Glasses size?? (updated with new contact info)

Post by **Ken** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:44 pm

Sorry if this is addressed elsewhere but I couldnt find it.

How does one go about deciding what is the optimum size for a pair of Berkshire Chase glasses, both for frame size and lens size?

Ken

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 10:11 pm

Sergei summed it all up one time.

Sergei wrote:I just ordered myself a pair of BOIC's yesterday too. With a lot of help from my good friend, Rundquist. It's been on my "To Do" list for about a year, and yesterday I decided to get it off the "To Do".

I wanted to bring in my current prescriptions (a very slight astigmatism) to see if I can copy the prescription's off my old ones, but I needed to get an eye exam, darn. ( So, I checked my health plan, which would have required me to go to my HMO physician, that would then get me a referral to a "Optometrist" that's on the HMO plan, that would get me a prescription that I can send into FramesDirect. That sounded a little convoluted and a lot of wasted motion. I walked into the local Wal-Mart, and received an eye exam. Thirty minutes later and $49 poorer, I walked out with a prescription for long distance and reading. I reviewed the entire prescription with the doctor and noticed that pupil distance was not filled in. The doctor mentioned that the opticians do that. Sigh... I see a long line there and walk out, thinking it's not important.

This is the fun part, I go online at FramesDirect and fill in my prescription and they DO NEED PUPIL DISTANCE. I give them a call and ask if they can guesstimate. NO, was the answer. so back to the car to get my pupils measured.

Anyway, I recorded the above for anyone that is about to go on this adventure, since it is worth it, but convoluted.
- select the BOIC eyewear from framesdirect
- select the Beaufort P3 G.F. from a long list of BOIC eyewear
- select your lens diameter (41 to 51mm diameter)
I chose 49mm, but that was after a lengthy visit to the optician where we looked at the best proportion to my face. I didn't want to get the smallest diameter, since I wanted to avoid looking like John Lennon. Nothing wrong with John, since he is my favorite beetle.
- select the "cable" version for your diameter and not the temple width
- select your vision lens
standard, polycarb, etc.
- select "ADD to Cart"
- a popup comes up which requires you to fill in the prescription
your right, left eye sphere, cylinder, axis
and YOUR PUPIL DISTANCE (VERY IMPORTANT)
- then you need to select how the prescription can be verified
by either selecting you are faxing, emailing a jpeg of the prescription, or allowing FramesDirect to call your doctor.
- you then submit the prescription form and proceed to enter your credit card details with shipping address

I must say, from start to finish, all the above took 2 hours. Including phone calls to Adam, phone calls to HMO (screw them), travel to Wal-Mart twice, entering in the order form at FramesDirect.

Wheww, I hope the next person as much fun as I did. I hope this helps with anybody that goes down this path.

-Sergei

Post by **Ken** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 10:19 pm

So does this mean you need to go to an opticians to calculate the lens size or can you kinda guess it yourself?

Ken

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:02 pm

Boy this info from Sergei needs to be on the main page where info on the glasses are found.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:10 pm

Indiana Ken wrote:So does this mean you need to go to an opticians to calculate the lens size or can you kinda guess it yourself?

Ken

No. You need to see an eye doctor. I printed out what frames direct was asking for and then took it in to the doctor's office. I got the info when he was writing the prescription. Sergei is right. For some reason, they don't put the Pupil distance on the sheet you need to ask them for it.

Cool thing about FramesDirect, once you are on file, you can order again and again.

FD does require that you mail and/or fax in the prescription from the doctor.

Post by **Ken** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:21 am

Wow. Ok this all very confusing. Maybe I should start by asking, what is an eye doctor? Here in the UK, we have opticians. These are the people we would go to for a sight test, to buy glasses, buy frames, get new lenses, that kind of thing.

If we had something wrong with our eyes, either by injury or disease we would probably end up seeing an eye specialist at a hospital.

However just to get a prescription we couldnt really go to the hospital as I see it.

Ken

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:13 am

You are correct. Optician is the person you visit. I just say eye doctor as sort of a cultural slang (teeth doctor = dentist, hair doctor = barber)

Sorry for the confusion.
Pyro.

Post by **Ken** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:13 am

Thats ok I am with you now.

Right I will make a visit to them in the near future. Thanks for all your help! I would love to own a pair of Indy glasses one day!

Ken

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:57 pm

eye doctor = optician or optometrist

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:06 pm

Has BOIC changed their name recently? I was just on the FramesDirect website, and nothing came up for BOIC. I even checked the pulldown menu of manufacturers...nada. I did find a listing for Berkshire Chase English Beaufort 2. Is that the same thing?

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:44 pm

LuckyLighter wrote:Has BOIC changed their name recently? I was just on the FramesDirect website, and nothing came up for BOIC. I even checked the pulldown menu of manufacturers...nada. I did find a listing for Berkshire Chase English Beaufort 2. Is that the same thing?

BOIC has gone out of business or is "on hold" as far as producing frames.

Click here for more information. http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... light=boic

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:55 pm

Thanks, Pryo!

Now, what about the Berkshire Chase Panto 14k? I did not find them on FramesDirect. Are those still being made? Or is the only alternative the Beaufort, now?

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:58 pm

Now that, I don't know.

IndyMo may be able to chime in with some information.

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:00 pm

This one goes out to ken!

Couple of months ago i emailed b.chase about the glasses,
told them i would like to get them from a uk source if it was possible,
seeing that they are based here.

Okay they said, give this number a call & (208 985 5466) its the uk
factory & they will be able to direct you to a local optician that can help.

They have the model details of the the bioc replacement," i did too but
i arsed my emails up & lost thier guildelines

on what to ask for,
they will know what you mean

hope it helps

[/b]

Post by **Ken** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:45 pm

Deckard you are a star!! Many many thanks. And you too of course Pyro!

Ken

BTW- should the number being 028?

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 9:08 pm

(028) just might be right , probably an inner town dialing code!

You`ll have to let me know how you went on with the ordering
of the glasses ken , haven`t had time to chase that one
up yet myself.

(Model name & what to ask for..) :idea:
hope it helped.

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 5:07 am

Do they have a UK web site
can't seem to find anything or any UK opticians that can get them
please let us know Ken if find a UK source
thanks

Post by **Ken** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:44 am

Ok bad news - phoned the number. Tried botht he way deckard listed it and trying 028 prefix instead and no joy.

Ken

Post by **Ken** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:55 am

I have been thinking, for us in the UK it would prob work out cheaper for us to order from the US anyway what with the current exchange rate. All we need really is for an optician in the UK who can advise us how to measure for the glasses.

Ken

PS - If anyone has another phone number or the contact details for Berkshire Chase please let me know and I will try again!

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:38 am

All I can contribute is the website: http://www.berkshirechase.com/. You could try this, the US version and phone numbers. Click to enter and call the number under contacts.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

Post by **Ken** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:33 am

NEWS ALERT!

Contact info for:

ALGHA WORKS

SMEED ROAD
LONDON
E3 2NR

Phone (US): 011 +44 208 985 5466
Phone (UK): 020 8985 5466

Email: enquiries@algha-savile-row.demon.ac.uk

Website: www.algha.com

I just got off the phone with PETER (yes another one!) at Algha works. A very nice chap indeed. He was able to locate 2 opticians in my city where I could get sized and order the Panto 14k. We talekd for a bit and he explained to me that Berkshire Chase sell 'Savile Row' made in their factory and that they used to make the BOIC too.

Peter also went on to say that if I had any problems ordering or getting sized from the lcoal opticians that he would deal with me directly, though they prefer you to go through the optician route first.

He even explained how they size you for the frames:

Imagine one lens/side of the frames. Now they measure from the INSIDE of the wire (where the lens meets the frame) to the OUTSIDE of the frame/wire on the other side. This is where they get their measurement from.

Here is a crude diagram which should give you the basic idea

He was very friendly and also said I seemed to know a lot about these glasses, was I in the trade myself? I laughed and tentaivly mentioned that Indiana Joens had worn BOICs in Raiders and that I was trying to get a pair to match. He then said that he knew Harrison Ford wore BOICs in Raiders, that he ahd a picture of him wearing them in front of him. He said he also had details that Connery had worn BOICs in LC and that they also made the glasses for the Harry Potter films.

We talked a bit more and I told him that the interest was definitly out there and did he mind me sharing this information. He said not at all he was happy for me to tell people and that one of his problems was getting people to know of their existence.

So looks like we have another contact in the quest for accurate gear. dont hesitate to call this guy (or Carol if he isnt in). Very very nice people, only to eager to help and have a friendly chat.

Perhaps the mods could post this info on the main site so it gets preserved?

Ken

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:10 pm

"Well done boy"! =D>

Top show old bean , i was thinkin we were on a hiding to nothing
for a moment.
I emailed Bc last nite & they told me to ask for the saville row (cresta panto 14k comfort cable ) but i guess speaking to the main man you know that already.
They didn`t mention the half covered temple but thats probably in the spec`s!!!!

sorry about that

Let me know how yer opticians handle them !

very appreciated

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:34 pm

Cheers Ken you are a saint i have been looking into it my self
but with no look
Good work

i,m off to see my optiction for frame size

i where glasses for driving
had my eyes tested not too long ago so the lenses should be the same strength

Post by **Ken** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:45 am

Just as a second note, Peter phoned me back today with a little more info on the Raiders glasses. Apparantly the names Panto and Beaufort hark back to the 1930s and that the eye scocket shape of the Raiders glasses is that of the Panto and the color of the rims Beaufort therefore making the Raiders glasses Beaufort Pantos.

Basically ask for a curl side on the temple when ordering 2 inches from the joint.

Also he mentioned no. 36 though I am not entirely sure what this is in reference to.

Ken

Post by **Ken** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:53 am

Ordered them today through Vision Express though though it did take a little work - the smallest size which they carried was a frame/eye socket width of 45mm. If these are too big I will then just go with Algha directly for a smaller size.

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:21 pm

are they cheaper from Vision Express than from FrameDirect ?

Post by **Ken** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:40 pm

Retial price I have been quoted for the frames £150, so probably when you add on shipping, import tax, etc its just as cheap for us to go with Vision Express.

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:01 pm

Thats a lot cheaper not a bad price at all for gold frames
does that include lenses

Post by **Ken** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 8:07 am

Price doesnt include the lenses.

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 9:54 am

Been to about 5 opticians including Vision Express
none of them say they can get these frames

so it looks like FramesDirect or direct from the source
good news is i got my frame size 47mm

Post by **Ken** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 1:56 pm

Well the first optician I went into they looked at me like I was speaking Yiddish. I went into Vision Express and at first they looked confused but I gave them all the info and they started looking into it, made a phone call to someone and found a pair. Go back to Vision Express and tell them to phone the Vision Express Dundee branch (in the wellgate centre) and ask them about it as they have ordered a pair for me.

Ken

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 8:57 pm

Great to see that this Spectacle tree of knowledge is gonna
bear some fruit.

Tell me Ken, did Peter at algha find you an opticians that
they supply to, or did you give V Exp a call out of the blue?

Do you reckon all V Exp are gonna be able to get hold of the
frames.

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 9:36 pm

Just wonderin, :idea:

When you spoke to yer man Peter at Algha , did he mean by dealing with him directly he would sort out with the opticians personaly as to the
sending of the right glasses. Just a thought if you were unsure of
gettin the indy ones! :junior:

It would be a bonus if they could supply them to your own opticians.

Wouldn`t want to make a mess of after gettin this far!

Post by **Ken** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 9:51 pm

Peter referred me to 2 opticians in my city, Dundee. One didnt know what I was on about and the second one was Vission Express. Vision Express looked at me doubtfully at first but unlike the first optician which just told me to look elsewhere, Vision Express took effort to look into it and understand what it was I was looking for. One of the women working there said she knew what the Saville Row range was, but she hadnt seen it in about 7 years. she said it was very popular about 10 years ago, when she started working there.

When Peter said deal directly I presume he meant he would send me the frames but I dont know for sure you would need to ask him. He did say not to worry about the size as if it was wrong he would be happy to replace it for ones that fit.

Ken

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Sat Apr 24, 2004 10:08 pm

Cheers !

If i check out the local V Exp is there anyone in particular
in the Dundee branch i need to speak to?

It would make it a little easier i guess.

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 4:42 am

my local Vision Express at Blackburn wasn't very helpful at all
they had never heard of Saville Row
and told me they weren't a main stream supplier so they couldn't help me.
Going to ring Algha on monday to see what Peter suggest's
Frames Direct works out at £159 with the lenses you can fax them your perscription
but then there's shipping
at about £18
so i may go that route yet if all else fails

It's crazy to think they are made in the UK but hard to get over here

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 5:31 am

Ive found a WINNER

£97 for the frames
http://www.eyesite.co.uk/product_detail ... d=2&c_id=1

Post by **Ken** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 8:03 am

Nice find. Only thing is it doesnt seem to have the bits on the temple or the option to add them. Did you speak to Peter at algha by the way?

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:20 am

I phoned on saturday but only got answering machine
also emailed Retrospecs to see about the tortoise shell on the stems
i will let you know what thay say

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 7:19 pm

Reckon speaking to Peter at Algha is going to be a better choice
than all the VExp drones

Do algha have a list of opticians that we can speak to that
will understand what we want? :junior: !

Post by **Ken** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 7:40 pm

What they have is a list of opticians which have sold saville row frames before, but like with my Vision Express that could be 7 years ago or more presuming they even remember.

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 7:53 pm

I'll speak to Retro frames
they seem a pretty good bet
as they have an account with Algha
so they should be able to get any frames they make and they can do the lenses
for a reasonable price for UK customers

Post by **Ken** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 8:45 pm

Indiana Harrison

This seems like a good find indeed. I await the response with anticipation!!

Good work.

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 5:27 am

Retro frames can get them at around £135 Without lenses

But i have orderd mine from peter £108
there about 20% cheaper and he knows what we want
spoke to him today
he's a really nice guy, very helpful indeed
and he accepts Visa

So i recommend go directly to peter at Algha (if you live in the UK)
you just need your frame size
just go to any opticition for this

A big thanks to Ken for finding contact info

nearly forgot style 36 is the normal stem/temple the bit that goes over your ear

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 5:45 pm

KEN is it too late for you to cancel your order with Vision Express
just thinking you could save about £40 if you go direct to Peter at Algha
plus you know there gonna be excactly right
Retro Frames said they can get them no problem
but i dont think they understood me about the temple/stem
with the chesnut colour on them

Post by **Ken** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 6:01 pm

Actually funny story - Peter phoned me up yesterday and said he had had an enquiry from Dundee about glasses but they hadnt actually placed an order (though when VE spoke to me they were under the impression that they had).

He said to save hassle just to pop a cheque in the post and he would send the glasses direct to me. So thats what I have done.

Ken

indiana harrison · Post by **indiana harrison** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 6:07 pm

Nice one
He really is a helpful guy
we should get them at roughly the same time
then it,s just a case of getting the lenses fitted
My wife thinks they look like Harry Potter glasses
she was only joking BTW

deckard · Post by **deckard** » Wed Apr 28, 2004 7:38 pm

Well done chaps, seems like this is a mini UK forum!

Nice to know that there`s a strong arm of the club obi wan at
work on these shore`s. think i`m gonna go get me some of them there
spectacles.

Ask for Peter "yeah" tell em ken sent you

Post by **Ken** » Sat May 01, 2004 3:33 am

Well my glasses arrived:

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... 8113#88113

(thought the event warranted a post of its own)

Ken

Glasses size?? (updated with new contact info)

Glasses size?? (updated with new contact info)

Uk berkshire binz

London number.

The lowdown!

Glasses!

Glasses !

Victory!