Page 10 - envision09-2020

//OP TIC A L LENSE S:

From
PANDEMIC

Things to PROSPERITY,

are

LOOKING UP

Cover Story
By Paddy Kamen

here is nothing like a pandemic to make Dr. Diana Monea, owner of two Eye Health Centres
eyecare professionals (ECPs) sit up and take in Calgary and one in Regina, worked throughout the
notice. And in this supposedly iconic year— pandemic on the front lines for patients with emergency
2020—for the eyecare business, who could vision needs. She observes that the demand for lenses
Thave guessed that optical lens sales would be at has increased since the shutdown: “More people are
a virtual standstill for three months? But the recovery is working from home and we see increased demand for
looking good for lens sales and new products are helping computer lenses and high-end progressives. It used to
to fuel that. be that patients would put dental care before vision, but
now, with both students and various employee groups
Dr. Agata Majewski, owner of Owl Optometry in working from home, vision care has ranked number one
Toronto expected business to slowly ease back to for insurance claims.”
pre-COVID-19 sales numbers after the 12-week
shutdown. “But there was a surprising pent up demand Patients seem to be price shopping less often when
for eye exams, lenses and frames.” she notes. “It also it comes to lenses, say both doctors. Possible reasons
helped that area residents are strong supporters of local include wanting a one-stop shopping experience,
businesses.” the need to avoid crowds and the fact that they have
confidence in the seriousness with which ECPs take
Great offers from her main lens supplier—Shamir—also disinfecting routines.
helped to incentivize patients. Other manufacturers
likewise rose to the occasion with special COVID-19- Patient loyalty may be another factor. Monea says people
related offers. trust her clinic for products that are durable and will last.

8 / SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2020 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /