From order to fitting: the journey to new spectacles
At Respectacle Company, we often talk about our services, which include eye examinations, contact lens checks, teaching contact lens handling, and showcasing our outstanding eyewear collections. However, we have yet to mention what happens once our customers select a pair of frames and how we customise them based on their unique prescription.
Before a customer chooses a frame, there are several factors we need to consider about their choices. These considerations are one of the areas that we feel set us apart from many other high street opticians.
There are three main areas to consider when dispensing eyewear:
Firstly, we consider the prescription. If the prescription is what we class as a high prescription, this may restrict the size, shape, or type of frame the customer can have. Also, if prisms form part of the prescription, this can affect the final selection of the frame.
Secondly, when selecting the right pair of glasses for a customer, we must consider the type of lenses they require. If they need single-vision or reading glasses, this may allow for different frame shapes and types of frames. On the other hand, if they require progressive lenses or occupational lenses, this may require a different frame style. Additionally, the material of the lenses can also affect the frame selection, depending on the prescription and type of frame use.
The third area that needs consideration when choosing eyeglasses is the fit of the frame for the customer, as it is essential for both comfort and optimum vision. We spend a lot of time during our training assessing the fit of frames and taking measurements to ensure our customers’ comfort. However, when people seek adjustments for frames purchased online that slip or are sore on the nose, it is often because the frame did not fit correctly in the first place. Unfortunately, in these cases, no amount of adjustment will alleviate the discomfort caused by an ill-fitting frame.
We do understand why people buy eyewear online. We all like to think we are getting a bargain. However, is the discounted price worth it when you end up with eyewear that doesn’t fit properly? In the long term, it is often more beneficial to pay a little extra and seek professional expert advice to ensure that your eyewear fits you perfectly. This way, you can enjoy your new glasses without any discomfort or inconvenience.
After finalising the frame selection and prescription, we take several extra measurements to ensure the perfect fit of the frame and lenses. We use digital measuring devices like the Seiko column to take all the measurements, which include the position of each eye in relation to the frame, the distance between the eye surface and the back surface of the lenses, and the tilt of the frame. These measurements contribute to ensuring the optimum positioning of the lenses to our eyes to provide the best possible vision
Depending on the type of frame our customer has chosen, we remove the demo lenses and trace the shape and size of the lenses on a tracing machine connected to the Seiko system. We then input the lens details, prescription, and additional measurements and send them digitally into the Seiko ordering system. The lenses are manufactured at one of Seiko’s labs, cut, finished, and sent directly to us here in Market Harborough. We then spring the lenses into the frame and check them to ensure they fit correctly. It is a great system that works well for us on standard glazing frames. We don’t have to post the frames anywhere, and we can track the production of each pair of lenses to keep our customers informed about their orders.
If you would like to know more or want to see our Seiko column or tracing machine in action, please pop into the optical; we’re always happy to show and explain the processes.
Further reading:
Tips to help you choose the right glasses for your face shape
