Replace Truvision Omni with Panamic?

[biff]

I’m a longtime wearer of AOB (American Optical Truvision Omni) progressives. They’re the only pair I own, used equally for driving, computer use, and reading. I appreciate the very soft design: no distortion in the corners!

OD -3.25 +.25 x163
OS -1.75 -------------
Add 2.00

I’m interested in moving to a newer generation lens if it will provide a better viewing experience. For me this would mean a greater width in any of the distance, intermediate, or reading zones, with the same distortion-free peripheral. And I would like a frame with a smaller height than my current 45mm pair.

My eye doctor (PhD, MD) wears progressives and says basically “a lens is a lens” and there is no need to change, but that his affiliated opticians are trained and able to discuss this with me. The one I talked to is not familiar with the AOB, but says the Varilux Panamic will likely give me a greater field of vision without the distortion. She’ll order replacement AOB lenses if I am unsatisfied with the Panamic.

I have struck out finding a local optician who will/can discuss lens differences, so naturally I return to this forum for the REAL scoop!

Do you think the odds favor the Panamic providing a better viewing experience?

[wmcdonald]

In the development of progressive lenses, there are currently several generations of new developments past the Truvision. It was OK in its time, but Panaamic and a dozen or so others would be superior for your visual needs. Good luck!

[Texas Ranger]

biff, another factor, is that in low add powers in presbyopic myopes, most PALs would work fine, adds say like a 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, maybe a 1.50, but as you get higher adds, like your 2.00, a different leve of sophistcation is induced. go with the panamics; the doc is wrong, a 'lens is a lens" is bs. bet he still refracts min plus cyls too.

[dfisher]

wmcdonald

It has been our experience that previous progressive addition lens wearers often have difficulty adapting the panamic. I would recommend you try the new Hoya Summit ECP. I think you will find the corners softer and have the feeling of a wider, more comfortable reading area.

[biff]

How interesting. Thanks to all three of you for your responses. In addition, a well-respected local ECP emailed this:

"While I agree that the Panamic is a good lens, I am very impressed with the Hoya ECP progressive. The ones I've handled were clear as a bell in the distance. They will function well in a newer shorter frame as well. They tend to be more costly than the 5 year old Panamic design so we are still paying for R&D."

Dfisher, who sez two opticians can't agree on anything!

[wmcdonald]

dfisher:
Thank you for the enlightenment....but my point was that True Vision is outdated and several others would be better. I was not advertising for Panamic, although i feel it to be a super lens.