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Unusual Optical Tools

Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

I remember the feeling of awe when I first applied clear nail polish on frames to seal the screws and make them stay put longer. I didn't know if that was right or wrong, but it seemed to work.

Dental tools also came in handy; the pick, for instance, was great for mounting semi-rimless lenses.

ORDINARY = INNOVATIVE

In Eyecare Business' February “Ask the Labs” column, labs shared their favorite optical hand tools, and two of them stuck out:

1. A guitar pick for mounting lenses in nylon rimless jobs.

2. The hand, for nearly any frame alignment and adjustment task.

Here are some popular unusual tools for the dispensary.

1. Model paint. Used on metal frames to paint the top and bottom of screws to match the color of the frame and seal the screw in place.

2. Fishing line. Can sometimes work better to mount semi-rimless lenses than the standard supplied cord. For example, using a higher-test line for high-minus lenses and a lower-test line for plus lenses.

3. Penlight. Used to inspect deterioration of plastic frame bridges on noses, and as a PD focus light.

4. Toothbrush. Perfect for use in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning units to scrub eyewires and nosepads.

5. Baby powder. Sprinkle baby powder in the salt/bead pan so that the medium doesn't stick to plastic frames.

6. Heat shrink tubing. Heat shrink can help rig broken spring hinges to keep the frame front and temple together until replaced.

7. Freezer. If CR39 lenses are a bit too large, chilling them in the freezer for about an hour may shrink them just enough for frame insertion.

8. Hemostat. A great tool for finely tuned grasping and other holding tasks.

9. Rhinestones. Strip old frames of their rhinestones and save them for replacements, securing them with super glue.

10. Saltpan. Has a second life as a coffee warmer! EB

Senior editor Karlen McLean has been in the optical industry for 35 years. She has spent half of that time in the dispensary. In this monthly column, Karlen shares her own experiences, and hopes you'll share yours. Contact her via email at karlen.mclean@wolterskluwer.com.