Digital/Freeform Progressive Add Lenses: Is The 'Band" Worth The Buck?

Background: The benefits of digital/freeform progressive add lenses (PALs) has already
been studied and well documented. Many patients are hesitant to spend extra money on
this type of medical device despite the added benefits. The purpose of this study is to
target patients who wear digita/freeform PALs and find out whether or not they believe
the benefits are worth the added cost. In essence, did the patient get the 'bang' for their
buck? Methods: Data was acquired through a patient satisfaction questionnaire via telephone interview to established PAL wearers who upgraded to digital/freeform lenses.
Results: Seventeen out of 25 participants were very satisfied with their digital/freeform
PAL. Ten of those participants thought their digital/freeform lenses were better than their
habitual PAL while 14 participants couldn't tell much of a difference but didn't think
they were any worse. Twenty three participants would value the satisfaction of their
digital/freeform lenses at above $200 to $300 while 10 of those would value higher than
$300. Conclusions: Digital/freeform PAL wearers tend to be very satisfied with their lenses despite an apparent lack of education about their lenses. Participants were still
willing to pay a premium fee for a digital PAL in their next pair of glasses, as cost was
determined not to be the driving force behind whether or not to purchase digital versus
traditional PALs.