Progressive Lens Eyeglasses - did I buy wrong?

[WorriedNoodle]

Getting over 50 my eyes need glasses now to read and see close up stuff. I was getting head aches and strain from my existing and first 3 year old pair of reading glasses so I went to Top Chareon to see what they could offer. I came away with a set of progressive lens glasses that cost over 30,000THB and on my first day today I am less than impressed. The shop did say they would take time to adjust to but so far I have found the field of vision so narrow for close up stuff to read the computer screen I need to tilt my head up and squint through a very small area of the lens right at the bottom edge that has that distance in focus - a tunnel vision type of feel about it. Quite frankly my 5 dollar plastic reading glasses off Ebay are more easy to use.

Was the shop correct saying it takes time to get used to or should I ask for something with a less than tunnel vision like feel for working with computers and reading close up? Are progressive lens suitable for use with computers? I'm new at these type of lens so any advise welcome thanks.

[MaeJoMTB]

They got the prescription wrong.

Often happens at TC, staff don't have much experience, they don't have many customers to practice on either.

[nidieunimaitre]

Yes they take time, because you have to get used to automatically look in a certain angle.

And surely you paid 3.000, not 30.000?

[lemonjelly]

Get your eyes tested at a good hospital..... I've also been mis-prescribed by top Charoen staff, don't know if they have real or "in house" qualifications

[JAS21]

Yes ... progressive lenses can cost that amount of money here in Thailand. In the UK many don't suggest that you start with that type of lens if you are over fifty. However I have those lens BUT not very progressive ... I had them set so that I could see in the distance to drive and also read the GPS.

It is exceptionally important that your eyes 'sit' in the correct part of the lens ... yes they take some getting used to. I have 'reading' glasses for computer work etc ... I can use the progressive lens but it makes my neck ache and my spelling worse.

Getting old is bad ... but the option is worse ....

Edited September 18, 2015 by JAS21

[KMartinHandyman]

Sounds normal to me as a long time progressive lens wearer. If the overall height of the lens is short each section of the 3 fields of vision will be smaller and the lower reading section will be as you describe.

I choose tall frame styles.

Approximately 1 3/8" us.

You may adjust and read through the center section over time as well.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JAS21]

Yes they take time, because you have to get used to automatically look in a certain angle.

And surely you paid 3.000, not 30.000?

Unfortunately a 'reasonable' frame can set you back 3000thb.

[Pacificperson]

I had a pair. I threw them away. What I hated was that there were parts of the field of view where nothing was ever in focus. It was don't look there because you will not be able to see anything.

[WorriedNoodle]

Ok, thanks guys. Looks like I'll have to keep my cheap reading glasses just for the computer which I spend most of my working day on. So far only find progressive comfortable looking down at something like a watch or phone but not much practical use. I've switched to my old glasses to type this.

Yes the price was 32,000THB! The frame was about 6,000THB and the lenses 26,000THB. They told me I was getting a 50% price deduction as well as list price was over 60,000THB! They had some more expensive than that. Not surprised the shops are mostly empty when I go by.

I think I'll take them back next week if no improvement and tell them they are useless.

Edited September 18, 2015 by WorriedNoodle

[MichaelJohn]

Progressive lens are very difficult to get right; It takes good quality lenses and most importantly good fitting.

The prescription can be correct but if the fitting is wrong then the prescription may as well be wrong.

They do take some getting used to BUT if they're correct then you'll adapt to them within a couple of days.

There are different types too; with wider fields of vision dependent on what you more commonly use them for. Of course the wider the field of vision the more the cost. At B32k it sounds like you've got a good pair (or being ripped off). Mine were B27k ......

It sounds as if you're using the reading section (very bottom) to view the computer screen whereas you should be using the middle section (for middle distance work). The very bottom section is usually a narrow field because when your reading a book you don't need width of view (your head stays still and you look at the book). This would suggest that perhaps the prescription is wrong. For computer work the computer should be further away than a book and you should be using the middle section of the lenses. You will find that you won't have all the screen in focus (you'll have to move you head slightly side to side to see one side of the screen to the other although you do adjust for this and don't realise you're doing it).

It's worth saying I have progressive lenses and use them for a lot of computer work without problems.

I think TC is a big well known name but you're better going to an independent optician if you have one near you?

Good luck; when they're correct they are brilliant :-)

[MaeJoMTB]

Yes the price was 32,000THB! The frame was about 6,000THB and the lenses 26,000THB. They told me I was getting a 50% price deduction as well as list price was over 60,000THB! They had some more expensive than that. Not surprised the shops are mostly empty when I go by.

I think I'll take them back next week if no improvement and tell them they are useless.

You were conned, Vision Express in CM charged me 8,000bht.

Zenni Optical, mail order charged me 3,500bht for the same.

(this is for progressive lens to correct for far vision, near vision and serious astigmatism)

As for 'learning to use them'

I would class someone who took longer than 30 seconds as 'mildly retarded'.

[nidieunimaitre]

My wife bought progressive lenses in Europe for 16.000 baht, including a Calvin Klein frame.

I thought that was a rip off, but normal in Europe, and could not delay.

She then got new lenses fitted to the old frame, 3 years later, in Thailand, price 2.000 baht.

At the same time I got a frame (no brand name) and progressive lenses for 3.000.

Of course there are quality differences between different lenses, but we took the medium quality and are happy with it.

32.000 - let's be serious!

[nidieunimaitre]

Yes the price was 32,000THB! The frame was about 6,000THB and the lenses 26,000THB. They told me I was getting a 50% price deduction as well as list price was over 60,000THB! They had some more expensive than that. Not surprised the shops are mostly empty when I go by.

I think I'll take them back next week if no improvement and tell them they are useless.

You were conned, Vision Express in CM charged me 8,000bht.

Zenni Optical, mail order charged me 3,500bht for the same.

(this is for progressive lens to correct for far vision, near vision and serious astigmatism)

As for 'learning to use them'

I would class someone who took longer than 30 seconds as 'mildly retarded'.

I might possibly agree with the first paragraph.

As for the second paragraph:

I would class someone who comments QUOTE I would class someone who took longer than 30 seconds as 'mildly retarded'. UNQUOTE as more than mildly retarded.

[DogNo1]

I have progressive bifocals that I got from TC. They work OK but I also have reading glasses and TV glasses that I use at home since the bifocals are bothersome to use for extended reading. If you have astigmatism, you really should have prescription reading glasses. I have gotten more used to bifocals over time but I wasn't very happy with them to begin with. I have set my phones, tablets and computers to display large text and at nighttime, I invert the text so that I'm reading white text on a black background. It cuts down on eyestrain. If you can't get used to the glasses, you can have them checked by a different optical shop. Also, when they first fit your frames and dummy lenses, it is important that they mark the center of your gaze properly on the lenses. I tend to tilt my head upward a bit when I'm looking straight so I must always make sure that my near focus is placed lower on my lenses than is normal. Many people don't know this but TC has a warranty on your lenses and must remake them if they're incorrect. They don't like to do it but I forced to remake my lenses on one occasion. I suggest though that that you give yourself two weeks to get used to the lenses. Also, TC has instructions for how to use progressive bifocals. There are also instructions on the web. Incidentally, do you have cataracts? If so, they could be affecting your vision. Good luck.

[Gonsalviz]

I had the opposite problem. They were plenty good for reading but the top band for distance was so small, I found myself constantly moving my head up and down while driving, trying to find an area that I could see through.

I went back to the normal lens.

[KittenKong]

I had progressive lenses made in Europe by a fully qualified optician once. I hated them. Luckily they had a "satisfied or refunded" policy and so they happily refunded the full cost of the lenses (about 10,000B equiv at the time) and made me some regular lenses at a tiny fraction of the price. I was very happy with those.

Personally I find Thailand to be very expensive for glasses and I always get mine done in the UK now. Much cheaper and with a proper eye-test done by a pro included.

[pitchag]

I had proggresive lens made at Charon I have had them before in Aussie so I knew what to expect, they had to be redone 3 times and they are still rubbish in the end I gave up and went back to my old glasses. The prices they charge are the same as in the west so why can't they get it right the first or even the 3rd time, I will wait till my next trip back to Aussie to get them done by professionals, I am sure the staff in Thailand are not trained optomertrists

[Suradit69]

Yes ... progressive lenses can cost that amount of money here in Thailand. In the UK many don't suggest that you start with that type of lens if you are over fifty. However I have those lens BUT not very progressive ... I had them set so that I could see in the distance to drive and also read the GPS.

It is exceptionally important that your eyes 'sit' in the correct part of the lens ... yes they take some getting used to. I have 'reading' glasses for computer work etc ... I can use the progressive lens but it makes my neck ache and my spelling worse.

Getting old is bad ... but the option is worse ....

Yes, I get progressive lenses and pay at least Baht 30,000 including the transition coating ... and that would be before adding in the frames.

They do take awhile to adjust to the first time, but once you do get used to them, they're great. If you get cheap progressive lenses, you'll feel like you're looking at the world through a fish bowl, but the decent ones are excellent.

I usually go to Euro Optic in Pattaya, but have used one of the ubiquitous Thai chain stores. Both were equally good. The only time I had a problem was when Euro Optic asked if I wanted to wait for lenses sent out from Germany. That was a big mistake and I returned them to be replaced by lenses done in Bangkok.

[Suradit69]

I have progressive bifocals that I got from TC. They work OK but I also have reading glasses and TV glasses that I use at home since the bifocals are bothersome to use for extended reading. If you have astigmatism, you really should have prescription reading glasses. I have gotten more used to bifocals over time but I wasn't very happy with them to begin with. I have set my phones, tablets and computers to display large text and at nighttime, I invert the text so that I'm reading white text on a black background. It cuts down on eyestrain. If you can't get used to the glasses, you can have them checked by a different optical shop. Also, when they first fit your frames and dummy lenses, it is important that they mark the center of your gaze properly on the lenses. I tend to tilt my head upward a bit when I'm looking straight so I must always make sure that my near focus is placed lower on my lenses than is normal. Many people don't know this but TC has a warranty on your lenses and must remake them if they're incorrect. They don't like to do it but I forced to remake my lenses on one occasion. I suggest though that that you give yourself two weeks to get used to the lenses. Also, TC has instructions for how to use progressive bifocals. There are also instructions on the web. Incidentally, do you have cataracts? If so, they could be affecting your vision. Good luck.

"I have progressive bifocals that I got from TC."

They wouldn't be bifocals if they were progressive. The whole point is to have multi-focusing without the line separating the lens into just two (bi) focals.

[MaeJoMTB]

Yes, I get progressive lenses and pay at least Baht 30,000 including the transition coating ... and that would be before adding in the frames.

They do take awhile to adjust to the first time, but once you do get used to them, they're great. If you get cheap progressive lenses, you'll feel like you're looking at the world through a fish bowl, but the decent ones are excellent.

And yet my 3,500bht progressive glasses from Zenni work perfectly.

Not to mention I'm a demanding user, action sports every day then reading for hours.

[Farma]

The OP's problem is where he bought and the exorbitant price he paid.

Progressive lenses are good for me but not from that company. I used them once and never again. Those glasses are unusable and gathering dust in a drawer.

I now use opticians that have plenty of customers especially locals. I haven't had a problem since.

Ever wonder why certain chain opticians have plenty of shops and no customers. There has to be a reason.

[Andyfez]

Yes, it sounds like you have a problem.

I went to a specialist in optician in Hong Kong to buy mine, and paid about the same. She spent over an hour giving me tests.

They did a good job.

It took me about half a day to adjust to progressives.

Yes, the 'reading' part is at the bottom, and occasionally I get neck ache from tilting my head up a bit further, but I adjust my desk and chair accordingly - look down on the screen.

Definitely no tunnel vision, and I'm not generally aware that my lenses are anything other than normal.

Sorry to say, you must have been given a 'machine' prescription.Not good.

[WorriedNoodle]

Many people don't know this but TC has a warranty on your lenses and must remake them if they're incorrect. They don't like to do it but I forced to remake my lenses on one occasion. I suggest though that that you give yourself two weeks to get used to the lenses.

This is good to know. I previously (3 years ago) bought my first ever reading fixed focal glasses from TC and found they were useless for reading middle distance to a PC screen and only close up to a book a few inches from my face. TC replaced the lenses free of charge.

On my current progressive lenses I am finding the vision clear for distant and very close up and getting used to that, but near to middle where my computer screens are blurred and I don't think will ever work. I think I will ask TC to change this next Monday when I get time to visit the shop again.

On the price which some have commented on, the choice available in the shop were mostly imported stuff. The real cheap stuff looked unattractive to me. So I went for a french brand frame (that I assume ain't cheap) but was one of the few frames I would have felt unembarrassed about sticking on my face in public. The lenses came in all prices but I went for a "thin" lens and one that darkened in sunlight which added to the price besides a few other things I was lost in translation.

Appreciate all the advise guys.

[streetlite]

Euro-optics...Pattaya......2nd road......Maria Abalon....the best for corrective lenses.

[ajarnmarc]

I thought these progressive lens prices were outrageous as well,

but paid the price.

Since it was my first pair,

I had nothing to compare the price or the lens to.

Mine were also 30,000 bht.

So far I'm pleased with the purchase,

but I didn't go to Top Chareon.

Spoke to a Thai friend who also has progressive lens in his frames,

and he claims he only had to pay 15,000 bht,

with his oakley frames included.

So I'm not sure I got a good deal on the price,

but at least the bifocal was positioned correctly for me needs,

​and the glasses have worked out well so far...

[TravelerEastWest]

Get your eyes tested at a good hospital..... I've also been mis-prescribed by top Charoen staff, don't know if they have real or "in house" qualifications

Exactly!

[mikebell]

I was quoted 23,000 baht + frames for vari-focal, photo-chromatic glasses at an opticians at Tesco Lotus Pattaya. As they had messed up a previous prescription, I decided to wait till I returned for my annual UK holiday.

I went to Boots. I was tested; fitted; had retinal scan; glaucoma test; by competent staff; Glasses were ready in a week: cost 20,000.

[Pungdo]

And I thought I got ripped off by TC a few years ago at 15,000 baht, I went in looking for a set of graduating lenses, but only to look at the computer and some printed matter on my desk, close up and mid range, I got talked into a 3 stage lens to cover distance as well.

What a total waste of money, absolutely useless for the purpose I wanted and the only thing they are any good for is driving, as I cannot read anything on the dash without glasses.

[lopburi3]

I had progressive for a number of years while near sighted and found them very effective and not that hard to adapt to (after having bifocals for decades). But after cataract removal/iol have good distance vision so now need for reading/computer use and needed different cheap glasses for each so bought a pair of progressive with zero distance correction for the about 3k baht from Zenni and find them fine for computer use and shopping and attaching sunglasses to when out - but prefer the full vision my eyes now offer for normal use so often use only as reading glasses and have in pocket. But do use for reading on computer - but do not use for viewing video on same screen.

Suspect if you are using computer professionally it would be worthwhile having dedicated glasses for that - and remember you can adjust the size of computer print greatly if required. But when you get down in size to phones you would probably really need glasses.

[fredge45]

First and biggest mistake - "I went to Top Chareon".