The value of lenses never decreases; they only become more expensive. If you say, “Then give me the old version!”, they will not give you, because in the world of lenses only the best. On the agenda is an innovation one.
Symfony: A New Revolution in Ophthalmology (2)
Part 1
Furor or not, it’s understood that not everyone will want them, and the lenses are on short supply, so the spread of these new lenses is limited to those surgeons in the most advantageous areas. The company has set who will be their main contact in each city and county, and I modestly mention that I am at the top of that list in Los Angeles.
I suspect that you’re not just at the top, but first. I have read that this lens is acrylic. What kind of acrylic? Something like nylon comes to mind.
This type of plastic is very transparent. It’s the same acrylic resin as plexiglass, if you’re familiar with that, but it’s a different quality, purity, and crystallization. By itself, the word “acrylic” tells the patient very little, because there’s so much to navigate through – in-depth articles, statistics, and first and foremost the experience of the surgeon, who could have had different experiences with different companies. For example, where they manufactured in the Netherlands or Puerto Rico? Sometimes these things are important. It happens that identical companies in different countries can produce lenses of a vastly different quality. That’s why experience is so important, which we have here at BEI.
How much more expensive are these innovative lenses?
They will be a little expensive, if you’re speaking of the toric lens. There will be several versions. For example, patients with high corneal astigmatism, they will need lenses that are both multifocal and toric.
The previous lenses have not depreciated in value?
Lenses never depreciate in value; they only become more expensive. I was the first in Los Angeles to implant a multifocal lens, and that was May 5th, 2005. Since then, of course, the lenses have continued to improve. It was $1500 per eye then, and it’s almost $4000 now. Why? That’s because the price goes up with each new edition. And if you say, “Then give me the old version!”, they’ll respond, “We don’t make them anymore. We will not make a poor, obsolete product. Only the best.”
I get it… just like Apple. My iPad, for example, is now considered an uninteresting, prehistoric monster, and it’s only a few years old. And you don’t see a drop in price because this version simply isn’t available anymore.
Again, despite the Tecnis lens’ revolutionary nature, it isn’t dramatically more expensive.
It’s a pity that I already have the older model. I wish I had this rich-in-contrast supervision!
Yes, you have the good, old monofocal. But the Symfony is newer and better. As a consolation, I can tell you that these new lenses aren’t for everyone, just like any other. And in order to best select candidates for this phenomenal new lens, you need intelligent diagnostic equipment, experience, and a well-coordinated team of professionals.
When will you start to carry these new lenses?
Immediately upon returning from vacation on September 1st.
LASIK, CATARACT, GLAUCOMA: Take advantage of the latest technology and one of the best teams in LABenjamin Eye Institute310-494-7193
Interviewed by V. Kaufman.Translated by Richard Crenwelge
