optilabs prescription cycling glasses

[Big T]

When I tried cycling in them, the image was so distorted I couldn't wear them. It's almost as if the prescription is too strong. I feel as if I'm riding a bike that's only a foot high.

To put a different perspective (pun intended ) on this. I had the same problem, which I duly queried with Optilabs. They suggested they could tweak the lens a bit, but if I perservered I would get used to it. Alternatively they offered my money back - to be fair to them. However I pereservered and solved the problem. Although they felt odd initially - complete with a foot high bike as Big T, after a couple of rides I got used to them and now, a couple of years on, I can't spot, or feel any difference. Even to the point of swapping them with my usual glasses. Funny how the brain and optic nerves work?

I'm more than happy with mine after that initial concern.

I actually eventually got used to my Optilabs specs, though it took a while and I wouldn't be without them now. It actually feels strange cycling in normal specs - I have the opposite problem and feel about 8ft tall, when using them.

The only slight gripe I have with the Optilabs specs are that they are little bit tight on my (admittedly quite large) head and can sometimes pich a bit on very long (3-4 hour) rides. This is cured by wearing them over my Buff.

[san0]

After my free trial (took 2 weeks to get the samples, sent the box back prepaid along with a cheque for £156 (CTC discount is honoured).
I bought the Eclipse frame with the photochromatic lenses - they go dark and light really quickly. I've worn them once last weekend and going off-road. The only thing i don't like is that I'm still getting used to the feeling of riding a meter high off the ground - which is really interesting going downhill as it exaggerates the speed and danger.

[DavidT]

The only thing i don't like is that I'm still getting used to the feeling of riding a meter high off the ground - which is really interesting going downhill as it exaggerates the speed and danger.

As I mentioned above, in my case I got used to this phenomenon pretty quickly, and now I don't notice it - so good luck with that.

There was a brilliant thread on here a few years ago discussing how the brain interprets what the eyes see, and can actually get used to pretty much anything - and make it seem normal. Even to the point of experiments with people wearing glasses that inverted the image, who were able to walk around normally (after a bit of practice ) If my memory serves me right - but that would be a different story?!

[[XAP]Bob]

Then they got confused again when they removed the inverting glasses...

[Dennis]

I have purchased a pair of varifocal photochromatic glasses in the Rapide frame. Delivered within 7 days of order.
Prior to order providid with 6 frames to try for fitting.
Asked for a 10% discount as a CTC member. Discounted without a quibble.
Very good service.

[The Mechanic]

I have purchased a pair of varifocal photochromatic glasses in the Rapide frame. Delivered within 7 days of order.
Prior to order providid with 6 frames to try for fitting.
Asked for a 10% discount as a CTC member. Discounted without a quibble.
Very good service.

How do you find the varifocals? I have heard reports of undue distortion.

[Dennis]

No distortion at all. Same capability as my normal varifocal prescription glasses from my opticians.
I provided Optilabs with my last eye test prescription plus my pupil distance measurement.
I have no connection with the company.

[uppadine]

I have just received a pair of prescription glasses from Optilabs, and can't rave enough about them. Had a battle to get my pupil distance from my own optician, who wouldn't write it down, but these are great glasses, wonderfully good for cycling. Delivered within 5 days.

[Ambler]

I'm interested in the varifocals.
I can't see any prices on their website.
Can anyone give me an idea of cost?

Thanks

[Dennis]

I'm interested in the varifocals.
I can't see any prices on their website.
Can anyone give me an idea of cost?

Thanks

Varifocals are £207.95 plus £6.50 p&p. But ask for 10% CTC member discount.

[diapason0]

Having been very unhappy with the results from a pair of Rudy Project Ekynox with the prescription insert, I have just taken the plunge and 'phoned Optilabs. I'll post again when I get them. I've got a complex prescription so they'll take a week to come.

[beachcomber]

Very useful info.
I lost my Rudy Project glasses with fitted prescription insert a few weeks ago whilst on the Coast and Castles ride.

I plan to claim from my insurance. Optilab glasses are high on my list for replacement. I am going to sent for samples.

[diapason0]

I shall be selling my Rudy Ekynox when I can sort them out. They have two sets of lenses - grey and red and the prescription insert (of course you'll need to have your own prescription fitted). Offers welcome

[MikeProcter]

I live very close by and have just bought some of their cycling glasses. I have gone for bifocal ultra2000 lenses as I can't get on with varifocal. Not yet used them on the bike as on just collected them. But I have used the for driving home and seem to be OK. The service has been brilliant. (you can't buy the bifocal ultra 2000 lenses online, and most people go for varifocal anyway)

I also bought an 'ordinary' pair of glasses at the same time. I went originally with varifocals, but because of my eye prescription I was shutting one eye all the time! So I took them back and they changed them for bifocal lenses. They had a manufacturing problem, so the bifocals were rejected them. There was also a problem with my cycling glasses, so they also replaced the lenses on those as well.
Now they have got it right. It will take a little getting used to the line on the bifocals, but for my eyes it is infinitely preferable to the large spaces that are just plain out of focus with varifocals.

So far very happy with both pairs. Need to get out on the bike now.....

[diapason0]

Hm.............. I ordered mine nearly two weeks ago and am still waiting. I rang them last Thursday and they said they would be in the post the next day. Not impressed.