I recently transitioned from cheap bi-focal lenses to Zeiss progressives and what a world of difference. I had a hard time deciding what frames I wanted, so I purchased a pair of Cartier rimless and a pair of Cazal gold plated titanium frames. I found an excellent optician at Optical Universe in Tarzana, CA who devoted a lot of time to ensuring I had the best lenses and frames for my facial structure and needs. I do, however, owe it all to you Robert for your excellent videos and insights. You inspired me to take the plunge on high end eyewear and I’m very grateful. At 65, I see better than ever. I’m fortunate to live very close to this optician, but for those who don’t, let Robert create a masterpiece for you, you’ll be happy you did.
I have worn progressive lens for many years. Your video Robert was still very informative and clearly describes the quality of lens providers. Thanks again for taking eyecare to the next level!
Hey Robert thanks for all the great information. I purchased my first set of ZEISS smart life progressive lenses with PhotoFusion and BlueGuard. I love them! Thanks again your much appreciated my friend..😊
The Zeiss measuring system makes so much sense. For years, I've been wondering why we can't utiilze our advanced techonologies to come up with better measurements, even when it comes to the way opticians check your vision. (The "does A look better or does B?" method seems very prone to innacuracy.). I just recently had an optician check my PD for progressive sunglasses. They used three different methods, and they came up with a significanlty different PD than my optometrist did! This makes me wonder how accurate any of my glasses have been, and how much a difference in PD makes. Thanks for the great video.
You're welcome, and thank you for sharing your experience! I agree that it just makes sense. Opticians naturally use equipment to measure your eyes and then just a ruler and a pen to measure for your glasses
In 20 years of wearing progressive lenses, I’ve never thought to ask, and never been told, what make of lenses I was being offered (until now) I was asked if I want basic, quite good or excellent lenses, and like most people (I guess), I chose excellent. It’s an important purchase, so it should be made compulsory for all opticians to make that clearer to consumers. (If it isn’t already) Interesting subject, thanks for the information. 👍
Beeing an optician myself i can tell you that it is really tough to provide all the information that would be relevant in a reasonable timeframe. Most customers cant even follow if youre just dumping all that info on them. A youtube video contains much more than what you could deliver personally. I still think that its unfair that people are usually are left in the dark, but from experience i know that most people would lack the stamina to sit through that amount of just explaining with far less visual presentation
@@lemonice2885 that’s true for many people I’m sure, because most are unaware what the options are, and if you told them they’d probably still ask “what do you recommend?” Glasses are sold like an item of clothing in most Opticians, “that suits you, and is a good fit”… but in reality they are more like a prosthetic for your most important sense (your eyesight).
well. The reality of this is that how you get fitted for the glasses and how you glasses and frames are adjusted including post purchase service matter 85%. The rest, 15% is lens dependent, and very similar outcomes can be achieved with either IOT, Zeiss, Verilux or Shamir. For some challenging prescriptions there are corner cases due to optics where optician may prefer e.g. Rodenstock. Opticians have the education and training to make that choice. You just need to do you research and pick the one who is trustworthy and will do what's the best for you.
@@lemonice2885 You don't need to get into all the details, and from a salesperson's point of view; never underestimate your customers! Information is never dumped on anyone, it's given.
IOT Camber and Endless steady are really great lenses and we have tremendous success with it. But strongly agree with you that your lab should be on par with the manufacturing of the product.
Great informative video. I’ve tried the essilor lens and couldn’t get on with them. When I tried the Ziess, and I’m now on my 4th set, from individual, individual 2 and thanks to yourself the individual 3. As soon as I put that 1st pair on, it was like the difference between HD and 4K vision. I personally wouldn’t go with any other lens now. Hope to be arranging another visit to yourselves for my wife and I soon. The last two pairs you made for me are just amazing. They genuinely give the best vision I’ve ever had . 👍
I have the Essilor XR that are AI optimized. Find it very natural, although they have not the last bit of sharpness. Couldn’t wear Hoya middleclass lenses. Had problems with focusing. I have also middleclass Shamir lenses in my sunglasses. Quite like it, but prefer the Essilor.
Hi Robert - LOVE the channel, thank you so much for all your content. And thank you for finally doing this particular video. Here is my experience with Varilux and PLEASE comment. Three years ago I upgraded to Varilux X series from a brand I don't know the name of because I purchased them from a Warby Parker type store called Eyebobs (I am in the USA, a New Yorker). They were terrible or at least realized so after getting the Varilux. I paired them with Lindberg frameless and they were heavenly. Fast forward to just a few weeks ago. It was time to change the lenses because my Rx had slightly changed. Just the near/reading zone, nothing else. I again ordered Varilux X and when I got them they were the polar opposite of the previous ones, three years prior. The former had NO distortion, all zones were beautifully blended with seamless transitioning from one zone to the next, there was no defined "corridor". All zones were smooth and seamless from one to the other, side to side, top to bottom. All zones were in focus, sharp and clear. I didn't have to move my head. I can move my eyes "around the clock" and everywhere in between and everything was in focus - far, intermediate, and near, edge to edge of the lens. There are no distortions anywhere. It was truly amazing. The latter - there was a strict corridor and extremely narrow at that, maybe 3-6mm, and the regions opposing the corridor were terribly out of focus/blurry, right up against the corridor, no smooth transition. They took up too much of the lens area. Also, the bottom edge of the near sight region failed to be in focus/clear when looking down while walking. I had to bring my chin to my chest for it to be in focus. Sharp vision was not "instant". There was no "wide field of vision". My vision was never "stable". There were no "smooth transitions", all the zones were just short of a hard line of separation (like old school bi-focals). I was continuously moving my head, as opposed to me simply and more naturally my eyes, to get whatever I want to look at INTO the zone required. All of these faults were counter to what the X series promises, those in quotations above.. After a failed attempt to recut another pair my optician then offered to have me try the new XR series. The difference(s) was negligible, with almost no discernible change with the field edge to edge, same as above really. They did however give me plenty of eye strain which could not be overcome. I kept reaching for the old original pair for relief. We finally decided to go to the Shamir Autograph. They aren't as good as the original Varilux X but pretty darn close, and less expensive. As for troubleshooting - we both thought that because the original lenses on the Lindbergs were slightly curved, where the new ones were almost flat (on MODOs), it may have played a part in being so flawless. My optician tried to recut lenses on a 2nd try (the failed attempt) but was told it was not possible (for whatever reason). After two tries with the X series and one on the XR we resigned to the possibility that the originals were just a fluke, a one off perfect "storm". I am happy with the Shamir lenses, especially because they are $200 cheaper with little discernible difference. I may try Zeiss in the future. But at $950 a pop for the Varilux and Zeiss being comparable (I believe) it's hard to justify the added cost for so little advantage. I don't know. I'm very saddened of not knowing what to expect at such a high cost, and having forced to live with it because of said cost. Any thoughts Robert? Any similar experience? Any science you are aware of? Thank you, Ari
My appointment with you is in 3 weeks, looking forward to it. One pair of eyewear will possibly be progressive lenses for use working at a screen most of the day. How I've put up with purchasing online and high street glasses for so long, I don't know.
Always outstanding content, Robert. I realize how incredibly lucky your customers are to have access to you and your knowledge. I live in the Seattle area of the US. You’d think with all of the tech companies based here we would have access to some of the tools you use. Sadly we do not. For the few Opticians that do use more advanced tech, they do not take insurance. I’ve been wearing progressive lenses for five years. I currently have a pair of Hoya lenses this is what Costco offers ($140 USD). I have a pair of Essilor XR lenses ($360 USD after insurance) from my eye doctor’s optical shop. I’d love to try a pair of Zeiss progressive lenses, but the price is around $400 USD in my area. That is before any special coatings or flash treatments, if I wanted them.
A very interesting video. It is great to learn something about the lens out there. I know some people who go to a high street optician and get the cheapest frames and lens. Yet, eyes are so important, it's worth spending more and get quality. People need to do some research.
I noticed that too, however I wish they would stop trying to use those color filters or LUTs in editing to stylize the videos. Makes it hard to see the real colors of frames and tints he shows a lot on that channel.
Fantastic, thank you. Very informative. Zeiss drivesafe are good, so bet smartlife are excellent. Visio 1000 seems great for getting them ,spot on. Thank you.
I USED TO wear progressives for 10 years. Abandoned them for trifocals. Immediately found that my dull headaches disappeared. I appreciated getting back my edge-to-edge clarity, which made driving safer. Trifocals aren't perfect, but I still prefer them to progressives.
How long ago was that? They are continually improving so it might be worth giving them a try again at some point. Although I love making trifocals for people
@thespectaclefactory I dislike the focus corridor of progressives. I am curious if this drawback will be completely eliminated in the future. Until then, segmented lenses will be my choice. Good to know that you still keep your skills sharp in the older optics!
If we consider that the best progressive lenses are the most personalised, then Varilux XR are the best. In addition to greater customisation, they also have the best equipment for taking measurements. I must say that the most important thing is the training of the technicians to carry out the tasks.
@@thespectaclefactory They are devices with different purposes. Visufit aims to take measurements and facilitate obtaining measurements, while iscription is diagnostic equipment. In relation to Visufit, I think it is more focused on creating a remarkable experience in the sales process and is therefore less focused on obtaining measurements. On the other hand, visioffice, through H3D and NVB technologies, among others, can obtain highly accurate measurements. That’s my opinion working with them.
I like Zeiss lenses but sadly in the U.S. it's very hard to find any optician that has a relationship with them. Almost every optical place I have been to says "oh we can get any brand of lens you want EXCEPT Zeiss. And even the places I have been to that can get them by tracking them down through the Zeiss website, when I go in person and ask for Zeiss, they say "oh you don't really need those". I don't get it, is there some kickback they are getting from the other brands? Not sure why they are so resistant.
Well let me tell you why. You are going to get honest feedback about Zeiss. Zeiss makes excellent lenses but Zeiss US is not what opticians want to deal with unless customer forces them. Why ?1) Constant rework by Zeiss US lab(s). Be prepared to have your glasses remade a few times especially so if you want PhotoFusion + tint + flash. If you are in the business to make money, why would you want to do it to yourself? And no, lenses have to be made by in the US due to strict import restrictions on finished lenses. You just can't import lenses from Zeiss Europe. It is illegal, really. 2) Lack of communication between the Zeiss rep, the lab and optician. Hence, hard to provide any timelines to customers when you are kept in the dark yourself. (Some opticians call it being lied to...) 3) All the jobs must go through Zeiss own US lab. Talk about monopoly:) The independent labs just don't have access to Zeiss tech anymore and this consolidation happened about 4 years ago. Trust me this had made many labs very unhappy with Zeiss when all the production was consolidated in the Zeiss own US lab. This restriction doesn't exist with Verilux or Shamir and any independent lab can make them. 4) Alternatives are very strong. So overall many opticians and independent doctors of optometry just prefer dealing with Verilux XR and Shamir WorkSpace and consider them to be the best branded lenses currently available on the market in the US.
@@natureins4644 I'll try and give you some other thoughts on what you have said here: #1. I'm actually not sure what you are talking about here about remakes? But I'll tell you Most labs in the US wont do a Photochromic + Tint + Flash Mirror. Zeiss is one of the few that WILL tint a Photochromic however. (you just can't add a mirror as well) #2 Communication should be fine, what are you specifically refereeing to? you can call customer Service, the Rep, or the regional manager, everyone should be able to help you out. #3 This is true, you can only order a Zeiss Lens from a Zeiss lab in the US. This is mostly due to the shift in the marketplace specifically in the US where EssilorLuxottica is too dominant. Most labs are producing Essilor lenses (or any of their owned subsidiaries) So the quality and time of delivery was in jeopardy. Zeiss felt the need to restrict production to assure the brand and quality was protected. It's not a big deal to simply open an account with Zeiss so you can order ZEISS lenses. #4. There's very few choices left for Opthalmic lenses, basically Essilor, Zeiss, or Hoya. There's really only 1 Alternative, and that's EssilorLuxottica, and Essilor is something like 80% of the US market. If you look at EssilorLuxottica holdings, it's much more than just lenses, it's not the 4th largest medical company in the world.(retail stores, online outfits, insurance company, etc.) Quite honestly, it's a threat to the industry (becoming a monopoly). It's good to purchase from Zeiss or Hoya, simply to help balance the scales.
It would be useful to delve a bit deeper into the subject, apart from presentations from advertising brochures, but I understand that you are addressing the subject to potential customers 😊. You did not mention the most important thing, that the larger the addition becomes (difference between near and far), the more the progression channel narrows. And this limitation (and the transition itself) makes them unsuitable for working with a computer at some point.
I have mentioned that in a prior video. I could talk for an hour or two on the subject but it's necessary to truncate things to some degree. I try to find the right balance
Is there any empirical or objective way to demonstrate comparative performance between different lenses to the same prescription, with a UI that clearly demonstrates this? Just that cost doesn’t always indicate best outcome, and there is a substantial difference cost of progressive lenses. I really think your channel is unique and very informative, superb presentation skills make a seemingly dry boring subject interesting and enjoyable, thanks.
Because of the influence of our brain and psychology on vision, wearer trials are the only way. Correcting the eye is easy. Dealing with people's preferences is more the challenge
Hi Robert, I've followed you religiously for about a year as I've been struggling with my vision. Great Info! Cut to the chase, I have Strabismus causing my double vision. It's vertical separation of images and it requires 3 prisms per side to close the gap and give me just one image. Can you recommend Zies progressives made with the prisms or is that getting to complicated? Thanks for your educated opinion. Sean
@@thespectaclefactory wow! thanks for your reply! got to love the technology, right? the plot thickens on my story, any chance we can speak? Got WhatsApp? Sean
Curious if you have any personal experience, or you used it with your own patients, with the Verilux XR or Shamir WorkSpace lenses that you just reviewed?
I have essilor eyezen "digital" lenses that are/were great to me. I got them 5 years ago. Now I am in my 40s and everyone is telling me I have to switch to progressive because of my age. Why is that? What is the difference? I have +1 with 0.4 boost.
What about Office Progressives? A friend has has a pair so he can see his computer screen an about 12 feet beyond that. Not the same as computer progressives.
I wonder what your opinion is of the Shamir Spark Mi Up digital measurement device. We use it at the optical I work at and I don't find it be very accurate and end up measuring twice with a AR Pen/PD Stick and getting a much more accurate measurement when averaging the two.
Hi Robert, thank you so much for all your informative videos. My insurance provider allows for Zeiss lenses.. "NL Trivex Experience 4K". Even though I believe they are not top tier level of the Zeiss line are they worth using since they are the tier my insurance will allow? Thanks for your advice in advance.
@@thespectaclefactory People run their cars on Asda fuel. I tried Asda diesel just once and my car sounded like a sack of spanners. I am a Zeiss fan. Recently picked up my latest pair from an independent lab. The results are superb as always. Lots of high street labs don't work to particularly tight tolerances. I have a -2.00 cyl in my right eye, Working this in with +2.25 PA, pupil convergence etc. takes some care.
I recently transitioned from cheap bi-focal lenses to Zeiss progressives and what a world of difference. I had a hard time deciding what frames I wanted, so I purchased a pair of Cartier rimless and a pair of Cazal gold plated titanium frames. I found an excellent optician at Optical Universe in Tarzana, CA who devoted a lot of time to ensuring I had the best lenses and frames for my facial structure and needs. I do, however, owe it all to you Robert for your excellent videos and insights. You inspired me to take the plunge on high end eyewear and I’m very grateful. At 65, I see better than ever.
I’m fortunate to live very close to this optician, but for those who don’t, let Robert create a masterpiece for you, you’ll be happy you did.
I'm really happy for you, and proud to have inspired you. Thanks for the lovely comment; it's much appreciated.
I have worn progressive lens for many years. Your video Robert was still very informative and clearly describes the quality of lens providers. Thanks again for taking eyecare to the next level!
My pleasure! Thanks for commenting and for all your support
Hey Robert thanks for all the great information. I purchased my first set of ZEISS smart life progressive lenses with PhotoFusion and BlueGuard. I love them! Thanks again your much appreciated my friend..😊
Really glad to have inspired you! Enjoy 😁
The Zeiss measuring system makes so much sense. For years, I've been wondering why we can't utiilze our advanced techonologies to come up with better measurements, even when it comes to the way opticians check your vision. (The "does A look better or does B?" method seems very prone to innacuracy.). I just recently had an optician check my PD for progressive sunglasses. They used three different methods, and they came up with a significanlty different PD than my optometrist did! This makes me wonder how accurate any of my glasses have been, and how much a difference in PD makes. Thanks for the great video.
You're welcome, and thank you for sharing your experience! I agree that it just makes sense. Opticians naturally use equipment to measure your eyes and then just a ruler and a pen to measure for your glasses
In 20 years of wearing progressive lenses, I’ve never thought to ask, and never been told, what make of lenses I was being offered (until now)
I was asked if I want basic, quite good or excellent lenses, and like most people (I guess), I chose excellent.
It’s an important purchase, so it should be made compulsory for all opticians to make that clearer to consumers. (If it isn’t already)
Interesting subject, thanks for the information. 👍
I 100% agree. I've said before our industry profits from consumers being kept in the dark, and that's why I created this channel
Beeing an optician myself i can tell you that it is really tough to provide all the information that would be relevant in a reasonable timeframe. Most customers cant even follow if youre just dumping all that info on them. A youtube video contains much more than what you could deliver personally. I still think that its unfair that people are usually are left in the dark, but from experience i know that most people would lack the stamina to sit through that amount of just explaining with far less visual presentation
@@lemonice2885 that’s true for many people I’m sure, because most are unaware what the options are, and if you told them they’d probably still ask “what do you recommend?”
Glasses are sold like an item of clothing in most Opticians, “that suits you, and is a good fit”… but in reality they are more like a prosthetic for your most important sense (your eyesight).
well. The reality of this is that how you get fitted for the glasses and how you glasses and frames are adjusted including post purchase service matter 85%. The rest, 15% is lens dependent, and very similar outcomes can be achieved with either IOT, Zeiss, Verilux or Shamir. For some challenging prescriptions there are corner cases due to optics where optician may prefer e.g. Rodenstock. Opticians have the education and training to make that choice. You just need to do you research and pick the one who is trustworthy and will do what's the best for you.
@@lemonice2885 You don't need to get into all the details, and from a salesperson's point of view; never underestimate your customers! Information is never dumped on anyone, it's given.
IOT Camber and Endless steady are really great lenses and we have tremendous success with it. But strongly agree with you that your lab should be on par with the manufacturing of the product.
Glad you agree. I've worked with IOT for many, many years but starting to use them more now
Amazing video. So comprehensive and educational. Zeiss’s manifesto is impressive and meaningful to me.
Same! Thank you 😁
Great informative video. I’ve tried the essilor lens and couldn’t get on with them. When I tried the Ziess, and I’m now on my 4th set, from individual, individual 2 and thanks to yourself the individual 3. As soon as I put that 1st pair on, it was like the difference between HD and 4K vision. I personally wouldn’t go with any other lens now. Hope to be arranging another visit to yourselves for my wife and I soon. The last two pairs you made for me are just amazing. They genuinely give the best vision I’ve ever had . 👍
Excellent presentation as I’ve come to expect from you.
🙏
Really appreciate how you break things down
I have the Essilor XR that are AI optimized. Find it very natural, although they have not the last bit of sharpness. Couldn’t wear Hoya middleclass lenses. Had problems with focusing. I have also middleclass Shamir lenses in my sunglasses. Quite like it, but prefer the Essilor.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Robert - LOVE the channel, thank you so much for all your content. And thank you for finally doing this particular video.
Here is my experience with Varilux and PLEASE comment. Three years ago I upgraded to Varilux X series from a brand I don't know the name of because I purchased them from a Warby Parker type store called Eyebobs (I am in the USA, a New Yorker). They were terrible or at least realized so after getting the Varilux. I paired them with Lindberg frameless and they were heavenly. Fast forward to just a few weeks ago. It was time to change the lenses because my Rx had slightly changed. Just the near/reading zone, nothing else. I again ordered Varilux X and when I got them they were the polar opposite of the previous ones, three years prior.
The former had NO distortion, all zones were beautifully blended with seamless transitioning from one zone to the next, there was no defined "corridor". All zones were smooth and seamless from one to the other, side to side, top to bottom. All zones were in focus, sharp and clear. I didn't have to move my head. I can move my eyes "around the clock" and everywhere in between and everything was in focus - far, intermediate, and near, edge to edge of the lens. There are no distortions anywhere. It was truly amazing.
The latter - there was a strict corridor and extremely narrow at that, maybe 3-6mm, and the regions opposing the corridor were terribly out of focus/blurry, right up against the corridor, no smooth transition. They took up too much of the lens area. Also, the bottom edge of the near sight region failed to be in focus/clear when looking down while walking. I had to bring my chin to my chest for it to be in focus. Sharp vision was not "instant". There was no "wide field of vision". My vision was never "stable". There were no "smooth transitions", all the zones were just short of a hard line of separation (like old school bi-focals). I was continuously moving my head, as opposed to me simply and more naturally my eyes, to get whatever I want to look at INTO the zone required. All of these faults were counter to what the X series promises, those in quotations above..
After a failed attempt to recut another pair my optician then offered to have me try the new XR series. The difference(s) was negligible, with almost no discernible change with the field edge to edge, same as above really. They did however give me plenty of eye strain which could not be overcome. I kept reaching for the old original pair for relief.
We finally decided to go to the Shamir Autograph. They aren't as good as the original Varilux X but pretty darn close, and less expensive. As for troubleshooting - we both thought that because the original lenses on the Lindbergs were slightly curved, where the new ones were almost flat (on MODOs), it may have played a part in being so flawless. My optician tried to recut lenses on a 2nd try (the failed attempt) but was told it was not possible (for whatever reason). After two tries with the X series and one on the XR we resigned to the possibility that the originals were just a fluke, a one off perfect "storm".
I am happy with the Shamir lenses, especially because they are $200 cheaper with little discernible difference. I may try Zeiss in the future. But at $950 a pop for the Varilux and Zeiss being comparable (I believe) it's hard to justify the added cost for so little advantage. I don't know. I'm very saddened of not knowing what to expect at such a high cost, and having forced to live with it because of said cost.
Any thoughts Robert? Any similar experience? Any science you are aware of?
Thank you,
Ari
My appointment with you is in 3 weeks, looking forward to it. One pair of eyewear will possibly be progressive lenses for use working at a screen most of the day. How I've put up with purchasing online and high street glasses for so long, I don't know.
I look forward to meeting you!
Always outstanding content, Robert.
I realize how incredibly lucky your customers are to have access to you and your knowledge.
I live in the Seattle area of the US. You’d think with all of the tech companies based here we would have access to some of the tools you use. Sadly we do not. For the few Opticians that do use more advanced tech, they do not take insurance.
I’ve been wearing progressive lenses for five years. I currently have a pair of Hoya lenses this is what Costco offers ($140 USD). I have a pair of Essilor XR lenses ($360 USD after insurance) from my eye doctor’s optical shop.
I’d love to try a pair of Zeiss progressive lenses, but the price is around $400 USD in my area. That is before any special coatings or flash treatments, if I wanted them.
A very interesting video. It is great to learn something about the lens out there. I know some people who go to a high street optician and get the cheapest frames and lens. Yet, eyes are so important, it's worth spending more and get quality. People need to do some research.
What's even stranger are those who spend so much on frames but want the cheapest lenses?!
Very informative. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Did you get new equipments? The picture quality is so clear
Well spotted! A new Zeiss lens 😉
I noticed that too, however I wish they would stop trying to use those color filters or LUTs in editing to stylize the videos. Makes it hard to see the real colors of frames and tints he shows a lot on that channel.
Fantastic, thank you. Very informative. Zeiss drivesafe are good, so bet smartlife are excellent. Visio 1000 seems great for getting them ,spot on. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I USED TO wear progressives for 10 years. Abandoned them for trifocals. Immediately found that my dull headaches disappeared. I appreciated getting back my edge-to-edge clarity, which made driving safer. Trifocals aren't perfect, but I still prefer them to progressives.
How long ago was that? They are continually improving so it might be worth giving them a try again at some point. Although I love making trifocals for people
@thespectaclefactory I dislike the focus corridor of progressives. I am curious if this drawback will be completely eliminated in the future. Until then, segmented lenses will be my choice. Good to know that you still keep your skills sharp in the older optics!
Of course, progressive lenses are no magic bullet when it comes to glasses.
If we consider that the best progressive lenses are the most personalised, then Varilux XR are the best. In addition to greater customisation, they also have the best equipment for taking measurements. I must say that the most important thing is the training of the technicians to carry out the tasks.
Really? Better than the Zeiss VisuFit? And what's their equivalent of the i.Profiler?
You are totally right!
@@thespectaclefactory They are devices with different purposes. Visufit aims to take measurements and facilitate obtaining measurements, while iscription is diagnostic equipment. In relation to Visufit, I think it is more focused on creating a remarkable experience in the sales process and is therefore less focused on obtaining measurements. On the other hand, visioffice, through H3D and NVB technologies, among others, can obtain highly accurate measurements. That’s my opinion working with them.
Nikon's top progressive lenses are called the Seemax Ultimate and their series of occupational lenses are called Elife Pro!
I like Zeiss lenses but sadly in the U.S. it's very hard to find any optician that has a relationship with them. Almost every optical place I have been to says "oh we can get any brand of lens you want EXCEPT Zeiss. And even the places I have been to that can get them by tracking them down through the Zeiss website, when I go in person and ask for Zeiss, they say "oh you don't really need those". I don't get it, is there some kickback they are getting from the other brands? Not sure why they are so resistant.
That's a shame, but we have thousands of US clients who order their made-in-Germany Zeiss lenses from us, even if they can get them locally...
And yes, Essilor in particular incentivizes stores to sell their products, or makes them preferential based on your health insurance
Well let me tell you why. You are going to get honest feedback about Zeiss. Zeiss makes excellent lenses but Zeiss US is not what opticians want to deal with unless customer forces them. Why ?1) Constant rework by Zeiss US lab(s). Be prepared to have your glasses remade a few times especially so if you want PhotoFusion + tint + flash. If you are in the business to make money, why would you want to do it to yourself? And no, lenses have to be made by in the US due to strict import restrictions on finished lenses. You just can't import lenses from Zeiss Europe. It is illegal, really. 2) Lack of communication between the Zeiss rep, the lab and optician. Hence, hard to provide any timelines to customers when you are kept in the dark yourself. (Some opticians call it being lied to...) 3) All the jobs must go through Zeiss own US lab. Talk about monopoly:) The independent labs just don't have access to Zeiss tech anymore and this consolidation happened about 4 years ago. Trust me this had made many labs very unhappy with Zeiss when all the production was consolidated in the Zeiss own US lab. This restriction doesn't exist with Verilux or Shamir and any independent lab can make them. 4) Alternatives are very strong. So overall many opticians and independent doctors of optometry just prefer dealing with Verilux XR and Shamir WorkSpace and consider them to be the best branded lenses currently available on the market in the US.
@@natureins4644 I'll try and give you some other thoughts on what you have said here:
#1. I'm actually not sure what you are talking about here about remakes? But I'll tell you Most labs in the US wont do a Photochromic + Tint + Flash Mirror. Zeiss is one of the few that WILL tint a Photochromic however. (you just can't add a mirror as well)
#2 Communication should be fine, what are you specifically refereeing to? you can call customer Service, the Rep, or the regional manager, everyone should be able to help you out.
#3 This is true, you can only order a Zeiss Lens from a Zeiss lab in the US. This is mostly due to the shift in the marketplace specifically in the US where EssilorLuxottica is too dominant. Most labs are producing Essilor lenses (or any of their owned subsidiaries) So the quality and time of delivery was in jeopardy. Zeiss felt the need to restrict production to assure the brand and quality was protected. It's not a big deal to simply open an account with Zeiss so you can order ZEISS lenses.
#4. There's very few choices left for Opthalmic lenses, basically Essilor, Zeiss, or Hoya. There's really only 1 Alternative, and that's EssilorLuxottica, and Essilor is something like 80% of the US market. If you look at EssilorLuxottica holdings, it's much more than just lenses, it's not the 4th largest medical company in the world.(retail stores, online outfits, insurance company, etc.) Quite honestly, it's a threat to the industry (becoming a monopoly). It's good to purchase from Zeiss or Hoya, simply to help balance the scales.
It would be useful to delve a bit deeper into the subject, apart from presentations from advertising brochures, but I understand that you are addressing the subject to potential customers 😊.
You did not mention the most important thing, that the larger the addition becomes (difference between near and far), the more the progression channel narrows. And this limitation (and the transition itself) makes them unsuitable for working with a computer at some point.
I have mentioned that in a prior video. I could talk for an hour or two on the subject but it's necessary to truncate things to some degree. I try to find the right balance
Very interesting comparison.
Would you please also cover Trivex lens vis-à-vis with colour customisation and flash coatings etc.
Zeiss smart life individual 3 are top of the top 🤔
In my opinion, yeah
Very interesting and informative.. Quick question: Are you able to use zeiss photofusion x with a flash coating with progressive/varifocal lens?
Yep! We'd love to make them for you
Is there any empirical or objective way to demonstrate comparative performance between different lenses to the same prescription, with a UI that clearly demonstrates this? Just that cost doesn’t always indicate best outcome, and there is a substantial difference cost of progressive lenses. I really think your channel is unique and very informative, superb presentation skills make a seemingly dry boring subject interesting and enjoyable, thanks.
Because of the influence of our brain and psychology on vision, wearer trials are the only way.
Correcting the eye is easy. Dealing with people's preferences is more the challenge
Hoya number one
Definitely one of the best and I have many clients who like Hoya lenses the most
Greetings from the author of the photography, 0:53-0:59
Hi Robert, I've followed you religiously for about a year as I've been struggling with my vision. Great Info! Cut to the chase, I have Strabismus causing my double vision. It's vertical separation of images and it requires 3 prisms per side to close the gap and give me just one image. Can you recommend Zies progressives made with the prisms or is that getting to complicated? Thanks for your educated opinion. Sean
No, that's definitely possible! BUT the lenses must be compensated for your prism with the VisuFit 1000. Hope you'll consider visiting us
@@thespectaclefactory wow! thanks for your reply! got to love the technology, right? the plot thickens on my story, any chance we can speak? Got WhatsApp? Sean
Can you review a company called Belvoir & Co. They do a range of rimless glasses. Thanks.
Hi Robert, could you please review Novar Technologies?
What's the difference progressive and trifocals lens
Curious if you have any personal experience, or you used it with your own patients, with the Verilux XR or Shamir WorkSpace lenses that you just reviewed?
Yes, we see clients from all over the world and we work with every lens brand so I have experience with everything discussed here.
Hi, what do you think about Akila? Do you think they make quality sunglasses?
Awesome video!
Is Divel Italia a good brand ?
Do you have any info ?
Thank you! Sorry, but I haven't come across them, yet...
I have essilor eyezen "digital" lenses that are/were great to me. I got them 5 years ago. Now I am in my 40s and everyone is telling me I have to switch to progressive because of my age. Why is that? What is the difference? I have +1 with 0.4 boost.
Could you go over the best driving lenses, man? Zeiss, anyone? 😎
What about Office Progressives? A friend has has a pair so he can see his computer screen an about 12 feet beyond that. Not the same as computer progressives.
I mentioned them both in this video and a recent one
I wonder what your opinion is of the Shamir Spark Mi Up digital measurement device. We use it at the optical I work at and I don't find it be very accurate and end up measuring twice with a AR Pen/PD Stick and getting a much more accurate measurement when averaging the two.
Yeah I'd say it's one of the weaker ones I've seen... good to hear your feedback though
Hi Robert, thank you so much for all your informative videos. My insurance provider allows for Zeiss lenses.. "NL Trivex Experience 4K". Even though I believe they are not top tier level of the Zeiss line are they worth using since they are the tier my insurance will allow? Thanks for your advice in advance.
I don't know any Zeiss lens with that name, and I believe it's a 'Neurolens' - the evidence for which is quite spurious
Yes, Nikon...i see "well"
This is off-topic. But does anyone have an opinion about Akoni frames?
Asda, frames including varifocal lenses, inc coatings, priced complete from about £60/70 - they seem fine.
'Fine', sure, but it's always nice to see better
@@thespectaclefactory People run their cars on Asda fuel. I tried Asda diesel just once and my car sounded like a sack of spanners. I am a Zeiss fan. Recently picked up my latest pair from an independent lab. The results are superb as always. Lots of high street labs don't work to particularly tight tolerances. I have a -2.00 cyl in my right eye, Working this in with +2.25 PA, pupil convergence etc. takes some care.