Optical Shoppe of La Plata
Precision Eye Wear with a Fashion Flair
An optician fits eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses. They analyze and interpret prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists to determine which type of eyewear is best suited to the customer’s lifestyle and visual needs.
The optician takes measurements to insure proper lens placement in the eyeglass frame and verifies the accuracy of the finished product. He or she also may manufacture (grind) lenses from raw materials and cut them to fit into the frame.
Opticians may hold an associate opticians degree or may have apprenticed for a required number of hours. In most states that require an optician to be licensed, candidates must pass an examination given by the American Board of Opticians,(ABO). Some states also require that candidates pass a state board exam. Opticians can take the National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE), which in certain states allows them to fit and dispense contact lenses.
Lens Materials:
- PLASTIC: Lightweight and durable, less expensive than higher tech materials. Plastic (CR39) lenses can be tinted, but do not protect from all harmful UV light unless they are treated with a UV coating.
- POLYCARBONATE: Most impact resistant material available, recommended for children and athletes for safety issues, thinner than plastic but not as thin as other hi-tech materials.
- HI-INDEX: The thinnest lenses available, they are a hi-tech material that allows light to pass through quicker making the lens slimmer than other materials. Not as light as polycarbonate, but thinner and available in different "indexes." (The higher the index, the thinner the lens.) Hi-index lenses absorb harmful UV light and can be tinted.
- GLASS: Much heavier than the higher-tech lenses of today. As the industry has gone to 99% plastic, polycarbonate, and hi-index.
- SINGLE VISION: One vision only - reading, distance, intermediate (computer, organ, piano) designed to work at one distance only.
- LINED BIFOCALS/TRIFOCALS: Designed to work for distance and reading or in the case of a trifocal, distance, middle vision and reading with lines separating the vision. Not as commonly used as the newer technology of Progressives and Office types of lenses.
- PROGRESSIVE LENSES (NO-LINE BIFOCALS): Provides the visual benefits of both bifocals/trifocals by allowing all vision in between distance and reading, including middle or intermediate vision such as computer or the dash board of your car, hobbies or any type of work in that middle range as you "progressively" see through the lens. While a progressive is a wonderful lens when of course fitted professionally and properly, I always recommend the use of an office type lens along with them to give a wider width of field when doing desk work or just reading a novel or any specific task that you wish the ultimate combination of comfort.
- OFFICE (Occupational lenses): Allows the best benefits in an office environment because it offers the use of a computer and desk area as well as the luxury of reading. This lens is highly recommended for many middle to near applications such as cooking, sewing, computers, reading, draft tables, card playing, carpentry, art and much more. Be sure to ask about these incredible lenses.
- ANTI-REFLECTIVE LENSES: Special coating that makes the lens look invisible and reduces the glare when driving at night, working on a computer, or under bright lights. Enhances appearance in photos and in the public eye by removing reflections from the lens. It allows people to see your eyes and decreases eye strain for the wearer. It is a wonderful product and highly recommended and once again, the technology of today has made these coatings much more durable and easy to clean and take care of.
- TRANSITIONS: Lenses that darken when you go outdoors and lighten back up when going back inside. Acts as a prescription sunglass for many patients. While these lenses are great for most applications, they do not react while driving because the windshield of your car blocks UV therefore restricting their changing capabilities.
- TINTS: Color in lens to give protection from glare, or makes a fun fashion statement.
- UV PROTECTION: A special coating to help protect from harmful UV rays that can be put on lenses that don't have the protection built in.
- POLARIZED LENSES: Highly recommended!!! Lenses with a special filter built in to eliminate reflected glare. They work especially well for everyone. Skiers, fishermen, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts can vouch for the effectiveness of these incredible sun lenses. I live in these lenses!!!
Hours - Monday - Friday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm - After 4pm and Saturday By Appointment