Better technology, better outcomes

Better technology, in terms of lenses, coating and frames, leads to better vision. Well, if your optometrist has done her job well! But assuming that, I don't know of anyone who wants to go back to pre-1995 for their glasses technology by choice. Are you still using your VCR? (Transfer your tapes now as you can't buy them now). Are you still using your 1990's cell-phone? Why ask for 1990's glasses?

I'm not just meaning the fashion look of the frame. Modern materials are lighter, cheaper for the features (titanium frames are no longer double the cost of standard nickel alloys), more durable in terms of plating or colours, and there is more choice.

The lenses are better too. It is rare we use glass - it's heavy and can chip, and too heavy for the modern, large, light frames. Coatings to prevent scratching on both standard plastic and thinner plastics work well now. Anti-reflective coatings last well.(Essilor's Crizal family have a 2 year warranty as they are confident that there will be no problems with the coatings).

Modern technology does cost - the lens and frame manufacturers need to recover their R&D costs. But in terms of value for money, features are present that could not be imagined  a generation ago. Modern progressive lenses have been designed for optimizing near or intermediate vision (great if you spend a lot of time on your computer) rather than just improving distance. And they don't make people nauseous when moving around or moving their heads - in the last 12 years I have felt happy to recommend progressives to people who tend to get motion-sick - just wouldn't have done that prior to 2000!

We can always provide "basic" standard frames and lenses, for people on a budget or people who are happy with something robust, serviceable but without all the bells and whistles. (My cell phone calls and texts only). But remember that you do get what you pay for - and if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Transitions lenses are up to generation 6 now. Anti-reflective coatings are on their fourth or fifth generation. And no-one wants to return to thick "milk-bottle bottom" lenses with a high prescription.

Enjoy your eyewear - people look at your face more often than your watch so wear something that you enjoy and that others admire.