Welcome to the fourth installment of the “Geek Chic Eyewear” series, where I share my personal journey through the world of eyewear and optometry. This series aims to provide a comprehensive look into the technical aspects of eyewear, focusing on frame selection and lens materials. Having navigated the complexities of vision correction—from LASIK in my twenties to dealing with presbyopia in my forties—I’ve gained insights that I hope will assist you in making informed decisions about your eye health and eyewear.

In this post, I explore my experiences with various optometry practices and the evolution of my eyewear collection. From initial encounters with outdated equipment and unsatisfactory service at strip mall optometrists to discovering the advanced technology and personalized care at Zeiss-oriented practices, I’ve learned the importance of thorough research and investment in quality eye care. I also highlight my curated eyewear collection, emphasizing the craftsmanship of frames like Reykjavik Eyes and Barton Perreira, and the precision of Zeiss lenses that enhance my visual experience.

Whether you’re an eyewear enthusiast or someone seeking to enhance your understanding of optometry, this series aims to equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices. Your eyes are invaluable, and finding the right optometrist and eyewear can significantly impact your quality of life. Join me as I explore the intersection of technology and eyewear, and learn how to navigate the myriad options available to find the perfect pair of glasses.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, optometrist, or optician. This post is not sponsored by any company, and there are no affiliate links. I have no financial interest or ties to any content I’ve linked to. Always consult a qualified eye care professional to help you find your perfect pair of glasses.

I am a happy customer of the Spectacle Factory (Preston, UK) and Laguna Eyes (Laguna Beach, CA), but received no discount or special treatment from either office. This series is about sharing my personal experience and research not promoting any one brand, person, or eyecare office.

Series Overview

This series of posts will cover a wide range of topics, covering various aspect how to get your perfect pair of glasses. These posts are focused on the tech angle of eyewear, and are not about fashion or what’s on trend for 2025. I’m the last person someone should take fashion advice from!

Topics in this series include:

Part 1: A Comprehensive Guide to Frame Selection

The Elephant in the Optometrist’s Office
Frame Materials
- Cellulose Acetate
- Titanium
Frame Brands – Quiet Luxury vs. Trash
- The Epitome of Trash
- Quiet Luxury – Wisely Spending your Money
- Best Acetate Frames in the World
- Best Titanium Frames in the World

Part 2: Understanding Lens Materials and Designs

Lens Choices Galore – An Overview
Two Key Lens Properties Explained
- Abbe Value and Refractive Index
Lens Materials
Lens Design
- Zeiss ClearView Lenses
- Zeiss SmartLife Lenses
- Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses
- Progressive (Varifocal) Lenses
- Reading vs. Computer Glasses
Lens Tints Galore
- Sunglasses: PhotoFusion X vs. AdaptiveSun
Lens Coatings
Blue Light – To Block or Not to Block?

Part 3: Optometry Equipment, Eye Health, and Insurance

Zeiss Optometry Equipment
- i.Profiler Plus
- VISUPHOR 500
- VISUFIT 1000
- i.Terminal 2
Eye Health
- LifeMeter
- Eye Supplements
- optomap
- Visionix Optovue Solix
Managing Vision Expenses
- Insurance Tips
- HSA/FSA Savings
- Medical Accommodation for Computer Glasses
Finding a Zeiss Specialist
- Questions to ask your Optometry Office
Caring for your Eyewear

Part 4: My Optometrist Saga, Eyewear Collection & More (This Post)

My Optometrist Saga
My Eyewear Collection
Buying Reykjavik Eyes Frames in the US
How to Read Your Prescription

My Optometrist Saga

I underwent LASIK in my 20s and enjoyed years without needing vision correction until presbyopia emerged in my 40s. Initially, when I realized I needed reading assistance, I was unaware of 98% of the content covered in this series. Consequently, I relied on Yelp ratings to find what I thought was a “good” optometrist covered by my vision insurance.

This section will detail my journey and lessons learned as I transitioned from typical strip mall optometry offices (with TERRIBLE experiences) to top-tier Zeiss-oriented practices that prioritize delivering the perfect pair of glasses and use the very latest technology.

Bottom Line: Do your homework and VERY thoroughly research your optemetry providers before you schedule an appointment. You can make some potentially expensive mistakes (like I did) if you aren’t meticulous in your research. Your eyes are one of your most valuable assets, so please invest the time and money to take care of them.

Optometry Practice #1 - San Diego, CA

I won’t name the practice where I had a terrible experience, as it might have been an isolated incident, and I prefer not to publicly disparage the doctor or her staff. This was the first optometrist I visited for multifocal (progressive) lenses, and in hindsight, the office was VERY outdated in terms of optometry technology. Several red flags stood out, knowing what I now know about a good optometry practice:

They used an old-school manual phoropter for subjective prescription testing. Hello 1950s!
Pupillary distance (PD) was measured with a manual felt-tip pen method, which is highly error-prone and lacks repeatability.
There were no measurements for pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance, or wrap angle.
They offered no bespoke progressive lens options and recommended outdated lined bifocals for my sunglasses, resulting in a horrible visual experience.
The frame selection was limited to low-quality EssilorLuxottica brands like Tom Ford, and they only carried Essilor lenses.
The staff failed to explain different lens design options, materials, and coatings in any detail.
There was no retinal OCT scan to identify potential eye health issues.
The eye health discussion was minimal, limited to reviewing a basic, narrow photo of my retinas.

After receiving a terrible first set of progressive and computer lenses that worsened my vision, I insisted on a second full eye exam and new lenses. Unfortunately, the second prescription and lenses were still unsatisfactory.

Additionally, their frame adjustment skills were poor, requiring multiple visits to achieve a proper fit. A recent check on Yelp revealed similar complaints about the staff and poor lens quality. This is the practice I reported to my vision insurance, resulting in my exam and lens allowances being reset. I expressed my displeasure to the staff and never returned.

Urban Optiks - San Diego, CA

After my previous negative experience with Essilor lenses at the previous optometry practice, I conducted extensive research and concluded that Zeiss likely offered the best progressive lens designs available. So in 2022 I sought a practice equipped with at least the Zeiss i.Terminal 2 for precise frame measurements and preferred a boutique optometrist with a wider selection of handmade frames rather than the typical EssilorLuxottica trash bin options like Ray-Ban and Oakley.

Urban Optiks provided a standard eye exam using a manual phoropter and conducted a basic OCT scan, covering the essential aspects of eye health. Although they did not have a Zeiss i.Profiler Plus, and thus could not provide an i.Scription prescription, the overall experience was positive.

I received Zeiss SmartLife Individual 2 lenses for general use, Zeiss OfficeLens Book lenses for computer work, and sunglasses with Zeiss DriveSafe lenses. The prescriptions were accurate, and their initial frame adjustments were effective. Overall, Urban Optiks was a significant improvement over “Optometry Practice #1,” which fell short in every aspect.

Valley Center Optometry, Valley Center, CA

After learning more about Zeiss and having a styling consultation with Robert in 2023, I selected Valley Center Optometry as my new optometry practice. I visited them in mid-2023 for my annual eye exam.

The practice was equipped with the Zeiss i.Profiler Plus and the VISUPHOR 500 subjective refractive unit. Unlike Urban Optiks, Valley Center Optometry was listed as a “VSP Premier Edge” location by VSP. They also conducted an OCT scan and provided a basic eye health discussion.

My Zeiss SmartLife Individual 2 progressive lenses, both for general use and computer work, were perfectly crafted. They also made lenses for my first pair of Reykjavik Eyes Elias frames, which turned out great. Despite the basic eye health exam and the absence of the VISUFIT 1000, I was quite satisfied with the service and the quality of the lenses.

Note: The Zeiss site no longer lists them as having the i.Profiler Plus, so it’s unclear whether they removed it or if the listing is inaccurate.

Spectactle Factory (Preston, UK)

In 2023, I participated in a no-obligation remote video styling consultation with Robert from the Spectacle Factory YouTube channel. During the session, he recommended two exceptional frames: the Reykjavik Eyes Elias in teal and the Barton Perreira Domino in olive green. To maximize my VSP insurance benefits, I acquired both frames in the United States. These frames are among the finest in the world, meticulously crafted from Japanese titanium and acetate. I took both frames to Valley Center Optometry to be fitted with Zeiss SmartLife Individual 2 lenses.

In late 2024, while traveling to Spain for vacation, I made a brief stopover in the UK to visit Robert in person. During this visit, I underwent a comprehensive eye exam using the latest Zeiss equipment, including the i.Profiler Plus and VISUPHOR 500. I upgraded my Domino frames with new AdaptiveSun lenses and received a custom pair of Reykjavik Eyes Alba rimless sunglasses, featuring Robert’s bespoke lens shape.

At the end of my visit, Robert utilized the VISUFIT 1000 to create a 3D avatar of my head, capturing all necessary measurements for my Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 lenses. Robert can now do remote style consults with me using my 3D avatar using any of his frames.

Approximately a month after my appointment my sunglasses arrived expertly packaged, requiring a signature upon delivery. These sunglasses are the best I’ve ever owned, encouraging me to spend more time outdoors. The Zeiss AdaptiveSun lenses are remarkable, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The speed at which they react to UV light is very fast but at the same time subtle.

Bottom Line: If you ever find yourself in the UK I highly recommend visiting Robert’s office in Preston (near Manchester). If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, Robert offers remote video consultations and can gather all necessary measurements to ensure a perfect fit. They routinely mail prescription spectacles to clients all over the world.

Laguna Eyes (Laguna Beach, CA USA)

In late 2024 after even more self-education about Zeiss optics I wanted to use an optometry practice which had the full suite of Zeiss equipment, including the VISUFIT 1000. Laguna Eyes, an optometry practice led by Dr. Alicia Harrison, is situated in Laguna Beach, CA, approximately 70 miles north of San Diego.

The practice is part of the VSP insurance network and is recognized as a top-tier “VSP Premier Edge” location. It boasts a comprehensive suite of the latest Zeiss equipment, including the rare VISUFIT 1000, i.Profiler Plus, VISUPHOR 500, and VISUSCREEN 500, ensuring precise prescription measurements.

Dr. Harrison is deeply committed to eye health, providing the most thorough eye health examination I have ever experienced. Her practice incorporates cutting-edge technology such as the LifeMeter, Visionix Optovue Solix, and optomap (all covered in Part 3). She stays informed on the latest peer-reviewed eye health studies and recommends supplements when necessary, ensuring her patients receive comprehensive care.

Remarkably, Dr. Harrison is the first eye doctor to detect my small eye floaters and inquire about them, thanks to the advanced capabilities of the Optovue Solix machine. No other practice has used the Optovue on me. She also spent the most ‘chair time’ with me, nearly an hour. She went through a number of visual acuity patterns using the Zeiss VISUPHOR 500 that I had never seen before. Without a doubt she spent the most time with me to dial in my subjective refractive prescription and discuss my eye health.

Laguna Eyes also uses the brand new Zeiss owned lab in Hebron Kentucky. In 2021 they completed a state-of-the-art complete re-design of their lens production facility. For more information about the Zeiss lab, check out Automating With Robotics for Faster Speed and Better Quality at the Zeiss Lab.

Bottom Line: Even with the 70 mile commute, I will be a returning patient at Laguna Eyes. Between the most thorough eye exam I’ve ever had and the latest suite of Zeiss equipment (like the VISUFIT 1000), I feel like my eyes are in good hands. My only minor critique is that I wish they carried Reykjavik Eyes frames. If you live within driving distance, I would strongly recommend you consider her practice. I can now finally feel comfortable with an optmetry practice that truly cares about the very best in both eye health and the most technically advanced lenses available.

My Eyewear Collection

The following section is a brief overview of my latest eyewear. My daily wear collection now consists of four pairs of glasses:

Reykjavik Eyes Runar: General purpose progressive
Reykjavik Eyes Elias: OfficeLens Book Computer Glasses
Reykjavik Eyes Alba: General purpose progressive sunglasses
Barton Pierreira Domino: Beach progressive sunglasses

Orgreen McDermott

Colorway: Stock
Frame Material: Japanese Titanium and beta-Titanium
Origin: Handmade in Japan
Lens Design: Zeiss SmartLife Individual 2 Progressive
Lens Material: Trivex
Lens Tint: None
Lens Coating: Zeiss Duravision Platinum
Weight: 26 grams

These are the first handmade glasses that I ever owned. I purchased them in mid 2022 from Urban Optiks in San Diego, CA. During the year that I wore them I got several compliments on their styling. Quality seems high, and zero paint chips so far. However, compared to Reykjavik Eyes, they are nearly twice the weight and certainly not as comfortable. These were also priced nearly 50% MORE than any of my Reykjavik Eyes frames, so I would put them in the ‘poor value’ category. Nowadays these sit in my sock drawer as a backup pair.

l.a. Eyeworks Bates

Colorway: Stock
Frame Material: Japanese Titanium and Acetate
Origin: Handmade in Japan
Lens Design: Zeiss SmartLife Individual 2 – OfficeLens (Book)
Lens Material: Trivex
Lens Tint: None
Lens Coating: Zeiss Duravision Platinum
Weight: 19 grams

My handmade l.a. Eyeworks Bates frames have served me very well for over two years as my dedicated computer glasses. I purchased them from Urban Optiks in San Diego, in January 2023. The more square design enabled wide peripheral vision, which I need for my wide computer monitor setup. These are being retired in favor of my Reykjavik Eyes Elias frames. Even after daily use for two years they are in mint condition and have no complaints about their comfort or style.

Barton Pierrera Domino

Colorway: Olive Green
Frame Material: Japanese Acetate
Origin: Handmade in Japan
Lens Design: Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 Progressive
Lens Material: Zeiss 1.6 High-index
Lens Tint: Zeiss AdaptiveSun Polarized in solid Pioneer with Ruby Flash
Lens Coating: Zeiss DuravisionSun
Weight: 42 grams

My green Domino frames, handmade in Japan and purchased in June 2023, are my go to beach sunglasses. The polarized lenses help cut down on water glare, and they have that thick acetate beachy vibe.

My only tiny issue is that the polarized filter does create a minor “3D” effect of my iPhone screen. It’s not super distracting, but is present. I don’t look at my iPhone for long periods while outdoors, so it’s not a big deal. The polarization does NOT affect the visibility of my electric vehicle’s center console LCD screen, though.

Reykjavik Eyes Elias

Colorway: Teal
Frame Material: Japanese Beta Titanium
Origin: Handmade in Italy
Lens Design: Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 – OfficeLens (Book)
Lens Material: Zeiss 1.6 High-index
Lens Tint: None
Lens Coating: Zeiss Duravision Platinum
Weight: 18g

Purchased in 2023 my handmade Elias frames are my new dedicated computer glasses. They are insanely light, very comfortable, and highly durable. After a year of daily use there’s not a single paint chip in sight. These are my best dedicated computer glasses ever. If you like the minimalist Scandinavian style, Reykjavik eyes are the most comfortable frames you can buy.

Reykjavik Eyes Runar

Colorway: Navy
Frame Material: Japanese Beta Titanium
Origin: Handmade in Italy
Lens Design: Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 Progressive
Lens Material: Zeiss 1.6 High-index
Lens Tint: Zeiss PhotoFusion X Blue
Lens Coating: Zeiss Duravision Platinum
Weight: 18g

Bought in 2024, these are my new daily pair of progressive glasses that I use for everything except computers. I like the thicker laser cut beta titanium, yet still keeps with the minimal Scandinavian aesthetic. Just like the Elias pair, they are exceptionally light, comfortable, and durable. I expect to get many years of service out of these frames.

I got the Zeiss PhotoFusion X lenses, which turn from 100% clear indoors into a pair of 78% sunglasses outdoors in bright UV light. This is great for when I’m running errands around town and constantly going indoors and back outside for short periods.

Reykjavik Eyes Alba

Colorway: Grey
Frame Material: Japanese Beta Titanium
Origin: Handmade in Italy
Lens Design: Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 (Custom Shape) – Progressive
Lens Material: Zeiss 1.6 High-index
Lens Tint: Zeiss AdaptiveSun Grey Gradient 75/25
Lens Coating: Zeiss DuravisionSun
Weight: 15 grams

Weighing 64% less than my green Domino sunglasses, these are the lightest sunglasses I’ve ever owned. Using Robert’s custom lens shape (which I love), these sunglasses are stunning. Although hard to see in the photos, I love the medium grey frame and double bridge design. It contrasts nicely when the lenses are fully tinted in bright UV light. I wear these sunglasses everywhere except for the beach.

These lenses are not polarized, as you can’t combine gradient AdaptiveSun tints with polarization. So these sunglasses are perfect for extended iPhone usage as there’s no (minor) side effects of the polarization.

Buying Reykajvik Frames Eyes in the US

After Robert’s strong recommendation of Reykjavik Eyes frames, I embarked on a mission to find an authorized dealer in the U.S. to utilize my vision insurance benefits, given the frames’ premium price. While Robert offers direct sales and shipping for his frames, I sought a local option for insurance coverage.

I eventually discovered a distributor called BrillenEyes and contacted them to find a nearby optometry practice carrying the frames. They directed me to Griffen Optometric in San Clemente, CA. The staff there has been exceptional, special ordering my Reykjavik Eyes frames for two consecutive years. They can ship frame orders, so you don’t even need to drop by their store for pickup.

For reference, my Runar frames had a list price of $399 USD, but after a discount, I paid $263 USD with Griffen Optometric. I then submitted an out-of-network reimbursement request with VSP, reducing my final out-of-pocket expense to just $100 USD. I then submitted that claim to my HSA, for full reimbursement. That’s the same price as if they were an in-network provider, given my VSP frame allowance.

How to Read your Prescription

Common Terms

Before delving into how to read your prescription, it’s important to establish a clear understanding of some common terms related to vision correction:

Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is the most prevalent vision correction condition. Individuals with myopia have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly and typically require glasses or contact lenses for distance vision.
Hyperopia: This condition, commonly referred to as farsightedness, means that you have difficulty focusing on close objects. Vision correction is necessary for activities such as reading or other close-up tasks.
Emmetropia: This term describes a state where no vision correction is needed, as the eyes naturally focus light correctly on the retina, resulting in clear vision.
Presbyopia: Presbyopia is an age-related condition that usually begins in your 40s. It occurs when the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. This is a normal part of the aging process and often requires corrective lenses for reading or other close work.

Reading Your Prescription

Reading the corrective prescription that your eye doctor gives you is pretty straight forward. A sample eye prescription is below, with an explanation of each of the fields.

OD (Oculus Dexter): Right eye prescription
OS (Oculus Sinister): Left eye prescription
Sphere: This number indicates the lens power, measured in diopters (D), needed to correct your vision. If the number is negative (e.g., -2.00), it indicates correction for nearsightedness (myopia), meaning you have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. If the number is positive (e.g., +2.00), it indicates correction for farsightedness (hyperopia), meaning you have difficulty seeing close objects clearly.
Cylinder: Refers to the lens power needed to correct astigmatism, which is a common condition where the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape.
Axis: Specifies the orientation of the astigmatism correction in degrees, ranging from 0 to 180.
Prism: Refers to the amount of prism correction required to address vertical misalignments in the eyes, such as vertical heterophoria or strabismus. Prism correction helps align the eyes properly, ensuring that they work together to produce a unified clear image.
Add: Refers to the additional lens power needed for reading or close-up tasks, typically for individuals with presbyopia, a condition that commonly occurs with aging and affects near vision.

If you want to further understand you eye prescription, check out the video below by Dr. Joseph Allen, OD FAAO.

Summary

In summary, navigating the world of eyewear and optometry can be a complex journey, but with the right knowledge and resources, it can lead to significantly improved vision and satisfaction. My experiences have highlighted the importance of choosing optometrists who prioritize cutting-edge technology and personalized care.

From outdated practices that offered limited options and unsatisfactory results to discovering Zeiss-oriented clinics with advanced equipment, I’ve learned that investing in quality eye care is crucial. Additionally, understanding the technical aspects of frames and lenses can make a substantial difference in both comfort and visual clarity.

As I reflect on my journey, I hope to encourage others to approach their eyewear selection with the same level of detail and care. Whether it’s selecting the finest handmade frames or opting for lenses that enhance daily activities, the choices you make will impact your vision and lifestyle. Remember, your eyes are invaluable, and taking the time to research and invest in the best options available will ensure you enjoy the benefits of clear vision and stylish eyewear tailored to your specific needs.