QUESTION FOR STEVE OR DARRYL

[harry a saake]

What is the real reason you put all those annoying advertisements on the pal,s, that we really dont need. Law?,Company policy,do the lens manufactures feel they have to advertise to the opticians. Seems like you could save a lot of time and effort,and ink with one litle marking other then the ones you do need. Curious in N.C.

[Steve Machol]

Harry,

I can't speak for Darryl, but you'll notice that my AR coatings don't carry such nonsense! :D

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OptiBoard Administrator

[Darryl Meister]

Hi Harry,

I'm going to assume that by "annoying advertisements and little markings" you are specifically referring to the ink markings on PALs.

Manufacturers usually place those markings on -- at much expense to ourselves -- to help you, the lab person and optician. We do this because we, as lens manufacturers, are generally caring and compassionate people who want only to help our customers in any way we can. ;) Most of those ink markings serve very specific uses, and are also designed to comply with ISO and/or ANSI standards.

The fitting cross is used for finishing layout. The prism reference point is used for surfacing layout (in most systems). The horizontal reference lines are used to ensure alignment during both processes. The distance and near checking circles are used to measure the lens at its exact distance and near reference points. (Without these, power measurements would almost certainly become random and inaccurate.) Additionally, the manufacturer may place a marking to denote the lens design, manufacturer brand, etcetera. (Without these, most progressives would look a lot alike!)

The semi-visible engravings contain even less information. Generally, two horizontal reference engravings -- 34 mm apart -- are placed on to allow for remarking the lenses once the ink markings have been removed. These etchings may be symbols used to identify the manufacturer brand, material, lens design, etcetera. Under the temporal etching the add is usually engraved to allow for easy verification of the add power. Additionally, some manufacturers may also engrave an additional symbol under the nasal etching to identify the lens design, base curve material, etcetera.

Yes, some ink markings are unnecessary or superfluous. But I think that most are quite useful and beneficial -- particularly while fabricating the lenses or rechecking lenses that have already been dispensed. Now, the lens blank boxes on the other hand... ;)

Best regards,
Darryl

[harry a saake]

Hello Darryl, i probably should have been a little more specific, as i really meant the extra haevy ink advertising parts. I realize the importance of the rest, just sems like they over do it a bit.

[Pete Hanlin]

Speaking of advertisements and PALs... I recently viewed an ad for a Varilux PAL that was so confusing I barely understood it! Something to do with presbyopes being held "prisoner" or something... this guy watching a tennis match from inside an imaginary jail.

Pete

[Jo]

Pete:

Don't be knocking the "Presbyopic Six!" They just want "near, far and in between."

[Alan W]

Like help . . . .
This 56 year old presbyope likes to A/R lenses (92% of them). But, this 56 years old presbyope can't see diddly (markings) on an A/R uncut. I use a +3.00 held up to find them, I steam them, I try to see them with a Burton lamp. No soap. Of course, this 56 year old presbyope uses the OC's and their relationship to where the markings should be whenever possible, and whenever the lab puts the OC's where they belong . . . dream on!
What's the magic answer, oh, great colleagues of the west/east/north/south?
I'm running out of add power on my PALs, so talk fast.

Love,

Alan