Ever wondered how anti glare coatings work? Or how the coating is applied to a lens in the
lab?
Greeting dear readers! At TLG we often say that “An anti glare coating is the single best
upgrade available for purchase.” We see it as such an essential lens enhancement that we
recommend it to almost every customer. An anti-glare coating, also known as an anti-reflective
(AR) coating, is a thin layer of material applied to the surface of a lens or other optical element
to reduce reflections and glare. The primary purpose of this coating is to improve the clarity,
contrast, and overall quality of the optical system, whether it&#39;s eyeglasses, camera lenses,
computer screens, or other surfaces. Our lab Laramy-K Optical has been manufacturing lenses
with high quality Antiglare coatings for 20 years!
Here&#39;s how an anti-glare coating works:
<ul>
<li>Interference Principle: The anti-glare coating works based on the principle of
interference. When light passes from one medium to another (e.g., air to glass), some of
the light reflects off the surface of the material due to the difference in refractive indices.
This reflection creates glare and reduces the amount of light that reaches your eyes,
resulting in decreased visibility and contrast.</li>
<li>Multiple Thin Layers: An anti-glare coating consists of multiple thin layers of a
transparent material with varying refractive indices. These layers are usually made of
metal oxides or other compounds. By carefully designing and depositing these layers
onto the surface, the coating creates constructive interference for certain wavelengths of
light. This means that the reflections from each layer will cancel each other out, leading to
a significant reduction in overall reflection.</li>
<li>Reduced Reflection: When light encounters the anti-glare coating, some of it is reflected
off the outermost layer of the coating. However, as this reflected light passes through the
various layers of the coating, the constructive and destructive interference processes
occur, causing the reflected light waves to interfere with each other in a way that reduces
their intensity. This results in less light being reflected back to your eyes, which in turn
reduces glare and allows more light to pass through the lens or surface.</li>
<li>Improved Clarity and Contrast: By minimizing reflections, the anti-glare coating
enhances the clarity of the optical element. This is particularly important for eyeglasses,
camera lenses, and screens, where unwanted reflections can reduce visibility and cause
visual discomfort. With reduced glare, you can experience better contrast and color
accuracy, making it easier to see fine details in your surroundings or on a screen.</li>
<li>Cleaning and Durability: Modern anti-glare coatings are designed to be resistant to
scratching and easy to clean. They often include hydrophobic and oleophobic properties,
which repel water and oil, preventing smudges and fingerprints. This makes maintenance
and cleaning of coated surfaces more convenient.</li>
</ul>
In short: An anti-glare coating reduces reflections and glare by using the principle of
interference to cancel out reflected light waves. This results in improved visibility, contrast,
and overall optical performance for various applications, from eyewear to electronic displays.
How then is this applied to the lens surface and why does it take days in the lab?
Applying an anti-glare coating to a lens involves a specialized process that typically takes place
in a controlled environment, such as a vacuum chamber, to ensure the proper adhesion and
quality of the coating. The steps involved in applying an anti-glare coating to a lens are as
follows:
<ul>
<li>Cleaning and Preparation: Before applying the coating, the lens surface needs to be
thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust, oils, or contaminants that could interfere with the
adhesion of the coating. This is usually done through processes like ultrasonic cleaning
and solvent rinsing.</li>
<li>Deposition of Thin Layers: The anti-glare coating is created through a process called
physical vapor deposition (PVD) or electron beam evaporation. In this process, the lens is
placed inside a vacuum chamber, and a material with the desired refractive index is
heated until it evaporates. The evaporated material then condenses onto the lens
surface, creating a thin layer.</li>
<li>Multiple Layer Deposition: To achieve the desired interference effect and reduce glare
effectively, multiple thin layers of different materials with varying refractive indices are
deposited on the lens. Each layer is carefully controlled in terms of thickness and
composition to create the desired optical properties.</li>
<li>Monitoring and Control: Throughout the deposition process, the thickness of each layer
is monitored using methods like quartz crystal microbalances or optical monitoring. This
ensures that the coating adheres to the desired specifications.</li>
<li>Heat Treatment: After the layers are deposited, the lens may undergo a heat treatment
process to improve the durability and adhesion of the coating. This step helps to reduce
the chances of the coating peeling or delaminating over time.</li>
<li>Quality Control: Once the coating is applied, the lens undergoes quality control checks
to ensure that it meets the desired optical and cosmetic standards. These checks may
include visual inspection, measuring light transmission and reflection, and verifying the
coating&#39;s uniformity. Other quality control checks done by our lab Laramy-K optical
include razor scoring, salt boiling, tape pull, cold shock, and microscopic inspection.</li>
<li>Additional Coating Layers: Depending on the application, additional coatings may be
applied over the anti-glare coating. For example, a lens might have a hydrophobic layer
to repel water and oils.</li>
<li>Final Inspection and Packaging: Once the coating and any additional layers are applied
and inspected, the lens is cleaned again and carefully packaged to prevent any damage
during shipping or handling.</li>
</ul>
When lenses are ordered with an anti glare coating an extra 48 hour journey is commenced
through clean rooms and meticulous inspections. A final inspection checking for cosmetic
aberrations is done during lens cutting in house at TLG all to ensure your lenses are perfectly
coated and ready to enhance your vision.

Greeting dear readers! At TLG we often say that “An anti-glare coating is the
single best upgrade available for purchase.” We see it as such an essential lens
enhancement that we recommend it to almost every customer. An anti-glare
coating, also known as an anti-reflective (AR) coating, is a thin layer of
material applied to the surface of a lens or other optical element to reduce
reflections and glare. The primary purpose of this coating is to improve the
clarity, contrast, and overall quality of the optical system, whether it's
eyeglasses, camera lenses, computer screens, or other surfaces.


A Lens's Grand Journey: Anti-Glare Coat

Hello, dear readers! Today, we journey into the captivating world of aesthetics
and vision. Specifically, we&#39;ll delve into the realm of facial shapes and
eyeglass frame choices. In the pursuit of perfect spectacles, one factor often
overlooked is how different frame shapes complement various facial structures.
Today&#39;s post aims to shed light on this integral aspect, and with the guidance
of reputable fashion authorities and the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), we
shall navigate this fashion labyrinth.
Facial shapes generally fall into five primary categories: oval, round, heart,
square, and rectangle. Each shape has unique characteristics that align
beautifully with specific eyeglass frames.
For those blessed with an oval face, your balanced features and slightly rounded
jaw are often considered ideal. You&#39;re lucky, as most frame shapes, whether
geometric or soft-edged, will suit you. The experts at Vogue suggest angular
frames to maintain that natural balance of your features, but feel free to
experiment!
Round faces, characterized by full cheeks and a rounded chin, tend to flourish
with geometric frames like rectangles or squares. According to the ABO, such
shapes can provide lovely contrast, making your face appear longer and more
defined.
If your face is heart-shaped, with a broader forehead and a narrow chin, frames
that balance the width of your forehead are your allies. According to the
fashion gurus at Harper&#39;s Bazaar, frames with wider bottoms, like aviators, or
thin, light-colored frames can help bring harmony to your features.
Square faces, with their strong jawline and broad forehead, are flattered by
round or oval frames. These softer shapes can help balance and add some
roundness to your angular features. The ABO concurs, suggesting that frames with
center-set temples can also help elongate your profile.
Those with rectangular faces, longer than they are wide, can enjoy the balancing
effect of oversized frames. Decorative or contrasting temples can also add width
to your face, bringing symmetry to your appearance, a tip endorsed by both Vogue
and Harper&#39;s Bazaar.
But what&#39;s trending at the moment, you ask? As of now, the spectacle scene sees
a revival of classic shapes with a modern twist. According to Vogue, the &quot;geek
chic&quot; look with bold, square frames is in vogue, adding a touch of intellectual
sophistication. Simultaneously, Harper&#39;s Bazaar hails the return of the timeless
aviator frames, but with a contemporary spin using colorful tints.
Choosing the right eyeglass frame for your face is not a science! It is a blend
of understanding your unique features and embracing current fashion trends.
Don&#39;t hesitate to experiment with various styles. After all, the best accessory
one can wear is confidence. If your frame choice makes your smile and feel proud
then its probably right! Until our next fashion-forward exploration, fare thee
well, dear readers!

Hello, dear readers! Today, we journey into the captivating world of aesthetics
and vision. Specifically, we'll delve into the realm of facial shapes and
eyeglass frame choices. In the pursuit of perfect spectacles, one factor often
overlooked is how different frame shapes complement various facial structures.
Today's post aims to shed light on this integral aspect, and with the guidance
of reputable fashion authorities and the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), we
shall navigate this fashion labyrinth.


The Art of Harmony: Face Shape and Eyeglass Frame Choice

Every few months or so we get a customer walk in to TLG convinced that they need
glass lenses and glass lenses only. If all you are worried about is scratch
durability then sure glass is the best choice but in almost every other area?
Please oh please consider the many more modern and comparable options.
In the world of eyewear, materials matter. Over time, we&#39;ve witnessed a
significant shift away from traditional glass lenses to alternatives like CR-39
and high index lenses. So, what led to the decline of glass as a preferred lens
material? The reasons are multifaceted and hinge
on key issues of comfort, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
First and foremost, the weight of glass lenses poses a major drawback. They are
heavier than their modern counterparts, which can result in discomfort,
particularly when worn for prolonged periods. The added weight can strain the
nose and ears, and the thickness of glass lenses, especially for higher
prescriptions, can lead to a less flattering look.
Another crucial concern is safety. Glass lenses are prone to shattering upon
impact, posing a risk of eye injury. This vulnerability makes glass lenses an
unsuitable choice for active individuals, children, or those needing safety
eyewear for professional purposes.
I have personally seen several glass lenses break or even shatter! Not a smart
choice for those wanting a durable safe choice.
From an opticians perspective crown glass requires more work in tempering and
edging. Some modern machines do not even have a glass grinding when anymore!
Last, the options available for progressive lenses in crown glass are very
limited. The small handful of lenses available are so outdated that my
grandparent had them on their price charts 30 years ago. For perspective, these
would be early progressive “hard designs” full of edge distortion that many
customers had a difficult time adapting too.
While glass lenses offer excellent optical clarity and scratch resistance, their
downsides have led the eyewear industry to seek out more user-friendly
alternatives.
CR-39 emerged as a promising solution. A plastic polymer that&#39;s lighter than
glass, CR-39 offers good optical clarity, surpassing other plastic materials,
and better shatter resistance, mitigating safety concerns associated with glass.
These features, combined with a more budget-friendly price point, have made
CR-39 a popular choice for a wide array of prescriptions.
High index lenses have also gained recognition, particularly for individuals
with high prescription needs. These lenses bend light more efficiently, allowing
for thinner and lighter lenses, even with stronger prescriptions. As a result,
they offer improved comfort and a more appealing aesthetic, making high index
lenses an attractive option despite their higher cost.
Please oh please consider moving on from glass! The shift away from glass lenses
in favor of materials like CR-39 and high index lenses boils down to enhanced
comfort, safety, and aesthetic appeal. As the eyewear industry continues to
evolve, these modern materials offer promising alternatives that align with the
needs and preferences of today&#39;s eyewear users.

Every few months or so we get a customer walk in to TLG convinced that they need
glass lenses and glass lenses only. If all you are worried about is scratch
durability then sure glass is the best choice but in almost every other area?
Please oh please consider the many more modern and comparable options.


Glass Lenses: Ya...nope we don't sell those anymore!

Until I dove into the art of opticianry, I had never realized the amount of
detailed work and precision that went into crafting a pair of eyeglasses.
Growing up, I remember my siblings and friends jumping online, filling out a
simple form along with a perfectly symmetrical selfie, then awaiting for their
package to arrive in the mail. Between the convenience and bargain, how could
anybody beat that?! My question is, to what extent will you sacrifice your
eyesight for a bargain?
When I began studying to become an optician, I was surprised at the amount of
math, physics, and meticulous measurements needed even for some seemingly basic
tasks. It is easy enough to make a simple pair of single vision lenses by
taking a quick measurement and copying the patient&#39;s prescription to your
order form. However, there are countless options to personalize the wearers&#39;
eyeglasses to give them far better vision, comfort and style than they could
ever get from a non-personalized pair of glasses. I&#39;ll give you a few
examples based on some basic relatable orders I&#39;ve done over the years.
One patient resided at her desk job for the majority of the day, as so many
people do. She needed a pair of glasses for daily life outside of work, then a
specific pair of computer glasses in order to see her mid-range and reading
distances (she had always worn a bi-focal and wanted both pairs to be
bi-focal). Her desk situation was set up in a unique way with several monitors
set slightly below eye level. The catch? If you set the bifocal at the
traditional height, when she&#39;s looking down at her monitors she will be
looking through her reading power instead of her computer section. Sometimes in
this situation I may ask if they can either lower their chairs or raise their
monitors somehow to compensate, but she used a multi-use desk that allowed her
to stand or sit. Solution? Set the bifocal much lower than normal because based
on our conversation, we know that she does not need her reading section except
on a rare occasion and is used to lifting her chin when she&#39;s doing her
paperwork. We double checked how her posture would affect the placement of the
bifocal, then both agreed with our final measurement for her reading placement.
Result? A very happy patient who has extra wide vision of her computer work but
also has reading available when needed.
My next example is a pair of glasses that I actually made for my husband. He is
nearsighted, typically only wearing his glasses for driving, sports, and
movies, but does not need them for reading. However, with his job at T-Mobile
he stares at screens for most of the day (9+ hours on some days). We opted for
a digital single vision lense with a blue light anti-glare coating, which gives
him his best vision and relaxes his eyes when he spends extended amounts of
time looking at a screen. We also did a student design lense, which relaxes the
power on the bottom portion of the lense so that the user is not looking
through so much unneeded prescription while reading. Seeing as though he is
mildly nearsighted and he does not wear them around the clock, it is a great
option when he needs some relief, and the digital design adds another level of
clarity and comfort for his eyes. I have had many people fall in love with the
blue light anti-glare coating, whether they are photo editors, programmers, or
work in a cell phone store like my husband.
I&#39;ve also had numerous people mention to me that their previous frames have
always irritated their skin or the weight of the frames caused migraines and
headaches. More often than not, if you recommend a well fitting titanium frame
it will be the most lightweight pair of glasses the person has ever worn as
well as being a hypoallergenic material. A well fitting and adjusted titanium
frame is my go-to for so many frame issues that people experience. There are
many different frame materials, styles and sizes that will greatly improve the
experience for the wearer that are always important to discuss with each
patient and try on each option. It far exceeds any choice they may have from a
nice looking frame found online that best “matches” their face shape and
size from a selfie!
Another example is a patient found a frame that she loved but did not like the
shape on the top of the frame. Very particular about the flow that it had with
the shape of her eyebrows, she passed on the nearly perfect style frame she
found in search of something better. After scouring the store we were unable to
find anything that best complimented her features like we were looking for. I
finally ended up taking the original frame and doing some custom work on it. It
was crafted with a quality acetate, which I was able to slowly and carefully
heat in order to re-shape the top. When she tried it on, it had the subtle lift
in the corners which perfectly complemented the shape of her eyebrows and
beautifully brightened her face. A little bit of custom work even on a frame
can make all the difference in the world, and didn&#39;t cost her a penny more!
There are so many other examples I can think of that would give you an idea of
the small customizations that we do for people. If I were to dive into the
world of progressive lenses I would have to write an entirely separate post (or
maybe several!) of all the different things I have done to best fit the design
of lense, and the suitable frame to meet the needs of the patient. If you wear
progressive lenses you no doubt have an idea of the complexity of these lenses.
I&#39;ve done many high prescription lenses, progressives in high wrap sports
frames, bifocals prescribed by doctors for children, special tints to add
clarity for patients that suffer from macular degeneration, and so much more.
I always ask a series of questions to best get to know the daily life and
activities that could be further improved with various lense options. My goal
today is to give a few relatable examples of the great benefit that even basic
prescriptions can have with a personalized pair of eyeglasses. Your vision is
so important to us, and we make it our goal to provide you the best products to
complement your lifestyle in every way that we can, and that doesn&#39;t always
mean that it costs more. I would urge you to take a step back before going
online or to an optical chain to insure that you are getting a product that
will give you the best vision from people that truly care about you. Making a
quality pair of glasses is truly an art, and we are so excited to be able to
give people the gift to see the world with their best vision possible.

Until I dove into the art of opticianry, I had never realized the amount of detailed work and precision that went into crafting a pair of eyeglasses. Growing up, I remember my siblings and friends jumping online for glasses, then waiting for their package. My question is, to what extent will you sacrifice your eyesight for a bargain?

Personalized Vision for Everyone

Greetings, dear readers! Today, let&#39;s embark on a vivid journey through the
world of sunglasses, specifically focusing on the different colors of polarized
lenses. Guided by the wisdom of the American Board of Optometry and insights
from 20/20 Magazine, we will explore how polarization works, the benefits and
drawbacks of each color, and how to match the lens color to specific activities
and even eye colors.
Firstly, let&#39;s take a moment to understand what polarization is and how it aids
us. Polarized lenses are coated with a special chemical film sandwiched
in-between lens layers that helps reduce horizontal glare. When light from the
sun is reflected off surfaces like water or pavement, it is concentrated
horizontally, creating an annoying and sometimes dangerous intensity of light
that we experience as glare. Polarized lenses counteract this by allowing only
vertically oriented light to pass through, thus significantly reducing the
effects of glare and enhancing visual clarity and comfort.
Now, onto the spectrum of polarization colors:
<ul>
<li>Grey: Grey lenses are the jack-of-all-trades in the polarized family.
According to the American Board of Optometry, they provide true color
perception and are excellent for reducing overall brightness without
distorting hues. Ideal for general outdoor activities in bright mid summer
light. Grey is suitable for all eye colors due to their neutral shade. Most
often those with lighter colored eyes or who are more light sensitive prefer a
dark grey tint.</li>
<li>Brown/Amber: TLG’s favorite choice for living in Colorado! These warm hues
are great for enhancing contrast, making surroundings appear brighter. This
makes them perfect for overcast weather conditions and activities like fishing
or hunting, where spotting details is essential. At TLG we consider brown the
essential water sport and snow lens! Also, many companies who market
drive-wear use brown and amber variations. However, they may slightly distort
color perception, a factor to consider for those with blue or green eyes, as
it could potentially cause discomfort.</li>
<li>Green: Green lenses offer high contrast and visual sharpness while keeping
color distortion minimal. They can be a good choice for prolonged outdoor
activities, like golfing. For those with green or brown eyes, these lenses can
provide a harmonious and comfortable viewing experience. If true green is too
bright consider a G-15 lens. The G-15 color is a mixture of gray and green
invented in the 1930’s and most popular among WWII pilots.</li>
<li>Blue: Blue polarized lenses are highly effective against yellow light,
making them ideal for foggy or hazy conditions, as well as snow sports. They
offer good color perception and contrast, which can be beneficial for those
with light-colored eyes.</li>
<li>Rose/Red: These lenses offer a high level of contrast, making them a
popular choice for water sports and cycling. However, they can make the world
look very different color-wise, which might be disorienting for some.</li>
</ul>
In the world of fashion and trends, the current rage, according to 20/20
Magazine, leans towards mirror coatings on polarized lenses. They offer a
stylish, mysterious look while providing an extra layer of protection from glare
and bright light.
Choosing the color of your polarized sunglasses lenses is a multifaceted
decision. It involves understanding their functionality, your lifestyle needs,
and, to some extent, the color of your eyes. Experiment and find what works best
for you, and remember, sunglasses aren&#39;t just a fashion accessory; they&#39;re your
defense against the sun&#39;s glare and harmful UV rays. So, until next time, keep
your eyes safe and your style sharp, dear readers!

Greetings, dear readers! Today, let's embark on a vivid journey through the
world of sunglasses, specifically focusing on the different colors of polarized
lenses. Guided by the wisdom of the American Board of Optometry and insights
from 20/20 Magazine, we will explore how polarization works, the benefits and
drawbacks of each color, and how to match the lens color to specific activities
and even eye colors.


A Spectrum of Choices: Polarization Colors in Sunglasses and their Effects

My dear faithful patrons of TLG, I&#39;m going to get on a soap box for a minute
and talk about a term that has created a huge misconception in the optical
world: &quot;HD lenses&quot;.  If you&#39;re reading this, I am sure at one point in the past
few years you have either been sold or been marketed the all powerful HD lens.
But, let me clear the fog for you here. There is no such thing. There is
however a higher tech lens option. There! I said it! My conscious is clear and
my rant has begun. Now, you ask, if there is no such thing, then why am I being
sold these lenses, and what exactly are they?
Let me begin to sort these questions out by explaining the process of making a
prescription lens. Today there are two main processes for creating the light
bending effect, or &quot;prescription lenses&quot;: standard surfacing and digital
surfacing. Standard surfacing is an older process of grinding different
curvatures into either the front or back surface of a lens in order to create
the right ratio in order to bend the light to fill each prescription need. Labs
have a hockey puck-sized sander with a curve that matches each possible
prescription that would &quot;grind&quot; the appropriate curve into the the surface of
the lens. Afterwards, each lens is polished for a seamless finish. With this
process there can be natural aberrations and variation of the prescription
throughout the lenses. These become more noticeable in higher prescriptions.
Digital surfacing, however, is a much newer system that has gained enormous
popularity over the last decade. In this process a diamond cutting system
guided by advanced software will grind the curves into the lenses. The system
is so accurate that almost no polishing is required in comparison and
variation/aberrations are greatly minimized. Many times patients with a high
RX, especially those with minus lenses or astigmatism, will notice that the
edges of the lenses are more clear than standard surfacing. This is because
the prescription can be cut more accurately throughout the lens as opposed to
standard surfacing. I have seen many a face light up when donning these lenses
for the first time. Digital surfacing can become even more complicated and more
specific by compensating for frame shape, tilt, distance from the eye and
sometimes even eye-movement patterns. Both single vision and progressive lenses
can be finished this way.
Progressive lenses are now almost all finished digitally: in fact, that&#39;s
pretty much standard at most private stores and all we sell in progressive
lenses.
Now, to be fair, while the majority of people will notice an improvement with
digital surfacing, some either won&#39;t notice a difference or won&#39;t like the
compensation. Lower single vision prescriptions tend not to notice (I am in
this category: I can&#39;t tell for the life of me). This is why, for lower
prescriptions, I tend to recommend putting your money toward a nice coating
instead.  This leads us in to my next point.
Many lenses sold as HD include an anti-reflective coating. Of course, an
anti-reflective coating will improve vision, especially under florescent
lights, and at night.  Much of the marketing for HD lenses includes two photos
of what you can expect to see through your lenses with and without HD, and a
large percentage of    this effect can be gained with a simple, quality coating
that keeps light from dispersing on the surface of your lenses. So again, this
is not some &quot;magic&quot; new product.
It is this digital surfacing that is being sold as HD lenses, and it&#39;s truly a
marketing ploy. &quot;Let&#39;s take a term previously reserved for television and phone
screens and use it to sell more glasses!&quot; Many big box stores are getting
customer riled up over their &quot;new tech&quot;, but as stated above, many private labs
have been using digital surfacing for the past decade&mdash;some even longer!
So, can we make you lenses that use the latest tech? Absolutely, YES!  Are we
going to say they are HD? Definitely not. Here at TLG, we don&#39;t want to give
you any marketing garbage. We will walk you through what options would be the
best for you based upon lifestyle, prescription and budget.

I'm going to get on a soap box for a minute and talk about a term that has created a huge misconception in the optical world: "HD lenses".  If you're reading this, I am sure at one point in the past few years you have either been sold or been marketed the all powerful HD lens. But, let me clear the fog for you here. There is no such thing. There is however a higher tech lens option.

The Truth About HD Lenses

TLG Fireside chat of the month
<h2>Synopsis</h2>
I have had several people ask me lately &quot;why don&#39;t you accept vision insurance?&quot; Or, instead of asking, they just sort of stand surprised with a wide-eyed look on their faces secretly thinking &quot;Yeah, no...I&#39;m going somewhere else for glasses.&quot; Some have told me point blank that we won&#39;t make it in business without it. So why have we as a company decided against it? Please, allow me to enlighten you on the matter...
As a company, The Looking Glass(es) takes great pride in the choice to brand ourselves as an independent optical. The optical market today is primarily dominated by a small handful of international corporations, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and more recently insurance companies. In recent years these companies have only grown in size, and now overshadow up to 80% of the market. It is plausible that an unwitting customer could see a doctor and purchase glasses from a store owned or partially owned by an insurance company. What do all of these corporate marriages mean for you? Over the past four decades, consumers have witnessed both a dramatic increase in the price of eyeglasses and the rise of low-cost/low-quality eye-wear. We choose not to subscribe to this corporate idealism. We choose to not to be restricted in service, price and product offerings. We believe insurance is part of this corporate idealism.
<h2>History</h2>
In order to fully explain how we got here, we need to travel back to the beginning of insurance in the US -- specifically health insurance. Insurance is an old idea and can be dated back as early as the 15th century when merchants desired protection from the ever-present threat of maritime losses. In the US, insurance companies emerged in 1735 when Benjamin Franklin aided in the formation of The Philadelphia Contributionship, a mutual insurance company. Health insurance, however, did not get its start until centuries later. Many attribute the development of health insurance and fringe benefits in the US to Justin Ford Kimball, an official of Baylor University in Dallas Texas. Healthcare costs were too high for many Americans and hospitals/doctors were struggling. In 1929 Kimball offered public school teachers 21 days of hospital care per year for an affordable 50 cents per month. The plan spread like wildfire during the great depression when financial crisis pushed even more patients away from care. Copycat plans sprouted across the country and even hospitals began to offer similar plans. Kimball&#39;s experiment would soon grow into the company &quot;Blue Cross Blue Shield&quot; that we know today. When WWII struck, workers became scarce and employers were in fierce competition over a small workforce. Employers began to offer health insurance and other fringe benefits as a perk to woo workers into their employment. Over the years employer-provided health care had morphed in to the system we have today (not what we are discussing for the moment).
Vision insurance got its start in the 1950s when a group of optometrists in California began offering prepaid vision plans to their patients. As this company began to grow and merge, it became known as VSP and is now one of the largest providers of vision insurance.
<h2>What is Insurance? (simply)</h2>
Insurance originated simply as an agreement between an individual and a company to transfer risk. And, for the most part, it still is. For example, say you are concerned that someday a catastrophic health event (like stroke) will cost you $80,000 or more in medical expenses. You consequently bet on the idea that you will indeed have a stroke, so you purchase health insurance for $120.00 per month. Now, knowing that if something truly tragic were to happen, you would not be out 80-grand: just your deductible. Thus the risk of a major medical bill is transferred to the insurance company (for a minimal fee, of course). When the insurance company sells you your health plan, they are betting against the odds of a stroke. In this case, the premiums are taken as profit, held, or used to pay for another&#39;s claim. The general idea can be summarized simply as &quot;The premiums of the many pay the expected losses of the few&quot;.
Insurance cannot pay more in benefits than it receives in premiums. This is why many insurance companies either have a strict contract with providers or own the providers themselves. In the case of your stroke, again, the average health insurance company would receive a bill for $80,000 but only pay $50,000. Either the contract with the provider requires the hospital to write off the rest, or, since the insurance company owns a share in the providing medical center, the payment is still &quot;covered&quot;.
Many of the additional insurance options included in fringe benefit packages are not true insurance, but &quot;discount programs&quot;. This is true for both vision and dental insurance. One signs up fully expecting to use the benefits associated, and not to transfer risk. When most everyone carries vision insurance, if each person were to submit a claim for eyeglasses and exams, the payout would exceed the premiums, resulting in a financial loss for the company. Therefore, just as above, the charge is either force-discounted or the insurance company offering benefits is also part of the company providing care. For a small family owned provider of vision or dental care, this can be detrimental to income.
You may be left asking; how then do I receive benefits? Why does it seem like I receive more benefits than I pay for?
<h2>Case Studies: Major Vision Plan One and Major Vision Plan Two</h2>
For this portion we must rename some major vision insurance companies: Let us call the two largest companies Major Vision Plan One and Major Vision Plan Two.
<blockquote>
*Note: all the costs, benefits, and payments to doctors below are as close to accurate as possible but vary greatly depending on the specific plan. This is a hypothetical average.
</blockquote>
<h3>Major Vision Plan One</h3>
Sally is 26. She has just signed up for vision insurance through her employer for the first time on her own. She has agreed to pay an extra $12.00 per month for Major Vision Plan One. Over the course of one year, this adds up to $144.00. Per her plan, she is allowed one eye exam per year, one set of lenses per year and new frames every-other year. Her copays are $25.00 for an exam, $20.00 for basic single-vision lenses and $55.00 for an anti-reflective coating. When she is eligible for frames she is allowed a $120.00 frame allowance with 20% off anything above the allowance. Instead, if she purchases a frame from the one frame company owned by Major Vision Plan One, then she is allowed $170.00.
<blockquote>
Side-note: some insurance companies own frame companies and can give deeper discounts on frames that they manufacture. This does not mean that they reimburse the doctor more!
</blockquote>
When Sally goes in for her yearly exam, she pays a total of $25.00 for her exam and $20.00 for lenses. She chooses a frame that costs $150.00 so she owes $24.00 after the allowance and discount.
In total, Sally paid $129.00 for her exam and eyeglasses. When her premiums are added she paid a total of $273.00
If she did not have vision insurance this is what she would have paid
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td>Exam</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Single-vision lenses</td>
<td>$ 80.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anti-reflective coating</td>
<td>$ 95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frame</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
<td>$424.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Sally saved a total of $156.00.
Let&#39;s think about this scenario for a moment. Sally&#39;s vision insurance &quot;covered&quot; $325.00 worth of goods and services. However, as we already discussed, Sally only pays $144.00 in insurance premiums. How then does the insurance company cover the extra $181.00 left over? If insurance cannot pay more than it receives in premiums then who covers this bill of benefits? The provider does! In this case the doctor selling Sally her exam and lenses writes off the remainder of the charges. Major Vision Plan One says, &quot;Hey, we will send customers your way because you are in-network, but we are going to tell you how much you get paid.&quot;
For instance, when the doctor bills Sally&#39;s insurance for the remainder of her exam not paid for by a co-pay ($125.00), Major Vision Plan One only pays him $57.50. In total the doctor is paid only $82.50 for an exam that should cost $150.00. The same goes for the eyeglasses Sally purchased: $251.00 is billed to insurance and the resulting payment the doctor receives is approximately half.
The small optical and optometrists office is forced to schedule more appointments per day to compensate. Instead of seeing a patient every half-hour, now the good doctor only gets 15 minutes with his clients. In turn, the optical must raise prices of lenses and frames: lenses are now $95.00 per pair, coatings are $120.00, and frames average $200.00. You just witnessed the last 30 years of price increase in a nutshell.
Many customers are convinced their vision insurance &quot;saves them so much money&quot; and will not go to a store that is not &quot;in-network&quot;. And thus the vicious cycle continues ... the doctor, not wanting to lose business, has to become in-network, and then inevitably raises prices. The poor customers paying cash all along are taken for a one-way price ride. That is why many offices are now offering cash discounts.
A local doctor was interviewed and said this regarding the average single-vision patient carrying Major Vision Plan One: &quot;The average patient &quot;saves&quot; $333.00 on an exam, frame and lenses--at my expense of $165.85 ... I am writing off a lot of money by accepting these insurance plans. On the flip side, their websites and provider lists do serve as advertising for me, and a bunch of patients with insurance is better than no patients.&quot;
<h3>Major Vision Plan Two</h3>
Let&#39;s take a look at the average cost for Major Vision Plan Two. We will also look at a different doctor with different pricing.
Rupert, age 47, has Major Vision Plan Two. Through his wife&#39;s employer, he pays $10.00 per month in premiums, totaling $120.00 per year. Per his plan the same scenario applies. Rupert is allowed one pair of lenses per year and one frame every other year. He pays a copay of $0 for an exam and $10.00 for lenses. He is allowed $145.00 plus 20% off any overages.
For the sake of simplicity, lets say Rupert orders single vision lenses. Maybe a pair of readers? For this visit, with no insurance, he would have paid:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody><tr>
<td>Exam</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frame</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lenses SV no coatings</td>
<td>$ 60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, as we already said, Rupert pays $120.00 in yearly premiums. When combined with his copay, he pays $146.00 in total for his exam and lenses.
What does the doctor get paid in this scenario? Well, for the exam he receives no copay and when he bills $150.00 to insurance, they pay $55.00. After factoring in the materials copay of $26.00, the glasses are billed at $199.00. Major Vision Plan Two pays $82.50!
In total, this office says the average Major Vision Plan Two patient &quot;saves $349.00 on their exam, lenses and frame ... at my expense of $211.50.&quot;
This is why I do not accept vision insurance as payment at The Looking Glass(es). In accepting insurance, I would need to raise prices, and take a possible income cut, not to mention my quality may suffer due to lab requirements on some vision plans. Can you save money using insurance? Yes, you most definitely can. We have not gone over the more expensive lens options available or progressives lenses, but this lens wearer will on average save the most when using insurance. Can some companies and doctors offices increase revenue by carrying insurance? Yes, probably due mostly to the fact of being listed as &quot;in-network&quot; providers on the insurance company&#39;s website. Now, I will disclaim that when a provider chooses to use a major-vision-plan-owned-lab for lenses, their costs are reduced (yes insurance own labs too). In my experience these labs are not known for producing quality work.
<h2>An alternative...</h2>
I propose a different solution. Why not forgo the insurance game (because that is really all it is at this point) and lower prices on eye-wear? By carrying insurance you become part of the problem, raising prices for everyone. There is no reason an eye exam should not cost $99.00 or less. In fact most offices only charge $150.00 to patients with insurance. Customers paying cash receive a lower price right off the bat. Ask any provider and I can guarantee all would flip for cash-pay customers over insurance any day. Most will offer discounts on frames and lenses for anyone with no insurance. This is not to be &quot;nice&quot;, but because they simply do not need to inflate their prices if they actually get paid at face-value. Like I said: a lot of insurance is a game. I can consistently offer progressive lenses at $100-$150.00 dollars cheaper than competitors, because I refuse to play. Also, keep in mind that wherever you choose to shop, your provider is in fact human ... if you cannot afford something and you can pay cash, simply say so. Many optical stores have the ability to discount products, even at the register. Some will offer payment plans or take Care Credit (Care Credit is a fantastic resource for any unexpected cost that insurance does not cover). Have a budget going in? Please tell your optician! The good ones will help you find the best pair of glasses within your target price range.
Now, if you do have vision insurance paid for by your employer or still want to use it to save money (I mean, who wouldn&#39;t right?), then this is what I suggest: Get your exam and glasses by paying cash. Simple and straight-forward. Then self-submit your bills to your insurance company for reimbursement. They pay you, you save money--depending on your benefits-- and the office you visit still gets paid. Simple. In fact, many natural practitioners and functional medicine doctors have been adopting this business model for years. Here at The Looking Glass(es), we will even aid you in the self-submission process!
However you decide to navigate vision insurance and the purchase of eyeglasses, I legitimately hope you find the best deal.
Stay Independent: &quot;May the odds of good prices be ever in your favor&quot;.
<h2>Citations</h2>
<div className="citations">

About VSP Global - The History of Vision Service Plan (VSP), <a href="https://vspglobal.com/cms/about-us/history.html">vspglobal.com/cms/about-us/history.html</a>.
Blue Cross Blue Shield A Historical Colpilation. 7 Dec. 2007, <a href="https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/yourhealthdollar.org_blue-cross-history-compilation.pdf">advocacy.consumerreports.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/yourhealthdollar.org_blue-cross-history-compilation.pdf</a>.
Carroll, Aaron E. &quot;The Real Reason the U.S. Has Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance.&quot; The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Sept. 2017, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/upshot/the-real-reason-the-us-has-employer-sponsored-health-insurance.html">www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/upshot/the-real-reason-the-us-has-employer-sponsored-health-insurance.html</a>.
Companies, The Beacon Group of. &quot;The History of Insurance.&quot; YouTube, YouTube, 8 Feb. 2017, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lKbM7GDVLc&t=147s">www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lKbM7GDVLc&amp;t=147s</a>.
&quot;How Did America End up with This Health Care System?&quot; Gazette, <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/healthypgh/2014/04/27/VITALS-How-did-U-S-employer-based-health-care-history-become-what-it-is-today/stories/201404150167">www.post-gazette.com/healthypgh/2014/04/27/VITALS-How-did-U-S-employer-based-health-care-history-become-what-it-is-today/stories/201404150167</a>.
Loveland CO, Anonymous Optometrist. &quot;Local OD Office on Insurance in Business&quot; 15 Mar. 2019.
&quot;Luxottica Group.&quot; Luxottica, <a href="https://www.luxottica.com/en">www.luxottica.com/en</a>.
&quot;North Star Policy Institute.&quot; North Star Policy Institute, 8 Sept. 2017, <a href="https://northstarpolicy.org/brief-history-insurance">northstarpolicy.org/brief-history-insurance</a>.
Now, The Road to. &quot;The History of Health Insurance in the U.S.&quot; YouTube, YouTube, 7 Mar. 2017, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4qmuajJwlw&t=246s">www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4qmuajJwlw&amp;t=246s</a>.
&quot;VSP Vision Care.&quot; Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Jan. 2019, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSP_Vision_Care">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSP_Vision_Care</a>.
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