Trace and Transmit

**showard** · 03-04-2023, 11:33 AM

I work for an optometrist who doesn't want to add an edger at this time. We are thinking of buying a tracer and using trace and transmit on patients who don't want a new frame. Does anyone have any experience with trace and transmit and if so, what are your thoughts? I would also appreciate alternative suggestions on what to do when patients want to keep their frame and want new lenses only. Thanks.

**Lensman11** · 03-04-2023, 01:01 PM

Many things can and do go wrong with trace and transmit. The sizing being the biggest issue along with bad tracing shapes and off axis trace. If you are intent on doing this I will suggest you transmit a lens trace. The lens came out of the frame so you know it fits. The axis is easy to maintain. I do not mean to trace the lens mechanically I mean an electronic trace which leaves no room for error. If you still want to trace and transmit borrow a tracer and try out the concept before you buy.

**showard** · 03-04-2023, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Lensman11

Many things can and do go wrong with trace and transmit. The sizing being the biggest issue along with bad tracing shapes and off axis trace. If you are intent on doing this I will suggest you transmit a lens trace. The lens came out of the frame so you know it fits. The axis is easy to maintain. I do not mean to trace the lens mechanically I mean an electronic trace which leaves no room for error. If you still want to trace and transmit borrow a tracer and try out the concept before you buy.

Any other ideas on options when replacing lenses only?

**lensmanmd** · 03-04-2023, 05:54 PM

We have been using the Briot Evolution GT in our clinics without any major issues. 21 of our clinics are using them to remote trace orders to us. We even have one for nylors and rimless, as its much easier than mechanical tracing. https://www.visionix.com/us/product/briot-evolution-gt/

**showard** · 03-04-2023, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by lensmanmd

We have been using the Briot Evolution GT in our clinics without any major issues. 21 of our clinics are using them to remote trace orders to us. We even have one for nylors and rimless, as its much easier than mechanical tracing. https://www.visionix.com/us/product/briot-evolution-gt/

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking nobody used trace and transmit anymore.

**showard** · 03-05-2023, 09:09 PM

Sorry to sound so stupid, but does this mean you successfully trace and transmit? Does your Briot do a lens trace?

**Lensman11** · 03-06-2023, 01:08 AM

It does a digital image of the lens which is extremely accurate. No it does not trace the frame or lens mechanically

**drk** · 03-06-2023, 08:09 AM

Here's what we do. Maybe it's dumb, so please tell me.

1. If we've done the original job, our lab can do lenses only. They seem to have a digital file that works. I don't know if it's specific to the frame they used the first time, or it's generic for the frame. Either way, it's sufficiently accurate.
2. If we haven't done the original job, tough noogies and the patient signs a waiver and we send their frame.

**Elvis Is Alive** · 03-06-2023, 03:16 PM

I've used a National Optronics 4T mechanic tracer in the past for trace and transmit. Sizing issues do occur. Most zyl edges were fine (95% approx), metal edging had more frequent sizing issues. I had so many groove rimless sizing issues that I stopped doing them. I can't recommend a mechanical tracer.

**drk** · 03-07-2023, 09:05 AM

That is darn cool, Lensmanmd

**Judy Canty** · 03-07-2023, 11:56 AM

I used an Optronics 4T tracer for years without any issues. I did calibrate it every morning without fail. I think that helped with the accuracy.

**Elvis Is Alive** · 03-07-2023, 11:58 AM

As did I, but still had occasional issues.

**drk** · 03-07-2023, 02:02 PM

Holy smokes judy canty didn't retire to barbados or something!!!

**Barry Santini** · 03-10-2023, 06:34 AM

I almost never recalibrate my in-house tracer.

For bevel sizing, circumference and thickness matter. And bevel groove depth.

B

**Oculus Uterque** · 04-02-2023, 02:06 AM

It is ESSENTIAL to calibrate your tracer when sending edged orders to the lab because when you calibrate a tracer you bring it back to it's "zero point." It is also essential that the lab calibrate it's edgers to your zero point calibrated tracer. A good lab will check circumference and work with your unique tracer and tracing habits to make sure your remote edged lenses fit every time.

For uncuts, tracer calibration is virtually irrelevant.