Apple's first mixed reality headset, Vision Pro, is still only available in the US. Although it is comparatively easy to purchase if you visit an Apple store in the United States (don't forget to clear customs when importing), there is a problem for people with poor eyesight: the device does not allow you to wear glasses underneath. Apple has provided special glasses for this, the so-called optical inserts. They come from the German provider Zeiss, but the ordering process is complex. Below we explain how it works.
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First a recipe
The optical inserts are only available if you can present an American glasses prescription. Such prescriptions are available not only from local ophthalmologists, but also from regular opticians. For example, you can visit a branch of a chain like Lenscrafters.
They usually also have an ophthalmologist on site who will carry out an eye test and then sign the prescription. However, unless you have American health insurance, this isn't exactly cheap: In New York City, the cost was $128 – almost as much as the optical inserts themselves. You then scan the prescription as an image or PDF keeps it for the further ordering process.
Off to the Apple Online Store
The Zeiss lenses can be purchased as usual via Apple's online store. The order is placed and processed there, then it continues via Zeiss itself. When ordering, you will first be asked whether you really need corrective lenses or simply reading glasses. Prescription lenses cost $150 plus sales tax if applicable, reading glasses cost $100 (can be ordered without a prescription).
Then the size of the existing light seal must be typed in – it can be found both on the hardware itself and in the Vision Pro order confirmation. An iPhone is then required because Apple carries out another head measurement, apparently to be on the safe side, as it does when ordering the headset. To do this, you have to scan a QR code that appears on the web and carry out the process on the iPhone.
Delivery via service providers
The Zeiss Optical Inserts are only delivered to US addresses. This means that you either have to be on site – for example in a hotel -, get friends, or you need a (paid) transport service provider like Shipito that forwards shipments to Germany. A US telephone number must also be provided to Apple. You can get it from Skype, for example, where you pay 40.70 euros per year.
German credit cards can be used to purchase the optical inserts, as can German Apple ID accounts. After placing your order, you will be asked by email to upload your glasses prescription, but you can also do this directly during the ordering process. You then have to wait until the recipe has been verified by Zeiss. If there are any problems here, you will be notified by email. If the recipe contains prism values, these cannot be implemented – however, this will already be requested during the ordering process. Zeiss may also not be able to correct particularly severe visual impairments. If the prescription is accepted, the optical inserts are manufactured (apparently in China) and shipped to the customer's US address. This takes up to 10 days.
Effort, waiting or contact lenses
The complex process of purchasing the optical inserts cannot currently be avoided and is associated with higher costs. Alternatively, the option remains to wait until Apple brings the Vision Pro to Germany – that could, with a bit of luck, happen in the summer. How the ordering process for glasses works in this country is still unknown.
Finally, you can avoid the issue of optical inserts entirely by using contact lenses. Depending on the type of visual impairment, however, these can cost several hundred euros a year. In addition, not every user likes the process of inserting, removing and caring for them – contact lenses only seem excessive for the Vision Pro. Finally, there is still a third option: The accessories provider Globular Cluster recently brought a special suspension for the Vision Pro onto the market under which glasses fit. This doesn't look particularly elegant, but at around 60 euros it is comparatively cheap.
(bsc)