There are many steps in an ophthalmic lens journey, and each can impact lens optical quality and performance. It starts with precise refraction by the doctor utilizing calibrated equipment: next step, precision measurements taken by the optician/technician using calibrated instruments. With the first two steps fulfilled, the lab’s free-form surfacing generators apply the free-form design to the uncut lens blank.

My sister-in-law called, worried about her husband. He was having headaches and neck and shoulder pain, and she didn’t know why. My optical instincts kicked in, and I asked when he had his last eye exam. It was about four years ago. He is 65, working from home on digital devices, and wearing the readers he got at his last exam. I told her his complaints were consistent with digital eye strain, that he needed an eye exam, and most likely progressive lenses. “But they’re so expensive!” she replied. I did my best to convince her that the investment was well worth it. It worked.