Any old geezers using an Optivisor?

[rp]

I use one for cutting pearl, but that requires focus on a single point for minutes at a time. I find when I have to move too much it's more annoying than blindness.

That's why I put off buying it for so long, I figured this would be the problem - the having to have your head in vise effect for it work. My bifocals are bad enough in this regard though I'm used to them.

You guys are using 4X - 10X!!! I was figuring on 2.5X at 8". Now I'm confused again.

I have a denstist friend in Italy. I'm going to try and borrow his glasses on a Sunday or something and see how they work.

Right now I work on amps with my glasses off and my head stuck literally into the chassis. I must look like an idiot to anyone around me. My main worry is setting my expensive bifocals on the work bench, usually in a angry rush.

[Reeltarded]

Lighted magnifier on an articulated arm for the bench. Wider glass is better for view angle!

Also, I find that clip-on spot lighting helps. I don't wear glasses normally, but I SHOULD.

lol

[rp]

Lighted magnifier on an articulated arm for the bench. Wider glass is better for view angle!l

You mean these, right? They have LEDs now too which could be nice if they give enough light. I plan on one of these too at some point, but the optivisor I can also take to work, I do A/V. My only issue with the lamp is that it looks like it will always be in my way.

I'm planning on the optivisor w/ the clip light. But once in Italy, at least in the summer, I plan on setting up a table in the yard under a grape trellis with the dog and the chickens, and use the same Mediterranean sun that inspired Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, for light

[Reeltarded]

and use the same Mediterranean sun that inspired Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, for light

Yes, a glass like that. I like them way bigger though. Makes your work think you have ONE HUGE EYE.

(yes, I am lookin' at you!)

Sun is the same here, I have been perspired by it. Have fun in Italy!

[Gibsonman63]

I bought a couple of optivisors since this thread started. The 4X works pretty good for me, but I only use it for soldering and inspection so I don't have to move my head too much.

[Phil_S]

The best ones are dentist glass but cost $200 or so.

My thoughts, exactly. Here, under $200. http://www.care-optics.com/products.asp?cid=1
How about a pair of these in pink? http://www.care-optics.com/products.asp ... pid=&id=36
Seriously, if you are considering dentist/surgical "loupes", see an opthamologist for a proper evaluation and prescription. This is a lot of money to spend on something, so you might as well get the right one.

[Phil_S]

I've debating the Lazik for 10 years. Kinda scary to me...

I know a number of people who got it. Once you are past 40, your reading vision goes downhill every few years, and I'm not gonna say how much past 40 I am. I'm convinced I don't exactly drag down the average age here, and probably don't drag it up much either. I think the eye doc jacked up my reading adjustment on the bottom at least 3 times in the last decade. You end up with glasses anyway.

My view it that it isn't an effective vanity surgery. For those who have serious myopia, it is probably a blessing because they can get rid of the coke bottle glasses for good. An added bonus is that such people will be surprised they can finally see their feet in the shower. (I can still do that without my glasses!)

[John_P_WI]

Hey guys,

Any updates to this thread? I recently got a new pair of glasses with progressive lenses and am having troubles seeing when soldering pcbs.... Tired of looking over my glasses and getting the smoke in my face. Getting older sucks.

Looking for a good bench mounted magnifier with enough depth of field / room that I can use the soldering iron under. Any recommendations for a good arm mounted one?

Thanks

[sliberty]

I had cataract surgery in Jan 2014, and had them implant corrective lens. Now instead of struggling to see at all distances with my $800 progressives, I can see distance without glasses at all. As for closer stuff, I use cheap drug store readers. My usual pair for use at the computer is +1.25, and I keep another pair for amp building, and other smaller stuff, +2.50.

I am thinking that these types of readers might have been ok even before my surgery but I had never tried them back then. So John, it's worth a try. Go to the drug store, take off your progressives and try a few of the readers to see if they give you the sort of close vision you would need for
PCB work. They tend to cost $20 or less.

[cbass]

I just a big old magnifier on an adjustable arm and a bunch of light from different angles.
I can still see really Good close up.
I used to be able to shoot the eye out of a hawk flyin . now I can't see the hawk.
I'd like to have one them light visor things I'm waitin on the mono version to come out.

[Bob Simpson]

I'm waiting for the monocle version, as well, cbass.
Only one eye works, why do I need 2 expensive lenses?
( 3D tv gives me the world's worst headache. quickly...)

I got a big lighted work magnifier from Harbor freight.
Works fine, and keeps fumes/flux splatter out of my face.

Bob

[John_P_WI]

I got a big lighted work magnifier from Harbor freight.
Works fine, and keeps fumes/flux splatter out of my face.

Yep, that's what I need.

sliberty, yes, I used to do that trick when I wore contacts... I can't wear contacts any more - I am sooo near sighted that the cheaters won't work without corrected vision.

Cbass, good to know that works for you too. I used to compete in shotgun sports, 15 years later, now, it is only a memory.

Thanks guys, will update the thread when I find a good solution and report back.

[Structo]

I have obtained three pairs of glasses from the webstore Zenni.

Even though I have good vision insurance coverage, my out of pocket is usually north of $150 because of high priced frames and add on's,

A year or so ago I was told about Zenni.

I just ordered a semi-rimmed pair with progressive lenses and anti-scratch coating.

My cost $43.

I also got a pair for computer use that cost $15.

They don't offer the high end frames or fashion frames, but if you need a good pair of spare glasses or for other type work, they are great.

You have to have a current vision prescription to order.

So I use the last prescription I got from my eye doctor.

Delivery is usually around two weeks.

http://www.zennioptical.com/

[Phil_S]

Curious stuff here. Since last posting in this thread, I've been to the eye doctor twice for routine visits. Lenses were changed both times. The nearsighted eye is getting better and the farsighted eye worse. Go figure, and I know my eyes aren't like most. Here's the kicker, though. The doc says I'm starting to get cataracts! He says it will be 10-15 years before I'm ready for the surgery. Wow!

This gives a mature[1] person a good reason to skip the lasik. I don't think he'd do it for me now if I was a candidate for it, which I'm not.

Meanwhile, I am guessing in 10 years that there will be some newer/better way to deal with the cataracts.

[1] Mature: a euphemism for being older in years than you want to admit, but not so old that you're willing to come out and say it!

[sliberty]

Curious stuff here. Since last posting in this thread, I've been to the eye doctor twice for routine visits. Lenses were changed both times. The nearsighted eye is getting better and the farsighted eye worse. Go figure, and I know my eyes aren't like most. Here's the kicker, though. The doc says I'm starting to get cataracts! He says it will be 10-15 years before I'm ready for the surgery. Wow!

This gives a mature[1] person a good reason to skip the lasik. I don't think he'd do it for me now if I was a candidate for it, which I'm not.

Meanwhile, I am guessing in 10 years that there will be some newer/better way to deal with the cataracts.

[1] Mature: a euphemism for being older in years than you want to admit, but not so old that you're willing to come out and say it!

It was 9 months from the first time that my eye doctor mentioned cataracts to the time I had the surgery done. Yes, mine grew fast! So, don't take that 10-15 year thing as the gospel.