The Future of LensCrafters is Providing a
Personalized Experience to Their Patients and Customers
Healthcare providers recommend their patients see optometrists every year for an annual eye exam, but for those without apparent vision problems, it might take more than a suggestion at an annual physical to schedule an appointment. LensCrafters, in conjunction with its employed and independent optometrists, is on a mission to increase awareness and the level of service regarding the importance of eye health through preventative care and encourages patients to focus on getting an annual eye exam as part of preventative care.
An estimated 93 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, according to the CDC. As the world spotlights National Glaucoma Awareness this month, LensCrafters is focused on increasing visibility around this eye disease and other common eye disorders through education and providing resources to its providers and patients. Most people affected by Glaucoma don’t know it, which is another reason why preventive eye care is necessary. Although there is no cure, there are treatment options to help slow it down so it’s crucial that an optometrist play a key role in maintaining optimal eye health.
But has the pandemic been a cause for pause when it comes to getting patients in the door?
According to Dr. Christina Chu, OD, LensCrafters Optometrist, most of her patients kept their appointments for their annual eye exams during the pandemic. “Thankfully I didn’t see any lapses with my existing patients. But the little things they might not have noticed before the world went remote suddenly weren’t so little, and we began to see people getting glasses for the first time much earlier than before. Vision care, now more than ever, plays a critical role in everyday life because everyday life has had to adapt to the new visual habits formed because of the pandemic.”
Chu, one of more than 1,000 LensCrafters employed and independent optometrists to serve communities across the North America, believes the pandemic helped increase awareness about the importance of vision health. She attributes the uptick in vision issues in direct correlation to the amount of time people spend looking at smart phones, tablets, and computer screens.
Chu encourages her peers to create an open-ended dialogue with patients. This includes conversations with target populations who are at higher risk for certain eye conditions and diseases, such as African Americans, among whom Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness after cataracts. Chu also recommends remaining up to date with the latest technological advancements in vision care. The rapidly changing landscape can mean the difference in a patient’s treatment plan from one year to the next.
LensCrafters has some of the latest technology, including the digital eye exam Clarifye, which provides the OD more tools and information to make an assessment about a patient’s eye care. The brand’s January campaign focuses on direct-to-consumer marketing and digital advertising to reach as many Americans as possible to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and get the best vision solution for them.
“As a trusted optical retail leader, LensCrafters remains committed to providing our doctors with best-in-class vision care tools in order to deliver exceptional service,” said Alfonso Cerullo, General Manager, LensCrafters. “As the number of Americans who turn to optometrists to protect their vision and maintain their eye health increases, LensCrafters is focused on providing our customers and patients a comprehensive high quality eyecare and eyewear experience.”
LensCrafters’ trusted doctors and associates are making an additional impact by giving the gift of vision through the company’s partner efforts with OneSight, an independent nonprofit providing access to quality vision care and glasses in underserved communities worldwide. LensCrafters is currently the number one contributor to OneSight in North America.■
