A.      The screws get stripped when inserting lenses into metal frames.
B.      The fit is not exactly right.
C.      The lenses do not fit the frames.

Solutions:

A) Many people who are working with frames for the first time are
surprised by the amount of pressure required to break the lacquer seal
that covers the eyewire screws.  Please follow the procedure below,
paying special attention to steps 6 and 7 that address the issue at
hand.  BE CAREFUL!  There is a real potential for injury when the
screwdriver slips out of the very small screw.

Eye Deal Eyewear, Inc.  Metal Frame Assembly Procedure (adapted)

--- 1. Patient selects frame
--- 2. Frame should be inspected for any defects
--- 3. Frame size is determined by P.D. size
--- 4. Lenses are selected based upon a prescription for right and left
eyes.
--- 5. Each lens that has a cylindrical power (correction for
astigmatism) will have a small dot on the surface near the edge of the
lens, or a black mark on the edge of the lens.  This dot will be at the
180 degree axis point.
--- 6. The endpiece of the right eyewire is placed upon (the edge of) a
hard, flat surface, eyewire screwhead facing up.  The screwdriver (flat
blade) is seated firmly in the slot of the eyewire screw.  FIRM,
DOWNWARD PRESSURE must be applied while turning the screw
counterclockwise to loosen.  Once loosened, right lens is inserted into
the right eyewire of the frame.  Lens must be seated in the groove of
the eyewire and rotated so that the axis mark is aligned with the axis
mark on the frame.
--- 7. The endpiece of the right eyewire is again placed upon a hard,
flat surface, eyewire facing up.  Screwdriver (flat blade) is seated
firmly into the slot of the eyewire screw.  FIRM, DOWNWARD PRESSURE
must be applied while turning the screwdriver clockwise to tighten.
--- 8. Repeat steps above to assemble left lens and left eyewire.
--- 9. To remove any axis marks on the frame and lens, use a cleaning
cloth.  Do not use a paper towel or facial tissue.

If you are planning a trip overseas, we highly recommend that you order
your frames well in advance and work with them prior to your departure.
 Your work overseas will be expedited if you loosen the eyewire screws
and re-insert them before you leave.   This will allow you to develop a
"touch" for this kind of work and reduce the anxiety and pressure
that accompany eye care work away from home.

B. Remember, all frames have to start somewhere and every person's
head has a different shape.  Frames are made to be adjusted (bent) to
fit the wearer's head comfortably.  The "classic" well-adjusted
frame will come into contact with the wearer at three points - the
bridge of the nose and over both ears.

The best way to get a good start is to select a frame that is sized
correctly.  There is a quick and easy way to determine this: When the
person is trying on the glasses, the pupil of their eyes should be
located roughly in the middle of the eyewire (the part that holds the
lens).

There is a wide variety of pliers available to help with optical
adjustments, but don't underestimate the usefulness of ..... your
fingers!  Practice fitting a pair of frames for yourself before working
with other people.  Needle-nose pliers can also be helpful.  You can
make regular pliers suitable for work on eyeglass frames by wrapping a
small amount of duct tape around the tip of the pliers so that they
will not scratch the frames.

C. Our principle supplier, Eye Deal Eyewear, makes lenses in two
Diameters: 42mm and 46mm.  The 42s will fit children's Instant
Eyeglasses frames and the 46s will fit frames that are appropriate for
adults and some frames that can be used for adults or larger children /
youth.  If you have a mix of frames, this may explain the situation.