Consumers prefer to buy eyewear from own doctor

Baltimore-Most consumers choose to purchase their eyewear from their own doctors rather than shop around at optical stores or discount stores, according to a survey.

The Customer Focus 2004: Optical study also found 95% of working women and 97% of working men selected their doctor based on quality and not insurance coverage.

The study also found women age 50 and older with a household income more than $50,000 were almost twice as likely to buy their glasses and contacts from a private doctor than men in the same category (47% of women compared with 25% of men). Some 31% of women who wear contact lenses or glasses said advertising inserts most influence their buying decisions, compared with 18% who said newspaper ads were most effective.

For a copy of the study, call Michelle Metter or Donovan Roche at 619/234-0345.