Tour Our Labs
Photo Tour
Our 1 Hour Labs are set up to manufacture your lenses on the premises. Each lab has up to date technology operated by our carefully trained staff, who pride themselves on making sure that your glasses are fully satisfactory. Read on below to see how we manufacture our glasses.
A video tour is also available.
Lensometer
The lensometer measures the prescription of eyeglass lenses. Lines are viewed through the lens and the machine is adjusted so that the lines are clear. The adjustment necessary will correspond with the prescription. The lensometer can be used to get the prescription of your current lenses, and is also used to ensure that your new lenses match the correct prescription. This can be used for regular lenses and for bifocals and trifocals. Both lenses will be checked.
Taper
The taper is used by the technician to apply a special protective covering for the the front side of the lens, the side that is not being ground and shaped. This keeps it from being damaged or scratched during the manufacturing process
Lens Blanks
Lens blanks are the start of a new set of eyewear. In the past they were glass, however now technologically advanced plastics are used for most glasses. They are made in a range of base curves, and are modified to exactly match the individual prescription.
Generator
The generator is where the lens is shaped to the prescription. The lens blank is inserted, and the curves are set on the machine. Different angles and tilts may be set as well. Tougher material may be ground thinner, and safety type lenses are made thicker. Water cools the lens and flushes away scarf, or debris, during the grinding.
Blocker
The blocker is also used to facilitate handling of the lens during the manufacturing process. A block is placed on the front of the lens. For some prescriptions and lens types, the cylinder axis must be aligned with the cylinder sweep axis of the generator, so the block must be positioned properly. This will become the optical centre of the lens.
Cylinder
The cylinder machine polishes and removes scratches from the lens. Two lenses can be done at the same time. First, fine sandpaper afixed to a block that matches the curve of the lens is used to remove scratches, with water cleaning and cooling. Next, polishing pads are used with polishing compound washing the lens instead of water. This leaves the lens optically clear, with no visible scratches. The block is removed from the lens, which is washed and inspected.
Edger
At this stage, the lens blank is shaped to fit the frame chosen. The shape of the frame is measured with a probe and the information is stored in in a computer that controls the edging process. The lens is turned to contact a cutting surface, with a bevel cut to fit the lens into the frame. If the frames are rimless, the edge is left flat.
Tinting or Dyeing
Any tinting or special colours or UV blocking dyes are applied at this time. The dyes are kept in heated containers and the lens is immersed in them.
Handtools
Once the edges of the lenses are smooth, they are inserted into the frame. Hinges are adjusted and the new glasses are cleaned, polished and placed in a protective case.
Adjustments
Adjustments to the frame are often needed over the life of the glasses. Worn screws and hinges are replaced, and the frame made square. If glasses don't fit right, they can become very uncomfortable to wear, or can fall off and be damaged. Crystal Vision & Hearing staff are always pleased to adjust and tighten your glasses for you.
