Vr Lens Lab

[dogbite]

I received my Oculus Rift VR Lens Lab lenses https://vr-lens-lab.com/ a few days ago and thought those of you who wear glasses would appreciate some feedback.
The lenses mount into the Rift CV1 by clicking into the faceplate as shown in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yaYYzqbCpU. I have discovered a couple of problems.
First it isn't easy to get the lenses to lock in tight. This may be due to manufacturing tolerences with the CV1 faceplate. Also, the plastic nubs on the lenses seem less than ideal.
Second and most important, the lenses fit with the curvature facing toward the Fresnel lenses for a tight fit. This causes a warping of the view and more blurring at the periphery. This results in a barrel effect which makes thing warp such as cockpits and such while moving your head. It seems this is worse the higher your prescription. A couple of guys at IRacing were sent replacements, after contacting VR Lens Lab that helped resolve the issue (mostly) but not completely. If you want to see the effect, flip your glasses over with the curve away and look through them. It seems that the higher your prescription the worse the effect (mine is near the max allowed by their ordering tool. If your prescription is light, it may not be an issue or you may, like some, be able to adjust over time.

I am still in conversation with VR Lens Lab support which is prompt and courteous, so will have to update when my instance is resolved one way or another. In the mean time be aware of this problem and read other peoples experiences on Reddit and other forums. I did find it interesting that the ability to select Oculus (Vive only) was not available in the VRLL ordering tool, today. I will update further as this moves forward. As always YMMV

 

[dogbite]

Further to my last post, I was contacted today by VR Lens Lab and offered modified lenses or a refund. As I am concerned that, with my high prescription, the replacements would not be satisfactory in my case, I chose the latter.
Vr Lens Lab was EXTREMELY responsive to my situation and I would not hesitate to recommend doing business with them.

 

[VR Dextrovix]

I was part of their Kickstarter, so had both Rift and Vive prescription sets made and was part of their first shipment. I was expecting pretty much perfect vision, but I can't help but feel a little disappointed.

The barrel effect for me is more pronounced on the Vive, which their support say may benefit from alternative-shaped lenses which they have promised can be replaced at their cost- but no timeframe. My prescription is in the -5.xx area so quite pronounced and hence caused the effect as per dogbite's experience. One plus is that I found that the lenses fit really well and securely to the headset.

The Rift pair for me cause no barrel effect at all which is odd when it is the same prescription as the Vive pair. But they do not securely hold into place for me, and one of the arms on one of the lenses has bent a little in use, meaning it sometimes pops out when removing the headset. Not ideal, and I think a re-design of the plastic used is in order.

I backed VR Lens Lab before I'd received either headset. Having found the Vive to allow me to wear my glasses without much discomfort, going back in time I'd have not bothered with a pair of these lenses irrespective of the barrel problems mentioned. The Oculus is not comfortable at all for me glasses, so I do appreciate the prescription pair, but the fact that the manufacturing isn't great for these means I'd find it hard to recommend VR Lens Lab's solution to others at the moment.

 

[dogbite]

I too have a -5 prescription which was why I chose a refund rather than a replacement set of modified lenses. I read a couple of responses on the IRacing forum where they were quite happy with the modified replacements, but they were in the -3 range. There also seems to be a variance in the Oculus CV1 faceplate tolerances that is affecting the fit. I was finally able to get a good lock, but it took a lot of fiddling. I was concerned with all the demo to friends and such the constant inserting and removing would risk scratching. If one were going to leave them in most of the time this might not be an issue. As long as they are willing to refund if it doesn't work out I have no problem recommending them as a fair and honest company. Those that have had success seem happy with the solution. Since you cannot select Oculus in their ordering tool right now, I wonder if they aren't considering a redesign.

 

[Shanaeri]

The other benefit of their products and probably more reliable is they provided non prescription lens to act as a cover for the rather delicate ones in the HMD. Since they are so expensive to fix and involves sending your HMD away 40 quid on a set of protectors seem a bargain.

 

[dogbite]

The other benefit of their products and probably more reliable is they provided non prescription lens to act as a cover for the rather delicate ones in the HMD. Since they are so expensive to fix and involves sending your HMD away 40 quid on a set of protectors seem a bargain.

I agree. Unfortunately the poor design of the CV1 inserts means the intent to protect the fresnels may be defeated by the lack of lock in stability. I feared scratching them every time the VRL's came loose. I hope they come up with a better mechanism.

 

[stuttlepress]

I want to put in a positive word for the Vive prescription inserts. I bought a pair through the Kickstarter and I couldn't be happier. I don't see any of the distortion that some people complain about. My VR sessions are crystal clear thanks to these lenses. I'd recommend the Vive inserts to anyone considering them.

 

[wstephenson]

I have the Vive inserts - my prescription is in the -3.5 - -4.5 range, and I have some barrel distortion, but it doesn't bother me.

FWIW (shameless plug) to protect my lenses (before I got my inserts) and to protect the screens from sunlight damage, I got my Dad (he's a craftsman) to make me up an elasticated Vive 'lens cap'. He's since sold a few to other /r/Vive users via his Etsy store here. If you have your Vive lying around on a desk they are more effective than throwing a towel over it!

 

[dogbite]

I want to put in a positive word for the Vive prescription inserts. I bought a pair through the Kickstarter and I couldn't be happier. I don't see any of the distortion that some people complain about. My VR sessions are crystal clear thanks to these lenses. I'd recommend the Vive inserts to anyone considering them.

It does appear the Vive has a superior and tighter attaching mechanism. If they can get the OR sorted out it would be good. Glad the Vive works well.

 

[CMDR Minion Blob]

Waiting for my CV1 adapters from VR Labs to arrive. I could understand why neither Oculus or HTC had decided to at least include some kind of socket even for 3rd-party OEMs to be able to securely attach adapters given the fact that there are a lot of people need vision correction but cannot or will not use contacts.

I did order new prescription glasses with Oculus-compatible frames but it's still a lot of hassle wearing glasses underneath the HMDs primarily due to fogging and other factors during prolonged wear. I'm hoping my adapters will attach properly.

 

[horizone]

Yes, they are hard to fit so the stay in the rift. But it's Oculus oversight to not have anything for attachments to grab on to. I just used some small amount of sticky tack (blu-tack) where it's resting and no problems anymore.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

Currently they are not offering Rift CV1 lenses. I had ordered some, but after over a week they refunded my money, and have taken the Rift off the options.

 

[dogbite]

Currently they are not offering Rift CV1 lenses. I had ordered some, but after over a week they refunded my money, and have taken the Rift off the options.

Yes, I noted the withdrawal of the Oculus lenses from their ordering tool. I hope they are looking for a practical solution as it was a good idea for us glasses wearers. perhaps something in a modified faceplate would work, although this would add to the cost.