Freakonomics Radio 598. Is Overconsolidation a Threat to Democracy?
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Jul 25, 2024 Maria Liu, a professor of clinical optometry at UC Berkeley, dives into the alarming rise of myopia and the significant overconsolidation in the eyewear industry. She discusses how corporate dominance affects consumer prices and democratic values. The episode highlights innovative approaches to myopia management and the importance of quality eyewear tailored to individual needs. Liu also explores the environmental factors contributing to myopia and the expanding market for corrective lenses, shedding light on this urgent public health issue.
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Moscot Origins
- Hyman Moscot, an optician, immigrated to America in 1899 and started selling glasses from a pushcart.
- His son, Saul, opened a brick-and-mortar store on Orchard and Delancey, where it operated for 78 years.
The Lemtosh
- Moscot's best-selling frame, the Lemtosh, is worn by celebrities like David Beckham and Johnny Depp.
- The name "Lemtosh" is a made-up family Yiddish slang term.
High-End Lens Pricing
- High-quality progressive lenses with complex prescriptions can cost upwards of $1,000 at Moscot.
- Harvey Moscot justifies the price, emphasizing the importance of good vision and Moscot's expertise.