Stock Lenses vs. Rx Lenses: When to Use Each in Your Practice

Every optical shop faces the same decision daily: should this patient get stock lenses or a custom Rx lens order?

Knowing when to choose which can save time, lower remake rates, and keep patients happy. But it’s not always straightforward. Here’s a clear breakdown of how and when to use each—based on real-world dispensing, not just lab specs.

What Are Stock Lenses?

Stock lenses are pre-made lenses that come in standard spherical or sphero-cylindrical powers. They’re often available as:

• Single vision only

• Coated or uncoated (AR, blue light, etc.)

• Ready for same-day edging and fitting

TKR Optics’ Rising Sun lens line includes stock lenses in various indices and coatings HMC, Blue Shield, Photochromic, and Blue Photo lenses.

What Are Rx (Surfaced) Lenses?

Rx lenses are made-to-order based on the patient's exact prescription and frame measurements. These are produced in labs and typically include:

• High cylinder or prism values

• Multifocals/progressives

• Custom coatings or tints

• Optimized lens geometry for frame shape or eye position

Rx lenses take longer—often 2-5 working days—but offer full customization.

When to Use Stock Lenses

Use stock lenses when:

• The patient has a simple prescription (usually up to ±4.00 SPH and up to -2.00 CYL)

• They want single vision for distance or reading

• Time is important—they need glasses same-day or next-day

• They’re on a tighter budget

• They’re ordering a backup pair or second pair for casual use

Example:

A 32-year-old BPO employee with a -2.00/-1.00 x180 RX wants new glasses before her night shift starts. If you have stock 1.56 HMC+ Blue lenses, you can edge them immediately and fit the job perfectly.

When to Choose Rx Lenses

Go with Rx orders when:

• The prescription has high cylinder, prism, or is anisometropic

• The patient is getting progressives or bifocals

• You want to optimize lens thickness, especially with large frames

• The frame has a non-standard shape or deep base curve

• You need special treatments like photochromic, polarized, or custom tint

Example:

A 55-year-old patient is switching to progressives and prefers a lightweight rimless frame. You’ll want surfaced 1.67 high-index progressives with hard multi-coating and AR. A custom Rx lens will give better balance and aesthetics.

What About Mid-Level Prescriptions?

There’s a gray area—especially for moderate prescriptions or patients who want something fast but with slightly higher specs. In these cases:

• Stock lenses can still work if the axis and PD align well

• You can explain the difference in thickness or visual clarity

• If you anticipate any adaptation issues, go with Rx to be safe

Tips for Dispensing Teams

• Have a cutoff power chart at your dispensing table so your staff knows when to offer stock or Rx

• Always double-check frame size—a stock lens may not work well in large aviators

• Let patients decide if they want to wait for a thinner, custom lens or go for instant use

Final Thought

Stock lenses are convenient. Rx lenses are precise. Knowing when to use each is part of the craft of being a good optician. At TKR Optics, we stock a wide range of Rising Sun stock lenses—but we’re also ready to help when you need a custom job done right.