For those who wear eye glasses

[Iman74]

Scratches, no matter what I do I get scratches. I clean them with soft clothes that comes from the eye doctor, even sometimes with a shirt. I learned the hard way not to use Paper Towels. But yet I still get those scratches on my glasses. I'm not talking about scratches like the ones that are so obvious that even when you are wearing them that you see them, which leaves the last resort of buying new lenses. I'm talking about the ones that I you have to angle with the light to see them all. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but hearing if you guys and girls are experiencing this too would be nice. If I happen to be the only one, then that would just really suck.

[raftero]

uou'r not the only one.

[Charger]

My eye doctor told me that "1-hour" places like Lenscrafters use a plastic compound to make their glasses, thus they scratch easily(mine even had a film peeling off of them). He installed some quality glass into my frames and they have been scratch-free for over a year. If it bugs you, have a local, independent eye doctor hook you up. You'l l pay more, but they'll last longer.

[Mr N8]

I go to an independent eye doctor, also. I've had my glasses for 2 years, never used a case, and I don't have any scratched. I am much happier with him than I was with Lenscrafters.

[Force Flow]

I just got these new special lenses that are extra thin, scratch resistant and non-reflective. I like 'em. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of them, but you can try going to empire vision. That's where I got mine.

[audiyoda]

Before I started my studio, I was (and still am) an ABOM (American Board of Opticianry Masters) Certified optician. So I'd like to throw my $.02 in....

I'm honestly offended (not personally, but professionally) when people want to knock the like's of LensCrafters. They provide a service and usually a good service to people who don't want to wait two weeks to a month for a private OD to get their glasses back from a lab. LensCrafters uses the same base materials that are used in over 96% of the eyeglasses dispensed around the United States. Either CR-39, CR-200 (both plastics) or Polycarbonate (high impact resin). Glass lenses account for 4% of the market place. Yes, they are optically the best material (but only by the shortest of margins) and they don't scratch easily - but don't allow them to take an impact. After passing a FDA impact test (3/4 inch steel ball dropped on the lens from 55 inches) for hardness, the lens will not pass that test again due to the stress of the initial impact. And I've seen first hand the results of a glass lens taking an impact -- thousands of shards thrown towards the eye. A good friend of my Mom's lost his right eye because his doctor gave him a loaded story about how 1 hour optical shops use poor quality plastic lenses and that he should be wearing 'high quality' glass. The doctor never took the guys occupation into consideration (he installs rain gutters). Well, one day a gutter he installed came loose and smacked him in the face shattering his right lens. Plasic lenses would have chunked (I proved this is court) and Polycarbonate would have just taken the impact without a thought (again, proven in court). Needless to say, we proved the doctor's negligence -- he never warned David about how glass reacts nor did he inform David of the higher impact qualities of other materials. Although David won the case, nothing will bring back his sight.

As for the 1 hour optical shops of this world, in all honesty, I would trust the opticians long before I would trust a private OD or his/her staff. Only 21 states in the USA require certification and 10 of those just require passing the ABOC. (And anyone can pass the ABOC with 2 hours test prep -- the test is 100 question multiple choice -- 70 passes). So only 11 states require state certification or schooling for someone to sell, make and dispense eyeglasses. And quite honestly, OD's are very good at what they are trained to do -- prescribe. They are not trained to fit and measure eyeglasses -- and yet they 'train' their staff to do just that.

Okay, now for the lens issue. Iman74 (and anyone else), the next time to get eyeglasses or just lenses, make sure you get lenses with a secondary scratch-coating. From LensCrafters, that means their Duralens product. From a private OD, that means either the Essilor TD2 or Zeiss Foundation coating. Keep in mind these coating are not available on all lens styles, but secondary coatings can be had on just about any plastic or polycarbonate lens.

-Craig

[homer15]

i've got that secondary scratch coating, but i still get those mini scratches by the time i'm ready for new lenses (about once a year). it doesn't really bother me that much, because when they're on my face, i can't see them.

what sort of bothers me is that my frames loosen very quickly. my whole glasses wearing career (i wish it was a career, because then i'd be getting paid for it!), every frame i've had has started to loosen... it's really bad when they loosen at the wrong time and i'm nowhere near any precision screwdrivers, and then the lense pops out! then you gotta look for that little screw if it's not in the frame anymore. jeez, that sucks. i usually keep a screwdriver in my car, but it always does this like when i'm carpooling to a concert or something.

[Mr N8]

My independeant OD didn't use glass for my lenses, but was very upfront with me about everything. He also said here are your options, and didn't pressure me in to what brought him the highest profit. I'm happy with him because he is an excellent doc. I also go my glasses within 2 days, which was fine by me. My wife used lenscrafters for he last set of glasses because they actually had frames that looked nice on her. For some reason this is extrememly difficult for her, since most glasses that fit her come for the kids section. It took a lot of searching to find a professional looking pair in her size. The drawback was that they were in the $450 range, and had to be ordered from Italy. (not 1 hour, needless to say) Ouch.

The reason I didn't like them was that when I went there they had a bad OD. He got the prescription wrong for both me and my dad. I also had to have my lenses reworked 3 times before I could wear them for any period of time. They have a new on there, now, and he seems to be pretty good.

[onearmpprhngr]

If your worried about scratches, MAKE SURE you get your glasses from a Lenscrafters, Pearlevision or any other large optical outfit as they have pretty liberal warranties concerning lenses and their fit and finish. I get scratches too and when they start looking ratty, I just run back to Pearle and get them replaced. Most good lenses from the larger optical places offer two year warranty on scratches and anyother damage to the lenses.

PS, when I get them replaced, all they say is, "no problem".

[audiyoda]

Most of what onearmpprhngr said is true -- as long as you get their lenses that include a warranty -- obviously a basic lens nothing added lens does not have a warranty.

But realistically, LensCrafters and Pearlevision are just using the lens manufacturers warranty when you return for replacement. It's nothing out of your pocket -- most lens manufacturers offer 2 year returns.

The coatings I mentioned (TD2 and Foundation) have lifetime warranties. If you're wearing them 5 years from now and the doctor verifies your Rx is the same, the lenses are covered.

-Craig

[Confused]

Craig thanks for the info. I would like your thoughts on what I have been told from two ophthalmologist over the years.

First let me say that plastic lenses are one of the greatest things since sliced bread. My nose and ears took a lot of pain when I was young and glass was the only option. But plastic being so light it has really helped. Of course I get scratches and it is my fault for the most part.

Anyway, both Dr's. have told me that because of my prescription I should avoid the mass and same day service places( both Dr's. only write a prescription). As a result, my prescriptions from independant shops usually take 10 days to two weeks and cost a lot more than my wifes which come from places like Lenscrafters, Pearls, ect. What are your thoughts on this.
Chas
PS
She uses the same ophthalmologist I do.

[audiyoda]

Hey Chas --

I guess it really does depend on your Rx. Just to use LensCrafters as an example -- their equipment is the same that is found in the run of the mill processing lab -- it's just not as customized. it's built for their purposes -- but it still gives them a decent processing range of about -12.00 to +8.00 diopters with roughly 4 diopters of cylinder.

They are also limited by lens stock -- they don't stock as much in the higher index plastics because of cost -- there's not much margin in those lenses for them because they are not used as frequently.

So it really depends -- the lightest weight plasitc they carry is polycarbonate -- it's the lightest, most impact-resistant lens on the market. But for real high perscriptions (over -8.00 and over +5.00) the lens has some aberition issues. But I've seen people with higher scripts wear them for the shear fact that they want the lighest lens available.

Give me some details on the Rx and I'll go from there.

-Craig

[Blankman]

Where I live we only have a Pearl Vision...I've purchased my last two pairs from www.framesdirect.com For the pair I"m wearing PearlVision wanted over $500. I paid $198 with next day air shipping. I've honestly never had a pair that didn't scratch.

[Confused]

Thanks Craig. It's been several years since my last prescription and I don't remember what it is (one advantage of advancing age, your eyes don't change as often). You have basically said the same thing that both Dr's. have told me concerning lens grinding and that they are set up for the masses and not prepared for the extremes. I just wanted your thoughts since my wife has used both Dr's. I have and they haven't told her to avoid any lens shops.
Thanks again
Chas

[eshort]

My RX requires spehrical, cylindrical and prismatic corrections...I use bifocals (to correct for near and distant) and photoactive lenses (which darken in bright UV light).

I have always used galss lenses as Ive been told plastic will scratch easily (Im tought on glasses!).

My latest galsses were obtained from a local OD..the glass has developed imperfections around the corners..the OD refuses to replace the galss, as over 12 months has eleapsed since I purchased them!

Im angry about this--they should watrrenty the glasses for at least 2 years!

My problem is a klimitation in choosing providers since I use a Vision plan provided by my employer...

Optics is a hobby of mine--my ophthalmologist trained me to "do refractions"..I can use a "Phooropter" (the large device the doctors places in front of your eyes to check your vision and obtain corrections)-lots of fun to play with this!!--ive found mistakes (overcorrections) in all prescriptions given me by ODs..along with lab errors (installuing the prismatic correction in wrong direction!!!!).



\My "findings" irriotate my ODS--but too bad--they're MY EYES!!-the ODS "couldnt understand" how I spotted the incorrect prismatic correction (by sighting strightedge thru the glasses..).

Whew!!

[Iman74]

Some people say LensCrafters honer warranties, well you are wrong. Maybe yours does but mine doesn't have such warranties, believe me I tried. Not all LensCrafters run the same.

[eshort]

ahhh--an ophthalmologist ffiend of mine gave me a full Phoroper to "play with"...I can now "do" my own refractions literally check to see the proper prescription was given to me (or anyone else)!!!!!

This is t he large device (with the 30 knobs and hundreds of lenses) the doctor places before your eyes while asking yuou to read the letter charts...it gives the needed refrqctory, cylidrical etc corrective changes needed to attempt to restore your vision to (or as close as possible to-) 20/20 as possible.

cant wait to check my most recent prescription accuracy!!

ive found it is good practice to actually "check" your intended presription while looking out a window (vs looking at the eyechart in the office)--as-looking out the wibndow is a "real life" visual application (vs loking at an eye chart...)....thuis can be done using a trail frame....

[Alan]

Are you gluys dragging your lenses on the ground or something? I don't know what kind of glass/plastic or even if I have any coating or protections on my glasses, but I never get scratches on my glasses. I paid about $300 if that means anything. When I wear my contacts with my sunglasses, I get every sort of ding dent and scratch on my sunglasses.

[homer15]

Originally posted by Alan
Are you gluys dragging your lenses on the ground or something?

you mean we're not supposed to?

[audiyoda]

eshort -- you do realize that your perscription will change many times throughout the day? And you also realize that you were 'trained' by a doctor who went to school to become an MD and specialized in the eye? Most (not all and since I don't know your Ophthalmologist I can't speak for or about him/her) take maybe 1 semester's worth of schooling to learn what an Optometrist learns over the course of three years. Ophthalmologists specialize is diseases and surgeries of the eye - not perscriptions of the eye.

Now I could care less what anyone does in their spare time, but for a Ophthalmologist to give you a phoropter is in my professional opinion like LawyerRon giving his law degree to a friend and telling him that's all he needs to defend himself against a murder rap. That phoropter needs to be calibrated every 6-9 months by a professional servicer. And well, I'm professionally ashamed (not at you, but your friend) that a doctor who shouldknow better would allow you to have a piece of equipment like that.

I'm sorry to come across like a jerk, but for you to have equipment like that puts anyone who does refractions for you or your friends in question because you might find a different refraction. But the truth is, you could see six different doctors in one day and get six totally differnet yet somewhat similar refractions. There are just so many variables -- time of day, your mood, your health....you name it, it can effect your eyes.

But like I said, what you do in your own free time is your business -- just consider what I've said. I always like to see people take ownership of their eyes -- too often people just take their OD's or MD's word for it. And then they are unhappy for quite a long time because they don't or won't say something is wrong.

-Craig

[audiyoda]

Originally posted by Iman74
Some people say LensCrafters honer warranties, well you are wrong. Maybe yours does but mine doesn't have such warranties, believe me I tried. Not all LensCrafters run the same.

Iman74 -- check LensCrafter's Guarantees/Warranties (http://www.lenscrafters.com/cs_guarantee.html).

If you are still unhappy with their service, you need to contact their corporate offices in Cinncinati. You can find their main number at the bottom of this (http://www.lenscrafters.com/cs_contact_us.html) page.

-Craig

[eshort]

The doctor gave me the phoropter because he purchased a repalcment..I had worked in his office for several years-part time-assisting with refractions!

My RX is very constant--I (as well as my ophthalmologist/optometrist) have "checked " it several times during one day--

All I can say are my personal experiences with optometrists- (4) -each has "overcorrected" (over plussed) my rx..and..one gave me my glasses with the prism correction in the wrong direction and failed to correct it (sent glasses back to lab, glasses returned with prism still in wrong direction!!)

I guess it's the lucjk of the draw :)

[Billnodeal]

I've been wearing glasses since the 1st grade. I have always been rough on glasses & have always gotten scratches on them before time to replace them. I've tried the coatings, the special plastic ones, etc. I still get them no matter how careful I am in cleaning them. I've used Pearle, Lenscraftters, Sears, Dr. Feelgood, etc. The warranty at Pearle & Sears have always been the best. But I still argue that customer service at any place is what makes the consumer happy. Also the OD must be good & thorough & take their time. I can tell at an exam when the presc. will be right by how thourough the Doc is. If I had money & guts, I would get the new eye surgery done in a heartbeat! How many others would get their eyes operated on out there?

[Iman74]

Originally posted by audiyoda


this (http://www.lenscrafters.com/cs_contact_us.html) page.

-Craig

All I see is a life time warranty for adjustments. As far as I can remember adjustments do not include the removal of scratches or the guarantee that you will never get scratches.

Now I do see a one year warranty on scratches and accidental damage but as I originally posted I'm talking about those miniscular scratches that need to be angled to see, do you believe or know they will cover that?

[Iman74]

Originally posted by Billnodeal
I've been wearing glasses since the 1st grade. I have always been rough on glasses & have always gotten scratches on them before time to replace them. I've tried the coatings, the special plastic ones, etc. I still get them no matter how careful I am in cleaning them. I've used Pearle, Lenscraftters, Sears, Dr. Feelgood, etc. The warranty at Pearle & Sears have always been the best. But I still argue that customer service at any place is what makes the consumer happy. Also the OD must be good & thorough & take their time. I can tell at an exam when the presc. will be right by how thourough the Doc is. If I had money & guts, I would get the new eye surgery done in a heartbeat! How many others would get their eyes operated on out there?

Still can't decide on whether I want to do that or not. There is one thing that nobody can't deny, that scientists eventually find something wrong with everything. Whether it be milk or your cats raby shots, they always find something wrong with it. Do you know when cigarettes first came out in Europe doctors actually recommended them to patients? No lie, my grandmother started smoking for that vary reason. Also, I just learned that if a cat gets too many and at certain spots rabi injections that it can get cancer from it.

[audiyoda]

Originally posted by Iman74


All I see is a life time warranty for adjustments. As far as I can remember adjustments do not include the removal of scratches or the guarantee that you will never get scratches.

Now I do see a one year warranty on scratches and accidental damage but as I originally posted I'm talking about those miniscular scratches that need to be angled to see, do you believe or know they will cover that?

LensCrafters policies regarding warranties on lenses are pretty simple -- you are allowed a one year period to have your lenses replaced under warranty. When you buy your lenses you are not buying a warranty -- when you need to use their warranty you pay them a service fee for the new lenses -- so you are paying for the warranty when and if you use it. You can use it as many times in a year as you'd like. It is their corporate policy, it is not up to interpretation as every office is corporately owned. Some doctor's offices are independantly owned, but every LensCrafters is a corporate store. I have seen store managers fired when customers call the corporate office with a specific complaint like a office not honoring a warranty.

-Craig