Frame Tips
Shopping for frames at
trade shows
By Alex Yoho, ABOM
Rarely in life does one find a chance to learn and see the things that will grow your skills like a trade show or convention. When you are offered the opportunity to visit an industry trade show, you have been given a key to your future.
A little advance planning is in order, however. Consider carefully what you want to take away from the convention. Perhaps your job is to purchase the latest frames for your company. If you are just starting in this arena, you'll need to have a good handle on what areas to focus on. In addition to companies with general frame lines, you will find everything from high-end luxury to bargain basement clearance deals, as well as safety, sports, low vision, and more specialty eyewear. It's always fun to check out the lines that interest you most, but you need to keep a balanced view to create your overall selection.
FRAME BUYING TIPS
While you're checking out frames, don't get pulled just by the aesthetics of the pieces. Remember that, as a buyer, it's your job to find frames that are not only good looking, but technically sound. Here are a few things to consider.
Practicality. Think about your clientele. Do you really have much call for a 68-eye, double-bar bridged frame these days? Buy accordingly.
Rx-ability. What about some of the sleek looking wraps? Will your lab be able to Rx the particular one you're considering? And just as importantly, once Rx'd, will that design you're looking at be optically correct?
Adjustability. Be sure to consider the adjustability factor. You won't be able to put much pantoscopic or retroscopic tilt on a frame with a block endpiece, but it also might make a very sturdy option for that rough-and- tumble patient.
Test the fit. One sure way to find out if a frame is worth a shot and how it will fit is to try it on as many people as you can. Start with the salesperson and ask other people to put it on as well. That way, you can get a good idea whether or not that block hinge will be a problem. Remember, you are looking for fit potential, not just looks. So if the block hinged frame fits the majority of people without needing a pantoscopic adjustment, buy it!
Share expertise. If you're not in the frame buying business, but in the frame bending business, it's a good idea to team up with the buyer in your operation. You both bring very important expertise to the buying experience, and sharing that will benefit your business and your customer.
Talk to reps. Looking on the other side of the fence, this can also be a good opportunity for a dispenser who is on the front lines to give input to the frame reps. If you're concerned about the adjustability of a certain design, ask the representative to demonstrate or explain how they would do it. Often frame reps are pretty good dispensers in their own right, and you can benefit from their expertise.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Once you have decided your educational focus for a show, look at the level that the courses are rated.
Selecting a level. If you are a beginner, start with beginning courses. If you consider yourself in an intermediate position and have a pretty good handle on the vernacular, treat yourself to at least one advanced course to stretch a little.
Include vendor classes. Look to see if vendor-sponsored classes are available as well, because you can learn and save money at the same time. If the offering is a higher level course than to what you're accustomed, you'll benefit from an educational standpoint--even if you don't understand everything.
Hands-on events. If you are planning to take a hands-on course, be sure to sign up immediately upon learning of it since they fill up fast.
Bring questions. When you take the course, bring a list of questions that you want answered. The instructor wants to teach you what you need to know and will welcome your inquiries at the appropriate time. Your questions are also valuable to others taking the course. You might even be able to share a bit of expertise yourself!
THE EXHIBIT FLOOR
Spending time on the show floor is just as important as classes. There are always new products being introduced.
Repair info. If you're in the business of fixing frames, be sure to visit tool manufacturers' booths or lab reps at local conventions. You can often explore things that you won't have occasion to do at the office--like trying your hand at soldering or gold plating a quarter just to see the process in action.
Lens education. Even if you work mostly with frames, be sure to round out your experience with some lens education. This is the fastest changing aspect of our industry, and even if you are not involved in designing eyewear for a patient, you can build both your vocabulary and your understanding of the value of lenses for particular lifestyles. And, if you are involved in designing eyewear for patients, lens courses are essential to the cutting edge dispenser.
Most conventions offer the continuing education credits that required to maintain certification or state licensure. Unless you are taking it for pleasure, be sure to check whether a course is accredited for your particular need.
Even if you are not ready to get certified or licensed, many of these courses can give you insight that can result in better patient explanations and more understanding of your patients' needs.
And, there's no question that as you become more the expert, you also become a more valuable staff member to your employer.