Lab Setup

[RA]

I manage 2 opticals for a group of Md's. (don't kill me for that, I'm going with the flow)
We may be loooking into opening another - bigger- office.
I used to do a lot of finishing and may want to set up a lab in the new office (currrently ordering jobs complete from indie lab).
1. Is it a good idea in the long run?
2. What about a surfacing dept? Can pal's be done in office with ease nowadays?

[RGC_man]

I would only consider the cost of a surfacing lab if there was a high volume of work.

[LENNY]

Or high volume of High price tag lenses!

[RA]

can you shed light on in -office casting? what is it? what are limitations?

[gemstone]

can you shed light on in -office casting? what is it? what are limitations?

I have not seen casting in a long time. I'd advise against that with out a lot of research. Visit people that are doing it. Quality and thickness issues probably still a big problem. That is why you don't see it done more. I think grinding is the way to go with a lab.

[EyeFitWell]

I used to edge jobs for a nearby office which casted their own lenses.
I have no idea what equipment they used, brand of material, or anything.
But, I do know that (a) the powers were never crystal clear. they were always a little fuzzy in the lensometer. and (b) the things scratched SO EASILY that we had to protect the back surfact of the lens with one of those blue circular stickers while edging. Definately don't skip the SRC!

[ziggy]

can you shed light on in -office casting? what is it? what are limitations?

CRAP, CRAP, CRAP!

[Johns]

I manage 2 opticals for a group of Md's. (don't kill me for that, I'm going with the flow)

Why apologize? You found a position where you are doing what you want, and it seems that your employers appreciate you for what you do. More power to you!




As far as in office casting systems, I hve been tempted, but then I always ask myself, "Why doesn't the wholesale lab I use have one?"

[RA]

Why apologize?

You're right. And these docs are not the norm (from what I've read on OB) they're very generous and rely on me to keep things going strong.
Thanks for the feedback on casting.

[Fezz]

CRAP, CRAP, CRAP!

Ziggy,

Tell us how you really feel!!! ;)


:cheers:

[gemstone]

Ziggy,

Tell us how you really feel!!! ;)


:cheers:

Looks like ziggy has had some actual expierience.

[RGC_man]

can you shed light on in -office casting? what is it? what are limitations?

Don't touch it with a barge pole. Absurdly limiting system, and poor results. Boots Opticians in the UK spent millions on this system in their labs a few years back and abandoned it a few weeks later.

[ziggy]

Looks like ziggy has had some actual expierience.

You dont save any money, it has too many limitations, and the environment needs to be almost sterile. Some of the large chains tried,and lost MILLIONS, if your looking at putting a lab send me a pm and I'll give you a few recommendations. If your going to put in a lab do a full service.

[gemstone]

You dont save any money, it has too many limitations, and the environment needs to be almost sterile. Some of the large chains tried,and lost MILLIONS, if your looking at putting a lab send me a pm and I'll give you a few recommendations. If your going to put in a lab do a full service.

Ever see a Matrix? Sheeese!

[HarryChiling]

Full service would be nice, but their are a bunch of things to consider includeing finding an optician that knows how to run it. My office has a full service lab and the difference between me and the previous employee is about a $100.00 a day. She ran the equipment, but didn't now how to run the jobs that you could really save the most money on. Progressives, slab offs, and high cyls. If you have 3 offices you may want to consider setting up a full service lab to take care of all three locations (but make sure that the dollars make sense, pun intended :) )

Also, if your office uses zeiss, varilux or other such products forget it. They won't sell you the blanks anyway, but if your office works with other progressives then it may be for you.