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

POT OF GOLD

Q What are a few strategies to maximize the use of my dispensary in a slow market and soft economy?

A Today's labs have a vested interest in customer success, and many have moved into the consulting arena.

We work closely with our customers to improve methods of recommending premium lens options, and to train and educate them.

Ask if your lab will help grow your practice on a consulting basis, and work with them to develop customized programs for your practice. The OLA is a great source for locating quality labs.

-- Jeff Szymanski,
Toledo Optical Laboratory,
Toledo, Ohio

POLISH IT OFF

Q If a spectacle lens is polished after AR is applied, will it ruin the lens?

A Theoretically, polishing the edge of an AR-coated lens will not damage or destroy the AR stack. But, if the polishing wheel has any frayed strands or an indented area--anything that might cause portions of the wheel to strike the front and rear surface of the lens--abrasion of the AR coating may occur.

To reduce the risk of damage, try using surface saver tape on the lens, especially the front surface which is more susceptible to damage.

-- Pete Hanlin, ABOM, LDO, Essilor of America,

Dallas, Texas

IN A RUSH

Q What is the best way to get a rush job back on time from my lab?

A First, call the lab and make certain it has all the necessary materials. Then let them know your anticipated delivery date. At this point, allow the lab sufficient time to fabricate the job.

Request a call if a problem develops, and keep your patient informed. Electronic ordering with tracing expedites the job the most, or overnight the frame. And keep it simple: Don't expect a customized shape in a rimless drill-mount with a tint and AR overnight.

-- Glenn Herringshaw, Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Ind.

Diving IN

Q We're looking for a lab that can handle some specialty work, specifically, prescription dive mask lenses. What questions should we ask prospective labs?

A Find out if the lab works in glass; most Rx dive mask lenses are made of it. Dive mask lenses put all the plus power on the backside and are ground on a flat base, so the lab has to be effective in fabricating lenses with those nuances in mind.

Also, ask them how the lens is affixed to the mask: By adhering the lenses to the mask surface or by edging and inserting the lenses into the mask. Ask how often the lab does dive masks, how long they've been fabricating dive masks, and if they have solid relationships with any local dive shops.

-- Danny Singer, Ultra Lens Laboratories, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

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.