Guides
Guides for Opticians and Lab Buyers
Practical guides to choosing and using optical lab and dispensing equipment.
Written from trade publications, university teaching material and published equipment specifications. Sources are listed at the end of each guide.
Guides6
TopicsMeasuring · Edging · Finishing · Setup
SourcesListed in each guide
UpdatedNovember 2026
LensmetersHow to use a lensometer, manual and automaticFocusing the eyepiece, reading sphere, cylinder, axis, add and prism, marking the optical center.BuyingManual or automatic lensmeter: which one to buyWhat each type measures, how fast, and which shops need which.Shop setupOptical lab equipment list for a new eyeglass shopThe machines a finishing bench needs, in the order you use them.EdgingHow a lens edger worksParts, the edging cycle and common problems.EdgingLens edger wheelsTypes, grit and when to replace them.FinishingDrilling and grooving lensesRimless and semi-rimless, step by step.
By category
Buying guides by category
EdgingLens edgersPatternless, automatic and hand edgers compared.FinishingLens finishingDrilling, grooving, bevelling, polishing and blocking.MeasuringLensmetersAutomatic and manual lensmeters.MeasuringPD metersDigital pupilometers for measuring PD.MeasuringLens testersUV, blue light and photochromic tests.RefractionTrial lens setsTrial lens sets for refraction.RefractionTrial framesTrial frames for refraction.DispensingDispensing equipmentFrame warmers and ultrasonic cleaners.ToolsTools & spare partsPliers, screwdrivers, pads and cups.PackagesLab packagesReady configurations, one quotation.
More
Buying help across the site
Buyer’s guidesOn every product pageEach product page has its own buyer’s guide: how it works, what to check, good practice and care.CompareLens edgers side by sideSJG-1000AK, ALE-1900, AE-688 and CP-7A-35WV compared.By frame typeWhich finishing machine for which frameFull-rim, semi-rimless and rimless.
Have a question we have not covered?Ask us. We answer with published specifications, and confirm anything else in writing.
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