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Hello! I'm new to this site, but have 20 years experience in eyecare.
I'm part of an independent 3 OD practice looking for a lab that meets these criteria:
1) Independent (not owned by Essilor in any way/shape/form)
2) ideally based in the U.S.
3) high quality PALs (not looking for cheap/low end)
4) excellent AR with good warranties
5) good support/customer service
6) good turn time
7) price is a factor, but not the main driver
Any suggestions?
Welcome!
I will start by saying I'm about to infringe on your primary criteria. Cherry Optical is out of Green Bay and IS associated with Essilor, though they do not push any one brand and offer them all. Aside from that stipulation, they 100% match your needs. We have switched to them from sourcing directly to Hoya and after years of experience, have found their quality and service unmatched.
https://cherryopticallab.com/
I can't speak from personal experience working with them, but what Quince has said is exactly what I have heard from at least 1/2 a dozen colleagues.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quince
Thank you for such a quick reply. I'll reach out to them (but will still happily accept any other recommendations)Quote:
Originally Posted by Quince
Luzerne Optical in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
I use K-Optical in Hummelstown, PA.
Where is John at? :confused:
I appreciate all the replies. This is helpful.
Allentown Optical in Allentown, PA (employee owned) or Luzerne Optical in Wilkes Barre, PA ( family owned).
For truly independent, I would say either Luzerne Optical in PA, or even Solidar in Florida. Used Solidar a good bit and they're excellent all around. Great pricing, solid work. Really never had any issues with their lenses either.
I did not have good experience with solidar. Shipping was $25 per job and they would charge the same amount for remakes that were due to their own error.Quote:
Originally Posted by IIxIPariahIxII
O_o That's surprising. We paid a flat fee per shipment, not per job and it was less than $25. And never had issues with remakes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex Camblor
We use Luzerne in Wilkes Barre, PA. I have no complaints - the offer a range of branded lenses and options but also have their own in-house progressive and ARs that still have warrantees. They are very easy to work with.
I am interested to hear more about what independent labs people use within the Midwest?
It has been ages since I've logged on to Optiboard, but I felt a disturbance and I'm glad I took a look around.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quince
Cherry Optical Lab (Cherry Optical, Inc) located in Green Bay, WI is 100% Independent and 100% owned by Joe, Lynn, and Adam Cherry. The association we have with Essilor is that we are an authorized distributor of Essilor, Crizal, Varilux, and Transitions lenses. This is no different than our association with all lens manufacturers - Younger, Shamir, Signet Armorlite, Hoya, Seiko, VisionEase, Somo, TOG, IOT, Crossbows, etc. Additionally, we are enabled to produce Essilor's freeform designs ((all Varilux & Essilor (Definity, Ideal, etc) designs)) and Crizal (Crizal Rock, Crizal Avance, Crizal Alize, Crizal Easy, Crizal Sapphire & Crizal with Optifog).
Just to be clear, there is 0.0 agreement whereas Essilor owns or has the right to own any part of COL.
Thank you.
-Adam
Have to chime in here. I've used nearly a hundred different labs in the past 15 years and Cherry is hands-down the best. No contest.
I appreciate the continued replies. I'm getting some good information, and it sounds like Cherry is an excellent option. Thanks for chiming in, Adam.
Thank you for clarifying! I apologize for the misrepresentation. Once again, we couldn't be happier with our relationship with you guys! Keep up the good work.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cherry Optical
Cherry is the very best lab I've used.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cherry Optical
Just out of curiosity is Cherry Optical MI and Cherry Optical Lab WI connected somehow?
They are not business relatedQuote:
Originally Posted by mxmj
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