Where are the Independent Labs?

**Judy Canty** · 08-20-2016, 01:23 PM

Luzerne Optical Labs, Ltd
180 N. Wilkes-Barre Blvd
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-5341

1-800-233-9637

www.luzerneoptical.com

**icmor** · 08-23-2016, 01:34 PM

Are you asking for a list of independent labs?
The independent lab I use is
Expert Optics
305 Earl Rd
Shorewood, Il. 60404
1-800-892-0097
www.expertoptics.com

**Uilleann** · 08-23-2016, 02:51 PM

There are a bunch of indys still around. Of widely varying quality, product offerings, knowledge, skill and customer service chops. It pays to shop around, and ask hard questions, and not just go with whatever pops up first on the list.

**drk** · 08-23-2016, 02:53 PM

We can't do good work without independent labs.

I would love to do good work, again.

The worm will turn.

**optical24/7** · 08-23-2016, 04:02 PM

It would be nice if one would sponsor Optiboard....

**Chris Ryser** · 08-24-2016, 12:24 AM

VSP and Expert Optics Partnership

VSP Optics Group and Expert Optics have partnered and are proud to offer the full line of UNITY lenses and coatings completed in-house at our lab in Shorewood. The UNITY product portfolio is proprietary to VSP and provides your patients with great vision in several designs. Call or email Expert Optics for more information

How independent is a lab that has partnered with one of the big the big ones ?

**other_bill_fea** · 08-24-2016, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

How independent is a lab that has partnered with one of the big the big ones ?

If we're going to ask that question, the better question is, how independent is a lab that has any sizable percentage of its business as a big brand and/or insurance?

I mean, if you have 20%+ of your customers in a product (let's call it "Brand E")....how beholden to you become to the company that you get your "Brand E" lenses from?

There's a reason we (FEA) don't really carry those bigger brands in ff. No Lux, No Shamir....and we still do okay.

**David_Garza** · 08-24-2016, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

How independent is a lab that has partnered with one of the big the big ones ?

**icmor** · 08-25-2016, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

How independent is a lab that has partnered with one of the big the big ones ?

This begs the question what is your definition of an independent lab? I like the fact that I can purchase almost any optical lens product from my independent; be it Zeiss, Hoya, Big E, etc. or any of the smaller lens manufacturers. Partnering with any of the BIG companies only allows them to sell their brands, not necessarily meaning that the lab has sold it's soul to the partnering company. If the labs truly are "independent" only, there would be plenty of product that the independent lab will not be able to sell.

**other_bill_fea** · 08-25-2016, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by icmor

not necessarily meaning that the lab has sold it's soul to the partnering company.

Some of these lens agreements specify that you are not allow to speak negatively about their product, or that you are required to recommend it. It's not always as simple as being able to sell it.

**icmor** · 08-25-2016, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by other_bill_fea

Some of these lens agreements specify that you are not allow to speak negatively about their product, or that you are required to recommend it. It's not always as simple as being able to sell it.

Thank you for the clarification. Being an independent lab in today's market is very difficult, for sure. I, for one, appreciate ALL the independents out there.

**Craig** · 08-26-2016, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by other_bill_fea

If we're going to ask that question, the better question is, how independent is a lab that has any sizable percentage of its business as a big brand and/or insurance?

I mean, if you have 20%+ of your customers in a product (let's call it "Brand E")....how beholden to you become to the company that you get your "Brand E" lenses from?

There's a reason we (FEA) don't really carry those bigger brands in ff. No Lux, No Shamir....and we still do okay.

If a lab offers Varilux products they are forbidden from promoting any other brand over V!
If a lab offers Varilux products and sell the business they loose the right to offer Varilux; unless E buys you! See how it really works.
If you are an independent lab and order Varilux lenses they make alot of money in France, the click fees are higher than the lab profits.

If you want to support an Independent until they sell to E for the second time it is your choice but at least understand that E already owns them if they offer the products.

**other_bill_fea** · 08-26-2016, 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by Craig

If you want to support an Independent until they sell to E for the second time it is your choice

Savage.

**Vizualize** · 09-07-2016, 08:13 AM

Big E labs merging and more lab buyouts in 2017! Buckle up! Helmets on!

**other_bill_fea** · 09-07-2016, 08:30 AM

We need to start a pool for this.

**David_Garza** · 09-08-2016, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by other_bill_fea

We need to start a pool for this.

POOL FOR WHAT?

Fantasy Independent Lab leagues???

**Quantrill** · 09-09-2016, 10:01 AM

Not sure how often this site is updated, but here are some Independent Labs.
http://www.visionmadelocally.com/

**LENNY** · 09-09-2016, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by Craig

If you want to support an Independent until they sell to E for the second time it is your choice but at least understand that E already owns them if they offer the products.

ROFL
And I heard that they were so unhappy with E after the first time!

**Vizualize** · 09-10-2016, 07:04 AM

That 2nd lab was built to sell. E was dumb enough to not get a longer non compete contract with the sale of the first lab. Whether your "happy" with E or not, their checks don't bounce.

**John@OWDC** · 09-10-2016, 10:55 AM

Laramy-K Optical

About as independent as you can get.

Call us!

Even if you just have a question, we are always willing to help.

1107 E Hillcrest Dr,
Indianola, IA 50125
ph: 800.525.1274