Today's tough economy has some people seeing things a little differently. Consumers are trying to focus in on what's absolutely necessary and a lack of extra cash is forcing some people to skip their eye exams and glasses.
Every year, Kiara Pignatti gets an eye exam. She wears contacts and has to have her eyes checked out. Where she tries to save money, however, is with the contacts.
"I actually try to get my contacts to last longer and, I know you're not supposed to do this but, I have 'two week wear' contacts and I kinda' wear them for a month just to make them last," Pignatti says.
Eye doctors are seeing the reality of these tough economic times. Dr. Joseph DiTota, an optometrist at Eyecare of CNY, says patients are sticking to what insurance covers. They are asking more questions about warranties and payment plans.
"What we're finding is a lot of people are asking us to bill their copays," Dr, DiTota says. "They're coming to the front desk saying, 'We don't have the copay today, can you bill us,' things of that nature."
As for people who wear glasses, Dr. DiTota says instead of say, getting a new pair, what people are doing is keeping their old pair and making repairs. More repairs on lenses are being done at the office and more parts are being ordered. Dr. DiTota says he understands the economy is rough. His practice is located right next to Syracuse China which is closing in March. His view of the situation is even closer than that. Dr. DiTota's father is one of the employees losing his job at Syracuse China, and he's concerned about the community and also, the impact it will have on business and on patient's healthcare.
"A lot of times, if you're still seeing 20/20, there's a lot of medical problems there we can detect on the eye exam so you may think you're healthy but, until you come in for an eye exam, you may have eye problems you never know you have," Dr. DiTota said.
