HANDS ON - ASK THE LABS
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

ABBE ADVICE

Q How important is Abbe value? How does it affect patients wearing poly and high index?

A A higher Abbe value is better; patients perceive lower Abbe value as distortion in the lens periphery. A lower Abbe value has been the downside of the use of poly. However, the quality of the material has improved from the past.

AR has helped reduce the light scattering effect some patients previously experienced, since AR allows more light to pass through lenses. Due to high Abbe value, all high index materials benefit from AR.

— Dale Parmenteri, vice president, Balester Optical Company,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

DOUBLE ANSWER

Q We ordered a sunglass frame with a -5.00, add +2.50, FT28 mid-index polarized lens that required an eight base. The patient's PD was 66/63; the frame size was 62mm. The lab said it was unable to make the lenses. What can I give my patients who want Rx sun wraps, other than inserts?
Following are two options.

A The lab may have had difficulties surfacing the lens due to the steep inside curve needed. We
recommend a poly polarized lens on a four or six base curve, and edge it using an eight base bevel to match the curve of the frame. The lens would protrude slightly in the front, but would look nice and fit well. When producing lower power Rx's, we would use the eight base lens that matches the frame curve.

— Michael C. Vitale, ABOM, NCLC, director of operations, Sutherlin Optical Lab, Kansas City, Mo.

A The technology provides that we grind a 30mm to 45mm bowl lenticulated on the inside surface. The exact bowl diameter would be determined by the technician while processing the job. The inside lenticulation would be smooth and rounded so as not to be discernable by the patient.

— Steve Seibert, president, Three Rivers Optical, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Better, Faster Lab Work

Q I need faster turnaround time on much of my lab work. What tips can you give me to work on at my end to expedite jobs from the lab's end?

A Double check—even triple check—to make sure all orders are correct. Have someone besides the person who took the order review it. Write legibly and fill out the order form completely, including detailed special instructions. This helps eliminate call-backs from the lab, which can delay a job. Only order a hot rush job when you need it. Too many rush jobs from one source is like the "little boy who cried wolf" and may not get as much attention as someone who only orders a rush when it's highly necessary. You can also proactively determine what work you usually need faster and create a list, then meet with lab management to discuss options. Today, most jobs are processed and out of a lab in a day or two; AR might add two to three days at the most.

—Ed Dietz III, president, Dietz Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas

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.