Reiheld Philip C

I needed new prescription glasses (regular and sun) and looked at half dozen optical shops and retailers before I decided to order from King St. Vision. My glasses were still usable, but I’ve had problems working with a desktop computer screen, as well as books and newspapers. Half the time I’d take my glasses off. I was pretty much resigned to getting a pair of special «computer glasses.»
I got an eye exam and new prescription then did some internet research on Optiboard and elsewhere, and tried to understand how I could get a slightly better functioning pair of progressive lenses. Visiting the various optical shops was an education.
It was a difficult process, because at most places, like SEE Eyewear, where I obtained my previous pairs of glasses, the emphasis is on frames and style, and the expertise level of the sales persons/​opticians varies. Most of all, there is little transparency in understanding what exactly is the best lens for your specific needs. The emphasis is on selling versus fitting the right types of glasses to the individual.
There were several places in town that I thought had good quality products (message me if you want specific opinions) and opticians. One was Jackson Davenport on King St., others were Eye Center of Charleston, and OuterVision in West Ashley. I already had a new prescription from my optometrist, so all I needed was some expertise in choosing high quality lenses.
What made me decide on King St. Vision: Jackson Davenport less than a block away is known as the place for quality eyewear in the city. They had an extensive selection of high quality frames that averaged close to $ 500 (some were closer to $ 300). A pair of progressive prescription glasses (Shamir lenses) with appropriate coating was priced over $ 1,000, not including tax. Sunglasses were a bit more because of the extra cost of polarizing lenses. I figured it would cost me close to $ 3,000 for a pair of regular glasses and prescription sunglasses. To me, this was too much – especially considering the fact that I had lost my previous pair of sunglasses.
King St. Vision is owned by Dr. Reiheld, an optometrist who works in the shop and offers exams as well. I explained what I wanted, he described the options, and his recommendations. He looked at my prescription, listened to my issues with working with computers, etc. and closely examined my present pair of glasses. He offered to do an exam to fine tune the prescription if need be. After doing so, he told me that the less expensive lenses would probably work as well as the Shamir brand that JD uses exclusively or the Varilux used elsewhere. If the less expensive brand lenses didn’t work, he’d order the Shamir or Varilux lenses. The lenses would still have high quality Zeiss coating, and would be made of Trivex. What the heck. I ordered them. I’ve had the new glasses for a month and they are excellent – somehow the view corridor is such is that I can read the desktop screen as well as books, etc. without craning my neck or removing my glasses. After living with the new glasses for several weeks I went ahead and ordered prescription sunglasses. Received those recently and they are also working better than expected.
Price-​wise both sets of glasses were not inexpensive but they were nowhere near the pricier option offered elsewhere. To be more specific, they were less than half the price of the JD eyewear, although to be fair, the frame isn’t as fashionable and high-​tech, and the lenses are not made by Shamir. We shall see… I’ll update this review if there are any substantive changes…