Considering Vision Care position

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Anonymous said:
If you're considering VC position first realize optometrists are not real doctors, in fact those with MD's look down on optometrists because they did not attend medical school, they are considered in large circles as nothing more than over paid technicians. This is why optometrists are insecure hapless arrogant fools. This is why they keep more degrees, awards, and certificates on their walls than your average neuro surgeon. In Canada several years ago eye exams were allowed to be performed by opticians who are using technology to give refractions to the scourge of optometrists here in the states. Yes you heard me, in Canada machines are giving eye exams by high school dropouts and they are accurate. Second, optometry is a mom and pop retail business, optometrists make most of their money in selling frames and professional fees on eye exams, they don't make a dime on soft contact lenses so they're not going to be real impressed with any lenses you push. They cannot compete with contact lenses sold at a loss from Wal-Mart. Third, B&L has a terrible reputation in the contact lens universe mainly because their lenses are rejected by patients because they are simply uncomfortable to wear. B&L introduced an old monthly lens under a new name but it is still the same old lens that was introduced 15 years ago that just sucks and the optical profession is quite aware it is junk. They peel and dry across the cornea in a few hours unless the patient lives in a swamp or it happens to be raining. Fourth, you will be spending your time filling trials and remember toric lenses have about a 1,000 different sizes to accomodate the variations of the human eye. If you're not filling trials you'll be dancing trying to explain why you don't have trials because B&L is notorious about never having trials, and if the optometrist doesn't have your trials he won't fit your lenses. Fifth, if you're coming from pharma or medical disposables you need to realize you're not a salesperson, you're pitching to the broom closet, giving away bagels to the help desk, and dropping off free samples to the receptionist, we all know it, don't try to deny it. If you've been in pharma and think you know how to sale you're in for a treat, you'll have your ass handed to you. In any other world the business model of giving away food and product and giving your sales pitch away to non decision makers is unsustainable and ultimately destined for failure, this is why you're desperate to get out of pharma because you have failed and the industry has failed all of us. Good luck dumb asses.
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I sincerely hope you don't work in this industry, or any sales capacity for that matter. Your attitude sucks, and good luck to YOU.
 






























Anonymous said:
If you're considering VC position first realize optometrists are not real doctors, in fact those with MD's look down on optometrists because they did not attend medical school, they are considered in large circles as nothing more than over paid technicians. This is why optometrists are insecure hapless arrogant fools. This is why they keep more degrees, awards, and certificates on their walls than your average neuro surgeon. In Canada several years ago eye exams were allowed to be performed by opticians who are using technology to give refractions to the scourge of optometrists here in the states. Yes you heard me, in Canada machines are giving eye exams by high school dropouts and they are accurate. Second, optometry is a mom and pop retail business, optometrists make most of their money in selling frames and professional fees on eye exams, they don't make a dime on soft contact lenses so they're not going to be real impressed with any lenses you push. They cannot compete with contact lenses sold at a loss from Wal-Mart. Third, B&L has a terrible reputation in the contact lens universe mainly because their lenses are rejected by patients because they are simply uncomfortable to wear. B&L introduced an old monthly lens under a new name but it is still the same old lens that was introduced 15 years ago that just sucks and the optical profession is quite aware it is junk. They peel and dry across the cornea in a few hours unless the patient lives in a swamp or it happens to be raining. Fourth, you will be spending your time filling trials and remember toric lenses have about a 1,000 different sizes to accomodate the variations of the human eye. If you're not filling trials you'll be dancing trying to explain why you don't have trials because B&L is notorious about never having trials, and if the optometrist doesn't have your trials he won't fit your lenses. Fifth, if you're coming from pharma or medical disposables you need to realize you're not a salesperson, you're pitching to the broom closet, giving away bagels to the help desk, and dropping off free samples to the receptionist, we all know it, don't try to deny it. If you've been in pharma and think you know how to sale you're in for a treat, you'll have your ass handed to you. In any other world the business model of giving away food and product and giving your sales pitch away to non decision makers is unsustainable and ultimately destined for failure, this is why you're desperate to get out of pharma because you have failed and the industry has failed all of us. Good luck dumb asses.
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Spot on. Excellent post.
 












I am in he eye care industry, but not with B & L. as with any pharm position your on the job happiness can depend a good bit on your manager, which, as you know is subject to change. Bausch & Lomb, while well known in the marketplace, is not one of the big players in eye care pharmaceuticals. Not being negative and no cut intended to the company or the reps, just reality. The salary range is just okay as is the bonus structure and pay. If you decide to go forward, understand that while doctors may like you, you will not be repping their big drugs. I would recommend that you stay away from the contact lens division if you have prior experience in the pharm world as it will be a huge step backwards as would be a position in the OTC division. If you can be happy with the salary it may be a good entree into specialty pharma, b & l is growing so expect big pharma to creep up on you quickly.

I recommend you go visit a few ophthalmologists (MD's) to hear their impression of the company and the reps. The docs here could not name their b & l reps. it may be a little different with Optometrists, but their name recognition comes from the optical (contact lens) side, not pharma.
 






Anonymous said:
Vision Care is basically like working for Frito Lay. You stock ODs with trial lenses and try to push solution. Route sales with promos for BOGO type offers that come around every quarter or so. You will make around $80 with a good lifestyle depending on your DM.
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Good assessment but your salary range is a good bit higher than reality
 






Anonymous said:
I came across a Vision Care position with B & L, but it does not state any specifics on salary. I see company car, I Pad, I Phone, double 401K and a pretty extensive training period, which is good.

I'm coming over from Big Pharma and really want to make a change. I'm just not sure what I should expect as starting salary and commissions/bonuses. I'm willing to take a pay cut on my base salary in order to grow and remain stable into the future. I'd also like to hear about what Vision Care salespeople do on a daily basis. This sounds like a breath of fresh air when compared to the daily pharma routine.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Is Vandy Harrell still with B&L?
 






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