Review of VR Optician Prescription Lenses: A great option for individuals who wear glasses, now compatible with Quest 3 as well.
While the eyeglass frames I have for the Quest 2 fit adequately, I find myself frequently needing to make adjustments. When using the Quest 3 with a VR Cover, the headset tends to get stuck in the left and right corners, posing a risk of scratching the lenses.
Are the prescription lenses from VR Optician worth investing in?
If you meet the following criteria, the prescription lens inserts from VR Optician will be suitable for you…
- you possess a set of eyeglasses causing discomfort when worn with the VR headset.
- you are curious about the experience of using VR without glasses, or if
- You simply seek to efficiently safeguard the lenses of your VR headset.
If you meet any of the following conditions, the prescription lens inserts from VR Optician may not be appropriate for you.
- You do not need to wear glasses and there is no need to protect the lenses of the VR headset.
- your glasses do not cause any discomfort while wearing the VR headset.
- If you frequently share the VR headset with other individuals.
A lens insert manufacturer for VR headsets, located in Zolling, Germany, operates as a conventional company.
The company behind VR Optiker is Optik Planet from Zolling, just about 50 kilometers north of Munich. The traditional company has been producing headsets and other visual aids for 92 years.
Arne Engler, a graduate engineer and entrepreneur, identified a unique opportunity within the virtual reality industry and effectively capitalized on it. For years, his company has been producing custom prescription lens inserts specifically designed for different VR headsets.
The frames of the prescription lenses are made using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printing process. A high-precision laser prints the frame into which the lenses are inserted, layer by layer, from powdered plastic.
Ordering, extras and scope of delivery
You can conveniently and swiftly place an order for the lenses from an online store. The lenses are compatible with various VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, Pico 4, Playstation VR 2, and even older models like Valve Index.
The packaging of the prescription lens inserts is absolutely high-quality and also designed for further transportation. IMAGE: MIXED
You have the option to order the lenses either as a pair or separately for each side, such as for a replacement. You can refer to your eyeglass prescription card to find your prescription information or consult with an optician to determine it. The visual acuity ranges from -16 to +10 diopters, and the corneal curvature cylinder value is between -6 and +6. The axis can be chosen within a range of 0 to 180 degrees. It is also possible to have prism correction if needed.
If a VR headset does not have IPD adjustment, you can still input your pupillary distance. This might be required for certain VR headsets in order to prevent uncomfortable distortions while using them.
You can add extras such as a specially hardened glass layer (prevents scratches), a super anti-reflective coating and a lotus effect layer for easy cleaning. ZEISS BlueProtect against blue-violet light is also available as an option.
The lenses are made by Carl Zeiss Vision and later put together into insert frames for the VR headset. The prices vary, starting from 49 Euros for plano lenses (non-prescription) designed to safeguard the VR headset lenses, and going up to approximately 260 Euros, depending on the lens strength.
The lenses were delivered approximately two to three weeks after placing the order. They are packaged in durable cases with soft cloth pouches for extra protection. Additionally, a microfiber lens cleaning cloth is provided.
Simple to set up and designed for durability
Installation is easy, a short video for each VR headset shows how to do it. For the Quest and Quest 2, I used the spacer (included with the Quest) to ensure enough distance between the eyes (opr eyelashes) and the lens.
The lenses of the Quest 3 have a slim design and can be easily attached without any additional components.
The prescription lenses are slim and fit exactly over the lenses of the Quest 3. | Image: MIXED
The prescription inserts can be easily inserted without touching the lenses, simply by clicking them into position. Ensuring that both the VR headset lenses and the prescription inserts lenses are thoroughly clean is crucial. Any streaks or dust should be completely eliminated before installing the inserts. To assist with this, multiple damp lens cleaning cloths are provided for pre-installation cleaning.
The prescription lens inserts fit firmly and can withstand even fast movements of the VR headset. Cleaning is also easy without removing the lenses.
If necessary, you can easily remove the prescription lenses from the VR headset, for instance, to allow your friends to use it. Putting them back in is just as simple as taking them out.
More comfort and freedom while using with Quest 2 and Quest 3
I bought these prescription lens inserts for my HTC Vive a while back. The inserts for the Quest 2 and particularly the Quest 3 are beneficial because my glasses tend to get slightly caught on the edges of the face mask of the Quest 3, making it challenging to make adjustments.
The prescription lens inserts fit perfectly on the lenses of the Quest 2, but we recommend installing the spectacle spacer. | Image: MIXED
The inserts are extremely valuable to me and eliminate another obstacle to using VR headsets more often. It not only eliminates the need to adjust the position of glasses under the VR headset, but also prevents the discomfort or occasional glasses sliding.
I have noticed one downside while using the Quest 2, which is that in very bright surroundings, there is a slight reflection on the lenses despite the presence of an anti-reflective coating. However, I have not experienced this issue with the Quest 3 so far.
Prescription lens inserts for Playstation VR 2
The PSVR 2 inserts no longer require a special design like those for the Playstation VR. Instead, they simply attach to the lenses of the VR headset in the same way as Quest 2. I have been using the lenses since March 2023 and they work perfectly. The mounting is also stable.
VR Optician Prescription Lens Inserts Test Results
Prescription lenses offer a major benefit in terms of comfort. There are no more uncomfortable adjustments or struggles to fit them properly, allowing for a truly seamless experience with the Quest 2 or Quest 3 for those who wear glasses with integrated prescription lens inserts. Even with wired VR headsets like the PSVR 2, the inclusion of lenses brings about a noticeable improvement in comfort.
Additionally, you will experience an enhanced visual experience as everything is meticulously adjusted for the VR headset. Furthermore, the lenses of the VR headset are shielded, ensuring they remain unharmed and free from scratches.
The justification for the price is the comfort effect. Even if you require excellent vision and have to spend more money, you are making a single investment that will decrease VR setup and offer a significantly more pleasant virtual reality experience.
VR Optician Prescription Lenses
With prescription lens inserts, you can comfortably use your VR headset without glasses. The lens inserts for the Quest 2, 3, and the Playstation VR 2 were supplied to me by VR Optiker.
