. "We automatically tell them about the safety and durability of Trivex and polycarbonate materials, stressing safety and also durability."

As for poly and Trivex's visual attributes, Rhodes weighs in: "With the advent of CDs and DVDs into the marketplace, the basic quality of all polycarbonate products soared."

The improvement of entertainment media benefited all other poly products, she says. "Because we wanted to hear music and see movies in their most perfect form, now all products using this material got better."

Trivex often takes the quality factor even further. "The visual acuity of Trivex lenses is equal to or can surpass that of some CR39 and other standard poly," Rhodes says.

RECOMMENDED WEARERS

Safety first is the mantra when placing kids in poly or Trivex, since these materials meet or exceed FDA standards for impact resistance, and kids' active lifestyles call for product safety and durability.

Several factors make dispensing poly or Trivex important.

THICKNESS. "We dispense mostly Trivex unless lens thickness is a concern, then we may go with poly," says Dan Sullivan, optician-owner of Attleboro Optical Shoppe in Attleboro, Mass.

SAFETY. "We automatically put anyone who has only one functioning eye in poly lenses to protect the working eye from impact."

MEDICAID. "Medicaid in our state doesn't pay for poly lenses, but there is a choice to upgrade to poly and pay the difference between regular plastic and poly for Medicaid patients," says Joe Reed, LDO, president of Joe Reed Opticians in Gainesville, Ga.

LOW VISION. "We do a lot of low vision and work with ODs and MDs who recommend poly from the chair," Reed adds. "The doctors and opticians go over all poly features and benefits with kids and their parents."

ANTI-REFLECTION. Reed notes that his practice also does a lot of AR poly for kids. "Glare bothers kids at school," he explains.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Poly and Trivex are lauded in the industry for their safety and durability in rimless mountings. Many practices have a poly-or-Trivex only policy in rimless mounts due to processing ease and overall performance.

"We now use Trivex and poly on all jobs with grooved and drilled rimless frames, and even adults are seeing the benefits of lighter weight lens materials," Rhodes says.

Poly and Trivex materials meet or exceed FDA requirements for impact resistance, which is important considering how active children are. At school, all students need eye protection. Even if they don't play sports, they're on a playground during recess time or after school. Images (top to bottom) courtesy of Hoya, Vision-Ease, and Essilor

Safety when playing sports is one key factor when recommending poly/Trivex for kids. But it can go beyond the playing field.

"When we offer Trivex to kids because of safety in sports, some parents report that their child doesn't play sports," Rhodes says. "We point out that at school every child is on the playing field."

THE EYEWEAR CARE DRILL

Poly and Trivex materials each have unique quirks that require some diligence when fitting and processing. Although scratching is not as troublesome, denting is a problem.

Inherent poly and Trivex traits can make them more challenging to process than standard plastic or other materials. But equipment technology is keeping up with the challenge.

"We recently upgraded our edger, which has helped virtually eliminate poly fracturing problems," Reed says. "The new edging technology reduces spoilage, plus less redos give us better turnaround time and long-term integrity with our patients."

Once the lenses are dispensed, keeping them in good shape starts with training, Rhodes says. "We try to be specific on using an approved lens cleaner and drying with a soft dry towel. This will definitely prolong the life of the lenses." EB