Information on 1.74 Index

**Jacqui** · 10-24-2005, 07:47 PM

OK, so now that Essilor is supplying 1.74 index lenses, are other companies also allowed to do so?? Am I allowed to import those made with the Mitsui material or do I have to buy only from Essilor??

**Robert Martellaro** · 10-25-2005, 12:11 PM

They have to pass our impact resistant specifications, that's the reason it's taken so long for 1.74 to enter the US market. Apparently Essilor has solved that problem, probably with surface treatments. If you import lenses that do not pass the FDA's regulations you will most likely be putting your lab at risk from legal action if the eyeglass wearer eyes are injured due to the use of unapproved materials and thicknesses.

Regards,

**QDO1** · 10-25-2005, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Robert Martellaro

They have to pass our impact resistant specifications, that's the reason it's taken so long for 1.74 to enter the US market. Apparently Essilor has solved that problem, probably with surface treatments. If you import lenses that do not pass the FDA's regulations you will most likely be putting your lab at risk from legal action if the eyeglass wearer eyes are injured due to the use of unapproved materials and thicknesses.

Regards,

It seems remarkable that a country has a regulation not permitting the sale of a product like 1.74 plastic, but then also seems to have a completly de-regulated industry - in terms of what qualifications you need to dispense, fit, glaze, and check such a product

**Jacqui** · 10-25-2005, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by QDO1

It seems remarkable that a country has a regulation not permitting the sale of a product like 1.74 plastic, but then also seems to have a completly de-regulated industry - in terms of what qualifications you need to dispense, fit, glaze, and check such a product

Agreed

**DocInChina** · 10-25-2005, 06:31 PM

You can test the lenses from whatever source you like and if it passes the dropball test, you can import the product legally. The company supplying you has to be registered with the FDA and you as the import company must also be registered. All imported lenses must have an FDA document accompanying the shipment certifying that the lenses comply.

Doc

**AWTECH** · 10-25-2005, 11:25 PM

As a follow up comment to DOC in China's comment. Over three years ago we were importing from a factory that we have used many times before. On the next shipment they were held by the FDA (not customs). The reason was that the factory was not registed according to the FDA, there office had moved and they did not receive the renewal notice in the late 80's. These were frames only, and upon investigation as to the FDA minimum frame requirements we discovered that the FDA does not have a requirement other than the factory must be registered with the FDA. My problem with this requirement is that it gives consumers a false sence of government supervision of standards when other than registration there are not any. Good effective regulation can be very benefical for consumers, but this situation is an example of government intervention with little if any benefit and it can give consumers a false sense of security.