Eyewear

Frames

For many people, spectacle frames create an opportunity to develop individuality and the possibility of making a fashion “statement”.   To others, they are nothing more than a necessity to help them see.   Wherever you are in this broad spectrum, it is essential to have the frames fitting correctly, complementing your individual prescription and of course complementing your face and personality.

From light and stylish, crafted in the most slender titanium to rock solid for the roughest handlers, we have a frame suitable for you.   We cater for all budgets, offering practical and value ranges, through to hand made frames and exclusive designer labels made of Gold and Palladium.

Qualified optical dispensers at the practice are available to advise you on the most suitable frame for your prescription and lifestyle.

Come in and see our extensive range of frames; there's a frame to suit every face shape and prescription.

What brands do you stock?

We stock the following brands:

• Porsche
• Rodenstock
• Hugo Boss
• Pro Design
• Silhouette
• Anne et Valentin
• Jonathan Sceats
• Convertibles
• Gucci
• C 4 Yourself

Just to name a few.

Check out the latest in spectacle frames:

Anne et Valentin	ProDesign
Convertibles	Jonathan Sceats

What style/shape will suit me?

That depends on what look you want to achieve.   These days there are so many different types of frames available, from rimless to the more bold colourful shell frames.   Any of these frames can suit you depending on your personality, attitude and sense of style.   Face shape plays a role in the decision of the frame selection but does not always determine the end result.   

It is best to come into the practice and try on some frames to see what you are comfortable with and what will suit your personality and lifestyle requirements.

I don't like the weight of the frames on my nose, which frames will suit me?

These days, companies are making larger ranges of frames from light weight materials such as Titanium and Genium, this not only provides comfort but also strength to the frames.   Rimless frames are also an option to decrease the weight of the frames but they may not suit every prescription.   The other factor that determines the overall weight of the frame is the lenses.   We can recommend lighter and thinner lenses to maximize comfort of your glasses and to best suit your prescription.   A combination of the lighter weight materials in both the frame and lenses reduces the pressure on your nose considerably.

Lenses

Lens technology over the past 10 years has provided wearers with more options, offering lighter, tougher and clearer lenses than ever before.

The cosmetic appearance of your spectacles can be improved with a range of thinner lenses, while the light weight properties maximize comfort.   This is particularly beneficial for stronger prescriptions.  

For multifocal wearers, there has been advanced technology in reducing distortions, providing more superior vision.   Even the most complicated prescriptions can now be made as multifocals and patient adaptation is easier.  

Photochromatic lenses continue to improve and remain a popular and convenient option for many people.   The latest generation of photochromatic lenses is available in thinner materials to provide patients with stronger prescriptions the same option.  

Stronger and safer materials are recommended for sport, children's eyewear and is a necessity for rimless frames.

Single vision, bifocals, multifocals can now be offered with thinner lens materials and in the form of photochromatic lenses.

We understand that choosing a suitable lens is just as important as choosing the style and fit of your frame.   Our trained staff will be happy to discuss the right option for your vision, comfort and lifestyle needs.

I've got a very strong prescription and don't like the thickness of the lenses, what options do I have?

Lens materials have become thinner and lighter.   The cosmetic appearance of your lenses can be improved through the use of hi-index lens materials.   For a strong long sighted (hyperopic) prescription, aspheric lenses are used which makes the lenses in the glasses flatter and thinner.   For a high short sighted (myopic) prescription, usually a hi-index spherical lens is used to reduce edge thickness providing an improvement in the cosmetic appearance.  

We have access to all the laboratories that make thinner lenses.   Even bifocals and multifocals come in thinner lens materials.

I have trouble with night driving, what type of lenses can help reduce the glare from the headlights and street lights?

The glare is caused by reflections from the uncoated lens surface.   By applying an anti-reflective coating (multicoat) on the surface of the lens, this helps reduce the reflections caused by flare from headlights and street lights.   Objects will appear clearer and night vision will improve.

An anti-reflective coating also benefits those who use the computer and are in artificial lights due to the reduced reflections off the lens surface.   This will make your eyes more comfortable and vision clearer.

I've tried the anti-reflective coating (multi-coat) but my glasses always seem to be dirty?

The older generation anti-reflective coatings were more difficult to look after but there have been advances in the technology of anti-reflective coatings that make lens cleaning easier.   Lens companies have created coatings that repel water and dust which helps dirty smudges simply wipe away.   Anti-reflective coatings enhance visual clarity by reducing harsh light reflections.   It also improves cosmetic appearance while maintaining scratch resistance.

Are multifocals difficult to get used to?

Multifocals provide convenience to those who require spectacles for distance and near or for those who work in an environment where taking their reading glasses on and off can be a nuisance.   Multifocals designs incorporate distance, intermediate and near into the one lens blending the prescription so that it fits into a certain area of the lens.   Getting used to wearing a multifocal depends on the design of the lens, the correct measurement and fitting of the lenses and the size of the frame chosen for that particular design.   This places more emphasis on the dispenser than the customer.   Successful adaptation depends on the client persisting with the lens above all other things.

Most people adapt to a general purpose multifocals within a short period of time but may find that the area of vision is limited due to the compromising of three prescriptions into the one lens.   There may be some people with more complicated prescriptions or are more sensitive to the graduation and distortions which may make it more difficult to adapt to a multifocal lens, thus they may require a more individualized lens type.

I have had difficulties with adapting to multifocals, what other options do I have?

Today, multifocal lenses can be custom made to suit the individual, taking into account the frame angle, distance from the eye to the back of the lens surface and the angle that the frame tilts away from the eye.   Such lenses include Zeiss Individual and Rodenstock ILT multifocal lenses.   (For more information about these lenses, please contact us or check out the following websites: www.zeiss.com.au and www.rodenstock.com.au) Many who have changed over to these lenses find that adaptation is much quicker with less noticeable distortions on the side.   Their viewing area is increased and requires less head movement.  

If you are experiencing difficulties with your multifocals or find that your vision is compromised through your current lenses, come speak to our qualified dispensers who can discuss other lens options with you.

I do a lot of work on the computer and up close; are there any types of lenses that would suit my work situation better?

Many of the lens laboratories have come up with computer lenses specifically for computer and near use.   The lens is called an occupational multifocal that has two viewing areas – the top portion is for the computer and the bottom is for near work.   The area which you see through is larger than the normal multifocal.   The benefit of having the two areas is so that you have a better range when it comes to computer and near work.   Your computer is usually set at a further distance than where you would hold a book or documents to read.   Having the same prescription can sometimes put strain on the eyes because it does not cater for that range or you may find that you need to adjust your computer screen closer or hold your notes further away to get a clear view.

If you are finding that your reading glasses isn't providing you with clear and comfortable vision for computer work, perhaps the prescription isn't quiet right for that distance.   Come in and discuss your options with our optometrist or our qualified dispensers who will be able to advise you on the best type of lens for your occupational needs.

Q. What are my options when it comes to prescription sunglasses?

Some people prefer to have tinted lenses fitted into sunglass frames or optical frames and swap between their clear pair and tinted pair as needed. This gives the customer the options of choosing the different tint colours and also the darkness of the lenses.  

Others prefer the clip on sunglasses that come with some brands and style.   This option provides the convenience of one pair of glasses with the clip on.   We stock the convertibles range of frames.   (Check out Convertibles' website for some of their latest styles www.convertibles.com.au)

The other option if people want convenience is the variable tinted lenses that go from light to dark when outdoors.   The latest in these lenses come from Essilor-Nikon.   Essilor-Nikon has now made available the Transitions® V with ESP™ Lenses which fade back to clear twice as fast as previous Transitions® lenses. When fully activated they achieve up to 84% tint dependant on temperature with over 90% of the activation achieved in the first minute. When combined with Crizal Alize anti-reflection coating they are clearer than regular clear lenses indoors. The Transitions® with ESP™ is available in high index 1.67 and 1.59 materials and also multi-focal lenses. (Check out Essilor's website for more information www.essilor.com.au).”

The only disadvantage of the transition lenses is that they don't change very dark in the car due to the windscreen blocking out most of the UV, hence for some people this may not be the most convenient option.