Hey there! This time on the Triple-L we’re rolling out to take a look at the real deal when it comes to optical labs. Now, this joint isn’t your typical optical dive - they have somethin’ special goin’ on, and I want to see what their secret sauce is. o, here we are in beautiful downtown Morton, Pennsylvania to visit FEA Industries. Now, I’ll be honest here, I wasn’t sure what … [Read more...]
FEA Industries – A True Independent
In general, labs can be strange. Traditionally, they’re sort of like supermarkets. They stock the shelves with brand name products, and you can go in and pick what you want. If you start asking for a recommendation, however, can you really know there’s no ‘influence’ behind their suggestion? The real question is - how independent is an independent? I mean, if you go into a … [Read more...]
The E Files
“Backorder? What do you mean, ‘backorder’?”, Molder shouted into the phone, somewhat exasperated, “Fine, just switch it to that. I need this in my hands tomorrow.” He hung up the phone, missing the days when he could at least get the satisfaction of slamming down the receiver. “Problem?” Skulli asked, as she finished piling up job trays.“ “That was our lab. They said that … [Read more...]
Winter is Coming
For those of you unfamiliar with Game of Thrones, allow me to give a very brief summary of the plot-line, as I feel it is startlingly similar to what's going on in the optical industry at present. Picture it: you have one extremely wealthy and powerful family (or company) that is seeking to rule everyone else. In their quest for that, any competing families are either bought … [Read more...]
FEA Industries, Inc.
At FEA, we are focused on providing the best combination of value, performance, service, and technology to our customers. We aren’t concerned with jacking up our prices so you can pay more for a brand name. We want to be able to offer the best vision for your patient, while making sure you can run your business cost-effectively. Eagle™ progressive lenses give you an option … [Read more...]
Are Your Sales Frozen?
Sometimes your world changes. Things happen that you don’t account for. Whether it’s a change in the business landscape, or your parents dying horrifically in an ill-fated sea voyage - things can go from ‘ok’ to ‘oh no’ quickly. Being able to adapt to new situations is necessary in both business and everyday life. As many have no doubt seen, the eyewear industry has changed … [Read more...]
A Few Thoughts on Seeking Advice
Forward - Sometimes when we need help, we turn to those around us, even if they aren’t any more qualified than us to answer a question. These people may be colleagues, ‘consultants’ with no real qualifications to consult, or whoever will listen. One wonders, are these help-seekers creating more problems for themselves when they do this? Or should they simply go find a … [Read more...]
Going Paperless
More Than Just Saving Paper Going paperless has been fairly commonplace for a while now. There's been a big push to put everything online, from bills to statements to invoices. In the optical industry, however, we sometimes lag behind the times. Many labs don’t have the ability to offer everything online, so there’s no real option but to continue with paper. Some labs, … [Read more...]