Archived Content - Wurm's ES BBS 1997-2011
22 Jul 2011, 08:22
Darn...missed an opportunity...An optical store was closing down. I decided to give them a call and ask if the lens grinding machine was for sale...they said yes but was already sold. :(
Soundmanpt 09 Jul 2011, 10:45
gasman
I recommend first checking with your eye doctor before doing that. Just to be safe.
09 Jul 2011, 09:14
sofy = soft (sorry)
gasman 09 Jul 2011, 09:13
I wear sofy contacts about 60% of the time, the other glasses. My Rx is -6. I am cntemplating of ordering rigid hard contact lenses...is there anything in particular that I need to know? Any help or advise would be much appreciated
07 Jul 2011, 09:38
Specs4ever
You are correct 3.0mm
specs4ever 07 Jul 2011, 06:51
I believe that the maximum thickness for CR39 safety lenses is 3.0mm.
I, Glasses 06 Jul 2011, 15:13
What would be the maximum center thickness for lens blanks of any material, whether CR-39, industrial strength material, etc.?
Cactus Jack 03 Dec 2010, 16:31
Helen.
For maximum thickness, order the LOWEST index possible. CR-39 has an index of about 1.49. Many online retailers offer polycarbonate lenses with a slightly higher index as their standard lens material. Aspheric lenses would not be useful with your Rx.
No matter what the lens material, your lenses will not be very thick.
C.
Helen 03 Dec 2010, 14:14
I am about to order online. I know if I went to an optician they would recommend CR35 at my prescription but if I want them to look as strong as possible should I order high index or aspheric lenses?
Helen 01 Dec 2010, 06:34
Thank you Cactus Jack.
I recently looked out my prescription which is from 2009 and both eyes are not the same as I thought.
OS -1.75
OD -1.50
I will order from a cheap online store first
Cactus Jack 01 Dec 2010, 06:09
Helen,
Astigmatism correction, if it is not exactly what you need, can make a big difference in the wearability of a prescription because there is no possible way for you to compensate for it. You can compensate for glasses that have a little too much minus in sphere, but that ability depends on how flexible your crystaline lenses are and the strength of your ciliary muscles. Flexibility of your crystaline lenses is determined by your genes and your age.
I often suggest -1 or even -2 over as a starting place for over correction in late teens and 20s, but for people approaching 40, I suggest a less aggressive approach until their ciliary muscles get conditioned to being slightly over corrected. That is why I suggested starting at -0.25 over.
The only way to find out if you can deal with being over corrected is to actually try it for a week or so in a real world visual environment. That is why I suggested ordering some very inexpensive (about US$7.00 plus shipping) glasses with -0.25 sphere over from Zenni to see if you can manage it before having your existing frames reglazed with a higher Rx that you would have difficulty wearing. You might be able to go a little higher, but the potential for having reading problems increases with the additional minus.
As we get older, dealing with being over corrected becomes more of an experiment than a certainty so we have to approach it slowly and carefully.
One thing I do need to assist further is your complete, most recent Rx.
C.
Helen 01 Dec 2010, 04:56
Thanks EyeTri and Cactus Jack
Over the weekend I got to try a friend's prescription she says she is -0.50 higher than me with -.50 of astigmatism. I found them a bit too strong and she thought it could be the extra astigmatism correction which I don't have. Is that likely to be the reason?
EyeTri 27 Nov 2010, 18:23
Helen,
In answer to your question about getting a frame reglazed, I have had good results from www.eyeglasslensdirect.com and www.lensesrx.com
Cactus Jack 27 Nov 2010, 17:25
Helen,
You might be able to tolerate a slightly stronger distance Rx, say -0.25 or maybe -0.50 more. However, it will not be too long until you will need a reading add unless you read with your glasses off. If you have your complete Rx, you can experiment at low cost by ordering what ever Rx you want from an on line retailer such as Zenni.
Wearing a slightly stronger Rx will not have any significant long term effect at your age and if you can tolerate the over correction it may help keep your ciliary muscles in condition. It depends very much on your available accommodation range.
If you want to try some a little stronger, I would try -0.25 over on the sphere. Do not change the cylinder or axis. If you need help measuring your PD, let us know.
If you tolerate the -0.25 increase, after a month or so, you might try -0.50. If you use the same frame style for both, no one will be the wiser.
C.
Helen 27 Nov 2010, 16:17
Thank you Cactus Jack.
I would like a slightly stronger prescription but my prescription has been stable for a number of years. My husband wears -2.75 and -3 fulltime but his glasses are a little too strong for me. At 48 I realise most people are getting reading glasses not distance glasses! Is there anything to gain by persevering with something currently too strong in the hope that my eyes will accept it after a while?
Cactus Jack 27 Nov 2010, 15:33
Helen,
Vision is an incredibly personal thing and no has the right to tell any other person that his uncorrected vision does not deserve to be corrected. It is in some ways like telling someone that they should not bother with shoes that fit comfortably because they are only a little too small or telling someone that their favorite dish should not be eaten because they don't happen to like it.
Seriousness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. -1.50 means that anything beyond 66 cm or 26 inches is increasingly blurry. I think the inability to see small text or objects beyond that distance is indeed serious. Usually, it is people who wear higher Rx than the Rx in question think that the Rx is not "serious". I personally think -0.25 is worth correction and -0.50 absolutely so. -0.50 means that everything beyond 2 meters (6.5 feet) is increasingly blurry and vision in low light conditions is seriously compromised.
If you read some of the posts by people who got low Rx, first glasses, you will hear of their amazement at how crisp and vivid everything is. I don't ever recall seeing any post where they wish they had not bothered unless extreme vanity was a factor.
C.
Helen 27 Nov 2010, 14:55
I am looking to get a frame reglazed. Any recommendations please?
Cactus Jack: I saw your post to Nick. What do you consider to be a 'serious rx'? I ask because I wear -1.50, do you consider that to be serious?
Nick 24 Sep 2010, 07:32
@ Cactus jack
I ordered my new glasses with prescription
-2.00, -.50, 90
-1.00, -2.50, 150
while my real prescription is
-1.50, -.50, 90
-0.50, -2.50, 150.
i asked local optician for 5 D bo prism. but he was not aware of prism correction.. and i was also nervous so finally ordered as above.
Cactus Jack 22 Sep 2010, 13:39
Nick,
It is highly unlikely that 5 BO in each eye will cause any strabismus problems UNLESS you actually have some latent strabismus. That amount is like reading at arms length. It will increase the edge thickness.
Many people want thicker lenses because they are reluctant to wear glasses that look like they do not really need them.
Your current Rx is a "serious" Rx. Your sphere correction for you right eye means that you cannot see anything beyond 1 meter clearly and the cylinder correction means that nothing is really clear at any distance. The sphere correction in your left eye means that nothing beyond 40 cm is clear and the small amount of cylinder makes that even worse.
Remember, no one knows what you see with or without your glasses but you. You do not wear vision correction for other people, you wear it for your benefit.
Some people like being slightly overcorrected because of the super sharp vivid vision it provides.
I can not make any decision for you, you must do that.
Let me know how I can help.
C.
Nick 22 Sep 2010, 12:12
i m not able to decide where to start ??
well in india.. its not necessary to hv Rx by doctor.
and what will be the effect of base out prism on vision.. will i get strabism in my eyes ?
Cactus Jack 22 Sep 2010, 06:54
Nick,
Do you need an "official" Rx from an Eye Care Professional to order glasses in India or can you order glasses from a Rx that is just written on piece of paper?
One possibility I didn't mention is asking that the glasses be make from a very think blank. The glasses would be pretty heavy.
Another thing you could do is increase your sphere Rx by the same amount in each eye, but do not change the cylinder or axis. At your age, you should be able to accommodate several diopters of increase, but I would start with -1.00 and get used to that before going higher.
Herer is your Rx with a -1.00 diopter increase. If you want to try some prism just add 5 BO to the Rx as I have shown below
R. -2.25, -1.00, 90 5 BO prisms
L. -3.50, -0.50, 180 5 BO prisms
Have you decided what you want to do?
C.
Nick 22 Sep 2010, 01:22
@ cactus Jack
R. -1.25, -1.00, 90
L. -2.50, -0.50, 180
my age is 24.
Cactus Jack 21 Sep 2010, 16:11
1, Glasses,
Base curve can affect edge thickness because the power in the lens is actually developed by the difference in the curve of the front of the lens and the curve of the back of the lens. Most low minus lenses have a + base curve in the front and a minus curve in the back and the Rx is the algebraic difference between the curves. At low Rx it won't make all that much difference.
I was reluctant to suggest that he ask that the glasses be made from a very thick blank because they would be very heavy, but it would work. As long as the curves are correct, it does not matter how thick the blank is to get the Rx right. Some years ago, I think O4L made some glasses on special order that were something like -2.00 and about 15 or 20 mm thick.
C.
I, Glasses 21 Sep 2010, 11:21
Cactus Jack,
I thought I had read somewhere that the base curve of a lens could also affect its edge thickness. Did I misunderstand that?
Cactus Jack 21 Sep 2010, 09:00
Nick,
Overall lens thickness is determined by two things, the Rx itself and the center thickness of the lens. Optically, the material at the optical center of a minus lens only needs to thick enough to not break in normal handling, say 1 mm. The edge thickness is then determined by the power of the lens and the size of the lens. The higher the Rx and the bigger the lens, the thicker the edges. The problem with such a lens it that it might be OK to wear, but would not protect your eyes from anything hitting the lens. For example a rock might hit your glasses, break the lens, and damage your eye.
The solution is to make the center of the lens thicker which directly translates to the edge thickness. If you make the center of the lens thicker by say 2 mm, the edge will also be 2 mm thicker.
There are a couple of ways to make your glasses thicker.
1. Request safety glasses. They are automatically made thicker to protect your eyes.
2. Depending on your age, you might be able to deal with a small increase in the sphere portion of your prescription. That will make the edge thicker.
3. Use frames with large lenses.
4. Consider adding 5 diopters of Base Out prism to each eye. You should be able to handle that easily. That will increase the outer edge of the lens by about 5 mm.
If you can tell us your age and complete Rx we may be able to offer specific suggestions.
specs4ever 21 Sep 2010, 08:53
Hi Nick: Here in the USA, the standard center thickness of a lens in a pair of prescription glasses is 2.2mm. For years, a lens was available that was 3.2mm thick at the center, and these were called safety glasses. With the advent of polycarbonate lenses I no longer know if there is a standard lens available with the increased center thickness, as polycarbonate lenses have been advertised as unbreakable. You might be able to ask for the thicker center thickness, but unfortunately most of the labs that do lens grinding are pretty well set up to do standard things. Good luck.
Nick 21 Sep 2010, 02:45
My no. is -2.5 D Cyl some (approx)
i m from India.. online shopping is not in trend. so i went to local optician. i ordered cr 39 glasses with antireflection coating..
my question is
i want to make my glasses look thicker. what should i say to optician,,
i hv seen some communication before,, people say ask optician to make them thicker from center.. what does it mean? how can i make my glasses look thicker.. i want thickkest looking glasses.
pls suggest me something
Katie 25 Feb 2010, 15:55
My Rx is in region of -3.5/-4 with a lot of astigmatism. I had an anti reflective coating on my previous rimless specs and will do so again because it does make a real difference for driving/computing. I don't think the edges were well enough polished though and therefore the slight whiteness iritated me. From what you all say I have no reason to belive that zenni's rimless glasses would not be well polished and finished to a good standard. I suspect going for a higher index lens with a thinner edge would help too? I want some glasses that I hardly know I am wearing but also look really good.
Thanks for the advice!
K
Eye Tri 25 Feb 2010, 15:28
Cactus Jack & Katie
Zenni does charge for AR coating, but only $4.95. I've had good results from Zenni. I'm waiting for a pair of glasses from them now.
Cactus Jack 25 Feb 2010, 08:06
Katie,
I believe an anti-reflective coating is included on Zenni's glasses. I don't recall your Rx, but an AR coating may help with the internal reflections in the rimless glasses.
C.
Crystal Veil 25 Feb 2010, 06:59
During the past six months I ordered some 40 pairs at Zenni's. I am doing a series of photo shoots with models wearing glasses from my "history" collection, more or less matching the model's own Rx. Near the end of each photo shoot I make portraits of the model in new Zenni glasses (Rx -8.00) bought especially for these photo shoots. If the model likes a certain Zenni frame from my collection, I order the same frame in her own Rx as payment for the model.
So far, about a dozen Zenni glasses are used in daily life by my models and they are all quite happy with them. I also ordered a couple of Zenni glasses for myself and they are good quality.
One model could not be helped in a satisfatory way because she needs multifocal lenses and her Rx is 1-2 diopters above -10.00 which is Zenni's upper limit for bifocal and multifocal lenses. I solved this problem by ordering a pair of Zenni glasses of 1.67 index (single view only) and adding a "Stick on Lens" to upgrade her glasses into bifocals. She has them only as backup in case something happens to her own multifocal glasses.
I have nothing but praise for Zenni. They deliver the glasses within two weeks and so far, all the glasses are OK. The models and the Zenni glasses can be seen on my weblog "Ladies behind crystal veil" (nine models so far, some 300 glasses used, 1600 portraits).
No guarantee, but I hope this information is of some use to you.
Ric 25 Feb 2010, 04:26
Time ago i ordered a semi rimless frame from Zennioptical. Thik they were good.
Katie 25 Feb 2010, 02:47
Hi
Has anyone ordered rimless glasses from zenni optical? Can anyone vouch for their quality? I want to get a couple of pairs of new glasses which are not expensive and was going to order from zenni for the first time. I once had a rimless pair but did not warm to them much, the light reflection from the edges was rather distracting however since I like the way they look and the fact they can be very light I am planning to try again. Are the zenni rimless well polished around the edges? Has anyone bought them with the standard 1.5 lenses or is it definitely worth upgrading to the 1.6 poly lenses?
Thanks!
K
Sydneycider 22 Feb 2010, 23:16
Thanks Brian, thats a good one to know! I ended up going with quite a nice frame from O4L. Hope they turn out well.
Thanks again.
Bwian 09 Feb 2010, 20:59
Just got my new glasses from simplyeyeglasses.com I have 6D of prism each eye and live in Australia. I was very impressed with their product and service.
Cactus Jack 09 Feb 2010, 16:05
Sydneycider,
You might try www.eyeglassfactoryoutlet.com/ located in Florida.
C.
Sydneycider 09 Feb 2010, 15:50
Thanks again! Is anyone aware of an online company that does prism other than O4L? There frame selection is not what it used to be.
Regards.
gwgs 09 Feb 2010, 01:29
Yep, well done Sydney, some of these big companies do try it on but as you've found - if you try at a different time or a different day - and be strong the result can often be in your favour
Julian 08 Feb 2010, 05:08
Well done, sydneycider!
SGS 08 Feb 2010, 04:24
For custom made thick glasses contact mail creephighway@hotmail.com
Wreite your prescription needed and advise with frame preferrd.
Price can be much cheaper than making in western countries. As I list -25D glasses on ebay only round 30GBP
Sydneycider 08 Feb 2010, 02:08
Thanks guys, I actually went back in today and threw quite an impressive tanty. The manager of the store was out for the day and his replacement gave me a total refund. The result, back with no glasses for a few weeks. 8-( But I am proud that I stood my ground!
russell 07 Feb 2010, 14:30
Julian: I agree with you. A private optician most probably takes more care in making lenses than a large chain does. But I do know that in the US, unless a business posts in writing their policy that a certain service may not yield expected results, then they must stand behind shoddy work and make it good. That's one reason we have small claims courts.
Julian 06 Feb 2010, 10:26
Sydneycier, Russell: it seems to me that this is the sort of job that 'private' opticians do better than chains. That may just be my prejudice; but last year, or rather the year before, I bought a set of Adidas frames, wire ovals, very cheaply on eBay. When my test showed that no change was needed, I asked for them to be reglazed as a spare, and in a few days they came back fitted with Rodenstock progressive lenses. Though they're not 100% comfortable, they are serviceable, and I can see better with them than with my previous Rx.
Bub 06 Feb 2010, 02:23
Does anyone know the name of a good glasses website where I can order a large pair of very thick myopic glasses from?
russell 05 Feb 2010, 10:30
Did the people at SpecSavers give you a written policy that they are not responsible for lenses put in frames not bought at their store? If not, then you may have a good small claims court case. And if you mention that to the manager, he or she may replace your lenses free of charge. Most business people don't want the hassle of going to court. (In the US, small claims court cases usually cost very little to file; I'm sure in other countries, there are similar options.)
Sydneycier 05 Feb 2010, 05:13
Any advice on how I handle my latest Specsavers nightmare?
Ordered some new lenses, multifocal with some prism in a pair of frames I ordered online.
When they arrived instore, they were adjusted without being heated up, resulting in one of the lenses being chipped. I was told it was because I had bought in frames that weren't theirs.
I was then told to wear them over the Xmas period then they would replace it, which I did and they did.
Cost so far $250. I went in to pick them up today, they adjusted them and the other lense chipped.
I was informed that my "poor lack of lense choice" was the issue. And was offered 1.6 index lenses to be replaced at 1/2 price.. so goodbye to the $250 that i'd just spent.
Any suggestions? Since ordering them I have been without correction for nearly a month!
Morton 07 May 2009, 04:17
I am going to Chicago for a 5 days business trip next week. As I always come back with gifts for my wife and kids, I thought of buying a new pair of glasses for my wife (she now has about 12 different pairs, to match her outfits). Any idea of where I could order and get glasses quickly, with a copy of her prescription with me?
DWV 11 Mar 2009, 00:30
Sears optical in Canada is advertising what is usually a real sale on glasses. If it's the same deal as it was last year, it was cheaper than buying online for the same frames and lenses. (The deal then was $150 total for any frame priced under $200 complete with single vision, bifocal, trifocal or progressive lenses in polycarbonate. 1/2 price on any enhancements, like photogray or supersizing to 8x35 trifocal.)
The ad I saw said something like "selected" frames, so maybe they've changed it so you can only get the frames that make you look like a sex offender unless you want to pay more.
Eustace 25 Feb 2009, 19:32
Superduty:
Is your son really terribly self-conscious about wearing thick glasses? If not, I cannot see spending all that extra money for high index lenses. Besides, at his age, I suspect that his Rx changes almost every year. As you probably know from reading the various threads in Eyescene, many of us wish we had thicker glasses and are attracted to people who have really thick lenses. I note that you say that you prefer thicker glasses. By the way, how old was your son when he first began wearing glasses?
Brian 16 24 Feb 2009, 05:10
Hello mysuperduty.From what I have learned here optical4less is okay.They do have high index 1.9 up tp -25.0.
After I graduate college I plan to order from them.My local Lenscrafters indicated to me that they would only grind lenses up to 18.75. Also does your 18 year old have 20/20 vision? My rx is around -15 plus astigmatism and prism correction and tri-focals.I can get 20/25 in one eye and 20/30 the other.
mysuperduty 23 Feb 2009, 14:10
HI! I usually like to have thicker glasses, but this is directed more for my son. He wears a -22 and a -23.50. He is 18 now and I want to get him the thinnest lenses possible without going to a myodisc. I know Optical 4 less has good prices. That is some of a concern. I think the way to go is the 1.74 lens? Help me out here guys. THX! my direct email is mysuperduty@yahoo.com
Trent 22 Feb 2009, 08:49
Why should I be punished financially because I have a high myopia? Recently, the cost of purchasing eyewear has skyrocketed. Traditional brick & mortar optical stores are so insanely expensive? A pair of high index progressives in a respectable frame can cost as much as $1000. The mark-ups on these products must be 400%! How can these jokers justify charging so much? Do you want to bet that I could fly to Asia and get a pair of same quality glasses cheaper than down at the corner optical store. Does that make sense?
The most affordable specs that I have found are at COSTCO. Other than that on-line vendors provide the best deals.
Sorry for the wining, below is a link to a cute myope who also found glasses to be expensive.
http://rinaz.net/2008/02/glasses/
07 Feb 2009, 17:40
I WOULD SUGGEST GIARRE.COM. LOADS OF FASHIONABLE SPECS ON THERE.
Trent 07 Feb 2009, 11:03
I'm in the market for a new pair of glasses and wonder what the latest trend is for eyewear. From what I have seen so far those square frames are on the way out and more rounder shapes are coming in.
Can someone please post some good links to fashion websites that show what's hot for 2009?
19 Jan 2009, 22:21
Sorry, Clair not Clare
Emily 19 Jan 2009, 22:21
Clare -- not too professional, was she. I'm glad the opticians I use are more discreet.
Clair 19 Jan 2009, 17:48
Saturday I had my yearly eye doc appointment. So I am shown to the exam room by a girl maybe 18 years telling me it's her first week. Sitting in the chair she leans in and removes my -11 glasses. Her first comment was that "I never have seen such strong lenses yet but they are very light". After the questions about headaches, alergies, etc she was about to leave and said "your eyes look so natural for someone with glasses like yours" I responded that I wish they were worse. Unfortunately I have no idea whet her reaction was sitting there bare eyed.
Cactus Jack 19 Jan 2009, 09:19
Thanks for the suggestions.
I asked him to do some very crude tests with some +1.50 readers and got results that lead me to believe he is actually just a little hyperopic, maybe +0.50. If he is and goes in with myopic complaints, I doubt he will have much success. If the above is true and he complains of headaches, he might get very lucky, perhaps on the first try.
The first step on any journey is to know where you are. He may be young enough to be able to wear minus glasses and perhaps reverse the hyperopia some. If not there is always GOC.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
C.
Aubrac 19 Jan 2009, 06:44
Cactus Jack
I think most of the UK optical chains, e.g. Vision Express, Dolland & Aitcheson, etc, will be pleased to prescribe even for a very low scrip.
UK charges are currently £15 for a sight test and providing money is not a problem, anyone can book examinations with as many different stores as they like until they strike lucky.
Smudgeur 19 Jan 2009, 05:46
I'd recommend Specsavers, I understand that their opticians are on commission for glasses, a bit of an incentive to give someone a prescription!
Make sure he/she tells the optician about some symptoms (if they're myopic then say reading roadsigns at night when driving, if hyperopic then headaches after reading)
Cactus Jack 19 Jan 2009, 00:49
Can anyone in the UK suggest where a new O-O who has a VERY strong desire for glasses, but with low actual need at this time, could go and get an exam and be likely to get a first Rx. I would like to know is his actual sphere and cylinder, if any, so I can guide him towards quality GOC or perhaps inducing some myopia. I don't know exactly where he lives so perhaps a large chain or a very friendly optician might be a good suggestion.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Please feel free to contact me at cactusjack1928@hotmail.com if you don't want to post it here.
C.
Galileo 16 Jan 2009, 09:46
Hi Jill - its a lens with a flat front instead of a curve.
Jill 15 Jan 2009, 10:32
What are plano fronts
Jennifer 15 Jan 2009, 08:53
crafter, I went to Lenscrafters with a fake prescription on a Sunday and they filled it with no calls to the eye doctor listed on the prescription pad. But I did get very nervous when the girl took my rx and said she needed to make a copy of the sheet of paper. She returned, handed me my rx and said they had no problem doing the glasses in one hour. It was the most exciting hour of anticipation I had. Good luck!
Aubrac 15 Jan 2009, 02:59
Does any one know if there are any reactolite lenses that do not go dark in very cold weather?
My wife does not usually wear her glasses out walking but had them on the other day, it was a dull grey day, and very cold and windy. After a short while the lenses went quite dark and so she took her glasses off - shame!
Can anyone help?
crafter 15 Jan 2009, 00:51
does anyone know if the infamous lenscrafters call doctors to verify prescriptions?
it would seem that this isn't possible with one-hour or even over-the-weekend service.
DWV 15 Jan 2009, 00:40
I suspect they can't make progressive lenses with plano fronts, since the front surface is molded with the progressive part. The back is ground to your prescription. According to a Sola lens availability document, they make some progressive lenses with nominal base curves of 1 or 1.5, which is not that far from flat.
I figured the change in base curve might have some impact, maybe affecting the vision through periphery of the lenses more than the center.
Jennifer 14 Jan 2009, 11:52
Likes Lenses, can we see a picture of the glasses? I would love to see how they look. I would secretly be very excited if someone made a comment that my eyes seemed to be getting worse. I can see why everyone is so excited about what you did!
BrooklynBoy 14 Jan 2009, 05:06
As soon as I saw the posting from Like Lenses, I couldn't resist the urge to try it as well, my prescription is around -5 now and when I ordered, I did write on the comment box for them to make the lenses as thick as possible and no one called so later on that day (monday) I used they online chat to chekc on my order and I asked them is they saw the note and the customer service guy said that the lab people would take care of it. I cant wait to see it, I received an e-mail yesterday stating that the eyeglasses are on they way, on which makes their service very fast. I'll keep you guys posted.
Katy 14 Jan 2009, 03:31
Like Lenses - that sounds fantastic! Everyone will be trying that now :-)
Like Lenses 13 Jan 2009, 23:15
russell,
I am not sure about how your slight plus or progressives would work out.
It was in the comments box that I had put the request in, and they did not question it. I think that they just used lens blanks that would be used in a higher prescription, and ground all the power in on the back surfaces.They are about three times thicker than a previous pair with the same Rx.
A few friends commented that my eyes must have gotten much worse.
DWV,
There is no distortion , and I actually think that I see better through them than another pair with the same Rx.
russell 13 Jan 2009, 11:39
Like lenses: I'm intrigued by your post about Globaleyeglasses. Did you just put your request in the "comments" box on the order? They didn't question you about this? Also, my prescription in both eyes is right around sph +.50 axis -1.50 with a 2.50 add. Would they be able to do my progressive lenses like you ordered, with flat front and thick edges? And would the slight plus make them look different from your minus lenses?
DWV 13 Jan 2009, 00:44
Regarding "flat and thick as possible". Next time I'm shopping for glasses and the salescritter tries to push higher-index lenses and expensive coatings on me, I'll tell them I want thicker glasses with lots of reflections. The trifocal segments should be more obvious on a plano base curve, too.
Do you notice more distortion with the flat lenses?
Guest 12 Jan 2009, 22:58
Has anyone used a reglazing company in the UK with good results? I have a pair of glasses I want to change the lenses in but am a little wary about selecting from the internet so personal recommendation would be helpful. Thanks
Like Lenses 11 Jan 2009, 17:54
I had ordered a pair of glasses from Globaleyeglasses, with a request to make the lenses as thick, and as flat front as possible.
My RX is only -1.50 with -1.50 cyl. per eye, but they look like aprox. -6.00
Friend 09 Jan 2009, 21:16
Use their first priority service to speed up the whole process. Your glasses will arrive in less than one week.
Johnny 08 Jan 2009, 22:22
I just ordered a pair of black wire frames with Myothin glass lenses: R:-35, L:-32, from Optical4Less. The confirmation email said they process within 24 hrs, and shipping takes 7-14days. Anyone in the US know if that's true - that glasses usually arrive within 2 weeks? I used PayPal to pay, and I think if it's more than a month then the merchant can't refund all charges.
I also used a 12% off coupon, bringing my total down from $275 to $242. Coupon code was: road_to_2009, and is apparently valid until 2/21/2009 (http://www.optical4less.com/?mode=coupon).
J.
prism eating eyes 05 Aug 2008, 23:36
jared
nope, not a question or anything...but maybe it is because i live in switzerland...
Jared 05 Aug 2008, 14:52
prism eating eyes
I noticed on eyeglassesfactoryoutlet it asks for your Doctor's name and phone number. Was wondering if you supplied it and if he was contacted
prism eating eyes 05 Aug 2008, 04:46
today i got my glasses....quality is very good, although not perfect. one glass seems to be thicker than the other one and the edges weren't polished although i specifically said so...nevertheless, they were very forthcoming with my special order (31 prisms is not that easy to make) and i can see perfect....
i can only recommend eyeglassesfactoryoutlet!
mercury 03 Aug 2008, 12:19
quicksilver,
I've dealt with eyeglassfactoryoutlet.
They are excellent.
prism eating eyes 02 Aug 2008, 08:26
quicksilver, about two weeks ago i ordered from http://www.eyeglassfactoryoutlet.com/
my new glasses are going to have 31 prims in total (15,5 in each eye). I'll report back as soon as I have them.
Quicksilver 01 Aug 2008, 17:30
Now that 04L is pretty much stuffed has anyone found another vender for high prisms?
sourgrapes 31 Jul 2008, 12:58
let us know how it goes, any interesting bits
lazysiow 30 Jul 2008, 20:54
Guess who just got a part time "job" in an optical store! moi! it's only on Friday afternoons but my god I can't believe I did it. Found it walking along the street too. It's just a sales job but my gosh :D :D :D
DWV 11 Mar 2008, 18:43
Sears Optical in Canada has that "any pair/any lenses" for $149 deal sale right now. ("any" frame means under $150, but you can get more expensive frames by paying the difference.) ("any" lens includes single vision, bifocal, trifocal (7x28 and 8x35). Worth looking into, unless you live in Winnipeg or Quebec.
http://www.canadianoptical.ca/
The frame selection as usual sucked, but I found some made-in-Italy Ray Ban frames (model 6018), similar but different to the last pair, and ordered 8x35 trifocals. And for another $55 I'm getting the photo-grey Transitions lenses. That's a pretty sweet deal considering that Opticallabdirect wants $204.75 for the same lenses.
I just hope the lab puts the lenses in moderately level this time... if they aren't, I hope they're so bad that the lab is forced to redo 'em, not just a hair under the 2 degrees that the ANSI standard specifies.
O^O 29 Feb 2008, 21:39
didn't know where to post but this is cool http://www.wonderhowto.com/diet-health/hearing-vision-video/how-to-fastest-way-to-fix-broken-eyeglasses-135445/
Rainis 31 Dec 2007, 13:26
When I worked at an optical store some clients refused checking their eyes although our eyetest was free.
And we used to make glasses according to clients' saying. Without warranty, of course.
Welcome to Russia!
Smudgeur 16 Jun 2007, 15:12
I chanced across a posting on another optical board where a (disgruntled) Specsavers optometrist says:
"I got a letter explaining that from now on I would be paid £190 for a weekday and £210 for a saturday or sunday, plus 10% of spectacle sales that I generated in excess of £850.
Strange how the "sales" that I "generate" never seem to amount to very much. Perhaps because the computer that's supposed to record them doesn't seem to notice some of the sales. I wonder why not. Also it only applies to sales that I "generate" on the actual day - if Mrs Jones wishes to come back the next day with her husband to choose her glasses I don't get my commission."
I was intrigued by this and so did a bit of a search and came up with the following quotes:
"I didn't wear glasses until today... As far as I was concerned I didn't need glasses..." (got prescribed at Specsavers)
"I've made the comment that SpecSavers are money grabbing: alongside this story runs the equally unhappy story of my daughter's experience with them - we both had appointments at the same time. In her case, I had a very strong suspicion that they prescribed glasses she didn't need. That's another story, but I had the feeling they would do almost anything to secure a sale"
"I know many people, especially students and others who are entitled to free health care, that have had theirs eyes checked at Specsavers Opticians. When I consider their experiences and mine I have noticed one particular thing, almost every single one has come out with glasses, some of which have never had them.
I have two friends in particular who have been given glasses, not knowing that that they need them, and later discovering after going to a different opticians, that they didn't need them at all!"
I know where I'm sending my wife for her next eye test!!!
Hansel 12 Jun 2007, 14:15
Suggestions from the cognoscenti please!
Mrs Hansel gets an eye test from a mainstream optical chain, but gets the prescription filled elsewhere.
Lenses are varifocal.
Optician writes the script by reducing -0.50 to -0.25 in the leading eye so as not to alter the +1.25 add.
Mrs Hansel mow feels distance vision is compromised, she has always been precise in her liking for clarity, which the optician would have known.
Clearly at near £400 this is an expensive mistake.
Problem: the dispensing optician has filled the prescription she has given. The prescribing optician has done what was asked of her in providing a new prescription?
What course of action would people advise?
Freejay 05 Jun 2007, 16:30
Capper.
I'm very interested in what you had to say about getting glasses cheaply in China. Can you send me the info to:
freejay89@yahoo.co.uk
Thanks.
Jay
Ed 16 May 2007, 04:09
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuOdBnTKrk8
lazysiow 15 May 2007, 10:49
Definitely sounds like heaven :)
capper 15 May 2007, 03:13
I have spent a fair amount of time in both China and Korea. It astounds me at how quickly and efficiently they make specs. A complete pair of quality prescription glasses can be ready for you in less than half an hour - and that includes the eye test!
The price of a pair of specs is less than the price of an eye test in the UK.
I know my way around, and also have chinese friends that know the best places to go, and how to bargain the frame sellers into submission - so granted i get them for tonnes less than your everage tourist and I also know good opticians that i can trust.
Last time i wet I bough 5 pairs of glasses (inc. 1 vary tint, 1 light tint and 1 full sunglass tint) and a new made to measure suit. This easily paid for the entire trip, making a saving of over a £1000 (flight was £350)
If you fancy a short holiday in Beijing, I can put you in touch with a translator who speaks almost perfect english, is a killer bargainer and can take you to the best framers, opticians and suits/dress makers in Beijing.
DWV 12 Apr 2007, 01:27
Leon:
About bevelled/faceted glasses, the best thing is to just ask; Eyeglass Factory Outlet seems like a good bet since they do a wide range of frames and lens styles. Labs that do replacement lenses like Wohloptics or Opticallabdirect would also be a good bet, if you have a suitable rimless frame to use. You could also try places that sell Shuron frames; Shuron still makes a big rimless droptemple frame that would be a natural for facets (if it doesn't come that way already).
Gino:
See my previous comments on Japan back in Janurary. There was one glasses shop right outside the Akiba station; you can't miss it.
If your wife isn't coming with you, you'd need her prescription, with the pupillary distance. Or if you had a spare pair of her glasses, they could measure the prescription and PD from those.
Leon 11 Apr 2007, 04:25
Does anyone know of an (online) optical shop that sells faceted (or beveled) eyeglasses?
Gino 25 Mar 2007, 13:50
I am travelling to Japan - Nagoya - in April; read somewhere that you could buy glasses really cheap in Japan. I'd like to buy some spare glasses for my wife. Do I need a prescription? where should I go and how much can I expect to pay? She's -4.5L and -4.0R.
Thanks!.
Random_eye 23 Mar 2007, 09:21
Smudgeur
how are things going w/ ur wife?
Glasseslover 16 Mar 2007, 05:58
Hi Smudgeur
I'm exactly in the same position: My wife wears her glasses a few times a year. She has a prescription very close to your wife's, nearly the same. The trouble is that she's still accomodating very well at 33 years of age. She does sometimes wear +1 readers for reading small print complaining she has trouble with tiny letters, but still can manage with efforts. When doing so her left eye goes a little inward and I do love that. But wearing glasses on daily basis...is still a dream and a fantasm for me... May be one day...If ever you have any way out to help a GWG lover mate....I'd be very grateful.
Leon 16 Mar 2007, 04:32
In a couple of weeks I have about 7 hours to spend at JFK International Airport in NYC. Is it possible to do some glasses shopping there? (Lenses are a bit cheaper in the USA, compared to The Netherlands).
Thanks!
Smudgeur 17 Feb 2007, 13:38
My wife goes through bouts of threatening to not wear her glasses anymore as she "can see perfectly well without them".
She wears them full time for me, but I'm not sure how much longer she will do this for (she's had them about 3-4 years now and so is well used to them"
Her prescription is:
r: +0.50 -0.50 080
l: +0.75 -0.25 078
I have tried to explain to her about hyperopia and eyestrain etc. but I am fighting a losing battle as she still has enough accommodation (aged 39) to cope with such a small error.
My question is this - my final throw of the dice before she discards the specs will be to get her to go for an eye test and get a professional opinion. Being involved in the medical profession herself I reckon she will agree to that.
Do you consider that she is more likely to get prescribed glasses by a big chain of opticians (Dolland & Aitchison, Specsavers etc) or at a small one-man-band?
I am veering towards the latter as if I was a one-man-band optician I would prescribe for borderline patients (which my wife undoubtedly is) on the basis that I might get a purchase of glasses out of it too and so extra profits. Can't see that the chainstore opticians have got anything to gain - an incentive scheme would surely be unethical, wouldn't it?
What are your thoughts to assist this slightly depressed OO?
Wurm 09 Feb 2007, 10:31
Glasses contain a frame and a lens.
I pick the old guy to take him in ten.
(Apologies to Muhammad Ali)
Ted 09 Feb 2007, 04:58
How would you like to be a patient at this shop.http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_7675.aspx
DWV 07 Feb 2007, 20:31
Just found this: an optical store in Akiba that is staffed by girls in maid costumes:
http://www.akibaangels.com/articles/11_2006/candyopt.php
http://blog.livedoor.jp/moe_megane/
Circlebox 28 Jan 2007, 20:40
Does anyone have a really good copy of a blank RX? I want to get glasses at an Optical Shop rather than online so I know that they will look good but am really leary about taking a fake RX sheet there. I thought about just buying the frames and having the lenses put in through an online source but am not comfortable as I don't know what the people at the optical shop will say or ask me.
DWV 21 Jan 2007, 09:08
There's also "Express Glass" at Narita airport, terminal 1. Two prices, around $84 and $126, for an autorefraction, glasses, and case. Time: 20 minutes.
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/rest_shop/shop/floor_list/shop_page/t1_5_45_express.html
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2638/2673/1600/P1020371.jpg
Frame styles were similar to those at the other places in Tokyo: colourful, funky, youthful.
DWV 16 Jan 2007, 07:20
About Tokyo:
I didn't buy any glasses there, but there's several chains of stores with prices for complete glasses starting at around 5200 yen (about $50 US), then 7200, 9200, etc (and more for designer brand frames). The frame styles ranged from conservative wire rims to very hip and colourful metals and plastics. I think the price even included an autorefraction (if you didn't bring a prescription).
If you walk down any major shopping street or mall you should run into some of these stores, or just go to Akihabara and you'll see one directly outside the JR station.
And, if you're prowling around Akibara, watch out for the sign for DVD4649... the top floor of the store had a couple of shelves of maid porn DVDs with the girls wearing glasses, maid outfits, and, uh, fluffy cat ears. http://www.dvd4649.com/
The "Akiba Maid Deli" had a couple of cute waitresses with glasses.
http://www.akibamaiddeli.com/index.html
08 Jan 2007, 09:10
http://www.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/061000wh-bush.html
russell 07 Jan 2007, 10:29
Is it possible that no one has an answer for my previous question? Or are you just distracted by the posts that have come after it?
-14 05 Jan 2007, 14:51
Recently there was an earthquake south of Taiwan which resulted in the damage to the fiber optic cable network which serves the far east. Both internet and phone service is effected which may be the reason accessing O4L has been difficult.
Wurm 05 Jan 2007, 12:59
Looks like the O4L outage is just a domain problem. See the post at http://orbdeluxe.com/cgi-bin/read_thread.cgi?33
Random_eye 05 Jan 2007, 11:31
Crap! I hope O4L is not gone. I was just getting ready to order from them soon...
Anyone know whats going on?
Mac 05 Jan 2007, 08:23
Bwian,
These people do lenses with prism:-
www.eyeglassesinternational.com
Bwian 05 Jan 2007, 05:34
Anybody know what has happened to Optical4Less? They have dissapeared off the net. I have purchased over 15 pairs of glasses off them and they were great. Does anyone know of another online optical site which does prism correction?
DWV 04 Jan 2007, 04:11
Me too... I'm going to Tokyo and Yokohama next week.
russell 03 Jan 2007, 13:31
Once more--has anybody bought glasses in Tokyo or Indonesia? Any advice...shops, prices?
Leon 30 Dec 2006, 14:10
Hi aviator, I'm an Eye Scene oldtimer and yes, I'm from The Netherlands.
Russell 30 Dec 2006, 13:35
I will be visiting Tokyo and Indonesia in the spring of the coming year. Has anybody bought glasses in either place? Any suggestions? Price? Quality?
aviator -oo- 11 Nov 2006, 09:25
For anyone visiting Amsterdam, make sure you go to the 'Brilmuseum' which is a glasses museum and shop. Details at: http://www.brilmuseumamsterdam.nl
Their web site only has written info, but having just visited the actual museum, I can not only recommend the exhibits, but also the female staff. One of these, a lovely brunette, not only wears glasses (I would guess around minus 4) but also has a wonderful figure in tight blue jeans.
There is an ordinary optician shop on the corner of the same street which can be visited immediately afterwards. Are there any regular contributors to this site from The Netherands?
Smudgeur 30 May 2006, 08:17
Maxine
I have found just the place for you!
It's a specialist opticians in Covent Garden, London called "Opera Opera"
Check out their website and their range of NHS copies:
http://www.operaopera.net/page13.htm
They even have a picture up of one of those boards demonstrating the old standard NHS specs you could get!
Mzindbender 29 May 2006, 07:14
In the past 2 years I have ordered 4 pair of glasses and all have been great! I have multifocal with prisims and every pair has been perfect. My son turned me on to them when he wanted to order a pair and wanted me to order, too, for free shipping. In the US my glasses cost about $400 US at a minimum. I get 2 pair for under $300 when I order from optical4less. I'm getting ready to order 2 more pair soon.
DWV 29 Apr 2006, 21:56
Maxine:
Yes, but they probably keep them in a drawer or stored away in dusty boxes. Telephone a large number of optical stores on some weekday morning when they aren't too busy to help you and ask.
Maxine 29 Apr 2006, 17:23
Hi There
Are there any optical shops in the UK who do the old style British NHS issue metal frame, not quite round like Harry Potter's but similar. They were mostly made for children, and came with pink, blue or brown plastic covering the metal legs, they also had springy wire earpieces, (the Americans call them cable temples) and were standard 1950-60s issue for kids, although adult sizes were made as well. I find it strange that was so common only 45-50 years ago can be so hard to find these days,
Maxine
Slit 29 Apr 2006, 06:29
In sri lanka, you can get a pair of glasses at about 20 US Dollars,
Only uncommon prescriptions will cost you about 100 US dollars.
Come to sri lanka, shop for glasses!
PerfectPete 28 Apr 2006, 23:09
I was in Malaysia last year and glasses are REALLY cheap there. Complete lens and frames for most "normal" prescriptions start at 140MYR (Ringits) > Thats only $50AUD. The cheapest you can get glasses complete here in AU is 250/300 > and thats with fairly ordinary frames. I got 2 pairs, Distance tinted and Rimless multi focals > total cost about 600MYR (so about 220AUD)! They eye test for free as well > bonus!
PP
Clare 28 Apr 2006, 14:33
Aviator - I was in HK a few years back, but not since. But I wasn't there for buying glasses. I have Shanghai on my wish list so I'll bear it in mind!
aviator -oo- 28 Apr 2006, 14:03
Katy and Clare
Have either of you ever visited China? If you are ever going to that part of the world, have a read of the postings I made below. The opticians there are quick and much cheaper.
Clare 28 Apr 2006, 11:13
Opticians must be making a fortune here in the UK!! I was called to make an appointment for a test and they couldn't fit me in till 13 May. What is going on?
ehpc 14 Apr 2006, 02:41
Cool:)
Sick of EHPC 13 Apr 2006, 23:33
Pete we know what you like by now. You have told us in every second post of yours for the past 5 years. Consider us advised!
ehpc 13 Apr 2006, 12:53
Hey.............red plasic frames:) Rectangular with wide sides I hope:)))))))))) Pete
Katy 13 Apr 2006, 12:40
I just got some new glasses form Specsavers - what a nightmare! The frames were really expensive (£125) but I really loved the shape and colour (red plastic) so saved up and bought them. When I went to collect them, they had stretched the frame beyond all recognition by forcing the wrong shape lenses in. I asked them to do them again, so they cut the lenses down and put them in new frames, but left a gap at one edge, cut one lens smaller than the other, and scratched one lens. I took them back again, and they reluctantly remade them with new lenses. I'm just waiting for them to fall to bits. Never again! :-(
aviator -oo- 12 Mar 2006, 12:40
No 'useful contacts' to name - it is simply a matter of checking the optical outlets in the town or city you may be visiting in China (or wlesehwere in the world). Has anyone else here been to China?
Guest 12 Mar 2006, 06:32
Aviator, great to hear you had a nice trip to China. Did you collect any useful contacts from whom we can buy glasses?
aviator -oo- 12 Mar 2006, 06:30
(continued from previous posting)
There is at least one manufacturer producing several styles of metal frames made with pre-fitted lenses. We are all used to this concept for reading glasses, but in China the same range is also available in minus values up to –6, in half diopter intervals. These cost around Y60 a pair (£4.30) and can be found in a variety of shops, not just opticians. In fact, many opticians do not put these glasses on prominent display, as I guess they make less money from them. The frame styles – of which there are about six – are available in gold or black, with graduated brown or grey tints, or none. They have the quality of mass-produced sunglasses and are not as well finished as custom-made glasses, but who can complain at that price!
My second discovery was more curious. All the opticians have a section devoted to rimless and semi-rimless frames. I was surprised to find a couple of outlets offering these with prescription lenses already fitted – often with light tints. Unlike the mass-produced ready-made glasses mentioned above, these were one-offs. The prescriptions were un-stated but in the range of –1 to –4. The opticians were quite happy to sell me on the basis that I had tried them on, and liked them. Despite language difficulties, there was no attempt to check that the prescription was right for me! I have a weakness for rimless glasses in colourful tints and found examples with pink, yellow and green tints. At around £8 per frame with lenses, I found it difficult not to buy up the entire stock! The wackiest pair I bought is a large oval-ish rimless style with a graduated tint starting purple at the top and ending green at the base!
I have formed some theories as to why these glasses are on sale: one is that the frames were made for a specific customer who then failed to collect – this seems unlikely given that there was about 8-12 made-up frames in each of the stores I found. A second theory is that these made to order by a customer who then found fault or changed his/her mind, forcing the original frames/lenses to be treated as damaged stock, to be sold off cheap. The only other theory is that these rimless frames are made up with prescription lenses ‘on spec’, to encourage customers to try them on in a prescripton close to their own. Has anyone else come across instances of this?
Needless to say, I returned from China with several dozen extra frames for my collection.
aviator -oo- 12 Mar 2006, 06:30
I’ve just returned from a trip to China. For those of us who collect frames with or without prescription lenses, the opportunities are considerable, and the costs can be a fraction of what you would expect to pay ‘in the west’.
I found that the cities now have very smart optical shops which are almost indistinguishable from those in Europe or the USA. They have expensive designer frames, as well as cheaper ones, but these are not the places to find bargains. You need to go to the optical outlets in the smaller towns, or the more down market optical shops in the big citites.
These are willing to fit prescription lenses to any frames you buy or provide yourself, to any value you state. They have glass lenses, CR39 as well as higher index types. They will try to persuade you to go for plastic lenses on the grounds of impact-resistance, and high index for a high prescription. The price of two CR39 lenses, fitted, is around Y80 (about £5.75p) although this can be negotiated down if you are ordering several pairs.
The styles of frames on offer are similar to those in the west, although there is possibly a greater emphasis given to heavy plastic frames, with roughly rectangular windows which are wide but not very deep. These seem to be very popular with younger Chinese girls. Frame prices start from around Y60 (£4.30), although some of the high end designer models still cost as much as Y800 (£60). That said, the lower cost frames include some very nice styles, they are not just crude and basic varieties.
I made two interesting discoveries.... (see second posting)
woodframes 07 Oct 2005, 21:28
Good day,
I am a maker of hand carved wooden glasses, each being specific in design and construction to the desires of the customer. I personally pick all my woods to ensure uniqueness and quality. If anyone is interested in a one in a kind pair of eyewear, feel free to contact me as we could discuss further the possibilities of custom wooden frames.
Scott Urban
8hhhhhhhh8@gmail.com
DWV 28 Sep 2005, 22:36
Here's another site that might be related to Eyeglass Factory Outlet (very similar pricing, Florida address, but worse selection of frames): http://www.eyeglassesoutlet.com
Eye Tri 28 Sep 2005, 15:52
tony:
Got to eyeglassfactoryoutlet.com. Good people to deal with. They just did some work for a few weeks ago.
tony 28 Sep 2005, 02:29
Anyone know what has happened to The Eyeglass Factory. I am based in UK and have a strong Rx including lots of prism. Dr Meyer and his wife Andi were so helpful and understanding. I have not been able to get any repsonse from them or their website. I fear the worst !!! - Can anyone help with some alternatives, please.
Stuart 19 Sep 2005, 15:58
Patrick B
Well the second pair arrived. I am more than satisfied with them. The lenses are exactly as ordered and the frames slightly darker than anticipated - but that is my fault in the ordering.
It is great to have a pair of glasses for close work that look, feel and function effectively - not like the old "monsters". Everbody at work noticed and said that they look great and thought that my eyesight might have improved as they are so much thinner.
As for my idea of wearing them to client vists without swapping from my distance myos it a vain hope. I have experimented and it would probably work except that I couldn't see facial expressions clearly and that is crucial when you are trying to win business and present to clients to gauge their.
In summary a real bargain!!
Stuart 19 Sep 2005, 15:34
Danny
Definitely Optical4less. I have just received a second pair of myodiscs to usde as readers from them and am quite happy re quality and very happy re price. Possibly also try the company that Brian mentioned in the last post. They are in Pakistan.
Also look at the GOC thread on this site and in recent postings you will find a link to a site where optical4less display some of their special orders. It will give you an idea of the range, scope and look of their work.
Good luck let us know how you succeed.
Brian-16 19 Sep 2005, 15:25
Patrick B - Yes thanks for the correction. I guess I was thinking of goggles4u.com.I should stay off this computer and study!
Patrick B 19 Sep 2005, 14:59
Danny,
I'm a high minus with a prescription over -20 and have myodiscs. Luckily, no need for prism correction.
The optical store which specializes in high prescriptions is actually called Optical4Less, not Optical 4 U, as Brian wrote in his recent post. You should check out their website. While they carry 1.9 lenses, I don't think they do bifocals in 1.9 unless, perhaps, it is a special order. But do check them out. They have a special order section as well.
Good luck and let us know how you solve this problem. I haven't got a bifocal choice with myodiscs and simply use a pair with a weaker prescription when I have to see up close for any length of time.
Cactus Jack 19 Sep 2005, 11:59
Danny -- The problem may be the +3.50 Add. The highest normal add is +3.25 and that is probably the highest stock lens blank available. +3.25 focuses at 31cm (12.2in) and a +3.50 would focus at 29cm or (11.4in) - hardly enough to make a difference. Plastic bifocal lens blanks are moulded with the add in the front surface. If you absolutely have to have a +3.50 bifocal in a very high minus lens you will probably have to have custom lenses made so hang on to your hat when you get the price.
Is there any strong reason they need to be +3.50 biocals.
C.
Brian-16 19 Sep 2005, 11:07
Danny-Sounds like some of the chain optical shops in the USA.Try optical4u.com. It seems they can do almost any rx and tell them you want flat top bi-focals rather than the "progressives of varilux". Albert Poon or Fiona at optical4u.com will work with you.By the way what is vision level with your high rx?
Danny 19 Sep 2005, 10:09
I'm having trouble ordering a new pair of glasses in my prescription.
My new numbers are:
Right -18.50 -1.50 095 8 base out +3.50 add
Left -17.25 -1.00 090 8 base out +3.50 add
I've spent almost an hour this afternoon sitting in an opticians store whilst they phone up the lens suppliers to see if I have have bifocals.
The answer is no. I can have single vision 1.9 glass lenses, I might be able to get varifocals (not my ideal choice and i note the word MIGHT!)
So does anyone here have any suggestions as to where I can go to get bifocals?
At the moment, i think that I'll have to spend a fortune on the 1.9 glass lenses, then order some of those stick on bifocals. But that doesn't sound like a great idea!
Brian-16 16 Sep 2005, 14:00
kd-What is your rx?
kd 16 Sep 2005, 11:01
I forgot to write that the lenses on my glasses are so heavy and thick I can't wear them -- no one makes such a high script out of glass anymore and that is what I received.
K
kd 16 Sep 2005, 11:00
I ordered glasses from goggle4u and was very happy with the frame quality but the lenses were not what I wanted. I have a strong script and needed progressive bifocals - on their site it says that hi index is included (meaning they thin the lens for those of us who are almost blind). Well I received my glasses in about 12 days in a very strange package -- I didn't realize they were in Pakistan -- and I am trying to get a response to my question/complaints. I got one standard e-mail and nothing since. No way to contact them otherwise and no one to resolve the problem. I will not ever ever order from them again - and may need to just suck up the lost money and try and report them.
K
Wei 06 Sep 2005, 00:58
Yes Philosifer i believe there more to optical industy than meet eye! Indeed yes glasses can look very nice i like glasses very much if not over thick and heavy but is optical industry expoliting us? People here like glasses but many other rather have good eyesight i fear but optical industry price glasses very high and also I believe glasses for myopic eye not help myopic progression. I read of vision training and other technique which i believe help low myopic more than is stronger, stronger glasses many time. Yes many like glasses include everyone here but some not and I fear for expolition with high eyeglass prices.
Philosifer 05 Sep 2005, 17:08
Googled on "Eyeglass Industry Profit Margins" - Look what came up !
It came from Association for Asian Research 9/21/2004
Eyeglasses
According to statistics, more than 300 million people throughout China wear glasses and the number keeps rising. People in urban areas generally replace their glasses every 3-4 years and in major cities people replace them about every 2-2.5 years. Due to the high demand for eyeglasses, the industry is highly profitable. Approximately 50 million pairs of glasses are sold each year including sunglasses, bifocals, and protective lenses.
Many consumers complain about the high cost of glasses. The actual cost of the lens is not even 10% of the cost that the glasses are sold for. While the cost of glasses is about 20 yuan ($2.41) they are sold for 200 yuan ($24.15). Salesperson’s average about a 50% profit for each pair sold. No wonder many people exclaim: glasses are money in my eyes!
Wei 04 Aug 2005, 11:34
Patrick B, I look at site Optical4Less and will buy I think. Optomologist say that I should not, my glasses must be fitted precisely, but I do not think this matter for spare glasses maybe. He say vertex must be exact and measurement must be perfect. But I sorry that he not been very helpful with lens advice so I will buy anyway.
Patrick B 04 Aug 2005, 10:17
Wei,
I don't know if you live in Asia, but one online store that many have used is Optical4Less which is located in Hong Kong. They specialize in the highest of prescriptions and even stock myodisc lenses that go up to -40! Their prices are much less than in the US (by half. You might want to check out their website.
Wei 04 Aug 2005, 10:12
Can I have recomedation for on line purchase of myodisc? I order from optomogist but I want spare glasses. I wonder if only normal lens can be puchase on line. Any recomedation for quick delivery please. Many thanks from Wei.
jay23 03 Aug 2005, 07:06
Smedgeur there are planty of online glasses supliers in the Uk such as http://www.spexmaniac.co.uk/product/product.php?p=6&ft=bd
much cheaper and easlier to telephone when you need to talk to someone
Shoe 30 Apr 2005, 11:57
I recently ordered a pair from goggles4u.com. Mine were good quality frames from a California label, quality lenses and coatings, free shipping, all for the standard price of $24. I received them in the US in 4 weeks. I get more compliments from friends and strangers - no one ever comments about my $180 glasses that I bought locally.
Brian-16 30 Apr 2005, 11:31
Smudgeur-
Thanks for the info.I have checked out their website..
Smudgeur 30 Apr 2005, 10:59
They are based in Pakistan and I am in the UK.
My original order was placed on 18th February and using their (free) standard shipping arrived on 11th March.
My 2nd order was placed on 1st April and this time I paid extra ($10) to have the glasses shipped with DHL. They arrived on 7th April.
The quality of the glasses is really high and as I said before, so is their customer service.
Brian-16 30 Apr 2005, 06:48
Smudgeur-
How long did it take to get the glasses from them?
Smudgeur 30 Apr 2005, 04:05
I recently ordered a second pair from www.goggles4u.com
The glasses arrived with the wrong prsescription in (they had transposed a + to a - ) however their customer service is brilliant and they are replacing them free of charge. I'd recommend them to anyone.
Shopper 29 Apr 2005, 23:14
I haven't heard anyone complain about Optical4Less lately... I guess that means they've shapen up an become honest (ha!), or no one is buying from them.
(I'm one of those who got taken... they never shipped the order, and when they refunded my $$, it was less 5% or whatever Paypal charges them!).
Filthy McNasty 28 Mar 2005, 16:33
Many online retailers.
Frannie 28 Mar 2005, 16:20
Yard Sale
Want to buy glasses 28 Mar 2005, 16:05
Can somebody tell me a website where I can buy glasses even though I don't a prescription???
thank you
daffy 06 Mar 2005, 14:20
opps ... that was me.
06 Mar 2005, 14:19
I do it all the time. I buy the frames online (sometimes ebay) and go to (after pricing around) an optical shop to fill the lenses in. They have never asked me anything, so no need to lie. The only thing that they do inform you is that there is always a chance that the frames could get damaged and that they will not be liable. It is a risk, however small.
Russell 04 Mar 2005, 10:39
Say, "I got these online and need lenses for them." Any optical shop that wants to make money will not bat an eye at the request. A sale is a sale!
Leon 04 Mar 2005, 06:13
Best thing to do is probably to go to an optical place that sells Silhouette and tell them that you bought the frames abroad: 'When I was in Amsterdam...' ;-)
Filthy McNasty 03 Mar 2005, 21:27
Except that Silhouette frames, at least their rimless designs, require different skills to assemble than other frames do.
DWV 03 Mar 2005, 20:58
Jake: It might be more diplomatic to go to an optician who doesn't sell Silhouette.
Leon 03 Mar 2005, 08:55
Jake: yes, no problem at all. Or send it to an online retailer who provides a lens replacement service.
Jake 03 Mar 2005, 07:13
I purchased some Silhouette rimless frames on ebay, a while back. I would like to have lenses put in them. One of my local opticians is a Silhouette retailer. Is it generally kosher to fill a prescription in drill mount, when you provide the frames?
satchie 28 Feb 2005, 00:24
In reply to rosy101 I am in the UK (see my previous post) and I threatened O4L with allsorts incl. contacting the Embassy but they will not respond to me if you've any ideas how to take this further, i'm with you! We need anyone else with bad experiences from this company to post here I think.
K 20 Feb 2005, 00:23
I bought some glasses from Lenscrafters, about 2 weeks ago and they just don't work for me. (Everything's fine, technically. I found an almost identical pair at a mom and pop's shop for about 1/2 of the price.) In general, how hassle-free is their "30-day - No ifs, ands, or buts!" return policy?
Julian 17 Feb 2005, 11:50
...and what's more, this thread is meant to be about the kind of optical shops where you walk in and physically try the frames on before you decide to buy.
Curt 17 Feb 2005, 11:27
norm: You don't need to post your message to multiple threads. Most of us read all of them....
norm 17 Feb 2005, 09:57
Well here it is six weeks after placing my order with Optical4Less and I still don't have glasses.
My glasses should have included progressive, transition type lens in the HL007 frame with -2.00 and -1.75, with +2.25 adjustment for old eyes, a simple order, nothing complicated.
After a bit of time passed and I did not see a change in "status order" screen I emailed then three times to get feedback. I got no bounced emails, so assume they got them.
It was a month later when I tried to cancel the order in a fourth email I finally got a response.
They claimed they had sent out an email to me three days after I ordered to question the order. I will give them a plus for finding a mistake in the order. However when they heard nothing from me they did nothing even though I had given them my phone number in the "comments" section of the order in case they needed it.
Their excuse was that they had had server problems.
One would have thought knowing this, that they would have resent the emails out, but no, they did nothing.
If they had had server problems I should have gotten bounced emails, so I question their excuse.
Then they promised the glasses would ship in another week, so I waited and cut them some slack, but cancelled the order 24 hours after the second ship date passed and there was no change in order status. I tried to fax them to cancel as well, but got no pick up after many times of trying.
I sent out two other emails when I saw no change in status, one a "cancel email" and two days after the second drop dead date I got an email saying they were closed for the week for vacation and that the order had shipped as scheduled, even though there was no change in status.
When checking the "mail order tracking button" which is supplied by them, the order shipped 8 days later than the second drop dead date, so she lied in the email. So even though I cancelled the order, they shipped the glasses anyway.
Needless to say I have contacted my credit card company to dispute the order, so should not be billed.
I placed another order with another company 48 hours after the drop dead date and hope I have better luck with them.
Stay away from this company. With no phone number, you have no way of knowing what is happening with your order.
This is the first time I have placed an order with an on line company and so far have been unimpressed.
Gus 11 Feb 2005, 22:21
radioman:
I've bought form eyeglassinternational and dealt with Melissa a few months ago. I have to say that I was treated very well by her. Even got an upgrade to a nicer frame for free because they were out of the ones I ordered online. Keep trying the email, as that was the way she and I communicated through the entire process. Good luck!
Me 11 Feb 2005, 19:04
Radioman,
I have personally bought from Optical 4 less and was very happy with there service!
11 Feb 2005, 17:09
Wurm 01 May 2004, 15:33
Here's a thread to discuss experiences with and post questions about brick and mortar optical retailers such as Lenscrafters, Specsavers, or the friendly optician around the corner.
radioman 11 Feb 2005, 05:18
ME-I was charged back in Jan.27th.Thats why I contacted the cc company.To me this outfit sounds like a fly-by night joint just like Zenni Optical.You even take your chances with Optical 4 less as I have noticed from the postings here.
me 11 Feb 2005, 04:18
Radioman, Did your credit card get charged? Maybe she is on vacation.
radioman 10 Feb 2005, 06:09
To all ES surfers-Another poor (maybe gone) on-line eyeglass place is eyeglassesinternational.com.They are located in Parkland,FL.Over 2 weeks ago
I ordered glasses and have heard nothing.Their 800 number goes to voice-mail, and contact info never gets thru on the website.Someone by the name of "Melissa" is the one to contact via e-mail but your mail is sent back to you saying her e-mail box is over quota.Any suggestions?
rosy101 27 Jan 2005, 20:19
Optical4less in Hong Kong are very bad operators. Sent me broken glasses, I processed a return with them to repair, sent back my glasses and that's the last I have heard from them. They will not reply to my emails. I would like to organize enough of us in the USA who have been ripped off to try to petition the chinese embassy in Washington DC to participate with us in an effort to get our money back. Anyone interested in going after these crooks??? I'll watch for posts. Thank you
Rosy101
DWV 23 Jan 2005, 02:23
I did order glasses from Goggles4U. They came from a country a long way away, in very unusual packaging. The frames weren't the ones I'd ordered (one model number off), and the frames were asymmetrical (I've noticed that with frames from other online retailers, though). The lens prescription seemed fine.
Smudgeur 19 Jan 2005, 12:09
Has anyone ordered from www.goggles4u.com ?
They seem extremely reasonable and offer free shipping worldwide.
satchie 19 Jan 2005, 06:09
Optical4less sent me broken glasses and have never replaced them, they will not reply to my e-mails and don't have a contact phone number on there site so be aware!
optifan 14 Jan 2005, 07:39
Did anyone read the article in yesterdays Daily Mail re prices for glasses.
The article says that the market for eye wear is increasing year on year.
However the most important thing was that the average cost of frames to them inc so called designer frames was around £7 and a similar price for lenses.
Welcome to rip off Britain !!!!
I use a local optical laborotary used by independent opticians and he only charges £25 for most single vision lenses so you can imagine what profit your retailer is making.
optifan 14 Jan 2005, 07:30
Christy 27 Oct 2004, 12:48
Just got some Rx sunglasses for the first time ever. Before, I used to manage with a tinted grey clip over my lenses. I picked out one of my early frames (one I always liked), and a clip of the tint I like best, and toddled on down to the optician. I just asked them to put my current prescription in the old frame, and match the tint on the clip, and the whole thing was done in four days even though they had to send everything away to the lab. At first sight I thought the tint was more brown than grey, but that was just the impression gained by seeing the specs lying on the wooden counter at the shop. They were exactly the right tint I wanted. I think I'll always prefer to do specs business this way - face to face - in a shop setting.
Four Yeux 27 Oct 2004, 12:43
I'm thinking of ordering a pair of 1.9 lenticulars in a rimless frame from Optical4less.My RX is -19 approx.Can anyone tell me is this practicable?
Four Yeux 27 Oct 2004, 12:38
Clare 07 Oct 2004, 14:43
" ...makes we value the service " errr, I think I meant 'us' but guess you'll have worked that out already.
Clare 07 Oct 2004, 14:42
Julian - petinent observations. Here are mine: patient = someone who requires medical attention, but has no choice; customer = someone who chooses your service and accordingly products/pricing; client = someone who commits to a relationship with you based on the service you provide.
Me, I'll go where someone values my custom, demonstrates their expertise and makes we value the service they provide. And I travel every day by train - we're allegedly in my 'customers' category, yet we have NO choice. Inflated prices, irregular service, rude staff ... why do we do it?
Julian 07 Oct 2004, 14:23
"...a valued customer". Is that what I am to the optometrist who checks my vision and/or the optician who dispenses the Rx? I thnk the NHS would like them to think of me as a 'patient'; but there is a 'customer' element about it. Is 'client' the golden mean? This has been aired on ES before - but there seem to me to be too many customers around. A few years ago when we travelled by train we were 'passengers' but now...
Love and kisses, Jules.
Clare 07 Oct 2004, 14:15
Hi Helen, I'd been put off Specsavers a while ago after I had a pair of glasses with antireflective coating that came off. I presumed it was their fault. Last time I had a test at Boots I was disappointed that they got my prescription wrong (said it was stronger than it needed to be) and tried to get me to carry on with the order for the glasses though I'd said I felt the prescription was wrong. And the optician admitted she was in a hurry, had another patient waiting. Not the greatest customer service.
My mother went to a Specsavers where the staff were really helpful and we found a great pair of glasses (stylish and trendy). So nice she bought them in two colours - retired persons' discount too. They arranged to send them to her local store too. I might try them. Boots hardly make me feel like a valued customer ...!
Helen 06 Oct 2004, 23:45
Clare,
I have been going to Boots for my eye exams and spectacles. Last August, I went to Specsavers and was very pleased with the results. I got two pairs of spectacles; a designer FCUK pair and a pair of prescription sunspecs.
Clare 05 Oct 2004, 13:32
I'm prepared to change my view on Specsavers based on recent experience. I went to a store with my mother and not only were the people there completely charming, they gave her the 'retired persons' discount despite it being a weekend, delivered the finished glasses to a store 250 miles away, and when they recognised they'd made a mistake in frame colour, were able to change it within 10'. The level of service and attitude belie a brand that appears to focus on price. Obviously value doesn't appear to impact service. A friend of mine using a London store had a good experience too. I'm thinking I might switch from Boots when my next exam is due in December - it's only convenience that keeps me going there.
SS 05 Oct 2004, 13:10
I had an eye test at Specsavers and have to say it was the most thorough I have ever had, and I came away with my first glasses. I'm pleased even though they're -0.5 each eye!! At least I got glasses. The choice of frames there is amazing, I came out with 3 different pairs, and spent a bit! Not as their name suggest
NJ 05 Oct 2004, 10:59
I emailed ZenniOptical, which is just up the road from me, but I never heard back from them.
Lurker 05 Sep 2004, 23:51
This was supposed to to be 'a thread to discuss experiences with and post questions about brick and mortar optical retailers such as Lenscrafters, Specsavers, or the friendly optician around the corner' (Wurm, 1 May 2004) - so why are we discussing online suppliers here?
05 Sep 2004, 17:42
What about zenni optics? Any one have god luck bad luck with them?
-14 05 Sep 2004, 09:00
I just read Laura's Aug 14 posting. I have purchased 2 pair of drilled rimless from Optical4less and found the quality to be excellent at an extremely competetive price and the service superb. I plan to make future purchases.
Smudgeur 15 Aug 2004, 01:25
I've ordered frames from Optical4less for both my wife and myself. They are good quality and a great price. Don't know what you're talking about Laura.
JJ 14 Aug 2004, 20:37
I purchased two pair of eyeglasses from Optical4less and found them to be the same quality as the $500.00 rimless eyeglasses I purchased from Lenscrafters. I will happily buy from Optical4less again.
Laura 14 Aug 2004, 18:50
Don't buy from Optical4less.com, they are fraud.
D-W-V 07 May 2004, 23:41
Here's some entertaining consumer complaints about optical retailers: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/eyeglasses/index.html
http://www.badbusinessbureau.com/results.asp?q1=1037&submit2=Search%21
http://www.badbusinessbureau.com/results.asp?q1=86&submit2=Search%21
Wurm 01 May 2004, 15:33
Here's a thread to discuss experiences with and post questions about brick and mortar optical retailers such as Lenscrafters, Specsavers, or the friendly optician around the corner.