[hands on] Ask the Labs

Q & A
By: Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

AN AWL-RIGHT SOLUTION

Q When taking apart and remounting three-piece rimless frame styles, why do I have trouble getting the frames apart? I am very concerned about frame breakage.

A Many manufacturers' rimless designs include a plastic mounting sleeve in each hole.

Generally, this helps keep the lenses secure and safe when assembled and worn. In order to correctly remount lenses, you need to release the vacuum between the mounting sleeve and the frame.

Do that by poking a hole in the back of the sleeve using a special tool that's specifically designed for this task. You can also use an awl, which is a rounded-tip screwdriver.

Then the frames and mounting sleeves will separate easily and you can remount the lenses.

— Steve Seibert, president,
Three Rivers Optical,
Pittsburgh

MISSING FRAME

Q If we send in lens-only jobs, when patients won't give
up their frames, what should we do on our end to ensure the best outcome from the lab's end?

A If we haven't done the job before and have no data on file, we need a tracing or fax of the lens shape. It's extremely important to send
accurate frame measurements, including the "A," "B," "C" (center width of the lens or eye size), and "ED." We need pupillary distance, optical center, and base curves. We need the edge type: Is it a metal, plastic, or other frame style? Thickness is extremely important because there are varying thicknesses, especially with plus lenses.

With a PAL, we'd rather have too much information than not enough. Being thorough, complete, and including all the details will help eliminate the need for call backs and speed up turnaround.

— Michael Cooper,
general manager, Tri-Supreme Optical, LLC, Farmingdale, N.Y.

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@boucher-1.com.