Do you own or manage an optometry practice? Have you considered making your own glasses in your office so you can sell them to your customers and compete with optical retailers and online stores? You can lower your lab bills and increase your revenue by investing in equipment that lets you make glasses in just hours. One of the pieces of equipment essential to this process is a lens edger machine.
Here is more information on what lens edger machines are, the latest innovations in technology, and why investing in one could be a benefit to your practice.
What is a Lens Edger Machine?
Lens edger machines are used to shape the optical lens of glasses so they have the right power, pupil distance, and other features. The machine is used in the tracing and blocking process of making lenses. The tracer is used for determining the dimensions and shape of the glass frame while the blocker maintains the right height positions to prepare the lens for edging.
A lens edger machine usually costs anywhere from around $2,000 up to $7,000 depending on the type you choose. Most optometrists can make back this investment within a few months if they sell a high volume of glasses.
What Are the Latest Innovations in These Machines?
Like any type of technology, lens edger machines are constantly improving and offering new features. Here are some the latest innovations to look out for if you’re in the market for a lens edger:
- Patternless designs that remove the need for lens templates.
- Intuitive user interfaces that reduces setup time and enhances productivity.
- Automatic polishing.
- Integration of the tracer and blocker.
- Ability to create multiple types of lenses including bespoke, high-curve, rimless, and small.
- High precision cutting.
- Advanced automation features that minimizes the need for manual intervention.
- Automatic grooving and 3-D drilling.
- Electronic estimate features that tell you how long the process will take.
- Ability to produce high-luster finishes.
- Sensor status troubleshooting features.
Who Should Buy a Lens Edger Machine?
Those who own or manage optical laboratories, optometry clinics, or small eyeglass shops should consider investing in lens edger machines. They help improve precision and speed, increase productivity, reduce liability and errors, deliver a higher quality product, and can save you money. Those who invest in these machines an expect rapid turnaround times for glasses that will improve patient satisfaction and keep them from purchasing their glasses at retailers or online. This gives clinics and stores a competitive advantage that is usually well worth the investment.
Investing in Lens Edger Machines
If you want to take your optometry practice or store to the next level, you should consider making your glasses in-house. With lens edger machines and other important pieces of equipment, you can offer your patients quick, affordable glasses and gain a competitive edge over others in your area who do not offer these services. If you do plan to buy a machine, make sure you do so from a reputable company that specializes in optometry equipment and who can explain all the different models so you can make sure you buy the right one for your needs.
