HANDS ON - Ask The Labs
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

EYE FORGET

Q What do labs look for on an order form? What points are typically the most overlooked or omitted by ECPs?

A Labs look for legible and complete details of the lens power, location of the optics, lens material, lens design, and the frame to be used. These are essential to begin the fabrication process.

Well thought out order forms and electronic order forms with built-in error checking eliminate most common omissions.

However, PDs, seg heights, and lens material are still the most commonly overlooked items. As a sign of the times, items like polarized and photochromic lens colors are also frequently overlooked.

Add to this mix orders that creatively mix the type of lens and lens treatments with designs that are not available—for example, a 7x28 high index polarized photochromic lens. This type of "niche selling" can make editing lab orders interesting.

— Sam Odom, director education and marketing, Legends 4.0 Optical Laboratory, Lewisville, Texas

WEARING NYLON

Q Can you fit high index lenses in a rimless frame using a nylon string mounting?

A Yes, you can put high index lenses in a semi-rimless frame, although I would recommend polycarbonate lenses for safety reasons.

Also consider lens thickness, which may work against you in this case if you're using high index. Depending on the Rx, lens size, base curve, and frame makeup, this type of lens mounting requires a thick enough lens to be able to accommodate the nylon string that connects the lens to the top rim.

If in doubt, call your lab and talk with them first before taking the order and sending in the job. That way, you and the customer won't be disappointed with poor eyewear appearance or performance.

— Bob Jensen, director of marketing
Crown Optical, Alton, Ill.

On the MONEY

Q I have a patient who's a coin collector. Are there any specialty lenses or devices that would help him pursue his hobby with more optimum vision than his flattop trifocals?

A Professional and amateur numismatists grade coins. Graders must consistently have the same type of lighting—different lighting changes their perception of tone. Most prefer a 75 to 100 Watt light bulb about three to four feet from where they examine the coin. Graders like to base their evaluation on what they see with normal corrected vision. Magnification should be used sparingly or the grader will become dependent on it, resulting in harsher grading. One good 5X to 7X pocket loupe with edge-to-edge clarity (usually a doublet or a triplet) is all that's needed. If you're more curious about coin collecting, visit www.money.org, or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (www.ngccoin.com) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (www.pcgs.com) online.

— Alex Yoho, ABOM, Hawkins Optical, Topeka, Kans.

If you have a question you'd like to have answered in Ask the Labs, send it to Karlen McLean. Fax: 215-643-1705. E-mail: mcleank@boucher1.com. An archive of past Ask the Labs columns can be found on the Eyecare Business Website at www.eyecarebusiness.com.