Eye to Eye: Quality differences in eyewear

PORT ST. LUCIE - One of the more common questions I am asked about is the difference between cheap eyeglasses and better quality ones. "If those are so cheap, how come these cost more?"

I will try to answer that question in 400 words or less, however the difference is made obvious when you can hold them in your hands.

Eyeglass frames and lenses are made in factories across the world. The better quality frames are often made in Great Britain, France, Germany, Austria and other European countries and America. Yes, a few companies make their products right here in the USA. These frames use higher quality core materials such as Monel (used in better costume jewelry), stainless steel (the higher quality kind), and other alloys designed for strength and flexibility.

The outer "finish" coatings are of better quality as well, thicker plating to resist corrosion, better clear coats like polyurethane to keep the frame looking new longer. These add up to a frame that will last longer, look better, and allow the wearer to reuse them again, making them a better value for the investment.

The cheaper frames are usually from China, India and other third-world countries. Some optical shops will even remove the place of origin so the consumer will not be alerted. These frames often use "pot metal" at the core of the product. "Pot metal" is another way of saying: "I don't know exactly what's in it." It will often have copper, nickel, tin and other metals that find their way into the mix.

This product may also have trace amounts of cadmium or lead, that have shown up in some jewelry products coming from China. The outer coatings, from plating, color and clear coats are usually thin and break down quickly, allowing corrosion to occur much faster.

Lenses are also made in different countries and have varying degrees of quality.

Numerous factors contribute to the value of a lens: purity of the plastic; cleanliness of the facility; curing times; and of course, lens design – especially with no-line bifocals (progressive lenses). Because most optical shops never receive the original packages the lenses come in, it is difficult to ascertain the country of origin.

Price is sometimes the only determining clue to the value of a lens design. But if a lens is over-priced at the retail level, the consumer is at risk of buying inferior products at premium prices.

To protect yourself when buying products from anyone, take three simple steps: 1. Do your homework, research the products beforehand; 2. Compare apples to apples, most companies make numerous models of their product – get the brand (Shamir) and the model (Autograph II) when you compare prices; and, 3. work with someone you trust has your best interests in mind – usually an independent shop owner.

Daniel Amyx and his wife Lara are the owners of Hillmoor Optical and Treasure Coast Opticians, with offices in Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach. Amyx has been a Florida licensed optician for 30 years, part of that time teaching opticianry in Tampa, 11 years on the Treasure Coast. To reach him, call (772) 337-6377 or email hillmooroptical@gmail.com.
