Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and more outdoor activity. For eye care professionals, it also brings an ideal opportunity to talk with patients about prescription sunwear and polarized lenses. These products not only protect eyes from harmful UV rays but also enhance comfort, clarity, and visual performance in bright environments. With the right approach, practices can turn seasonal conversations into lasting growth.
At Allentown Optical, we work with practices that understand how to connect eyewear recommendations with real-life needs. Here are a few strategies to help you boost Rx sunwear and polarized lens orders this summer.
Start with Lifestyle-Based Conversations
The easiest way to open the door to a sunwear discussion is by focusing on your patient’s daily life. Ask simple, open-ended questions like:
- How much time do you spend outside during the summer?
- Do you drive long distances or spend time on the water?
- Do you notice glare when you’re outside or driving?
These questions naturally lead into conversations about protection and comfort. Patients who mention boating, fishing, golfing, driving, or simply enjoying time outdoors are strong candidates for polarized lenses. Connecting your recommendation to their specific experiences makes it personal and relevant, increasing the likelihood they will follow through on the purchase.
Highlight the Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Many patients do not understand what polarized lenses really do. A brief explanation can make all the difference. Polarized lenses filter horizontal light waves that cause glare, especially from reflective surfaces like water, pavement, and car hoods. The result is sharper vision, improved color contrast, and less eye strain.
In addition to better visual comfort, polarized lenses offer essential UV protection, reducing long-term risks of cataracts and other sun-related eye conditions. Explaining these functional benefits helps patients see polarized lenses as a health investment, not just a luxury upgrade.
Offer Prescription Sunwear Options
When a patient already wears prescription glasses, sun protection becomes even more important. Yet many patients rely on clip-ons or inexpensive non-prescription sunglasses that do not meet their visual needs. Offering prescription sunwear as part of your standard recommendation helps patients enjoy the same clarity outdoors that they do indoors.
Discuss lens materials and tints that fit their activities, from mirrored coatings for high-glare environments to gradient tints for driving. Showing a few examples or letting patients try on sample frames can help them visualize the difference.
Frame It as a Second-Pair Essential
Rather than treating Rx sunwear as an add-on, position it as an essential second pair. Just as most people have multiple pairs of shoes for different activities, they should have eyewear designed for different environments. When patients understand that outdoor vision protection is part of complete eye care, they are more likely to see the value.
Partnering with the Right Lab
Working with a lab that understands your needs makes a big difference. Allentown Optical delivers precision-crafted polarized and sunwear lenses that meet the highest quality standards. With reliable turnaround times and real customer service, we help you meet demand and keep patients happy through every season.
This summer, make sure every patient who walks into your practice walks out with clear, comfortable, and protected vision.
Contact Allentown Optical today to learn how we can become your dedicated optical lab partner.