We hear many people disparaging " Globalization ". It is blamed for jobs going overseas to countries with low wages and a flood of imports that are killing our own export industries. There is also a reverse trend where things that have been out of financial reach for many Australians have become hugely cheaper.
One example of that is spectacles. Having an eye test is fully covered by Medicare, but most people suffer " sticker shock " when they price a pair of new glasses. They are offered a choice of frames that range from just over $100 to designer items with a price to match - and prescription lenses usually take the final figure above $ 300.
A leading optical company is now offering an incredible deal. Good quality frames and lenses ground to prescription specifications - for a total price of just $ 39.
This brings good quality, fashionable spectacles to the reach of ordinary people who would struggle to pay what the optical shops are usually asking - and that is only possible because globalization and mass production is lowering prices to an attainable level.
So - what comes next ?
High on the list will probably be dentures. Right now if you price dentures from the usual suppliers you will be quoted well in excess of $ 2,000 per pair. If the same rationale that applies to spectacles is transferred to dentures the price will probably fall to about $ 100.
After all, it is not rocket science. All it takes is a plaster impression of the gums and the rest is a mere matter of assembly.
Of course this will tend to thin out the opticians and dentists already supplying at inflated prices, but it really comes down to a matter of choice. Those who are prepared to pay for up-market and designer merchandise are free to exercise that choice - but it will no longer be forced on the masses.
And specs and dentures will be within everyone's price range !
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