A Guide to Lens Testers: Blue Light, Polarized, and UV Testers Explained

When recommending eyewear, opticians rely on more than just words—demonstration tools like lens testers can make a big difference in customer understanding and confidence. Whether testing blue light protection, polarization, or UV blocking, these devices provide tangible proof that a lens delivers on its promises.

If you’re not already using lens testers in your practice, you may be missing an opportunity to educate customers, increase sales, and build trust. This guide breaks down the different types of lens testers and how they can enhance your optical business.

1. Blue Light Testers: Showing Digital Eye Protection in Action

What They Do:

Blue light testers help demonstrate whether a lens effectively blocks blue light from screens and artificial lighting. They typically use a blue light source and a test card or a direct comparison method with untreated lenses.

Why They Matter:

🔹 Visual proof – Customers can immediately see the difference between blue shield lenses and regular lenses.

🔹 Increases perceived value – Helps justify the cost of blue light filtering options.

🔹 Great for digital users – Ideal for office workers, students, and gamers who experience digital eye strain.

How to Use a Blue Light Tester:

1. Shine the blue light onto a test card or white surface while holding a standard lens and a blue shield lens over it.

2. The area under the untreated lens will appear blue, while the blue shield lens should block or significantly reduce the blue reflection.

3. Explain how the blue light filter reduces eye strain and improves comfort during screen use.

2. Polarized Lens Testers: Proving Glare Reduction

What They Do:

Polarized testers demonstrate how polarized lenses cut glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and glass. These testers usually consist of a polarized test image or light source that is only visible when viewed through a polarized lens.

Why They Matter:

🔹 Instant impact – Customers can see the difference in real time.

🔹 Useful for drivers & outdoor enthusiasts – Helps sell polarized sunglasses for reducing glare in bright conditions.

🔹 Boosts confidence in the purchase – Seeing the effect reinforces why polarized lenses are worth the investment.

How to Use a Polarized Lens Tester:

1. Provide a polarized test image (often found on tester cards or screens).

2. Have the customer look at the image with and without the polarized lenses.

3. They should see hidden patterns or enhanced contrast when looking through the polarized lenses.

4. Explain how polarization improves vision by reducing glare from water, roads, and reflective surfaces.

3. UV Testers: Demonstrate speed and depth of transition lenses

What They Do:

UV testers help opticians demonstrate the quality of their photochromic lenses.

Why They Matter:

🔹 Protects eye health – Helps customers understand why UV-blocking lenses are essential.

🔹 Validates UV protection claims – Some low-quality photochromic lenses claim UV protection but don’t actually block harmful rays. Their speed and darkness are subpar.

🔹 Easy upsell for sunglasses – Customers see the importance of investing in UV-protective eyewear.

How to Use a UV Tester:

1. Place the lens under the UV dome.

2. Turn on the transition light and demonstrate how quickly the lens transitions. Call special attention to the darkness of the lens as well as this darkness is what protects the eyes from harmful UV rays.

3. Explain how UV exposure contributes to long-term eye damage and why protection is necessary.

Why Every Optical Shop Should Use Lens Testers

🔹 Educates customers – Many people don’t fully understand blue light, polarization, or UV protection until they see it in action.

🔹 Builds trust – Demonstrating lens features proves that they work as advertised.

🔹 Increases sales – Customers are more likely to invest in premium lens options when they visually experience the benefits.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Demonstration

Lens testers aren’t just tools—they’re an essential part of customer education and sales. By incorporating blue light testers, polarized testers, and UV testers into your practice, you give customers the confidence to choose the right lenses for their needs.

Are you using lens testers effectively in your optical shop? If not, it’s time to start demonstrating the benefits of high-quality lenses and making informed eyewear choices easier for your customers. TKR Optics has blue light testers as well as portable and dome-type UV testers for your demonstration needs. Reach us at 0917-882-9238.