I have had two cornea transplants due to Keratoconus .. one in April
2005 and the other in November 2006 (12 stitches still in eye - expect
vision change if and when stitches come out). My prescriptions are
below. I see 20/20 in my 2005 (left) eye and 20/40 in my (2006) right
eye (with 12 stitches remaining).

Left Eye OS:+50= -575x140
Right Eye OD: +4.50= -3.00x175

+2.25 for computer distance reading -- what I call "intermediate"
distance as opposed to a stronger prescription for what I call "close"
distance (holding a book in my hand).

Questions:

1. Is there anything unique about my prescription that would require a
specialty optician?

2. Is there any reason my prescription would indicate polycarbonate
vs. plastic?

3. The cost of AR coating adds significantly to the lens prices. Do
polycarbonate lenses have AR built in? Is the "add-on" of AR
necessary?

4. How much lighter (by percentage?) are polycarbonate lenses then
plastic? Is the primary benefit weight or optics?

5. Do I need a specialty optician for my prescription and if so how do
I go about finding a reputable one in Ft. Lauderdale? My surgeons are
out of the area and do not know of local opticians. Nearby Nova
Southeastern University has an optical shop run by students. While it
is a teaching setting, I am concerned about trusting my glasses to
students in training.

6. Retail chain vs. mom and pop local optical shop?
My local retail chain choices for glasses are Lenscrafters,
Visionworks or Pearle Vision. Sears, which is included in my health
plan,  screwed up so bad each time I went to them I do not count them
as an option. I have used Visionworks which make a mistake every time
but they fix their mistakes at no cost other then the hassle factor.
They offer two pairs for $99 (single vision) but by the time you add
AR and upgrade to polycarbonate the cost is about $160 for two pair.
My theory was that I would try the cheapo single vision lenses to see
if the prescription was right before I started my search and selection
of much more expensive progressive glasses and designer frames. Then I
would use the cheapo glasses as backup or keep them in the car. Does
that logic make sense?

Thank you for your thoughts.