Apart from reading optiboard, it's hard to find objective opinions on complex questions. I've been in the business 5 years and still feel way too much like a rookie when it comes to progressives. I'm 41 and know my days are numbered, but all I have to go on right now is patient feedback...and my growing optical chops.
So, if you don't have an ax to grind, or a lens to sell, and you are confident in making a recommendation, please weigh in on the following. I'm not just looking for your recommendation, but for someone to inform and critique my deduction and thought process. I want to become more of a progressive expert. This will also serve as a sort of litmus test...one that will help me figure out who I can turn to on Optiboard in the future. You know, the kind of person some of you have (in your well-seasoned network of professionals) who you can turn to, get a straight answer, and know you're getting a great perspective.
The scenario:
- 2 patients in the past day have a plano Rx with a 1.75 add
- Both patients, for various reasons, want to leave their glasses on...they like their frames, and don't want the hassle of taking them on and off
- Patient A: covered for any PAL they want (through their insurance). He is also a strong iScription candidate (lots of higher order aberrations).
- Patient B: getting her first pair of glasses ever...safeties, and she doesn't want to spend much more than the company's limited PAL allowance. Oh, and she operates a microscope much of the day.
My best guess:
- I most often dispense Zeiss and Shamir products. So my first thought would have been the Shamir Office for both, but that would have messed with their distance when needed.
- My next thought was a lined bifocal (probably 35mm), but, neither want lines. That leaves me with a progressive.
- Patient A is covered for anything. So I'm thinking that a freeform digital will optimize the experience for the patient and give them a less-compromised distance periphery and large-as-possible channel (especially with POW measurements). The Zeiss Individual and Auto II are compensated for his frame (seg of 21), so I'd probably go with either one.
- Patient B is covered for this level PAL: GT2, Creation, SolaOne, SolaMax, Ovation...you get the idea. I'm inclined to try the GT2 first...for no other reason then I've dispensed more of them.
OK. Have at it!
-roscoe
PS - If you have any other resources or expert advice on progressives, I'd love to create a compendium of PAL designs, their unique characteristics, and what Rx's are the best for each design, PLEASE enlighten me. Thanks!
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