Wondering about PALs....................

[Chris Ryser]

I am actually wondering about how many different progressive lenses in total are out there on the market.

Any input would be appreciated................

[Fezz]

Besides TOO MANY!!!



:cheers:

[rinselberg]

Judging from what appears to be available in the U.S., I would say that there are some 29 different manufacturer names for PALs - AO, Essilor, SOLA, Carl Zeiss, etc.

Since each manufacturer may offer some number of different PAL designs ...

You'd have to make that count yourself - too much for me!

Source: http://www.laramyk.com/learn/pal_chart.html


"Inventor" probably isn't the first word that comes to mind in connection with the celebrated cognomen of "Ollie North"; nevertheless, a search of the Google Online Patents Database reveals that the very same Oliver L. North of Iran-Contra fame is credited as a "co-inventor" on three U.S. Patents related to the provision of bullet-resistant armor for military and police applications.

Theirs is a scandal that deserves to be told ...

[RT]

The 2007 OLA Progressive Lens Identifier lists 388 non-obsolete PAL's in the US and Canada. Note that for counting purposes, each material counts separately. So if design XYZ is available in CR39, Poly, and 1.67, that would count as 3 progressives.

[chip anderson]

And of course, each and every one of us optical types is familiar with each and every one as well and the hundreds of SV, lined bifocals and rigid and soft contact lenses available. Not to mention in some practices the optician doubles and a refractive assistant, surgical assistant, etc. and we change a few light bulbs.

Chip

Used to try to read everyting published on every contact lens, article about same, etc. Gave up about 15 years ago for a laundry list of reasons.
:hammer:

[Jacqui]

Don't forget about all the imports from the Far East

[Chris Ryser]

The 2007 OLA Progressive Lens Identifier lists 388 non-obsolete PAL's in the US and Canada. Note that for counting purposes, each material counts separately. So if design XYZ is available in CR39, Poly, and 1.67, that would count as 3 progressives.

Which translates like the automobile industry is doing, as for example GM makes the same cars in Chevy and in Pontiac, Ford in Mercury and Ford.

[Fezz]

Don't forget about all the imports from the Far East

Could someone educate me a bit on this. I know that there are some lens companies that are in China and producing lenses at mucho savings, but..how do I learn about them. Thanks.

[rinselberg]

Which translates like the automobile industry is doing, as for example GM makes the same cars in Chevy and in Pontiac, Ford in Mercury and Ford.

I think that you are a little off-target Chris. It's not about the same lens design available in a number of different materials like CR-39, 1.6, 1.67, poly; etc.

It could be about Essilor - for example - offering Varilux Physio and Physio 360 - and then coming out with (Essilor) Accolade and Accolade Freedom.

There are those who say that Essilor is selling the same product under two different names - and two different pricing and distributor/retailer "regimes".

I have no input on the veracity of that.

But I think this is the analogy that you had in mind: It's a multiplicity of lens "designs" and lens "names" - not (so much) a multiplicity of lens materials - as there are real differences between CR-39, 1.6, 1.67, poly; etc.

Yours truly.

[RT]

Which translates like the automobile industry is doing, as for example GM makes the same cars in Chevy and in Pontiac, Ford in Mercury and Ford.

No. Each combination of design and material has unique engraved markings. The purpose of the OLA Progressive Lens Identifier is to help you identify those engravings. Therefore, they need 388 pictures if their reference publication is going to be worthwhile.

[Jacqui]

Could someone educate me a bit on this. I know that there are some lens companies that are in China and producing lenses at mucho savings, but..how do I learn about them. Thanks.

Check out this guy's very recent post

http://www.optiboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22383


Also look at these sites:

http://www.clex.co.kr/ (my favourite !!)

http://www.yzhoptical.com/

http://www.*******optical.com/index.htm

http://www.dmo.co.kr/ENG/company1.asp


I can probably find a dozen or so more if you need them. :D


P.S. You should also contact Doc In China, he probably knows way more of them than I do. :D

[Fezz]

Thanks Jacqui!

[Chris Ryser]

But I think it is the analogy that you had in mind: It's a multiplicity of lens "designs" and lens "names" - not (so much) a multiplicity of lens materials - as there are real differences between CR-39, 1.6, 1.67, poly; etc.
Yours truly.

Just for the record................. I am fully aware about differences in lens materials, thats part of my business.............but I doubt that there are large differences in progressive designsand there is to much on them spread around

[fistkuen]

Hi,
Could you please tell me where can i get the 2007 OLA PAL Identifier?

Many thanks

[RT]

OLA PAL Identifiers are only available through OLA laboratories, which are only in the US. You could try requesting one through www.ola-labs.org

[fistkuen]

Hi,
Up to my knowledgem those PAL designed and made in China are so much worse than any other brand we know now. Even the Visa or Adaptor play better performance than those from China.

[Chris Ryser]

Hi,
Up to my knowledgem those PAL designed and made in China are so much worse than any other brand we know now. Even the Visa or Adaptor play better performance than those from China.

I wonder how you can make such a statement. It is well known that all PALs are the same wider, some smaller, some with more or less distorted larteral parts.

They are all made in China or another far eastern country, mostly by the larger corporations over the few years.

You are purchasing one chinese product and love it , and you condem the other chinaproduct having a lesser performance.

They are all coming from the same kitchen !!!!!!!!!!!!

[csiopticians]

You're right Chris

[Uncle Fester]

Of course as Mr Ryser knows some of them are the same mold by Shamir just a different laser etched identifying mark;) so the total number is less than a book will list.

"Ryser Equation"... The success of fitting any progressive is directly proportional to the willingness of the patient to make a progressive work.

[MarcE]

You are purchasing one chinese product and love it , and you condem the other chinaproduct having a lesser performance.

They are all coming from the same kitchen !!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, but the same kitchen (China) can turn out differing quality. Some are good and some are not so good. Where they came from has no bearing whatsoever. It's in the design
Vision-Ease still made in US, right? Molds from Israel (just my educated guess)?
Much of Essilor molded in Thialand, molds from France?
many stock lenses from China, some from Korea, Taiwain, etc.
IMO Thai Optical Group (marketed under the Excelite name in the US) has some of the most under-rated PAL designs. They are one the top brands in Asia. Many competent factories are available to mold lenses throughout China (and the US and Thailand, Korea, France, and on and on) The PAL performance is in the molds, not the factory.

[fistkuen]

HI,

Thank you for your comment, Chris. I understand that the manufacturing processes are mainly in the mainland, but i was talking about that those designed from big firms are better, just like Marc E said.