Q on eye glasses

[bluebottle]

I found frames that I can order to match the late 1700's.  Has anyone done this and what is the hassle from the Eye doctor in reference to getting a set of lenses in them to match what you need?

[ridjrunr]

I had some done by a guy that was recommended to me by the lady I bought my original frames from. She was at a civil war re enactment but my frames are about 1810. ( best I can tell) Anyways I got bifocals put in and shipped back to to me for about $90. I f you are on facebook, look up Michael j. Epstein. He did a perfect job on mine. But,... He didnt do a straight line across type of bifocal like the originals. They are a modern bifocal.he said the original straight line across is a lot more difficult and more expensive. I figured I would try out the quality and service first so when my scrip changes or I want to redo, I know where to go. Plus it gave me a chance to see if I like my frames.

[bluebottle]

Thx rid, I am on FB and will look it up.  I also have bifocal but for out in the field I could get by with non bifocal.  thx again

[Snapper]

I've had a few sets of period reproduction eyewear fitted with my prescription over the years.  In fact, my eye doctor seems to get a kick out of doing this for me.  I would suggest you speak with a local person in your area, if you don't already have a doctor, to see what problems they might anticipate.  The frames you get will have to be able to accept your lenses so that might be an issue but a trained eye doctor will be able to help you with that.  I now have 3 pair (2 for late 17th/early 18th century and one for latter half of the 18th century) and they've held up well to lots of use in the field both at the standard site events and on "active duty" in the woods.  My guess is you'll have the same experience.

That's all for now.  Take care and until next time...Be well.

snapper

[Bison Horn]

My eye Dr is a shooter and he had my perscription done in tint and shooting glasses quality. Of course no bifocal. BH

[Fletcher]

I was given a frame that was well over 100 years old by an optometrist friend.  I then paid him $100
for lenses to my prescription at the time and they worked great.  Got a lot of compliments on them.
2 years ago I had lens implants with my cataract surgery and my vision is better than 20/20 - first time
in my life without glasses.  However - since I am not 'old'  I need reading glasses.  I took these frames to
several places - they want as much as $200 for an exam and prescription for plain old 2.0 readers lenses
and to mount them in the old frame with no guarantee they will work or hold up.

I think I will call my old friend and see what he can do.  Sure seems to be a racket in the last 20 years  

[bluebottle]

Thx all, will talk to local first but just didn't know if it was something he had seen before.  Being it's in Murfreesboro TN maybe he has seen it from all the CW re enactments over this way from others.

[flashpan]

Picked up my frames in an antique shop, they date around 1860-1870.
My optometrist was excited by the opportunity to fit bi-focal lenses in them, I went with glass, and not a poly...
If I remember correctly, he charged me about $90-100

[bluebottle]

thanks flash.  spoke to one of the guys at the bledsoe fort fair yesterday and he was saying the same  about his.

[gunmaker]

Jas. Townsend and Son, Inc. has everything for re-enactors hats to shoes & frames...

[bluebottle]

thx gunmaker, that is who i'm getting them from.  ordered a book from the and got a email it had been shipped...arrived the next day.  dont get much better than that

[45.70]

Does anyone know of period glasses made cheaper, I.E.  just reading glasses.  I see 20/20 past my hand, but I need reading glasses to see anything within arms reach.  

Thanks, Garry

[Riley/MN]

Does anyone know of period glasses made cheaper, I.E.  just reading glasses.  I see 20/20 past my hand, but I need reading glasses to see anything within arms reach.  

Thanks, Garry

Yup, I got some at the New Ulm Trade fair. +1.5 I think. Jeff Plath was selling them.

[45.70]

Riley,

Do you know how can I contact Jeff Plath?

Thanks, Garry

[Riley/MN]

Here's his website. He doesn't have a phone.

Taylors Falls Bead Store

See if sse can figure out how I did that...