Comments on: LensCrafters’ Bait-and-Switch Scam: AVP

By: Allison Smith

Allison Smith — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:54:35 +0000

“Custom digitally generated surface” is just another excuse to charge overblown prices. Off-the-shelf Panamic lens one of the best ever, with true wide vision, all newer lenses are just a gimmick and don’t work as well. Shame on you Varilux for discontinuing and shame on you “J” for pushing the “new” technology!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:37:07 +0000

I used to work for an optical shop and the reason they push for certain products is solely based on commission. I think I made an extra 5 dollars when I sold anything with anti-reflective coating, another 2 dollars for extra scratch resistant coating, and so on. Same thing when I worked at a bank. We got commission for signing people up for online banking, debit cards, certain accounts, etc. Crizal lenses have been my favorite to wear. I had a pair of transitions with crizal, which were nice, but now I just use regular Crizal. I noticed a lot of people having issues with progressive lenses and most opted back to regular bi-focals. Good luck.

By: sean

sean — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:23:19 +0000

AVP is a type of lense with a wider “side field” view.
ie if you have non avp lenses you you want to look at something that isn’t. “Dead on s traight” then you need to swivel your head or the view will be blurry. With avp you can just look. Its more natural.
Its not a “scam”many companies make similar wider view lenses

By: Ron Bosse

Ron Bosse — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:22:43 +0000

This was the best analysis I have seen. Thanks for the information. I was very confused, and now I am pretty clear on what I need.

By: J

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 05:23:20 +0000

I understand this man’s pain completely. I have been a dispensing optician for the past 8 years. I started out at LensCrafters, and went to private practice shortly after that. There is always a grey area with LensCrafters progressive multifocal lenses. First off, not all progressive lenses are the same. When I worked at LensCrafters, I would encourage my patients to purchase a special order Varilux Panamic lens. (this is because the LensCrafters branded lenses were terrible) LensCrafters does NOT use the latest technology and generally are about 5-10 years behind from the rest of the optical industry. This is where they make huge profits. They care about one thing MONEY, not you. Your vision is the last of their priorities.

The latest technology definitely benefits the older styles. Essilor Varilux Physio/Physio 360 and Hoya Vision iD & iD Lifestyle all use a “freeform” digitally generated surface technology. What this means to you is that there is going to be less peripheral distortion in the lens. This means the swimming effect will be less when looking to the ground and walking.
Crisper, Cleaner vision is the end result ( in distance, intermediate and near).
Lens Material plays a HUGE part in visual clarity. Most chain stores sell YOU Polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses definitely have their benefits, they are impact resistant, and give you UV protection. Polycarbonate has been around for 15+ years. The problem is that polycarbonate causes chromical abberation (distortion). Polycarbonate is CHEAP garbage. Nowdays there is a better alternative it is called TRIVEX or TRILOGY. Hoya Vision calls their lens material PHOENIX.
It is visually pure, and costs the same as Polycarbonate. (NO DISTORTION).

High Index is also a great option.

Anti-Reflective Coatings have come a long way in recent years.

Your best bet is to go with a coating that has a warranty.
They all resist scratches, fingerprints and boast better clean-ability. Great coatings are HOYA Super Hi-Vision EX3, Essilor Crizal Sapphire and Alize. (all have a 2 year warranty)
LensCrafters “Scotchguard” coating is a good option, but they don’t stand by the product.

I hope this may help many of you out there! Do yourself a favor, go to a private office. See a qualified optician. They will take the mystery out of the process, and find you the best option that suits your needs.