Hello from Franel Optical Supply Co.

[Franel Opt. Supply]

Hello to all here in the forums at OptiBoard. I am Mark E. Lepow, one of the family members that make up Franel Optical Supply Co. It is my hope to become an active participant on the boards, and where possible offer advice that is backed with a strong knowledge that comes from being literally born into the optical industry.

If you have attended either of the Vision Expos (we have been an exhibitor since the OptiFair years), or American Academy of Ophthalmology, or a few of the larger regional optical tradeshows, you are familiar with our booths and a range of our products. At some point over the years we have advertised in almost every one of the national industry journals and publications.

For those who are interested in what we sell, I invite you to visit franeloptical.com. What you will see online is just a fraction of nearly 10,000 items from our product line.

With input from my brother David, I oversee the advertising side of the company, which includes the print ads, mailings, press releases, and product photography. I also oversee the website (which is about to under go a major overhaul). David runs the day to day operations of the company.

One of the reasons I decided to join the OptiBoard forum was to hear from clients regardless of how long your history with Franel goes back. I would also like to hear from clients that only dealt with us once and never came back. If you have never done business with us, why, other then never having heard of us until now.

Prior to signing up here, I saw how some people spelled "Franel", some correctly, and then the other incarnations, such as Frennel, Frannel, etc. There are several topics that have caught my eye, and later tonight, or in the coming days, I will be putting my two cents in to the ring.

Sincerely,
Mark

[Judy Canty]

Welcome to our little neighborhood. We're mostly friendly, mostly polite but always vocal.

[Joann Raytar]

If you have never done business with us, why, other then never having heard of us until now.

There are people out there who haven't heard of Franel???? :) Where else would we order a Fresnel prism from?

Welcome to OptiBoard Mark! I'm sure we will all appreciate you contributions to our community.

[JERRY HUANG]

Hi Mark,

Do you carry any device can measure overall lens size??

Thanks

Jerry

[Franel Opt. Supply]

Jo, Believe it or not, yes. We hear from eyecare professionals where until a peer told them about Franel Optical Supply, they had not heard of us. Often, John Q. Public will try to open an account either over the phone or online. We weed non optical/eyecare professionals out swiftly. You can not view pricing or place an order online until I have verified that you are who you say you are, and indeed are either an eyecare professional or an employee of one.

Mark

[Franel Opt. Supply]

Do you carry any device can measure overall lens size??

Thank you for asking Jerry, one of the easiest ways we have found is with our lens circumference measure. Here is the url, http://franeloptical.com/content.php?s=74

Yes, it is a paper tape, and if my memory is correct, the paper is more of a Tyvek type of material, but other then not being a digital readout, we have found this to be highly accurate, the tape does not get damaged if used and stored properly. The device can measure any lens up to 300mm.

I will go look at one today when I get to the office and make sure my description of the paper is accurate. It has been at least a year or more since I last actually touched one.

Hope this helps you Jerry.

Mark

[Chris Ryser]

Hi Mark,

I have never met you but know your Neil and Dave. I hope you will enjoy the Optiboard with all it's goodies and others arguments.

[Franel Opt. Supply]

Jerry, my memory failed me... The measuring tape is actually made of vinyl, but still very heavy duty. Though the actual product is manufactured by Sadler, my dad helped do the r&d on it years ago. I sincerely hope that helps make your decision much easier.

[JERRY HUANG]

Thanks Mark.

I am going to order one from your company next week.

[Cherry Optical]

The device can measure any lens up to 300mm.

Wow! Need I say more?

Adam