CET// VERIFICATION

This article provides an overview of the most important aspects of spectacle

1
CET
verification to make sure the supply of high quality products are of a consistent
standard for our patients.
POINT

Spectacle verification
Rían Love BSc (Hons), FBDO, SMC (Tech)

ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION of mounted spectacle lenses, as February 1 2010, it has superseded
AUTHOR As optical professionals, we are these are the most commonly BS 2738-1:1998,3 and is derived
Rían Love acutely aware of standards in all encountered appliances in from 11 other optical standards.
has worked in the aspects of our work. Standards routine practice. The aim of the This, in itself, can lead the end-
optics industry oversee prescription writing, article is to demystify the written user to be overwhelmed with the
in a variety of
spectacle verification, sunglasses standard, to provide the reader references to and movement
roles for nearly
a decade. He and safety spectacles. These with a good comprehension of the between the various standards.
is a qualified standards are needed to safeguard various clauses and to increase On page one of the standard,
46 ophthalmic the consumer; they provide confidence in the standard of the reader is greeted with a list of
laboratory consistency and assurance, optical appliances. In addition to standards from which BS EN ISO
technician and and offer protection to both the the standard, the article will provide 21987:2009 is developed. The
dispensing
user and the business. Without additional tips and commentary following page refers to several
optician. He has
managed glazing standards, there would be on its application in everyday other standards, including Optics
laboratories and variation in the acceptable limits verification. and optical instruments–focimeters
retail stores, and and application of items we use (BS EN ISO 8598-1: 2014),4 and
is the director every day, resulting in a reduction IMPORTANCE OF Ophthalmic optics–spectacle
of the Optical in the quality of products as well VERIFICATION lenses. Fundamental requirements
Appliances as undermining safety. Consider, Implementing a stringent for uncut finished lenses (ISO
Testing Service
BS EN ISO 8624:2011,1 - if there verification of spectacles reduces 14889:2013).5 Therefore, within
(OATS) who
specialise in was not a standard in place for the number of patient returns. In two pages, there are 19 references
the testing of the measurement of spectacle addition, it instils a sense of pride to other standards, which is
sunglasses, ready frames, when a 54mm eye size is in output at all levels in the practice understandably daunting.
readers and required, for example, there could by clearly setting out the expected So how do we apply these
spectacle frames. be considerable variation in the standards to be met for all staff standards every day in practice
approaches (and results) as to how and trainees. without it feeling like an exam?
this dimension is determined. BS EN ISO 21987:2009 is the BS EN ISO 21987:2009 covers
This article will focus mainly current standard used for mounted various aspects of spectacle
on the checking and verification spectacle lenses.2 Introduced on verification and alludes to others,

Course code: C-41301 Deadline: July 25, 2015

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To be able to verify spectacle appliances to appropriate
standards (Group 4.1.2)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To be able to verify spectacle appliances to appropriate
standards (Group 4.1.3)

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so this article will walk through
each in turn.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Checking an optical appliance
should start with a visual
inspection, which is not explicitly
included in the standard, but
should be completed first.
When a job is received by the
practice, either from an internal
or external lab, a visual inspection
should be performed including
confirmation that the frame
details, size, colour match the
original order, any coatings or
tints are present and correct and,
where applicable, the engravings
are relevant to the ordered lens.
This visual inspection will quickly
identify whether an incorrect
coating, segment diameter or
lens has been glazed, and avoid
undertaking a full assessment
of a job, which needs to be
reordered anyway.
POWERS
Earlier versions of the standards
gave the tolerances in sphere/
cylinder form, however this is no
longer the case. After 'zeroing'
the focimeter, the first step is
to establish the power of the
principal meridian with the higher
absolute back vertex power (BVP).
Let us consider a single vision
prescription +2.00DS/-1.25DC
x 120. Our principal powers will
be +2.00D (sphere component)
and +0.75D (sphere component +
cylinder component). +2.00D will
be the principal meridian with the
higher absolute BVP, so as that is
less than 3.00D, the tolerance is
±0.12D in each principal meridian
(see Table 1). The cylinder power
is between ≥0.75D and ≤4.00D
so the tolerance on that is also
±0.12D.
Problems can arise when
using automatic focimeters as
these are typically set to read in
sphero-cylindrical form. Therefore,
the user must be aware of the
importance
‘‘’’
Checking an optical
appliance should
start with a visual
inspection
of considering both principal
meridian powers.
There are differing views as to
whether a return to the sphere-
cylinder form is preferable. The
reasoning for using the two
principal powers method and not
sphere/cylinder form is two-fold.
Firstly there is no requirement to
work in a specified transposition,
so a table listing sphere/cylinders
tolerances would need to be in both
plus and minus, or be transposed
each time depending on the
user. Secondly, the fact that the
tolerances for sphere and cylinder
can be additive, that is to say if
there were a ±0.12D tolerance on
the spherical component and the
same on the cylinder component,
an error of 0.24D could then still be
within tolerance.
It should also be noted that
with the wide availability of
compensated powered lenses,
CET
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47
in particular with progressive Figure 1
powered lens design, there are Set up of a
suitable
some further considerations inspection
to be made. As we are aware, zone
compensated powers allow for the
lens manufacturers to increases/
decrease powers and amend the
axis marginally in order to fine
tune a lens for that particular
patient, frame and fit. However
an adjustment of ±2˚ on a 2.50D
cylinder would mean a technician
has absolutely no margin for
error on glazing and this could
result in remakes. Similarly, a
compensation of over ±0.12D on
a BVP would result in a rejection.
Therefore, when applying BS EN
ISO 21987:2009 to compensated
powered lenses, the practitioner
must use the compensated power
as the reference, if they ordered
20˚ and the compensated axis
is 22˚, they must check the axis
against 22˚ not the original order.
For this reason it is imperative
that lens packets from the
manufacturer are kept with the
patient file.
AXIS
This is an area of particular
change in comparison to the
former standard, BS 2738-
1:1998. In BS EN ISO 21987:2009,
For the latest CET visit www.optometry.co.uk/cet June 27, 2015
 CET// VERIFICATION

Figure 2 inaccuracy of less than 1mm

Inspection of between ordered lens positions
the frame from
above reveals or in distance between the two
deformation to focimeter dots or that does not
the rims not visible exceed 0.50Δ will pass.
by viewing from
front on
Progressive and degressive
powered lenses
For progressive (PPL) or
degressive (DPL) powered
lenses, the standard requests
that prismatic effect is,
understandably, measured at
the prism reference point and
checked according to BS EN
ISO 8980-2:2004,6 the standard
which deals with uncut finished
spectacles lenses. As these lens
types contain certain prismatic
effects by design, this is covered
within the above standard.

THICKNESS TOLERANCES
48 This is largely irrelevant to
everyday verification and only
applicable if lenses are ordered
with a specified thickness, as
agreed with the supplier. It is
quite a tight tolerance with a
there is a tolerance of up to ±16° support, neutralise or allow for deviation of only ±0.3mm from
on a ≥0.125D to ≤0.25D which any prescribed prism and then the specification of the order.
is substantially more than the dot the reference point. Without With such a tight tolerance, using
preceding version. This arises from moving the focimeter rail, verify digital callipers is the only reliable
the standard for uncut spectacle the other lens, horizontally centre method for accurate verification.
lenses, which was published before the image and dot the lens
ISO 21987:2009 was written. Due At this point if a vertical POSITIONING TOLERANCES
to the fact that mounted lenses displacement can be seen, Multifocals
cannot have tighter axis tolerances record the value. If this exceeds The heights for multifocal lenses
by comparison to uncut lenses, the 0.50Δ, realign the second lens must be within ±1mm of the
acceptable variances in instances until no vertical prism is apparent order with no more than ±1mm
like this appear quite broad. and then dot the lens once again in difference between the right
For horizontal imbalance, any and left lenses, relative to any
PRISM IMBALANCE inaccuracy less than 2mm or difference ordered.
Single vision and multifocal that does not exceed 0.67Δ will The horizontal positioning shall
There are several methods given pass. To measure this, mark be the geometrical inset ±1mm
for determining this, but the least the second lens at the ordered from the ordered monocular
cumbersome approach is detailed centration distance, place them centration. For straight and curved
in Annex C (C2) of the standard: back onto the focimeter with this top segments, there should not
Set the lens with the higher mark centred and read the power be a tilt in excess of 2° from the
absolute power on the focimeter For vertical imbalance, any horizontal centre line.
Table 1
Adapted from:
BS EN ISO Power of Tolerance on BVP Tolerances on cylindrical power (D)
21987:2009 principal of each principal
Ophthalmic meridian with meridian (D)
optics. Mounted higher absolute ≥0.00 and ≤0.75 >0.75 and ≤4.00 >4.00 and ≤6.00 >6.00
spectacle lenses. BVP (D)
Reproduced with
permission from
British Standards 0.00 and ≤3.00 ±0.12 ±0.09 ±0.12 ±0.18 -
Institution

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 CET

Progressives and GEOMETRICAL competitive prices, before opting

degressive powered lenses CONSIDERATIONS to change it is good practice to
For progressive lenses, as with Both lenses should be similar in compare the new stock to current
multifocals, heights must be within form, weight and not be excessive stock anti-reflection coated
±1mm of the order with a ±1mm in in thickness for the given lenses. Furthermore, if tinting in-
difference between right and left prescription. The exception to house, the technician should take
lenses, relative to any difference this is, of course, where a thicker two identical powered lenses, one
ordered. lens for a lower power is used for current stock and one new stock,
The horizontal fitting point cosmetics and load balancing. and tint both to ensure that they
should be within ±1mm of ordered tint at the same rate and also the
monocular centration. As with COLOUR MATCHING same shade. These suggestions
multifocals, on considering the Any tints, polarised lens, mirrors can easily prevent negating
permanent engraving on the lens, or bloom from anti-reflection potential savings on lens cost if
there should not be a tilt in excess coatings should be as closely the new stock is not compatible
of 2° from the horizontal centre matched as possible. With anti- with current stock.
line. reflection coatings in particular, The transmittance values
this is something that can be and categories of tints are
MATERIAL AND easily missed. not covered by BS EN ISO
SURFACE QUALITY In a time where there are many 21987:2009 and are covered
While referenced as ‘informative’ lens companies vying for business separately by BS EN ISO 12312-
in the standard, maintaining high and offering stock at more 1:2013.
quality in all aspects of spectacle
supply is imperative. The standard
suggests an inspection zone to 49
be determined contingent on the
type of lens:
Single vision: 30mm around
reference point
Multifocal: 30mm around
distance reference point and
whole area of segment if it
does not exceed 30mm. If it
does exceed 30mm, then the
inspection zone should be 30mm
around segment reference point
PPLs: 30mm around prism
reference point.
Inside this inspection zone, the
lens should not show any internal
defect that may affect vision.
Beyond this zone, minor inclusions
are largely acceptable. It can be
difficult to pick up on imperfections
within a lens that are not obvious
scratches or gouges. To assist, the
standard suggests the following
set up: a light/dark boundary
in front of inspection source of
roughly 400lux and ambient
lighting of about 200lux. This can
be a very simple set up, (see Figure
1) and scaled back to save space
if necessary. Annex B within the Figure 3
Top – closing
standard provides the reader with block joint
recommendations on mounting. acceptable;
While not a definitive check list, Bottom – lens
over-sized
it is an invaluable resource to preventing
use as a training and verification closure of the
tool. joint

For the latest CET visit www.optometry.co.uk/cet June 27, 2015

 CET// VERIFICATION

‘‘’’ The key areas to look for when viewing a glazed

pair of spectacles through a strain tester are at
the closing block joint, or mounting points

GLAZING heated in excess to accommodate MOUNTING

In general, the lab should follow
a robust checkout procedure
for prescription and quality
checks. There are several other
considerations that are sometimes
overlooked such as deformation and
lens sizing.
Deformation can occur when
glazing both metal and acetate
frames but both are inherently
different. In metal frames, while rare,
handling and closing of the screw
can lead to a bow or a twist in the
eyewire. For acetate, excessive or
uneven heating of the frame can
result in distortion, shrinkage or
disproportionate enlargement of the
eye size.
A good inspection method for
deformation is to have an aerial look
50 at the brow bar of the frame; from
this angle, it is possible to detect if
it has been over heated, misaligned
or twisted on glazing (see Figure 2).
From front on, the frame in Figure 2
looks acceptable, however the aerial
view allows us to see distortion of
the rim.
A lens, which is cut marginally
too big in shape and size, causes
deformation and stress on the frame
front, and can shorten the life span
of the appliance.
While metal frames will generally
not close or display a semi open
closing block joint if glazed too
big, acetate frames can hide some
oversized lenses. Generally a
technician can tell by feel and look if
something is over glazed, however,
a double check is always good
practice. By noting the vertical and
horizontal measurements before
glazing, a quick check of these with
the finished lens in situ can give an
indication of a frame that has been
an oversized lens. Permissible
tolerances of these changes are set
by in-house preference – the author
typically regards 1mm to 1.5mm as
being acceptable.
When considering a metal frame,
it is important to inspect the rim
to ensure that the protective clear
coating on the metal has not chipped
off which can result in discolouration
and spot rust.
RIMLESS/SEMI-RIMLESS
Lenses that have been flat edged
should have a smooth all around
finish with a neat safety chamfer
on the front and back, which is
continuous with no facets. Any
holes, slots and grooves should be
drilled accordingly in the correct
orientation. Tips of the screws, if
present, should be trimmed and
finished neatly, preferably with the
use of rubber or steel caps.
In addition to this standard, for
rimless glazing, it is advisable
to request the dummy lenses back
for two reasons. Firstly, if the patient
requires a replacement lens, the
practioner has a shape to send to
the lab. Secondly, it allows checking
that the drill mounts have been
placed accurately. These holes,
slots and grooves are set for
mechanical stability as well as
distributing weight and stress evenly
Deviation from these can result in
undue strain and consequential
fractures.
For semi-rimless glazing, the brow
bar of the frame should be bowed to
be uniform with the lens curvature.
This mitigates for any negative
pressure on the lens groove from
the brow bar pulling forward to
maintain its manufactured shape.
When fitted to the frame, the
lenses should not move or rotate
when subjected to intended and
typical use. The closing block
joints on the frame rim should
close without using excessive
pressure and should not exhibit a
gap between halves (see Figure
3). The finished spectacles should
not show disproportionate strain
patterns if viewed in a strain
tester/polariscope which would
indicate over glazing. The term
over glazing conjures up an image
of a lens bulging from a frame,
however, in reality that is not
always the case.
A strain tester can make
this process a lot easier and
save the potential returns by
patients due to the lens chipping
or popping out.
The key areas to look for when
viewing a glazed pair of spectacles
through a strain tester are at the
closing block joint, or mounting
points. These will give a good
indication of the likelihood of
chipping or starring on mounts.
It should be noted that no strain
under a strain tester is an equally
concerning sign as it means that
the lens may be insecure.
CONCLUSION
While there are areas that
could be made less complex and
others that could be expanded
upon or may even be a little
outdated, BS EN ISO 21987:2009
serves its purpose sufficiently. All
in all, the standard provides
an excellent resource and
framework for technical and
professional staff to work within
and adhere to.

Exam questions References

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