This is part 3 of the “Geek Chic Eyewear” series and it covers the role of advanced optometry equipment, eye health, eye insurance tips and more. The post first examines Zeiss tools like the i.Profiler Plus, VISUPHOR 500, VISUFIT 1000, and i.Terminal 2.

These devices enhance vision assessments: the i.Profiler Plus uses wavefront technology for accurate prescriptions, while the VISUPHOR 500 digitizes the subjective refraction process. The VISUFIT 1000 and i.Terminal 2 provide detailed 3D measurements to ensure proper eyewear alignment and comfort.

The article underscores the importance of regular eye exams and advanced diagnostics like the Optovue Solix and optomap for early detection and monitoring of eye diseases. It also discusses the LifeMeter for assessing carotenoid levels, potentially important for long-term eye health.

Additionally this post covers advice on managing vision expenses through vision insurance, HSAs, and FSAs, and explores employer reimbursement for computer glasses using reasonable accommodation laws. Tips for finding a Zeiss specialist with the latest technology and maintaining eyewear condition are also included.

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 Tools, Eye Health, and Insurance (This Post)

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

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

Zeiss Optometry Equipment

Zeiss offers a range of equipment to precisely determine your eye prescription and take all the necessary measurements for bespoke eyewear. This section covers the top Ziess equipment that you should look for at your next eye doctor appointment. Later in this article I’ll show you how to search for a doctor office that has some of this equipment.

Zeiss i.Profiler Plus - Objective Refraction Unit

The Zeiss i.Profiler Plus is a diagnostic tool designed to enhance the precision your vision prescription. It can create what Zeiss calls an i.Scription. The i.Profiler Plus uses wavefront technology to measure the eye’s optical system, capturing detailed data on corneal topography and refraction. This allows for a comprehensive analysis of the eye, identifying aberrations that can affect vision quality. It can create an objective prescription accurate to one hundredth of a diopter. The device provides provides detailed prescription data that are crucial for tailoring lens prescriptions to the individual characteristics of each patient’s vision.

A key feature of the i.Profiler Plus is its ability to evaluate vision under different lighting conditions, including both daytime and nighttime scenarios. This is particularly useful for patients who experience difficulties in low-light environments, as it enables the customization of lenses to address these specific issues. The data collected by the i.Profiler Plus can be used to create ZEISS lenses with i.Scription technology, which aim to improve contrast, color perception, and visual sharpness.

Depending on your eyecare provider, there might be a slight upcharge to make your lenses using the i.Scription data. Make sure to ask your optician if they will be using the i.Scription data and if there’s any charge for doing so.

The graphic below is a sample “raw” i.Scription objective prescription. Your eye doctor will use this information as a starting basis for the subjective refraction step.

Zeiss VISUPHOR 500 - Subjective Refraction Unit

The Zeiss VISUPHOR 500 is a digital phoropter used in optometry to streamline and enhance the process of determining a patient’s subjective refractive error (i.e., your prescription). This device automates the traditional method of manually switching lenses during an eye exam, providing a more efficient and precise way to measure visual acuity. This process is called subjective refraction.

The Zeiss VISUPHOR 500 integrates with other Zeiss diagnostic tools (like the Zeiss VISUSCREEN 100/500), allowing for a comprehensive eye exam. For example, the eye doctor can load the prescription output from the Zeiss i.Profiler Plus as a starting point for your subjective refraction.

One of the primary advantages of the VISUPHOR 500 is its ability to deliver consistent and accurate results. The digital interface allows optometrists to quickly adjust lens settings and record measurements, reducing the potential for human error associated with manual phoropters. It has both pre-programmed workflow and freestyle modes, which can be selected at any time by the eye doctor.

The VISUPHOR 500 has over 20 visual acuity tests to assess monocular and binocular vision. Additionally, the device can store and recall previous settings, making it easier to program for follow up appointments. The software user interface that the doctor uses allows them to instantly load previously saved settings, such as those from your last exam.

Zeiss VISUFIT 1000

The Zeiss VISUFIT 1000, introduced in 2018, is their and most advanced digital 3D centration device. It uses a sophisticated system of nine cameras to capture a detailed 180-degree view of the patient’s face, ensuring that eyeglasses are perfectly aligned for optimal comfort and visual performance. It captures over 45 million data points and creates a virtual avatar of your head. This technology allows optometrists to obtain precise measurements that are critical for customizing lenses to each individual’s needs.

The VISUFIT 1000 provides a comprehensive set of measurements, including:

Pupillary Distance (PD): The distance between the centers of the pupils, crucial for aligning lenses properly.
Fitting Height: The vertical distance from the center of the pupil to the bottom of the lens, ensuring correct lens positioning.
Pantoscopic Tilt: The angle at which the eyeglass lenses tilt in relation to the face, affecting how lenses sit and function.
Vertex Distance: The space between the back of the lens and the front of the eye, impacting lens power and effectiveness.
Wrap Angle: The curvature of the frame around the face, which influences peripheral vision and comfort.
Frame Dimensions: Detailed measurements of the frame size and shape, aiding in the selection of frames that best fit the wearer.

By utilizing the Zeiss VISUFIT 1000, opticians can provide a more personalized eyewear experience, ensuring that each pair of glasses is tailored to the unique anatomical features of the wearer. This precise fitting process enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of eyewear, leading to improved visual outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. These highly precise measurements are critical for getting the most out of the Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 lenses.

In the US the Zeiss VISUFIT 1000 is very uncommon and likely not in your local doctor’s office. In fact, in all of California there are only four practices with the VISUFIT 1000. Interestingly, Texas, on the other hand has quite a few sprinkled around the state. Later in this article I’ll cover how you can find the one closest to you. However, what is “much” more common is the older Zeiss i.Terminal 2, which I cover below.

Zeiss i.Terminal 2

The Zeiss i.Terminal 2 is the predecessor to the VISUFIT 1000. It uses patented laser technology to take a similar set of core eyewear lens measurements as the VISUFIT 1000. However, unlike the VISUFIT 1000, the Zeiss i.Terminal 2 seems to be more common. In fact, I know of at least one office in San Diego, CA that has one. Unfortunately, the Zeiss Find a Doctor site (covered below), has no way to filter on offices offering the i.Terminal 2. So it will take some research on your part to find an office with one.

Even though the i.Terminal 2 was released in 2011, it’s leaps and bounds more accurate than an optician taking manual measurements. Highly accurate measurements are critical for the best experience with Zeiss SmartLife Individual 3 lenses. The i.Terminal 2 has an accuracy of 0.1mm.

If you want custom Zeiss lenses, make an all out effort to at least find an optician with the Zeiss i.Terminal 2, if there’s no VISUFIT 1000 within driving distance.

As a patient, the Zeiss i.Terminal 2 is very easy to use. The optician will snap on an alignment frame to your actual eyewear frame (shown below). They will line you up with the machine and take forward and side facing photos. The Zeiss software and optician can then take all the required measurements for your perfect pair of bespoke glasses.

The Zess i.Terminal 2 provides a comprehensive set of measurements, including:

Pupillary Distance (PD): The distance between the centers of the pupils, crucial for aligning lenses properly.
Fitting Height: The vertical distance from the center of the pupil to the bottom of the lens, ensuring correct lens positioning.
Pantoscopic Tilt: The angle at which the eyeglass lenses tilt in relation to the face, affecting how lenses sit and function.
Vertex Distance: The space between the back of the lens and the front of the eye, impacting lens power and effectiveness.
Wrap Angle: The curvature of the frame around the face, which influences peripheral vision and comfort.

Eye Health

Everyone should take the long term health of their eyes very seriously. It’s never too soon to have yearly eye exams, even if you don’t need vision correction. In 2024 doctors have a wide range of diagnostic equipment to fully assess the long term health of your eyes.

This section covers a few of the devices which my latest eye doctor had in her office. In fact, I’ve never had such a thorough eye health screening in my entire life (not hyperbole).

Paying attention to your diet, such as eating a lot of fruit and veggies, can pay long term dividends to your eye health. If you have complicating factors such as diabetes, yearly eye exams are a must. There may also be eye related supplements that your eye doctor may recommend.

Common Eye Conditions

Eye health is a complex topic, and while I’m not a medical professional, I want to highlight a few common eye conditions that your eye doctor should monitor:

Cataracts: This condition involves the clouding of the lens in the eye, which affects vision and is very common among the elderly. UV exposure is believed to be a significant contributor to the development of cataracts later in life. Therefore, it’s important to always wear eyewear with UV 400 protection when outdoors.
Glaucoma: This condition typically involves increased internal eye pressure, which can damage the retinal nerves. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection and management.
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, and can lead to vision loss. Early detection is crucial for managing its progression.

Regular eye examinations are essential for detecting these and other eye conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and management. Even if you do not need a corrective eye prescription, having annual or bi-annual eye exams are very important.

LifeMeter

The LifeMeter is a device that evaluates the levels of carotenoids in the skin. Carotenoids are antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, and their concentration in the body can be an indicator of overall nutritional status and antioxidant levels. Carotenoids may play a key role in eye health, including the prevention of advanced macular degeneration (AMD).

By shining a specific wavelength of light onto the skin, the LifeMeter measures the response, which correlates with the concentration of carotenoids present. The results provide users with insights into their dietary intake of carotenoids, which are important for maintaining skin health and overall wellness.

By tracking carotenoid levels, individuals can make informed dietary adjustments to improve their antioxidant intake. This technology offers a practical way to monitor nutritional health and encourages a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which can enhance the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress.

For a detailed look at the science behind LifeMeter and the associated study, check out the NIH published study: Optical assessment of skin carotenoid status as a biomarker of vegetable and fruit intake.

Eye Supplements

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional and I’m not making any medical recommendations. Always consult your local eye doctor before starting or stopping any medications or supplements. This section is for information only and not a suggestion that you should take any of these supplements. Do your own research.

In the YouTube Videos linked below Dr. Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO has a couple of great videos on eye supplements. In these two videos he covers, among others, the following ingredients:

MacuHealth (Amazon Link) – General purpose eye health with Lutein (10mg), Meso-Zeaxanthin (10mg) and Zeaxanthin (2mg). Demonstrated to increase macular pigment density.

Astaxanthin (Amazon Link) – General purpose antioxidant with possible eye health benefits.

VitreousHealth (Amazon Link) – May help reduce eye floaters. Contains Zinc (5mg), Vitamin C (40mg), grape seed extract (26.3mg), citrus fruit extract (100mg) and L-lysine (125mg).

Dr. Joseph Allen also has another great but long video (1 hour) covering the best eye supplements. He walks through a number of published studies covering vitamin A, Lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, omega 3, vitamin D, circumin, niacin and more.

optomap

The company optos has a line of retina examination devices, ranging from the high end Silverstone to the more basic Daytona model. The Silverstone has a number of image modalities:

Color rg (red-green)
Sensory Red-free
Choroidal
Autofluorescence
Fluorescein angiography
Indocyanine green angiography
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

Diagnostic tools like these have been shown to enhance pathology detection and disease management. If an eye doctor chooses to invest in the very latest diagnostic devices, then that’s a good sign that they take eye health seriously. While I would not get hung up on which model the eye doctor uses, I would ask questions about their general approach to eye health and what tests they perform.

Visionix Optovue Solix

The Optovue Solix is a platform that uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for eye health diagnostics. OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that enables rapid and precise visualization of the retina, optic nerve structure, and cornea.

By leveraging light reflection, OCT captures detailed images of ocular tissue structure, facilitating early detection of anomalies and ongoing monitoring of ocular disease progression. OCT uses low-coherence interferometry to create high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, allowing for detailed assessment of their structure and thickness. This capability is invaluable in diagnosing and managing various ocular conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinal detachments.

Key benefits of OCT include:

Non-invasive: OCT does not require physical contact with the eye, making it a comfortable procedure for patients.
High-resolution imaging: OCT provides detailed images that help in identifying subtle changes in ocular tissues.
Early detection: OCT enables early detection of ocular diseases, which is critical for effective treatment and management.
Monitoring disease progression: OCT allows for continuous monitoring of ocular health, helping in tracking the progression of diseases and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.

In short, OCT is a powerful diagnostic tool that plays a significant role in maintaining ocular health by providing detailed insights into the structure and function of the retina and optic nerve.

During my recent visit to an eye doctor in Laguna Beach, CA, I encountered the Optovue Solix for the first time. During the exam, the doctor inquired whether I experienced floaters, a question I had never been asked before. After considering her question, I remembered that I do have small, non-bothersome floaters that I have noticed for most of my life.

The Optovue Solix captured multiple images of my retina in quick succession. The doctor then showed me the images, highlighting small, moving blurry spots that indicated the presence of floaters. I was genuinely impressed by the technology’s capability to detect them so clearly. This led her to later recommend a supplement (VitreousHealth) that has been scientifically studied to help reduce floaters.

Managing Vision Expenses

Vision expenses can quickly mount up. If you want high quality hand-made frames or the most premium progressive lenses, for example, that could cost a pretty penny. However, people will often have 10-20 pairs of shoes, yet try and skimp out on quality eyewear. Your eyes are one of your most important features, so I would suggest investing in them as much as you can.

Vision Insurance Tips

Vision insurance coverage, at least in the US, varies wildly from employer to employer. Some only cover one pair of glasses a year, while others cover two. Frame and lens customization coverage can also wildly vary from near complete coverage, to just bare bones.

For those US readers with VSP Vision care insurance they have a handy dandy Calculate My Costs wizard. Here, the wizard asks you a number of questions about your upcoming eye exam and if you want new glasses, contacts, lens options, and more. This can at least give you a ballpark cost estimate.

However, be aware that some “premium” features like blue-light blocking, Zeiss i.Scription, flash coatings, extra health screening, retinal imaging, etc. may not be covered by insurance and increase your out of pocket costs. So don’t be shocked if your optician’s final bill is higher than the VSP estimator, if you go with premium enhancements or extra eye health screenings.

I ran the VSP Calculate My Costs estimator with my current employer. As you can see (graphic below), even with super premium progressive lenses and most every imaginable lens treatment, the coverage is estimated to save me $1154. Most of my out of pocket cost is the retinal screening.

VSP also has detailed benefits information for your employer’s plan. Carefully read the benefits details, and in particular, look at the frame and lens coverage. Always read any fine print in the “Extra Savings” section, as that can also wildly vary from employer to employer, and even year to year.

Out-of-Network Reimbursement

Depending on your vision insurance, they may allow (albeit with reduced coverage), out of network claims. I’ve found this feature very beneficial when buying my frames. Since I only buy independent eyewear brands, like Reykjavik Eyes, l.a. Eyeworks, etc. my preferred in-network Zeiss optometrist may not carry those brands. And in the case with Reykjavik Eyes, I could not find a single in-network VSP provider that carried the line.

Not to worry! If you have your heart set on a frame brand that’s outside of your insurance provider network, tell the staff you have vision insurance but their office is out of network. I’ve had good luck with getting a sizable discount on the frames, which I can then submit as an out-of-network expense to VSP. Even at the reduced out-of-network rate, my actual out-of-pocket expense is similar as if they were in-network. Of course YMMV, but don’t just assume you have to pay full list price for your frames if the provider isn’t in network.

Before making an out-of-network purchase, call your vision insurance plan to get details on whether they do such frame reimbursements and at what rate.

Special Insurance Perks

Depending on your eye insurance provider and which eye doctor office you choose, there may be special offers for you to choose from. For example, with my VSP insurance and using a “VSP Premier Edge” location, they have a risk-free 12 month Zeiss lens trial offer. These offers can change at any time, so be sure to check your insurance provider before going into your eye doctor to make sure you are armed with the latest special deal knowledge.

How to Deal with "Lemon" Providers

A couple of years ago, I set out to get my first pair of progressive and computer glasses. Lacking 95% of the knowledge I now share in my posts, I unknowingly chose a lousy EssilorLuxottica-affiliated optometrist. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing—the eye doctor was incompetent, the opticians were unhelpful, all old school manual equipment, and they failed twice to produce a workable prescription. Twice!

Frustrated, I contacted my insurance provider, VSP, to file a complaint against the practice. After escalating the issue, VSP reset my annual eye exam and lens allowances to their full value. Armed with more research, I switched to a different practice that was a strong Zeiss partner, resulting in a vastly improved experience and high quality progressive lenses.

Bottom Line: If a practice fails to deliver satisfactory results after multiple attempts, contact your eye insurance provider to explore compensation options. They may reset your vision exam and lens allowances so you can use a different provider.

Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA)

If your country offers any type of healthcare costs savings plans (e.g., HSA – Health Savings Sccount, or FSA – Flexible Spending Account), check with your HR department or HSA/FSA provider for eligible expenses you can submit for reimbursement. My HSA provider allows expenses from any provider in the world, as long as it’s for a covered expense such as prescription eyewear.

For example, when I purchased my two pairs of prescription sunglasses from The Spectacle Factory in the UK, I was allowed to submit it to my US-based HSA provider for reimbursement. That can shave 20% or more off your net out-of-pocket costs.

Medical Accommodation for Computer Glasses

If you are over 40 and have presbyopia (the need for computer or reading glasses), there might be an avenue to help offset a cost of dedicated computer glasses, depending on your job function and where you live.

Not all vision insurance plans will cover a second pair of glasses dedicated to computer use. One of my past employers did offer such coverage, while one didn’t. If your day job requires extensive computer usage and your vision insurance covers your primary pair of glasses, you may have a legal “path” for your employer to cover some or all of the cost of dedicated computer glasses.

In the US this could fall under the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission “Reasonable Accommodation” laws, or the state equivalent (e.g., California Employment Development Department).

Employers won’t cover your primary day-to-day glasses, as those are considered personal items. However, depending on your job function, the CA EDD office does explicitly mention “eyeglasses designed to enable the individual to view a computer monitor” … “may constitute a reasonable accommodation.”

If you think you fall into this category, reach out to your employer’s HR department and discuss your situation with a reasonable accommodation specialist. I was successful in making such a case for partial coverage of my computer glasses. Click here for the full link to the CA EDD document. The section below is from page 7.

My company’s reasonable accommodation form had two sections that needed justification for the computer glasses. The form then must be signed by your eye doctor. The following wording worked for me:

Physical Limitation:

John has a condition called presbyopia, which is when one’s eyes lose their ability to change their focus. This affects how well you can see close-up objects, like computer monitors. Uncorrected, John’s symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, eye strain and neck pain. John’s prescription no-line trifocals (progressive lenses) which he uses for non-computer tasks, only have a very small section of the lower part of the lens dedicated to reading distance for small objects like books or phones.

Functional Impact to perform essential job functions:

John is an office worker and spends 8 hours a day using his dual monitors. His daily progressive lenses are unsuitable for computer use and cause neck pain, distorted text, and have a tiny field of view. Dedicated computer lenses, which only focus on objects 24-36″ away, enables John to perform his essential job duties with no eye strain and have a wide field of view for his dual monitors.

Again, keep in mind that your company may not honor your reasonable accommodation request. Laws in your area may be different, or your HR’s legal department may not be as understanding as others. Even if your company grants your medical reasonable accommodation request, they may not cover the entire expense. Be persistent, but also understand you may get denied. I would also escalate the issue to your employer’s eye care benefits director and see if they would consider adding a computer glasses benefit to your vision insurance plan.

Finding a Zeiss Specialist

Finding a Zeiss specialist with the full suite of Zeiss technology can be hard. Thankfully Zeiss has a Looking for good eye doctor site where you can search all over the world for a local Zeiss eye care professional.

Note: If the search box doesn’t appear, turn off your ad blocker or try a different browser. The map and search function seem somewhat glitchy when filtering on VISUFIT 1000. While doing a number of searches across the US and Europe, the map would not always move or properly list providers. Not sure if it was a website issue, browser, or what. So be persistent if the results come up empty or look odd.

Recently Zeiss added the ability to search on their site for Zeiss specialists that offer the VISUFIT 1000. As you can see in the graphic below, as of October 2024, the number of offices offering the VISUFIT 1000 is limited. For example, in California there are only four practices. Most states don’t have any at all. Thankfully the closest one to me is ‘only’ 68 miles away.

Note: Zeiss’s search results are not always 100% accurate. Before you make an appointment with a Zeiss provider, call them and verify they have the equipment you are looking for (e.g. VISUFIT 1000 or i.Profiler Plus). For example, they errantantly listed a San Diego provider with the VISUFIT 1000, even though they didn’t have one. I have a long list of questions to ask a new provider in the section below.

Zeiss also offers a filter for offices using i.Scription technology. However, this doesn’t mean the office has even the older i.Terminal 2 to do accurate measurements for SmartLife lenses. Personally, at the minimum I would find an office that offers both i.Scription and the i.Terminal 2 if you want SmartLife individual lenses. For the ultimate Zeiss experience, find an office with the VISUFIT 1000.

Zeiss Provider Search Tips

Here’s a methodology I’d suggest using to find the best Zeiss provider in your area that has the latest suite of technology:

Conduct a search for your zipcode on the previously mentioned Zeiss site using only the Zeiss VISUFIT 1000 services option.

2. If there is a “nearby” Zeiss Visufit 1000 provider, note down the provider’s contact information. If there are no providers within a reasonable driving distance, click on ZEISS Vision Provider with i.Scription Technology to find providers with the Zeiss i.Profiler Plus equipment.

3. If there are one or more local providers with i.Scription technology, write down the provider’s contact information.

4. Review your eye insurance plan and cross-check the Zeiss providers list you wrote down against in-network insurance providers. If your vision insurance has any special promo perks, cross-reference any eye doctor office requirements with your short list of providers.

5. Contact the resultant ‘short list’ of providers that MAY have your desired equipment. Read the next section for a list of questions to ask their most senior optician. I would contact the office via email with your list of questions, then follow up a with a phone call and make sure they respond in a thorough manner.

Questions to ask your Optometry Office

Before making an appointment, review the provider’s web site and get a feeling for their practice and services they offer. If one or more provider resonates with you, contact the office and ask to speak to their most senior optician. Ask them the following questions:

Do you have the Zeiss i.Profiler Plus?
If so, does the doctor do separate day and night i.Profiler Plus readings?
Does your office use the Zeiss i.Terminal 2 (older) or VISUFIT 1000 (newer)?
What technology do they use to measure pupillary distance (manual, i.Terminal 2, VISUFIT 1000, etc.)?
Does the eye doctor use the Zeiss digital subjective refraction unit (Visuphor 500)? If not, what do they use? (old school manual?)
Do they offer the full suite of Zeiss PhotoFusion X, Zeiss AdaptiveSun (not in USA), mirror and flash coatings?
Is all of the Zeiss equipment electronically interconnected and connected to your patient medical records?
Is the lab they use for their Zeiss lenses fully owned and operated by Zeiss or is it a third party that is just licensed to produce Zeiss lenses?
Do they offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imagery? Do you use the Optovue Solix SD-OCT or similar device?
Can any of your eye equipment (e.g. Optovue Solix SD-OCT) detect and document floaters?
Does the office use the LifeMeter or similar device to measure skin carotenoid concentration as a proxy of eye health?
Does the office use any ultra-wide retinal imaging devices, such as Optomap?
Does the doctor ever discuss possible eye health supplements with patients?
Do you stock frame brands xyz (insert your preferred brands here)? If not, can you special order xyz?
Is there a surcharge for using my own frames if I only purchase lenses through your office?

Caring for your Eyeware

Cleaning your glasses is very important. But what you clean them with, and how you clean them is critical. Using detergents (such as hand soap) or lens sprays are not ideal. In my personal experience, I was using a highly rated lens spray off Amazon with their companion microfiber cloth. This worked OK, but even with weekly washing of the microfiber cloth oils would build up on the lens impacting their performance. Sprays can also cause a layer of grease to accumulate around the edge of the lens.

What I’ve found to work wonders are the individually packaged Zeiss lens wipes (Amazon). Here’s the procedure I follow and it works wonders:

Use one Zeiss lens wipe per lens, per day. Fold the wipe in two and wipe both sides of the lens at once. Meaning, fold the wipe like a taco and rub both sides of the lens at the same time.
Wipe down the nose pads and temples.
Use your Zeiss microfiber cloth (Amazon) and lightly polish both lenses. This is important as microdrops of the cleaning solution may dry and leave tiny spots.
Every six months put your glasses into an ultrasonic cleaner.

If you use Zeiss lenses with any coatings, you can be assured there won’t be a bad chemical reaction between the wipe and your expensive coatings. My lenses are so much cleaner than with a spray!

You should also have a Zeiss microfiber lens cloth (Amazon) handy, for touch ups. Remember to wash the microfiber cloth regularly, as oils and dirt will build up over time. Wash it at least monthly, if not more.

I purchased an ultrasonic cleaner from Amazon, as shown below. Don’t over use an ultrasonic cleaner, but once every six months is fine. This is really get into the frame grooves and thoroughly clean your eyewear.

Summary

In Part 3 of my “Geek Chic Eyewear” series, I focus on the role of advanced optometry equipment in achieving an optimal eyewear fit. The post highlights key Zeiss tools, such as the i.Profiler Plus, VISUPHOR 500, VISUFIT 1000, and i.Terminal 2. The i.Profiler Plus uses wavefront technology for precise lens prescriptions, while the VISUPHOR 500 enhances the subjective refraction process with digital accuracy. The VISUFIT 1000 and i.Terminal 2 offer detailed 3D measurements for improved eyewear alignment, ensuring both comfort and visual performance.

The post underscores the importance of regular eye exams and advanced diagnostic tools like the Optovue Solix and optomap, which aid in early detection and monitoring of ocular diseases. It also discusses the LifeMeter for assessing carotenoid levels, which may be crucial for long term eye health.

The post also provides advice on managing vision expenses, including using vision insurance, HSAs, and FSAs to reduce costs. I also covered how to possibly get employer reimbursement for computer glasses under reasonable accommodation laws. Finally, the article offers tips on finding a Zeiss specialist with the latest technology and suggests best practices for maintaining eyewear condition and performance. In part 4 I cover my multi-year optometry saga and my current eyewear collection.

Geek Chic Eyewear: Optometry Tools, Eye Health and Insurance