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Purchasing Pre-Owned Ophthalmic Equipment

Looking for an autorefractor, keratometer or a chair and stand but not sure you want to commit to the major expense? Purchasing pre-owned equipment online may reduce the cost by as much as 20% to 50%.

When considering making a pre-owned equipment purchase, ask yourself two questions: "What is best for my patient?" and "What is economically appropriate for my business?"

Dwayne Podgurski of Ophthal-Mix, a Georgia ophthalmic equipment supplier, suggests that buyers investigate before making a purchase. Verify that the online company has a physical address and phone number. Make sure they provide product warranties, warranty lengths and customer referrals. And check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has an existing claims file and how they have reacted to those claims.

Tom Carromero of Ophthalmic.com, LLC, says there are advantages to purchasing pre-owned equipment. "New and expanding practices can benefit from the use of refurbished lane equipment. Eyecare professionals can get more and higher quality equipment at a lower cost, achieving a faster return on investment," he notes.

The best buys in used ophthalmic equipment are durable products with extended useful life cycles. Equipment that relies on new technology is best purchased new so it is not obsolete by the time it makes it to your office. Carromero suggests being careful buying any pre-owned electronic equipment older than 12 years unless it can be bought from the manufacturer as a certified remanufactured unit. He also warns against purchasing used hand instruments that are older than 5 years.

When seeking to buy online, find out how long the company has been in business and if it provides referrals. Inquire about the company's return, warranty and shipping policies.  Ask what method of payment is accepted and if a trial period is offered on purchases.  Get a service history for the piece of equipment you are buying, and ensure that the supplier has a relationship with the equipment manufacturer so that, should you need a repair or a replacement part, there will be no unforseen issues.

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Leslie Goldberg at goldbergl@boucher1.com or call her at (215) 643-8082.