How They're Made (Lenses and Coatings): Inside The Optical Lab

More than six months in the making, we take you behind the scenes at Laramy-K Optical to show you everything that goes into making uncut lenses, both conventional and freeform, from ordering all the way to shipping. We also take a look at AR (anti-reflective coating) application including spin-coated and dip-coated hard coat layers.
Now, just to be clear, this isn’t a glossy, “look at our fancy robots and white lab coats” type video, because, well, we don’t have those. Laramy-K is old-school. Our goal is to educate and show you the actual craft of lens making.
As our Lab Manager, John Larson likes to say, “Optics is craft and should be treated as such.” That’s exactly how we were able to produce the -21 cyl lens you’ll see in the video. The tool was literally handmade for that particular job. You just can’t do that with robots. When you choose a lab like Laramy-K, that’s what you can expect, people willing to go the extra mile for their craft. I hope that shows in the video, but more importantly, as with all our videos, I hope you enjoy it and learn a thing or two along the way.
Learn More: opticianworks.com/
Connect with us:
/ opticianworks
This video lesson is sponsored by Laramy-K Optical
Laramy-K Optical is a digital uncut and coating lab unlike any other. The only exclusively uncut lab in the country; we provide our customers with independent, high-end alternatives to corporate brands. Through craftsmanship, technology, and independent, innovative vendors like Younger, IOT, A&R, and Quantum Innovations we offer our customers the Integrity portfolio of freeform lenses and coatings. Made in the USA, the Integrity brand is not a generic house-brand, but is the absolute best available, designed to give the wearer that “wow!” experience.
In addition to the digital line, we still offer conventional surfacing, including glass. Maintaining traditional equipment gives our customers vastly more flexibility in their dispensing, particularly when it comes to more difficult prescriptions.
Learn More: www.laramyk.com

[@marioelburro1492]

Wow i was wondering why it took 2 weeks for my very 1st pair of glasses to be made. Never knew so many steps were involved in the process. Thanks to the people who work on this kind of stuff!

[@noegallegos6722]

In the store I work at we do them within 30 minutes. 2 weeks is usually because they don’t have the specific lenses you need and they need to be ordered.

[@tazzoholic]

2 weeks still takes too long, they usually have stocks on hand. The ones that are really rare are progressive(both far and shortsighted) with oblique astigmatismn to add or the severe eyesight types

[@monishkoderi8936]

Now you are going to get frame you selected your frams there are 2 type of frame. One bifocal lens and proceviss lens they will order which you are selected if you selected HC ( hard coat) it's will be order same you want to order for proceviss

[@sergpie]

@@tazzoholic The only circumstance that would’ve made lenses at our location delay to about 1-3 weeks, is if the customer opted for cr39 lenses in unusually high bases (4-base and up), or for mineral glass lenses, which almost no labs can produce locally (Southern California). The mineral crystal base was made and finished in Germany, whereas the cr39 would be sourced anywhere from Italy to Japan or USA, then shipped-in for grinding/surfacing and tinting.

[@jamesyjean-baptiste112]

[@hmm5131]

It's so amazing how everyone's vision benefits from this technology. This is humanity at its best... working hard and pushing the boundary of technology to help each other live better lives.

[@Bohn101]

This is one of the most concise and "eye-opening" informational and well done manufacturing process walk-throughs I've ever seen. Really nice job.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Thank you.

[@karlrschneider]

This video is well done. I'm pleasantly amazed at the technical innovations in labs these days since I began designing lab equipment 50 years ago, equipping labs and setting them up, and beginning the computerization of lens processing. Some of my designs are shown in the clips in this video, glad to see they still provide useful functions!

[@LaramyKOptical]

Schneider as in Schneider Optical - WOW! Thanks. That video is about 6 years old now. I understand that we have since added a new Schneider generator. An honor to have you stop by and watch. John

[@muhammadyousuf6698]

I have been wearing glasses for nearly 30 years. Progressive lenses multi coatings for 13-14 years. Always wondered how these were created. This is the first time I saw one, looks intricate and thorough and beyond me. Thank you for such full of info video.

[@joepie221]

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with these guys. Extremely helpful, thorough and very patient. Thank you.

[@fenech97]

For those students who study Optics, these videos are excellent.Thanks for sharing.

[@leesindet2547]

Wow! Very interesting. I had no idea all the work that went into producing lenses.

[@LA-ry4bc]

And that‘s why i love my job! I‘m an optician in Austria.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Hello LA from Austria!

[@La_abbess]

Can you suggest an easy to obtain material for sunglasses?

[@La_abbess]

I cracked an expensive pair of sunglasses, can’t get hold of the manufacturer

[@intelgen7860]

@@LaramyKOptical There can be a automation machine to do all of this in one go. And cut out all of the unnecessary steps and time. Look at SLA printing. You should just melt the glass into shape. Just needs to be made. Time for someone to innovate on all these processes.

[@hello-again6994]

@@intelgen7860 let know how it goes after you do it then.

[@Ameliaaahh]

I always wondered why glasses were so expensive. This is awesome to learn!

[@tranmikey8188]

Hello Sir Laramy, you inspired me to become an Licensed Optician. I was also in ex lab technician for Lens Crafter too. However, i must say i was stunned by your lab. Such nice , neat and dedicated equipment's/procedures to make finished lenses. This is best quality like Essilor/Zeiss :D. Please keep up the good work. sir!

[@davidwike4522]

Hi i got antireflective lens and it only took 20 minutes , 3.50 r , L 4.00 how do they put coatings on so quickly

[@annaryk.7268]

Fascinating process. Thank you so much for documenting this in such detail. Love this video. I will never complain again about the cost of my lenses !

[@liampatrick1369]

thank you , my dad was a generator operator. I worked with him every summer, in Westbury ny, then when he retired , I found a job in a lab , a bit more technical ,Finegold labs , we made telescope for microsurgery , and he was the creator of the honey comb lens... I hand polished small to fit in the scope// just brought back memories .. bill reatka

[@LaramyKOptical]

I'm sure that hit home in several places then! John

[@alanfranklin8301]

Makes you wonder how they made lens back in the day. Thanks for this!

[@Lawman212]

Very helpful to see this. Thanks so much for all this effort. It allows the customer to value the product more. Especially all the effort that goes into coatings.

[@gabolujan3109]

This is soooooooo amazing! I’m a new wearer of glasses and always wondered how this part was done. Thank you for this information!

[@chemicalrecoveryfellowship1721]

Really excellent video. Had no idea that so many steps went into making glasses. Thanks for creating and sharing.

[@peaceandprosperitytotheworld]

Excellent video and explanation of how surfacing lab works! As an opticianry educator in Canada, this video is an excellent tool to help students learn about the intricate prescription lenses are made. Thank you.

[@UCPRASHANTH]

Very informative. Understood the complete process, with thorough unhurried explanation. Thanks

[@LaramyKOptical]

You are welcome!

[@sup2320]

That lady was using a Unicomp keyboard for data entry, I approve!

[@khalidmi3946]

I want to know everything about this great manufacture . Thanks for sharing and I really appreciate. a lot of grateful

[@R4J4N]

Nice work buddy. I live by my two pair of glasses; one the progressive one and the other office wear. It took almost a decade to settle down to these configurations. Thanks for the insight. Now, I need a prescribed sunglasses. Wrapped around style. The last one I had was Maui Jim, a really thick one. I need to find a much lighter and thinner one. Any recommendations and tips?

[@royluneta]

Thank you for this detailed content that finally answered my questions regarding how my lenses are done!

[@NoneMechanic101]

Nice. I love every minute of this video

[@M70ACARRY]

When I was a kid, my lenses had to be made in Germany. No lab in the States could cut my script. Took forever to get them. They were also expensive.

[@yatratechtvcom]

Awesome...Love the Process and Finish.

[@rosalindannwebb685]

I used to work in an optical lab so realise it’s very technical it was slightly less involvement but we did the earlier plastic lenses and were gradually working on transitions in the pioneering stages. Godbless.x have a nice day.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Ah, a walk down memory lane...

[@rosalindannwebb685]

Yes it was in 1981 and a fascinating procedure at the time . It was still slightly involved but it was still taking effect to becoming the procedure that it is today I think they were called reactolight rapides at the time long time ago now but fascinating.i find your new process amazing that’s why they cost what they do and deservedly so. As the work that is done is amazing.

[@ealouie]

Wow! Thank you so much for creating this video and all the Laramy-K videos. I wish I could find a knowledgeable, helpful, caring, and willing to troubleshoot optician in my area that uses Laramy-K. I already pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for my progressive lenses only to waste the time of lens making lab staff because communication or skill or attention to detail of the optician is lacking. I’ve learned so much and in another lifetime I would consider going into optics and lenses. I love these videos and binge watch them. I’m addicted! Thank you!!!!!

[@LaramyKOptical]

Whoa there Elizabeth - "... knowledgable, helpful, caring and willing" That is asking a lot from an optician. :-) I think those qualities are also on the list for Mary Poppins? I'm kind of only half kidding here. I'd place competent at the top of the list and if you get some of the others count yourself lucky. Most opticians have been working retail for 5, 10, 15 years and are bit worn out. They may well be an excellent optician but probably not Pollyanna.

[@gvoicessi3748]

John, thank you and all the people involved in the production of this great video “How They’re Made…”. The information in this video is needed throughout the optical industry. And I agree with you John, Laramy-K Optical the best wholesale surfacing lab in the county.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Thanks!

[@wazup3333]

@@LaramyKOptical if lenses are tinted before they are cut for frame dimensions how do they prevent the white edges from the safety bevel and lens edge being uncoated? seems counter-intuitive..

[@LaramyKOptical]

@@wazup3333 Drop me an email through the OpticianWorks website. I'll be cutting a pair of that exact thing today or tomorrow. I'll grab some pictures and let you decide. John

[@wazup3333]

@@LaramyKOptical sent, you will see it in direct light so on the pictures it wont be visible. this applies to clear lenses aswell since edges are uncoated, when direct light hits it the edges sparkle white

[@mohammadabuhawwash372]

amazing.. fully explained ✅

[@ankitmaisuriya543]

Very informative and well-produced video

[@JamesCrane]

Thank you for making this video, so interesting to watch the whole process in such detail!

[@LaramyKOptical]

You are welcome.

[@drstew1]

I appreciate my classes anyway, but after watching this I’m really getting to appreciate them.

[@xs10tl1]

excellent production, pace, sound levels ...

[@aznhomig]

Very well-made and informative documentary, thank you.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Great username!

[@chriswright8074]

@@LaramyKOptical so where the medicine for the lens I'm lost y'all just cut glass an that's it

[@fenech97]

Nice video on Lens production. A lot of work is put in making lenses. No wonder they're so expensive

[@dvader3000]

You must work for them,they are so fucking expensive but yet you aprove,jerk

[@falaplazmy]

Fascinating!

[@crispy9377]

May I ask, what were the compounds used for basic AR coating? The process blows my mind every time i see it!

[@LaramyKOptical]

www.laramyk.com/blog/nanometers-colorless-ar-and-ion-guns/

[@christhacker4188]

It's been a little over a year since I've worked in a lab. 10yrs experience from surfacing to finishing. I even did maintenance for a few years working on Schneider, Satisloh, MRIII, Essilor coating chambers, MEI systems, A&R blocking and inspection equipment, Nidek tracers and so forth. The lab I was apart of and maintenance team I was on took care of the entire facility from receiving to shipping lol. Watching this has made me to start missing the work. Honestly enjoyed helping the world see one pair at a time. It's amazing the process gone into creating a single pair of glasses. Im not sure where you are located but if your looking for a top quality experienced employee with leadership skills and military background I would definitely be open to see what your company would have to offer.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Indianola Iowa.

[@christhacker4188]

@@LaramyKOptical Thank you for the reply. I checked the website but do not see any area to apply at so I'm not sure if the company is currently looking for highly skilled employees or should I just use the contact section to inquire about possible possibilities within the company?

[@LaramyKOptical]

@@christhacker4188 I don't work at the lab and I have nothing to do with operations. Yes - I'd use the contact form and send a note. We did have a large lay-off because of the shut down and they are still doing more with less.

[@christhacker4188]

@@LaramyKOptical that's sad to hear about the layoffs but definitely understandable, however doing more with less just goes to show how efficient the team is. That alone shows the worth of the company in maintaining the best processes and technologies available. Greatly appreciate your time!

[@lakenroth2174]

This is very interesting I have been wearing eye glasses ever since I was a kid Thank you for the video on how eye glasses are made for people that need Eye glasses

[@MultiPlayerWolves]

So friggin cool! I work in a small lab and it’s so much fun to see how a large lab runs.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Well, medium labs. ;) The large labs are all robots. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@cristinarodriguez1035]

Hello John, great video and great channel indeed! I just discovered it. I would like to know your opinion on 3D printed lenses and whether you know of any timelines for this manufacturing technique to become more common in this field.

[@LaramyKOptical]

They are printing viable lenses right now. However, you may never see them as alternatives to day-to-day powers and applications. My best guess at when you will see them more mainstream? Um ---- 2020. www.laramyk.com/blog/3d-printed-ophthalmic-lenses/

[@deborahilo6792]

I love this video!!!

[@aaronward4319]

3:16 I wish I could do anything with this much efficiency.

[@hello-again6994]

She gives the tv or movie hackers a run for their money.

[@MindaugasJocionis]

Great video.

[@paulanderson79]

Free form lenses are worth every penny. Off the peg lenses don't get close. I wear Carl Zeiss progressives in 1.67 material. I've not previously encountered Laramy-K here in Britain but I'll look out for 'em next time I buy glasses.

[@otubassey6025]

Thanks for this.

[@LaramyKOptical]

You are welcome.

[@theodorevegh6030]

Hats off to all my K12 teachers, coaches and preachers. They worked really hard to make sure I don't know how to do anything and I don't know anything useful. LOL - TAV ♥️🇺🇸🌎👍

[@froman1960]

What I wanted to see was how a progressive lens is cut and how a bi or tri focal is cut in comparison. What is the back of the lens? The part that is on the outside or the part that is closer to us?

[@deuter8943]

Amazing video

[@mistabritt]

Very informative.

[@muhammadebnuhu406]

Thank you!

[@mandi17simo]

I have say, top video!

[@armaneflag2208]

wow l love that work

[@collinpribula3270]

Aawweessoommee!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰🥰🥰💓💓💕💞💛💛💗💗😍😍💖💖❤️

[@razziade]

@3:18. She is super fast at entering the data! Wow! Is video sped up?

[@razziade]

@David I remember as a kid when cashiers entered prices manually; everything had to have a price sticker. Regarding the employee entering data in the video, very impressive!

[@OpticiansIndia]

Excellent

[@koling-koling3938]

I waved back at the UPS driver... I will be trying my new glasses with amethyst color soon it arrives after a month.

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

An excellent, informative and fascinating video. I do wonder how an online shop in the UK was able to reglaze my backup specs so cheaply including AR and hard coatings. I cannot distnguish them from my Zeiss Lotutec coated lenses (in Lindenberg frames) that cost four times as much apart from the hydrophobic coat. Perhaps the Zeiss are more durable?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Yes, I'd be curious on how good that coating looks a year out. And let us know how easy it is to clean over time when compared with the higher end product. Nothing to say it won't be equal or better --- but --- we shall see. John

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

Sydney Kinman-Vantiger They are fine but to be fair they are rarely used. My Zeiss have one faint mark, which I find impressive after 18 months, and that mark was from abuse. Are the cheapies as good? No idea.

[@ashleymiller7924]

Lots of upgrades to these machines since this video was created. So much more is automatic now. Ccu/lazer/polisher/dba/tsa/44r the only thing that looked the same is the spin coat mr3.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Yep. Some of the machinery certainly has changed but the process is still the same. Thing is I'm in SC, Keith the K in Laramy-K is in GA and the lab is in Iowa so it isn't a matter of popping in for a video shoot. It's a week of travel, expensive shipping and accommodations etc. Maybe we will get back for an update in 2023.

[@RedRisotto]

So there's still a lot of room for screw ups when a lens is cut to a specific frame shape? Especially with free form lenses I would assume?

[@RajeshGupta-xc6ky]

Wonderful buddy. From India .

[@GxrrettJxmes]

Would be very interested in any information on how the mirror coating process is done!

[@LaramyKOptical]

Same process as AR application just a different recipe.

[@honkwok35]

Very informative video. Got better idea how lenses are made. 😊 But also surprise how much water need to be use during the process😯

[@LaramyKOptical]

Lots of recycling and filtration going on there. All that stuff behind the cylinder machines is reclaim.

[@bryanp.1327]

I'm pretty sure none of my lenses have gone through such rigorous processes and testing, but it is cool to get an idea of what it takes to make prescription eyewear.

[@rajkumarhembram022]

Every lenses have to go through this process, without this there will be no lenses

[@bryanp.1327]

@@rajkumarhembram022 ok

[@360icon]

Just watch a video prior to this that was 15years old how nikkor lens are made- what a difference technology has advanced the process- but theres some about those old nikkors thats special

[@LaramyKOptical]

Yeah - loupes, cameras, telescopes and rifle scopes all tend to get superior lenses. Glass being the biggest difference, different grinding techniques because most are doubles, and then of course lenses in series, superior coatings within a vacuum... I guess part of the beauty of humans is the ability of our eye/brain to overcome (or not need) perfection. Funny - like a full vs. empty gun I can tell my three cameras (all the same body) apart just by their different weights which is all in the lens. John

[@yzmoto80]

19:28, your first scratches in your new glasses by the person inspecting them...😂

[@kaieteurcanada]

That fella with de big azz thumb just scratched my lens.

[@simonsuh1733]

awesome

[@msbonz4145]

Wow how interesting and amazing all the machinery and precise presion that goes into this. 1 question i ask you makers. When applying the layers of shading and coating i notice you add the coatings to the front of our lenses. Which is why i know now how scratches do occur on our glasses. Even though i got the feather weight transitional Lenses with actual glass coated scratch resistant lenses. I still get fine scratches. This last pair i got cloudiness right dead center of my glasses. I paid over $600.00 for my prescription glasses. And i got very fine scratches and cloudiness. I can't use them very often and they are what i use to drive. So don't be on the road when i drive. Its frustrating having these problems. Is their something i can do? With all the coatings in the front of the lenses it seems to be most of my problem from cleaning them over and over and over. Using even the micro fiber cleaning cloth. Putting them in glasses protectors when not using them or when they are in my purse. Is their a way, because i can't afford to keep paying this money. Is their a way u can put the layers of on the inside of glasses since most of the dirtiness is on the outside of lenses. Just asking if that possible. People clean the dusty dirty lenses it catches while wareing them then we clean them off and dust can be abrasive. They are less likely or less dusty and less like to scratch up so fast. Just a question sir. Women do dusty jobs cleaning and we work with allot of cleaning solutions that also can play a roll in damaging these lenses. You all work so hard at precisely and with such micro Precision that you would think these lenses would last longer. Unfortunately after a year or two i see thos scratches and clouding. Which sucks for me. I'm very grateful you showed me this process. It is wow, amazing. I'm so thankful to have you all be able to make me see. I'm gonna share this because its important to know the steps you all do to create a way for millions to see. This is eye awakening thank you all for the hard work you all do. You are so important for me and family and friends. O appreciate a you all do. Thank you sir.

[@nelsoncinco]

the Only Scratch proof lenses are made out of glass and not plastics.

[@rosalenebradbury2722]

Totally agree with Lee below, WOW !! (That is why they cost such a lot. Fair enough.) In my total ignorance I just imagined someone one slipping a blank lens into a machine, pushing a button and bingo, lens. How wrong as I?

[@MrLim26]

Hi Mr John, May i know does axis changes due to age? Thank you

[@kasulabadsrikanth1233]

Tanks Sir Very nic Video😊

[@ming_travel_cooking_life4056]

I have a super frustrating time with my new glasses / lenses. The frame is ok, but the lenses not so much. When I look and touch the lenses, there is a slight distortion in the glass, not completely smooth. This is a re-do from the previous one which had the same problem. I don't know if the problem is the lenses manufacturer (they are not Zeiss) or the technician messed up. I think I will go another office and ask them if this is normal. This is so frustrating.

[@allanmccorquodale7018]

I live in Australia and have been wearing glasses since I was about 8yrs old. I am now 61 yrs old. I am sure most of my glasses haven't benefited from this technology. In the last 10 years I have gone to multifocals which this tech may apply to. Thanks for the explanation.

[@rohaizanwan478]

Hi John, how do they do photochromatic process or transition process? Can elaborate a little bit? Thanks

[@LaramyKOptical]

Please drop me an email through the OpticianWorks website. I can tell you about glass (because I'm that friggin old) but for the newer stuff I'll have to connect you with someone else. Thanks John

[@williambauer6181]

Hello John Thank you for everything you explain. I noticed that you referenced the fact that any coatings may reduce a lense's ability to withstand being shattered. What are your thoughts about coatings and air bags. Thank again for being kind enough to share your thoughts.

[@LaramyKOptical]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYCQmaKfl911hbs

[@LaramyKOptical]

A video that digs into that deeper is below. It covers the actual language used by the lens manufacturers. I'm not a testing lab so this is just my opinion/observation - yes airbags often cause glasses to be driven into the wearer's face/nose causing injury. The nature of the bag - a pillow basically - isn't all that likely to cause a lens to shatter. It would need a very hard-fixed surface opposite the bag to counter the impact to do that (see the video). Luckily it has your mushy, bobbing nose/head/cushioned headrest instead. Could the worst happen? Sure but in my opinion the chances are quite low. Can't wander the world covered in bubble wrap. ;-)

[@williambauer6181]

Thank you

[@OldRetiredGent]

What are the health and safety standards required with regard to handling the Lead Alloy, specifically at 12:27 onward...shouldn't gloves and masks be used by the operator to protect hands/skin and breathing in any particles? Or does the measurement of lead particles within the air fall below the OSHA guidelines of 50 PEL or less during an 8 hour exposure period?

[@Anon-ps5ch]

Impressive video, one question. Let's say a patient comes back and says they are experiencing headaches and have seen the doc and doc says patient is experiencing optically-induced aniseikonia. I have read about the shaw lens but don't know much about it. As far as aniseikonia goes which lens would be suitable for that person?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Matt, We would need the Rx powers to even begin to sort this out. YES, Laramy-K Optical does lens work for the correction of aniseikonia. Please just call the lab 800-525-1274 and talk with Janet --- after noon CST. I never pretend, in my 20+ years I never once even heard the word aniseikonia spoken out loud! And that includes time with a busy, young, 3.5 doctor practice. I think it is rare enough that it is perfectly OK to rely on a great lab to help you along. A great lab will see it 20X a year. You may see it once in a lifetime. John

[@Jan96106]

Anon. Thanks for the question. That's really interesting. My retina detached and because of that I have aniseikonia and metamorphopsia in one eye. I'm not really bothered by these as long as the other eye doesn't get dry because the good eye makes everything look normal.

[@douggentry225]

Man this is fascinating. I sure wish I were 45 years younger.

[@saqibhussain7217]

very informative video. I have a question regarding lense manufacturing. what is the relation between the degree of the sphere of tool and lense number?

[@LaramyKOptical]

It is not necessarily a sphere tool. The lap or the positive tool can be spherical or compound. It is (roughly) a direct opposite positive curve to the negative curve we need to create the power. It can be compensated by radius hundredths of a mm to account for material. It is a passive mold where the cylinder machine is actually doing the work. I hope that is what you were asking? John

[@saqibhussain7217]

@@LaramyKOptical Thanks, very informative. one more question. There is any relationship between the degree of the spherical surface of lense and Power no. of the lens. eg: 2 degree spherical surface of the lens is corresponds to what power number of a lens or vice versa.? There is any chart table or formula .

[@LaramyKOptical]

@@saqibhussain7217 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5mUm4Ohq9FsbNk

[@amoschua3555]

Are transition lenses "coated" like a ARC stack, or do they "blended" into the lens itself?

[@smurficus]

It is coated on the surface of the blank.

[@smurficus]

@Chaz from UK It can be damaged by heat and can crack or you can scratch it but you destroy the lens. If you scratch deep enough you can see the original material but the lens is unusable.

[@houssemeddine584]

Very nice educational video, but can you please mention the names of the compounds you were talking about at 17:48 ?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Start here: store.dactechnologies.com/business/category/27/polish-slurry

[@LaramyKOptical]

That will give you some idea of what is available for different applications. Also, try to track down a copy of the magazine Lab Talk.

[@sashagilbey3987]

What is the difference between the spinning thermal hard coat application and the scratch resistant coatin

[@LaramyKOptical]

In short the sophistication of the process. Spin coating would be for lenses not going through the a-r process. Lenses getting a-r will have the hard coat applied during that process.

[@browneyes29340]

Is there a way to put the videos in order and watch them in order?

[@LaramyKOptical]

OpticianWorks.com

[@konstantinkonstantinov3117]

Hi John, one question about lenses: at two different optics stores I was told that now the lenses are either now made from "plastic", not glass, or are compulsory coated with some film. I dont want any of those options since they will scratch easier and I insisted to have pure glass lenses as I had before, but I was told nobody makes such lenses since they are heavy. This was related to progressive lenses I wanted to have. Is this true information or I was just pushed to buy cheaper lenses? Many thanks if you reply to this question, Konstantin. P.S. In fact, do you have a video about the lense materials used today to watch and educate more myself?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Glass progressive will be very hard to find but they are still done. Glass lenses are still sold and still available. Some safety glasses must be glass and many farmers prefer it for its scratch resistance. You just need to find a better optician. John

[@konstantinkonstantinov3117]

Laramy-K Optical Thanks John your reply is much appreciated. Best regards Konstantin

[@Rod-xq2jp]

Last time I got new glasses, I purchased polycarbonate lenses because of their supposed durability. I couldn’t see for crap, wore them for two weeks to allow eye adjustment. Had to go back and get plastic lenses. They are non-line progressive. Is this something that happens often with polycarbonate? I really liked the reduced weight.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Often? I would have to say no. But, next time insist on Trivex, lighter than poly and much, much better optically. "Durability" is kind of a questionable concept when talking about lenses. John

[@Rod-xq2jp]

Thank you so much for the reply.

[@Twinson1]

Is there a way I can select Laramy-K to make my lenses after I get my prescription? I'm not an optician just a customer.

[@LaramyKOptical]

Email me through the OpticianWorks website and I'll see if we have an account near where you live.

[@anujtuladhar8374]

I was wondering what machine you were using in your free form surfacing?

[@LaramyKOptical]

I believe we just got a new Schneider.

[@leecooper4030]

I miss my surfacing days. Only work in a finished lab now. So dull!!

[@bergfpv6486]

So coatings are applied on the outside, not sandwiched? Does that mean that transition lenses, once scratched, cannot be polished without damaging the coating?

[@LaramyKOptical]

No lens can be polished to correct a scratch. That is a myth. If you did polish out a scratch (assuming the lens had no coatings of any kind at all) it would look fine but that area would be a blurry spot when you tried to look through it. The front curve would no longer match the back curve resulting in blur.

[@pierre-charlesdapremont8414]

Hello, Can we trust to the engravings to center progressiv lenses ?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Absolutely - no choice about it really. You start with the engravings and then spot-up or mark-up the lens design using the lens appropriate chart and an AR marking pen.

[@annwaters9484]

Very interesting! Where does one go for training for this type of work, especially the lens mappers???? This type of job is never mentioned by career job training people!

[@LaramyKOptical]

It has, for the most part, always come down to on the job training. Lot's of family run labs. Labs become more automated, robotics, push-button every day (and that isn't necessarily a bad thing). Some jobs require little or no training while the true Lab Mangers like John L at Laramy-K carry a lifetime of understanding with them.

[@nickhickson8738]

I just had some new coated bifocals made in high index material, due to deteriorating age-related eye sight. Despite all this machinery here in the UK as well the new glasses had a error in the right lens meaning everything was out of focus. Did the lab mis-read the optician's prescription or was there an error in manufacture? Everything seems so fully automated it is hard to imagine where it went wrong. Anyway they lens are being re-made. C'est la vie.

[@LaramyKOptical]

The old saying hasn't changed --- Bad data in = bad data out. The best software and hardware is only as good as the information they are being fed. And that hardware still needs to be maintained by someone that actually knows what they are doing. I'd need to know more to answer your question but it sounds like you just needed to vent a little? ;-) John

[@jasminevelo3372]

If you have glasses then one day you decide to make it photochromic do you need to get new optical lenses or they can just add a coating to ur old lenses?

[@LaramyKOptical]

New lenses.

[@quad_solo_az]

Certainly explains why glasses cost what they do, especially progressive prescription blue mirror sunglasses 😎

[@xdezuko155]

I finally found a video to explain to people what I do for a living lmao

[@muhammadasifmukhtar3344]

Wow What a talent and workmanship. Dear I want to start this business any help plz

[@unensoavatar7457]

What would be the cost of SINGLE VISION and MULTIFOCAL glasses..

[@dangoldbach6570]

Found this video when I was looking for a way to repair a vintage camera lens.... Is there a way to send out camera lens elements for polishing and recoating? Some vintage lenses are worth hundreds of dollars if they are optically flawless, but only 20 bucks if they are hazy. Any idea how much it might cost?

[@LaramyKOptical]

Dan, Please drop me an email through the OpticianWorks website. I'll need to do a little digging but glass can be polished. When you say "vintage" are we talking just a basic glass lens or just an older lens with an AR coat that has been damaged? John

[@dangoldbach6570]

@@LaramyKOptical it is a contax-yashica ML50 1.4 that had fungus, I completely disassembled the lens and it does appear to have some AR coatings that have been etched by the enzymes of the fungus. I would love to be able to recoat with more modern coatings, I'll send you an email!

[@mrdefaultynoob]

@@dangoldbach6570 just wondering is it possible?

[@momomori_JP]

I like the dude at 9:00 he just seems like cool dude props to him same with the dude at 10:00

[@LaramyKOptical]

XD