New lenses in metal frame without eyewire screws

**AEOC** · 08-31-2005, 09:01 PM

Had a patient who asked to re-use her metal frames. Ordered lenses and when we went to cut them, discovered there were no eye-wire screws. Checked the Rx in her current glasses and found +175 DS with 62 pd (staff measured 57 near pd). Called patient back to tell her we couldn't put new lenses in her readers, and she said, "No, those aren't over the counter, I paid about $160 for those at LensCrafters last year" So, if these aren't readers, how do we switch out the lenses? I can probably get the lenses out with some effort, but any tips on getting new lenses in there without chipping them? I mean, the original lenses must have gotten in there somehow, right? TIA.

**For-Life** · 08-31-2005, 09:11 PM

I still bet they are over the counter readers. She probably has two pairs. One she bought at LC for $160 and a pair OTC, and she has them confused.

So what you do is you warn her that any breakage you are not responsible for.

Then you do it like a plastic frame. You cut them until you can force them it. Have done it several times

**DocInChina** · 08-31-2005, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by For-Life

I still bet they are over the counter readers. She probably has two pairs. One she bought at LC for $160 and a pair OTC, and she has them confused.

So what you do is you warn her that any breakage you are not responsible for.

Then you do it like a plastic frame. You cut them until you can force them it. Have done it several times

We have encountered this often and also treated them as plastic frames. I have on occasion used the ribbon (used to insert lenses into semi-rimless) to protect the lens edge and ease the lens insertion.

**For-Life** · 08-31-2005, 10:36 PM

Oh, and make sure you put a good feather on them

**LENNY** · 09-01-2005, 09:13 PM

Heat up the frame and cool the lens!

**chip anderson** · 09-01-2005, 10:00 PM

If worst comes to worst, reduce diameter to "will just bearly pop in" point. Add a touch of two part epoxy for very final mounting. Remember: When you are working with junk, even expensive junk, there is no danger in turning it into junk.

**jtart2** · 09-03-2005, 12:12 PM

Do it like plastic and warn them you aren't responsible for broken frame, or just tell them it can't be done; bring in another frame or go elsewhere.

**Optical_1** · 09-03-2005, 01:15 PM

Use polycarb.......the lenses won't chip.

**rbaker** · 09-03-2005, 01:24 PM

As a point of interest some ophthalmic frames, particularly safety frames supplied in fitting kits are now coming this way. I guess it’s to keep free sample products from being glazed.

Could this be the case here? Any Z87 markings?

**rsandr** · 09-03-2005, 02:48 PM

As stated before take the lenses down in size as much as you dare.

Then take the tip of the bevel off on the hand edger, buff the lenses and spring them in, a bit of lubricant or soap may help.

Rick

**AEOC** · 09-03-2005, 05:18 PM

Thanks for the tips, everyone. No Z87 markings on the frame. Patient is still trying to decide whether she wants to use this frame, drop off a different one, or just buy a new frame altogether. I feel much more confident about being able to put new lenses in this frame, though.

**RGC_man** · 09-04-2005, 04:42 PM

In Europe you can refuse to glaze anything without a CE (European Standard) mark. Trouble is a lot of readymades have a different CE mark.

Round our way we get a lot of substandard frames bought in India and brought to us for reglazing. Imagine very soft metal with different shape and screw size right and left.