Looking at labs: To glaze? Or not to glaze?

When it comes to marrying up frames and lenses there are several strategies open to optical businesses, each with its own pros and cons relating to cost, convenience and the ability of a practice to gain a competitive edge.

It is interesting to compare the ebb and flow of spectacle manufacturing, surfacing and glazing over the years. Once upon a time Vision Express promised one-hour service and had a lab in every store; however the move towards vacuum coated lenses has led to the one-hour service no longer being a viable promise for premium customers. Today Vision Express seems only to have labs in its largest stores having recently opened a large glazing facility in Nottingham with state-of-the-art facilities.