Trusted Canadian Lab with 40+ Years of Experience
As a licensed optician, I’ve worked with many lens labs—Nikon, Zeiss, Hoya, and others. Over the years, I chosen to partner with Riverside Optical Lab, a Canadian-owned lab with over 40 years in the optical industry.
They started in Ottawa but now have multiple labs across Canada. At Not Another Eye Store, most of the lenses I order are made right here in Calgary, which means faster turnaround times for my clients. In most cases, your glasses are ready within 2 – 7 business days.
What sets Riverside apart is their consistent commitment to advancing lens technology, while keeping things simple, direct, and local.
They don’t pour money into ads like some competitors. Instead, they rely on optical stores like mine to carry their lenses and share the results with real people. That means less marketing hype and more investment in R&D, coatings, and lens design.
It also means customers can save more money on high-quality premium lenses without sacrificing performance
Riverside Lenses Rival Zeiss and Nikon—At Lower Prices
Riverside’s Persona lens series delivers some of the most advanced optics I’ve worked with.
Because Riverside doesn’t over-invest in marketing, its lens pricing stays affordable without losing performance. My clients benefit—paying less while getting tech that rivals big-name brands.
Here’s some of the products I love to sell from their long list of products:
Persona Sigma PRO – Comfortable for All-Day Wear
- Designed for better vision at all distances
- Great for first-time progressive wearers or anyone needing balance between near and far
- My go-to for clients who read a lot or work on screens
- For more info on progressive lenses, I break it down here
Persona ELITE PRO – Sharpest Visual Fields
- Features ClearTech freeform and Digital Ray-Path® design
- Custom corridor lengths
- Many of my progressive-wearing clients notice sharper edges and wider fields compared to older progressives
- Also see: What Are Progressive Eyeglasses?
Persona PRO Drive – Ideal for Drivers
- Specifically engineered for dynamic movement and peripheral awareness
- I often recommend these to clients who drive long distances, especially those who complained of neck strain with other lenses
Persona PRO B-Free Bifocals – No Line, No Image Jump
- A line-free bifocal lens that removes image distortion
- Good for clients used to traditional bifocals who want a smoother experience
- Learn more about bifocal lens glasses
Persona PRO SV – Wider Single Vision Fields
- Thin, lightweight lenses offering up to 50% more field width than basic SV lenses
- My younger clients and students love how crisp and light they feel
- See more on single vision glasses
Customers Say They Prefer Persona Over Zeiss and Nikon
- I’ve had many customers switch from Zeiss or Nikon to Persona. Some even told me they liked Persona lenses better, especially the Camber and PRO Elite options. They noticed less strain, better clarity, and easier adaptation.That said, it’s not for everyone.
Some clients who’ve worn Zeiss or Nikon lenses for 15+ years have difficulty adjusting. They either:
- Don’t want to switch at all
- Or take weeks longer to adapt
And that’s okay. I still carry Zeiss and Nikon lenses for those who want them. What matters is choice, and what feels right on your eyes.
Riverside Prioritizes Tech, Not Hype
Their lab invests in:
- CNC freeform surfacing
- Custom corridor optimization
- German lens design software
- Premium coatings:
- CHC AR Satin – scratch resistant, easy to clean
- CHC AR Ultra UV – full backside UV protection
- CHC AR Fog X – anti-fog and antibacterial protection
They don’t sell direct to the public. They don’t flood Instagram with ads. They support stores like mine to guide patients properly, and that earns my respect.
Looking for specialty coatings like blue light or transition lenses? Learn more about:
Honest Advice From an Optician
After fitting thousands of pairs of glasses, I can tell you this: big brands don’t always mean better lenses.
All lens labs, including Nikon, Zeiss, and Riverside, use similar base materials. The difference is in the lens design, coatings, and how well your prescription is measured and aligned to your frame.
I chose Riverside because:
- Their quality holds up
- Their tech is consistent
- Their pricing benefits my customers
- Their physical warranty is unmatched
- And most important—they’re Canadian
I’m not tied to one brand. I’ll always recommend what works best for you.
Also, if you already have frames you love, we can replace the lenses in your existing glasses right here in-store.
Need lenses that actually fit your lifestyle?
Stop by the shop. Bring your current glasses. We’ll go over options that make sense—not just based on brand, but how they perform on your face.
Also see: Prescription Lenses