Letters : August 18

Back to bespoke

Re: Gordon Ayling’s letter (Optician, August 11). After 36 years in optics, I must second his views on the frames we have to use to sell to our customers/dispense to our patients.

I was proud, after excellent training, to be able (in Birch Stigmat days) to send a bespoke order for fused photochromic D25 bifocals glazed to a hand-made front with special facial characteristics, for a West Indian lady patient; on its return, I was pleased that it fitted perfectly, with correct bifocal alignment.

Today, I am not allowed to do this due to the economics forced on us by ‘modern marketing’ or current trading practices. This is definitely a loss for our profession, as customers do feel that they are getting a bespoke product. We know that many/most frames are ‘one size’ – varifocal choices are dictated by frame depth, as in many cases customers demand a certain style or look. Try as one might, good advice is often ignored.