Frames
At Andrew Watkins optometrist, we stock a large range of frames from the latest designer fashion frames to the more unique styles to suit each individual customer. Our experienced staff will be able to help you select a frame that suits your lens type, lifestyle and individual styles.
We stock brands such as:
- Gucci
- Dior
- Tiffany
- Porsche
- Silhouette
- La Font
- OakleyAnd more….
Sunglasses
At Andrew Watkins Optometrist we encourage all patients to wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful UV light. Exposure to UV light can increase the risk of conditions such as cataracts, pterygium, macular degeneration and cancer. Sunglasses also have an important role in reducing glare and are particularly useful when driving and for outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, cycling and golf.
We have a large variety of sunglasses ranging from the latest designer frames to the more practical. We carry major brands such as Oakley, Bolle, Maui Jim, Rudy Project, Christian Dior, Gucci and more. Most of our sunglasses can be fitted with prescription single vision or multifocal lenses; even wrap sunglass frames. So if you’re a sport enthusiast and need sun protection, we have a wide range of options available.
There is a wide variety of lens options and tints available for sunglasses and we have access to the latest lens technology.
Polarising lenses give maximum glare protection; suitable for sports such as golf, skiing, fishing or those who love the beach or water.
Transition lenses will change colour and adjust to varying light conditions; this provides convenience to those who wear spectacles all the time.
Lenses can be custom tinted to suit individual needs. Thinner lenses can also be tinted for those higher prescriptions. All our lenses will filter UV light by 99.9%.
Come into the practice and discuss your sunglass requirements with our knowledgeable staff.
Lens Types
Single Vision – Single vision lenses are the most commonly prescribed spectacle lenses. They have the same focal power over the whole lens, providing visual correction for either reading or long distance.
In many circumstances, patients require correction for both near and far. To correct this, progressive lenses and bifocals are used.
Bifocal – Bifocal lenses provide for two viewing distances only. Typically the top part of the lens has a distance prescription and the lower part of the lens has a reading prescription (other combinations can include; Near & Intermediate, Intermediate & Distance). These days, bifocal lenses have been largely replaced by progressive lenses.
Progressive Lenses (also referred to as multi-focal lenses) –These lenses reflect your natural vision by allowing you to see at all distances, they correct vision up close, intermediate and in the distance. Unlike bifocals a progressive lens doesn’t have a visible line therefore is more appealing cosmetically. It also has a much smoother transition between the distance and near focal points.
Extended focus lenses – Also known as occupational progressives, these lenses are specifically designed to correct both near and intermediate vision. They have greater versatility than traditional reading lenses as they allow you to also see beyond your reading material. These lenses are generally recommended as a second pair for progressive wearers as they offer improved visual and postural comfort when working at a desk or behind a computer.
Lens Materials & Coatings
Anti-Reflective Coating – An Anti-reflective coating can be applied to your spectacles to minimise distracting reflections. This improves your clarity of vision while also achieving a more attractive appearance. This coating is recommended for all spectacle wearers but particularly for computer use and night driving.
Thinner Lenses – We are able to reduce the thickness of your lenses by using a High-Index Lens material. These lenses will be thinner, lighter, flatter and more attractive. This enables you to choose from a wider variety of frames, wearing the latest styles with confidence.
Increased Safety – Impact resistant materials such as polycarbonate offer a high degree of safety. These materials are particularly recommended for children, work places where eye protection is required and whilst playing sport.
Transition Lenses – Transition lenses are clear indoors and automatically darken to sunglasses in direct sunlight. Transition lenses help protect your eyes by blocking 100% of UVA and UVB radiation, providing full UV protection. These lenses are appropriate for all ages and work with virtually all prescriptions.
UV Protection – Whilst regular plastic lenses will block the majority of UV light you can however ensure 100% protection by applying a UV Coating. This coating is not required on polycarbonate and high index materials as they have it built in.
Glare Protection – To reduce the effects of glare a pair of prescription sunglasses with polarised lenses may be recommended to you. Polarised lenses reduce reflections on horizontal surfaces such as water and roads. They are ideal for people who spend a lot of time driving, outdoors and particularly on the water.
