ask the labs

Extreme and Edgy

by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

TARGET PRACTICE

Q What lenses are recommended for extreme shooting tasks?

A There are two considerations when evaluating an Rx used for shooting. If the marksman is using a scope, or is not presbyopic, they need their normal distance Rx.

On the other hand, when shooting a rifle or pistol, the focus is on the front sight of the gun. If they're presbyopic, then their Rx needs additional plus correction. This requires a customized, shorter focal length depending on the distance to the front sight. The lenses must be high-impact resistant material—for example, polycarbonate or Trivex.

The most commonly utilized lens tints for shooting tasks are shades of yellow, vermillion (red), and copper (orange). Typically, yellow is cited for general shooting, vermillion for hunting and target shooting, and copper for clay target shooting.

— Tom Heberling, director of pre-production, Hoya Vision Care North America, Cleveland, Ohio

USED, NOT ABUSED

Q I'm considering purchasing a used edger. What are some of the red flags I should look for?

A You can tell how well maintained an edger has been by simply checking to see how much "crud" is in the machine and what shape the tools are in. Are the cutting tools sharp, for example? In addition, find out how many cuts the edger has made and learn what the performed maintenance schedule was.

Also, find out if the edger was ever sent back to the factory. If so, how many times, and for what?

Was the machine reconditioned or rebuilt? If there's a factory warranty on the edger, there may be an extension on the warranty, but it may not follow the sale of the edger to another party.

If you have a question you'd like to have answered in Ask the Labs, send it to Karlen McLean. Email: karlen.mclean@wolterskluwer.com. An archive of past Ask the Labs columns can be found on the Eyecare Business website at www.eyecarebusiness.com.

Get all the extra parts, pieces, and tools, and all the paperwork: i.e., records and manuals.

Typically, wholesale labs don't purchase used equipment. But we just bought a used finish blocker to utilize as a backup just in case our regular blocker goes down. That way, we can keep job output on schedule.

— Kevin Bargman, president, Hawkins Optical, Topeka, Kan.