Meet Lance Alpert, Doctor of Optometry

I first met Lance Alpert when he became a member of the Manchester Lions Club in the late 1980s. We were excited to have a member who could help the Lions provide low cost eye exams and eyeglasses to children that are referred for help. I was always fascinated listening to Lance's stories about growing up in South Africa. When I reached my forties and no longer could read fine print, I also became a patient. Lance came to the United State with nothing and has built a very successful business. His story is a classic American story.

Timothy Becker: When did you arrive in the U.S. and what brought you here?

Lance Alpert: I arrived in the United States from South Africa in 1983 to complete my Optometric training. I did not see a future for myself in South Africa and decided to further my education and start my professional career in the U.S.

Timothy Becker: What did you bring with you?

Lance Alpert: I brought two suitcases and a few hundred dollars when I arrived as a student. I have been very blessed to be living the “American Dream.”

Timothy Becker: What schooling is involved in becoming a Doctor of Optometry.

Lance Alpert: The schooling needed to become a Doctor of Optometry is four years of undergraduate education and four years in Optometry School. I became an Optometrist in South Africa, but when I came to the United States, 18 months additional training was required in order to obtain the American Optometric degree. I completed my training at Illinois College of Optometry.

Timothy Becker: When did you start your business in Manchester and how many employees did you have then compared to now?

Lance Alpert: I began working for the doctors who owned TotalVision Eyecare Center of Manchester in 1986 and purchased the practice three years later. I had five staff members in 1986, and today I employ nine people. I am very fortunate to have several team members who have been with me for more than 15 years. We recently celebrated 25 years with one staff member. Many patients comment on how nice it is to come in year after year and see the same faces.

Timothy Becker: Why did you choose Manchester to start your business?

Lance Alpert: I feel like Manchester chose me. I was evaluating professional opportunities in several states and the Manchester TotalVision Eyecare office just felt right.

Timothy Becker: Are there other TotalVisions in the area, and what is your affiliation with them?

Lance Alpert:There are a total of five TotalVision Eyecare Centers in Connecticut. Originally, TotalVision Eyecare Center offices were all owned by one group. Today, each TotalVision Eyecare Center is independently owned. We cover for each other in cases of medical eye emergencies.

Timothy Becker: When I have my eye exam, you always have the newest technology. What major pieces of equipment do you use and what information are you able to collect?

Lance Alpert: We have made the prescription part of the examination more accurate by using two computerized prescription testers during pretest before seeing the Doctor. We use two computerized pretsest prescription testers because many patients are concerned that they will give the wrong answers to “which is better, 1 or 2?“ and therefore, will get the wrong prescription. My refraction part of the eye exam is then compared to the computer results to ensure the highest accuracy and clarity. Additionally, we have the ability to monitor internal and external eye health conditions with digital photography. The results are reviewed with the patient on the monitors in the exam rooms. Almost four years ago we converted to electronic records, and recently added the ability to send medication prescriptions directly to pharmacies. We were the first office in Connecticut to offer iZon high resolution eyeglass lenses.

Timothy Becker: What are your thoughts on Lasik surgery that eliminates the need for glasses?

Lance Alpert: I think Lasik is a good procedure for the right person. There are several factors that make a patient a good candidate. Their prescription needs to be stable (not changing). Their corneas need to be thick enough as well as several other factors, that we evaluate during the Lasik evaluation. If a person has dry eyes, Lasik is often not advisable, as the eyes tend to be drier after Lasik. Once a person is determined to be a good candidate, they will then be referred to the appropriate surgeon for that procedure.

Timothy Becker: How has technology in eyeglass frames changed?

Lance Alpert: Eyeglass frames have gotten lighter in weight and stronger. We also have frame materials that are hypo-allergenic for people who have a skin reaction to metal frames. Lenses have gotten much thinner and lighter. Transitions lenses (lenses that become lighter indoors and darker in the sun) now change quicker and go darker. New digital progressive (no-line) multifocal lenses have wider clear vision areas for distance, middle and near focusing distances.

Contact lenses are now available with ultra violet protection. Newer materials do not dry out like prior materials. Astigmatism and multifocals are available, as well as daily disposable contacts.

Timothy Becker: What do you see in the future for your TotalVision Eyecare?

Lance Alpert: We are proud to have been taking care of the vision and medical eye care needs of Manchester and surrounding area residents for over 25 years. We welcome and continue to receive referrals and recommendations from patients to their friends and family members. My hope is to continue to grow the office and offer the latest advancements in eye care. The fact that I am seeing several generations of the same family for eye care really makes me feel that I am making a difference.