Check out the old pair

Change can be good or bad, but one thing is certain, change is change. For previous progressive lens wearers always mark up the patient’s last pair and ask them to demonstrate their posture for distance viewing, reading and screen use. Finally ask them if they are satisfied with their lenses or if there is room for improvement. From there you can determine if a change to fitting height should be made.   

Get an adjustable stool

Parallax error, reading a measuring device incorrectly because your eyes are not in line or parallel to the scale, is a common reason for inaccurate progressive lens fitting heights. A simple way to make sure an optician can always be at eye level with their patient is proper seating. Easy to adjust pneumatic stools can be purchased for less than $100.

Consider the patient’s height

Opticians often fit PALs assuming all patients carry themselves in a neutral posture, with their chin parallel to the floor. That is simply impossible for people who are shorter or taller than average. Tall people often need to be fit low, they live their lives gazing down and tilting back. Tall people recline their car seats to see through the windshield. Short people sometimes like higher fitting heights because they must gaze up. Countertops are above waist level and they look up to make eye contact.