As I pound out this column on my brand new MacBook, (runs Windoze as well as the Mac OS on its Intel chips) I’m struck by how completely computers have taken over the world. In 1983 I bought my first computer, an Apple GS, a wonderful bulletproof machine and forerunner of the slick Macintoshs of today. We started exploring the Internet for a couple of years after that with modems and dial-up that were notoriously unstable and sloooow.

Now we get much of our news, shopping, communication, and all by speedy cable based wireless Internet. Ordering from 3rd party insurance providers is a snap with the sophisticated websites they have created.

By now I’m sure you’ve all seen the faxes advertising “Jack’s Vision” system. It’s a terrific web based ordering scheme that has an error-correcting component. When you type an add that may be out of range, the software tells you and even suggests an alternative product that fills your need. In addition it has lens shapes in a huge database to help eliminate blank size problems. The system ties in to your choice of labs and frame providers but they would love it if you did business with the system sponsor Orion Labs. Doctor Joe Graber developed “Jack’s Vision” (and it has cost him over a million bucks so far) so his crack staff would stop making silly ordering mistakes.

The program features:
1. Minimum fitting height warnings
2. Recommends PALs for smaller frame sizes
3. Shows all the materials a lens comes in
4. Reminds you to check if the Rx calls for an A/R coating
5. Sends Rx’s to any lab
6. Manages your frame-board
7. And is easy to use!!!

The reason it’s so easy is the use of multiple-choice boxes, just check off what you want with no typing.

In addition it’s an excellent record backup for your practice. One client of Jack’s had a fire that destroyed everything, three months later they were back in business with all of their client info intact. I also understand insurance claim processing is in the works.

You’re probably saying, “Yeah, but how much does it cost!”

Well it turns out, it’s FREE! Nada, nothing, zip. Of course, Doc Graber hopes you’ll use his lab, Orion – and why not, he’s doing the user a big service. Anything that simplifies our life has to be worth a bit of loyalty.