Two questions: Slimmer frames and who to buy glasses from.

[GoodAsGold]

I have two questions related to purchasing new progressive lens glasses:

1.) Back when I got my present Varilux lenses 7 years ago, they couldn't put them in real small frames. Okay, I hear that it's done all the time now. Question: How can I fit my Rx in that tiny area of lens? Will there be much adjustment to going so quickly from distance to reading and vice versa? I sit at the computer a LOT. Will I need to use my old glasses for that so I'll have more mid range Rx? Do any of you wear the slimmer glasses? I really can't see buying the same larger type I have now if I can find some that are more flattering to my face. Main thing is I want my eyebrows to show! They don't with the 7 year old ones I wear now. And, they really aren't as nice looking.

2.) I don't have eye insurance so I want to keep expenses down, although since I am a fulltime wearer of glasses, I do want something that will work for me on a daily basis. These ARE my eyes, after all.;) So far I've really only looked at frames over at Pearle Vision. They have a two-for-one sale right now (up to $200). But, I know they're limited in that "what you see, is what you get". Nothing custom in the way of frames. They don't even know what will be sent to them. I've always picked mine out of a catalog after trying a similar one on in my old OD's office. More custom.

I'm also concerned about the labs these corporate places use. How can I be sure they just aren't pumping out glasses without really taking care to put that "extra touch in them"? I don't want to feel like a number! I did see one pair I like by Adrienne Vittadini #6011 47 or 49 in Golden Brown. The two different opticians who waited on me there were absolutely wonderful and really took time with me. Very knowledgable. I was surprised by this, to tell you the truth. But, in the long run, I also want to be assured that I get the best product for the price. Being nice to your customers is one thing. Satisfying them with the right product is another. They have a 60 day return/exchange policy I was told. But, I like to get it right the first time if I can. What is your advice about purchasing glasses from Pearle Vision vs. a private optician? I know PV has a good deal going on now and I can buy polarized sunglasses as my 2nd pair. But, I also have a perfectly good pair of sunglasses now (progressives) but they aren't polarized? Is that real important in the long run? Or would it make driving easier for me?

Any thoughts on these two questions? THANKS!

[AWTECH]

My recommendation for you and anyone try to work their way through the optical maze... change store vs. one store operator and all inbetween. The facts are that conceptually they should all be able to satisfy you. The only problem with the current chain concept is there are not high enough standards enforced by management. The result is you can find a great optician who happens to work for a chain store or some not quite as knowledgeable. The same is also true for a one store operator. The main advantage a single store has is, if the original store owner operator is on the premisis, he must be doing something right. If not the customer base would have fired him (or her), forcing them out of business.

Get references from people you know and trust who also wear glasses, like anything else you want to purchase. If three or four people you know all use the same place of business for their eyewear purchase, you will at least know you have a fair chance of being satisfied.

As far as specifics, find the good optician and let them help you. It is almost impossible for someone on optiboard based on the information provided (no Rx), to give you an answer. You Varilux comment is one example. The design of varilux you received years ago is going to be different from one that you would get for your new glasses.

Regarding the price you will pay. I have recently researched in our area (Florida and Georgia) and have found that the price issue is a big concern but the chains that focus on advertising price have about the same sales average per sale as independent stores. The chains do a good job of up selling to almost everyone, (including many who don't want or need the higher priced products.) Looking for a new modern name brand designed eyewear with good progressives is going to cost a lot more that the special deals offered.

Polarized lenses are going to be much better than the tinted non-polarized. The question for you is, "What is your budget and what can you get for that budget that is going to work for you." This is like buying a car. Yes for $3,000 you can find a good used car for transportation or you can have a new baby Bentley for just under $200,000.

Find a good optician and discuss the total picture, including budget, desires and let the optician explain what the minimum you can get by with and still accomplish what you want.