Frequently, a presbyopic patient may come in having had their prescription filled elsewhere, requiring new or replacement progressive lenses. In these situations it may be helpful or even necessary to identify what kind of progressive lens the patient is currently wearing.

Having nothing but the lens itself, a little knowledge, and a helpful progressive lens reference, identifying progressive lenses can be a snap.

The majority of progressive lens manufacturers employ laser etched molds (or fluorescent markings on older lenses) to help opticians identify the manufacturer, lens style, and add power of the lens. These markings can be seen under a bright light, using a dark background. Some manufacturers also make instruments with appropriate lighting, background and a magnifier to make viewing the markings easier.

The first step in identifying a progressive lens is to locate the circle or manufacturer symbol located on the 180° line, 4mm below the fitting cross on both the nasal and temporal sides of the lens. Below these markings, you will find the add power (sometimes abbreviated) on the temporal side and the symbol identifying the particular lens on the nasal side. These symbols can be interpreted and located using either the Progressive Lens Identifier supplied by OLA member labs or the Laramy-K Progressive Lens Chart which also contains valuable information on add and power ranges, fitting heights, and availability.