Panamic vs. Ovation

[DRAINGE1]

Hello, i am an Apprentice Optician.....managed an optical for 3 years.
I recently changed jobs, and now am at the bottom of the pole. yipee

At my new location, they question me everytime i fit a Varilux Panamic Lenses, which have always been my PAL of choice. They tell me the Ovation "is the same exact lens" but in the same breath also try to convince me it "is not as good as the Varilux Comfort".

I am tired of arguing and am now questioning myself. Since their argument has now turned to...Well, have you ever even worn a progressive?!?!?
Umm, no..i'm 24 and wear NO specs...you'd think they'd notice that after 3 months.....
Sooooo....what do YOU think?!?!

[Jubilee]

This has been discussed ad nasuem. According to the powers at Essilor, the lenes are different and offer their own special designs. However, the Ovation was developed to be a mass market (ie can be used for Chains) lens and the Varilux is considered a premium lens since it has a more controlled distributorship.

Cassandra

[keithbenjamin]

It's certainly not unheard of, that even certain Essilor reps will tell you (under their breath, of course) there is no difference.

I'm sure we'll hear more on the subject from our local Optiboard Essilor representatives Pete and For-Life ;)

-Keith

[MarcE]

I certainly am not an Essilor fan, but they are different. And not just in the marketing and labeling. There are many threads discussing this. And Pete has posted replies.

MarcE ABOC

[Fezz]

It is soooooo hard to argue and win with morons. Forget it. Aquaint yourself with the Ovation and material availabilities, and have at it. I have used the lens, no problems. Use proper patient education, and proper dispensing and adjustment and show these morons how good you really are. Sounds like the typical office full of experienced(20+ years in the business, but actually 1 year experience 20 times=UGH) "Opticians" who are to clueless to actually get off there embarassing set off couch warmers and actually learn something. They disgust me.

[DRAINGE1]

Yes, it kind of irks me that none of them are licensed or ever care to be, but know everything about all lenses.

[EyeFitWell]

IMO, the "best" lens for the patient is the one your boss wants you to sell. I've worked at four different optical shops, each one having a different preferred lens.
One day, when I own my own shop, I'll sell what I want to. Until then, just make da boss happy.

[Ed]

I don't know if you are going to read this or not, but, the Panamic and the Ovation are NOT the same lens. If you want to "shine", then go to the Lens book that comes from FrameFacts ... you should have one in your office or lab ... (the one that lists all of the lenses available and their specifications). If you go to the Ovation, you will see that the power circle for the add power is 3.3 mm from edge to center, making the diameter of the power circle 6.6 mm. With all the other lenses, including the Panamic, the power circle is 2.5 mm from edge to center, making their power circles 5mm in diameter. If it was the "same lens", then, the technical specifications should be the same, but they are not.

To me, it stands to reason that if the power circle is wider (where the true power of the add is) then there MUST BE more true reading area there. That's why I liked the Ovation .. but I always measured it from a min seg ht of 19 ... where most of that power circle is still left when dotting it up. But now I've moved to the Zeiss GT2. I wore Ovations but then I tried the GT2 and I believe it is superior and have had excellent response from my patients that I have moved from the Ovation to the GT2. For anything under 19, I use the Varilux Ellipse ... to a min fit ht of 15 (unless I am absolutely forced to go to 14).

[Bobie]

Comfort is better than Panamic in many case , like myopia or anisometropia or VA20/25 or the wearer who have eyeturn more than head movement.

:cheers: