Day 4.1 - First Time Bi-focals

First Time Bi-focal Wearers

Helping a first-time lined bifocal wearer

Bifocals and no-lines are much different than single-vision lenses.  Because of the bifocal in them, it can take a customer up to a week to adjust to them.  Make sure the customer knows…

The bottom half is for reading and the top half is for distance.  Have them test the difference with a near vision card and move their head up and down to see where the line is.

Tell the customer to be careful with curbs and steps.  Because the bifocal is for reading and the top portion is for distance, it is sometimes difficult to see an intermediate distance such as the ground at their feet.

Let them know that wearing bifocals for the first time is a learning experience and may take 7-10 days to adjust to their new way of seeing. **Important!... Before you tell them this, make sure you check their prescription in their glasses carefully and make sure they are accurately made.  You will also need to look at their old prescription if possible to compare (you can ask a supervisor to help you with this process).  If everything checks out, have the customer wear their old glasses for the rest of the day, and start with the new pair first thing the next morning.  If after 2 days the prescription is still bothering the customer, ask them to bring them back for further inspection. 

Helping a first-time no-line bifocal wearer

Many of the same guidelines apply for no-line bifocals as with lined bifocals, but It is important to note that no-line lenses provide a more natural correction, unlike lined bifocals/trifocals, because of the seamless progression through many add powers in the lens.  

However, because of the way the lens is designed, there are areas of “soft focus” in the lower peripheral vision of the customer.  This is normal and most people adjust to this within a week to 10 days.  

The key to successfully wearing no-line lenses is to point your nose in the direction you are looking, instead of relying on your peripheral vision.

   Have your trainer follow you through an entire sales process.