Questions! Need Experienced Advice! Money is involved...

**dadoody** · 08-04-2004, 06:24 AM

Well my money anyways. :)

I have 3 questions I need answered please.

For my next question, my new prescription hasn't changed much. One eye has slightly changed. I can still use my old lenses as back up but the frames are battered. (Polycarbonate Lenses. 2 years old.)

1.) How plausible is it for me to find an optician who will help me adjest my old lenses to new frames? I am thinking about having these old lenses converted to rimless glasses using some cheap rimless frames from here: http://store.yahoo.com/eyeglasses/valrim.html#description. Is this possible? Can once rimmed glasses be turned into rimless? Just a few holes poked into the lenses and BAM rimless. Sound easy.

2.) I am considering transition lenses. How are they in your experience? Are they worth the price? I work at night with computers, so need clear indoor vision, yet I also go out in the day and I need nice shades? Do they do the job? Or are they more troublesome than they are worth? (Would it be better for me just to tint the lenses?)

3.) My last question is: I'm thinking about buying Silhoutte Rimless No Hinge glasses. Have you people any experience with these glasses? Does Hingeless = Easy to Break/Wear out?

I thank you for your answers and brain juice chemical reactions.

**Chris Ryser** · 08-04-2004, 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by dadoody

.................I can still use my old lenses as back up but the frames are battered. (Polycarbonate Lenses. 2 years old.)

1.) How plausible is it for me to find an optician who will help me adjest my old lenses to new frames? ..............................rimless. Sound easy. ........................

I thank you for your answers and brain juice chemical reactions.

Despite being of the old optical guard the chemical brain juices are still flowing.

In the old days a few years back, you would not have had to pop this question it would have been a natural demand to ask to use the old lenses or even better, every optician would have offered and proposed the this solution, which would have made an extra frame sale. However the size and shape of lenses would have limited the choice of the frame.

As you want to get a rimless frame it would technically be easier to do as there is no shape reqirement and it should be very eay to do.

However you might encounter the problem that today's new wave opticians hate to touch old used lenses, even the thought of making an extra buck does not seem to be very encouriging.

I know I could be condemned to the Optiboard dog house for making above statement.

Technically your demand is easily feasible if you can find an optician who has been around for while. Good luck!

**dadoody** · 08-04-2004, 07:52 AM

Hello Chris Ryser.

Are you still in business? :)

**Chris Ryser** · 08-04-2004, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by dadoody

Hello Chris Ryser.

Are you still in business? :)

Despite all the rumors that I died, retired, had Alzheimer's, sold my company, moved and so forth, I am still kicking and running my business as forever. I actually also do my very successfull website at http://optochemicals.com all by myself. How about that for the rumors!

:hammer: :hammer:

**dadoody** · 08-04-2004, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

Despite all the rumors that I died, retired, had Alzheimer's, sold my company, moved and so forth, I am still kicking and running my business as forever. I actually also do my very successfull website at http://optochemicals.com all by myself. How about that for the rumors!

:hammer: :hammer:

Damn. I need an old world european like you to help me. Too bad you're in Europe....

I'm in Southern California. Everyone born and raised here is lazy and worthless.

So sad ;_;

Someone help me! Any good opticians in CA? Or will have to trust "Lenscrafters"? <_<

**Chris Ryser** · 08-04-2004, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by dadoody

Damn. I need an old world european like you to help me. Too bad you're in Europe....

I'm in Southern California. Everyone born and raised here is lazy and worthless.

So sad ;_;

Actually I am not in Europe I am in Montreal Canada, only half way from CA. If you go on my website you can see the full address.

**dadoody** · 08-04-2004, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

Actually I am not in Europe I am in Montreal Canada, only half way from CA. If you go on my website you can see the full address.

Great. I was wondering if you could do this for me. I'll send you the new frame and the lenses. All I need done is to have the edges smoothed out for the new rimless look, and to have the frame attached somehow. Just tell me how much a service like this may cost.

Edit: erm, I mean private message me if possible please :)

**Spexvet** · 08-04-2004, 10:10 AM

Dadoody,

I am a medium-time optician (24 years), and I agree with Chris that this could be done. Some things to consider:

What you are proposing to do is analogous to taking the engine out of your 1999 Camry and putting it into a new cavalier body. Can it be done? Probably. Will it take substantial customization? Absolutely. Is it as good as buying a new Cavalier with its own engine? Absolutely not.

You old frame is battered. My guess is that your old lenses are scratched, as well. Scratches can interfere with your vision and reduce the impact resistancy of your lenses (even Polycarbonate).

Your Rx has changed slightly. Don't you want to see the absolute best that you can?

The Silhouette Minimal Art collection (hingeless) are fantastic! They are very light weight and yet very forgiving - comfortable and durable.

**For-Life** · 08-04-2004, 10:41 AM

Since the other two questions were tackled I will get to the second question about Transitions.

I find transitions great. They get as dark as sunglasses outside instantly and I find that they lighten up completely in 5 - 10 minutes. The only probably is that they stay pretty clear behind the windsheild of the car. They will darken a little, but not enough. So transitions cannot be used to replace driving sunglasses, but for everything else they are great. I even get a lot of teachers or grocery store wearers buy them because they darken very slightly with the fluorecent lights and cut down on eye strain.

Also, make sure that you get an AR coating with this job for several reasons. The first one is that rimless glasses just do not look good without an AR coating. If you want them to disappear you do need glaring lenses standing out. Second, AR will cut down on night time glare, computer glare, allow for more light transmission, and make it easier on your eyes. Finally, if you do get transitions, AR will keep the lenses in better shape for a longer period of time. Transitions tend to yellow over time, AR will extend that period of time.

**ikon44** · 08-04-2004, 02:18 PM

I would agree with spexvet,go for the silhouette rimless, i wear them myself
you can also get a customised polarised sunclip that fits exactly over the eyeshape you choose, this gets round the driving problem with transitions.

As to re edging your lenses bear in mind that you are going to lose some of your
lens size, if it is a small shape to begin with, you may end up with a pair of specs that are not wide enough to fit your head comfortably.

good luck

:cheers:

**dadoody** · 08-04-2004, 08:04 PM

I have decided to QUIT QUESTION #1

I went to the optometrist that made my glasses 2.5 years ago today. He saw the condition of my frames, and he bent them back into balanced shape AND replaced the old and broken parts. If only he had a better selection of frames, I would probably buy from him.

I now have a NEW QUESTION! :D

After consideration I am wondering why I should pay the 200-300 dollars for silhouette rimless, when they have near exact clones out there like these ones:
http://store.yahoo.com/eyeglasses/valrim.html
http://eyeglass.com/fiorelliz10.html

It's "beta titanium" which is what the Sils say they're made of. Also rimless and hingeless.

"Colts Laboratories Certified" - What does this mean?

I know the second link is made by Fiorelliz, but the first one is a mystery to me. Must be generic.

**Jana Lewis** · 08-04-2004, 08:09 PM

Dadoody-

I would never trust anything optometric off a website without the help of a licensed professional. Professional opticians can make sure that your adjustments/ rx and overall satisfaction is acheived. Good luck!

**dadoody** · 08-04-2004, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Jana Lewis

Dadoody-

I would never trust anything optometric off a website without the help of a licensed professional. Professional opticians can make sure that your adjustments/ rx and overall satisfaction is acheived. Good luck!

I'm starting to agree again somewhat.

May biggest problem so far with ALL the optical places I've been to is that I think the people I'm asking questions are NOT the people I should be asking. Most of them I don't believe know ANYTHING they're talking about and when they try to "help" me, it is more like they are trying to rush me into buying ANY of their glasses.

I've only spoken to one optician from the Lab and that was at Lenscrafters. He was cool, but the lady trying to "service" me only made me leave that store faster.

I've done a lot of shopping though and while I was shopping I memorized/wrote down the sizes and brands of glasses I thought looked best on me.

Also forget what I said about that site with the "cheap" frames. The frames are cheap, but their prices for lens + transitions + AR is through the roof. Might as well just buy silhouettes. Yeesh.

**mrba** · 08-04-2004, 08:29 PM

Most of the clones I have seen of TMA are junk. There are exact copies from the same factory out there... but be very careful. Those are hard to come by for the average joe.

**optiboarder** · 08-05-2004, 12:29 AM

The transitions are great. Might want to consider AR over them for extra clarity. However, it will slow down the darkening/lightening process.
I"m pretty sure you cannot tint your old Polycarbonates to the desired shade of sunglasses. Especially scratched ones. Same goes for AR.
All silhouette-like frames are junk. I've been dealing with Silhouette for about 5 years now (not their lab, thou). I make the glasses and don't see the patient until the're ready for a new pair or lens Rx change. The "hingeless" work fine but you need both hands to put them on.

**Spexvet** · 08-05-2004, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by dadoody

I have decided to QUIT QUESTION #1

I went to the optometrist that made my glasses 2.5 years ago today. He saw the condition of my frames, and he bent them back into balanced shape AND replaced the old and broken parts. If only he had a better selection of frames, I would probably buy from him.

I now have a NEW QUESTION! :D

After consideration I am wondering why I should pay the 200-300 dollars for silhouette rimless, when they have near exact clones out there like these ones:
http://store.yahoo.com/eyeglasses/valrim.html
http://eyeglass.com/fiorelliz10.html

It's "beta titanium" which is what the Sils say they're made of. Also rimless and hingeless.

"Colts Laboratories Certified" - What does this mean?

I know the second link is made by Fiorelliz, but the first one is a mystery to me. Must be generic.

Remember, you are not paying a qualified optician just for the frame. You pay for the frame, his expertize in analyzing your frame fit, Rx/frame compatability, lens recommendation, post-purchase adjustments, and frame/lens warranty. After all, what web site do you go to that will adjust/repair your glasses for you the way your eye care professional just did?

Also, back in the eighties, wasn't it a Plymouth advertisement that showed how much its car looked like a Mercedes Benz? They may look alike, but they're not the same. A Silhouette "knock-off" is just not a Silhouette anymore than a Plymouth is a Mercedes.

You may want to take the list of frames you have, and show it to the eye care proffessional you just dealt with. Hopefully, he will be able to get some of those frames for you.

"Colts" is an independant testing lab, similar to UL

Good luck

**Chris Ryser** · 08-05-2004, 08:26 AM

Also, back in the eighties, wasn't it a Plymouth advertisement that showed how much its car looked like a Mercedes Benz? They may look alike, but they're not the same. A Silhouette "knock-off" is just not a Silhouette anymore than a Plymouth is a Mercedes.

In the 2000's a Plymouth/Dodge is a Mercedes. Chrysler has been absorbed by Mercedes. Today's best sold cars come from the orient.

Same with glasses........... European manufacturers do not manufacture anymore , they buy and sell products from other manufacturers under theyr own name.. This means their high quality products are also made in the far east, and so are all the products in clothing, electronics, and many more others in every domaine.

**Joann Raytar** · 08-05-2004, 08:33 AM

Cutting lenses down is possible and everyone has given you good advice.

Before you jump in, check to make sure that your lens type will be forgiving if cut down into another frame. Progressive no-line bifocals, for example, are fit and cut to exact specs and if they don't line up infront of your eyes correctly the retrofit glasses may not allow the vision you are used to or may be useless.

Usually, any type of cut down or repair work is done at the customer's own risk. Ask about what will happen if the lenses and/or your own frame are damaged in the process. Right now, it sounds like you have a beaten up but usable back up; if something goes wrong, you could end up with nothing.

Yes, cutting down lenses can work. Weigh the pros and cons before doing anything. Find yourself a good optician who can evaluate the new frames, prescription and the fit if you decide to go ahead.

**Spexvet** · 08-05-2004, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

In the 2000's a Plymouth/Dodge is a Mercedes. Chrysler has been absorbed by Mercedes. Today's best sold cars come from the orient.

Same with glasses........... European manufacturers do not manufacture anymore , they buy and sell products from other manufacturers under theyr own name.. This means their high quality products are also made in the far east, and so are all the products in clothing, electronics, and many more others in every domaine.

Chris,

I have sold BUM, Lawrence, and Revolution hingeless frames, and I have found that Minimal Art frames don't break as frequently (in fact no MA that I've sold has come back broken), maintain their shape longer, and keep their finish longer than the others. I don't dispute that most frames come from the far east (although MA has "frame made in Austria" printed on it), but there can still be differences in quality.

**drk** · 08-05-2004, 09:34 AM

Chris, you are the cantankerous "Andy Rooney" of the Optiboard! Everyone loves you, deep-down.

TMA will break, if you sell enough of them, but they're the "real deal", so that's what I sell.

Hey, nothing wrong with rigging up a spare pair of glasses, but don't go cheap on something that is part of your appearance and vision!

Either I'm a naiive turnip, and the "Frame Shame" article is a blatant lie, http://www.eyecarebiz.com/archive_results.asp?loc=archive\2003\september\0903fbframe.h tm, or you are overstating the case.

Chris, what's your take on that?

**dadoody** · 08-05-2004, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Spexvet

Chris,

I have sold BUM, Lawrence, and Revolution hingeless frames, and I have found that Minimal Art frames don't break as frequently (in fact no MA that I've sold has come back broken), maintain their shape longer, and keep their finish longer than the others. I don't dispute that most frames come from the far east (although MA has "frame made in Austria" printed on it), but there can still be differences in quality.

You see, this is exactly my problem. The optical place that adjusted my glasses and gave me great service has poor selection. I asked him if he could order the frames I wanted, have him cut to that, but he said no he couldn't Something about contracts or something. Anyways, I don't even believe they cut their own lenses. He's just good at adjusting my frames for free.

As for my opinion of these "opticians" I keep meeting, I don't think very highly of many of them.

For example, people here are telling me about how great Silhouette Minimal Art is. Well I go to this one chic place, where they tell me:
"oh, we don't carry those. They break too easy. Why, we used to sell them but to this day we get many customers coming in to have the glasses repaired because they're so bad!" and they proceed to try and sell me what they do have. Something called "Eyeons" which looked stupid to me.

But then I go to another place where they tell me: "Almost no one has come in to trade them in. They're just so good, that some people get new prescriptions and come back to have new lenses mounted on their old silhouette frames!"

It is annoying/disheartening that I'm being sold what they have rather than what I need/want. I mean, hell, I even offered some of these places to pay them a little extra if they order the frames from the websites and put them together or just special order certain frames for me. And most places say "no."

So far, the only thing I've seen that I need an in store "optician" for is minor adjustments - and only 1 I've met does decent adjustments. Everyone else seems like an unskilled salesperson.

So all I've been doing is going around to these places, trying the things I like on, writing down their brands + measurements, and may still order online.

I'm now hoping that I can order the frames online and bring them to some place that can forge decent lenses for me. Just so I can at least get human service that way. I just wish I could talk to an experienced lens maker. Not the sales person from off the street they hired.

**Jana Lewis** · 08-05-2004, 10:26 AM

Dadoody-

My suggestion to you, is to get in the phone book and call some local opticals. Ask for a licensed optician. Licensed opticians uphold a "professional moral" and will not try to sell you. I would try privately owned opticals first. Nothing against larger chain opticals, but these places in general have a "sales" quota to meet and in a corporate setting it is sometimes difficult for them to do special requests. Call a licensed optician, you won't regret it! ;)

**Chris Ryser** · 08-05-2004, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by drk

Chris, you are the cantankerous "Andy Rooney" of the Optiboard! Everyone loves you, deep-down......................

.................Either I'm a naiive turnip, and the "Frame Shame" article is a blatant lie, http://www.eyecarebiz.com/archive_results.asp?loc=archive\2003\september\0903fbframe.h tm, or you are overstating the case.

Chris, what's your take on that?

drk

Now that I got a new title, I have tried to see the mentioned website but get the following answer:

Microsoft VBScript runtime error '800a0035'

File not found

/archive_results.asp, line 98

Did you make a mistake? Would love to read that one.

**Tjcjdc9462** · 08-05-2004, 01:28 PM

I work in an office where we sell tons of the Silhouette TMA's and Minimal Art drill mount frames. We sell more of the hingeless ones because there is more of a color selection than the hinged ones. They are very durable frames and the weight is unbeleivable. I don't know if the people who have posted replies to your questions have worked alot with the drill mounts, but we never never use polycarb in a drill mount. The lens will eventually crack or split where the holes have been drilled. We use either high index or trivex lens materials, with trivex being first choice because it is much much more shatter resistant than polycarb and 1/2 the weight of polycarb plus you can tint it just like a regular CR-39 plastic lens. As far as your old glasses are concerned, I don't know who thinks they can make a beveled lens into a rimless without first seeing it. The edges may be too thin to even groove and the lens will chip even if they get it into a rimless frame. I would leave those glasses alone and just use them as a back up pair if you are considering the new drill mounts. You may want to consider getting a new frame for them or better yet, donate those old glasses to your local Lions Club. They are grateful to get them and they are used to benefit others.
As far as the transitions are concerned, they will not darken in the car because of the uv filter in your windshield and they never get completely clear inside. I would suggest an AR coating on your new lens for the glare. Most of the new coatings come with at least a 2 year replacement for
scratches. If you do get a new pair of Silhouettes, you can purchase the polarized sun clip with them. They do not look like traditional clips with the big bar across the top, although you need to be careful with it. We have to replace alot of them for breakage. Silhouette needs to improve the quality of the clips.

**Chris Ryser** · 08-05-2004, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Tjcjdc9462

................I don't know if the people who have posted replies to your questions have worked alot with the drill mounts, but we never never use polycarb in a drill mount. The lens will eventually crack or split where the holes have been drilled. ....................

Have you ever looked into the possibilities of sealing the cracks that occured while drilling Polycarbonate so they won't craze out from the hole and break as you stated? Just use a drop of Polycarbonate Edge Polish in every hole and the problem is solved and sealed.