Quality spectacle lenses for every need

Single vision lenses

These are lenses with the same power across their entire surface.

Bifocal lenses

For those who need both a near and long distance prescription, bifocal lenses help correct both with one pair of glasses.   The near prescription is added as a segment to the bottom section of each lens.  The edges of this segment appear as a faint line on the lens.

Progressive (or Varifocal) lenses

These also incorporate both the near and distance prescription as well as correcting intermediate distances as well.  Varifocal lenses can be considered updated bifocal lenses and do not include the line seen on bifocal lenses.  There are many different varifocal designs and your Dispensing Optitian will be able to advise you of all the options and the one best for you.  The latest generation of varifocal lens designs use ‘freeform technology’ meaning the lens design is optimised to your lifestyle, personal visual needs, frame choice and individual prescription.  This information is combined to produce a lens that gives optimal vision and wearing comfort.

Occupational lenses

These lenses are optimised to give clear vision in the near and intermediate ranges.  Although varifocal lenses provide some intermediate correction they are sometimes inadequate for those that do lots of intermediate viewing, like using a computer screen for example.  In these cases occupational lenses provide clear intermediate and near vision whilst preserving some vision of more distant objects.

Lens material

Nowadays most lenses are made of plastic; however, glass is still used in some situations.  There is a range of plastics used to make spectacle lenses each with their own unique properties.  Materials with a higher refractive index are lighter and thinner that those with a lower refractive index whilst certain materials are tougher and are used when breakage is more of a concern.  The lens material that is right for you will depend on your prescription and your lifestyle.

Hard coatings

Plastic materials are inherently softer than the traditional glass; however, the development of hard coatings has drastically improved the durability and scratch resistance of modern spectacle lenses.

Anti-reflection coatings

Multiple layers of ultra-thin coatings are applied to the lenses to reduce the amount of surface reflections and increase the transmission of light through the lens.  This treatment means people see the eyes behind the lenses rather than a mass of reflections. This not only improves the cosmetic appearance of your glasses but also helps reduce glare.  This is particularly important when driving at night or using a computer.  Anti-reflection coatings are available combined with blue-light filters and anti-fog coatings. The former further reduces glare and discomfort from VDU screens whilst anti-fog coatings prevent lenses from misting.

Tints

We offer a huge range of tints in different colours and if there is a specific tint that you prefer we are able to custom tint your lenses to match any sample you bring in.  Tints range from the very light, giving a soft cosmetic appearance, to darker tints for people who are particularly light sensitive. We are able to provide a range of specialist tints for people with low vision.  We also provide cerium precision tinted lenses for those that have been diagnosed with visual stress.

UV filters

UV filters are vitally important in protecting our eyes from the damaging UV radiation present in natural light.  All sunglasses are required to have UV blocking properties, but it is also possible to incorporate UV blocking into clear spectacle lenses meaning you never need be unprotected.

Photochromic lenses

Also known as self-tinting lenses, these go dark when outside and quickly revert to a clear state when indoors. Our eyes work hard - day in, day out. They adapt continuously to changing light conditions such as twilight, shadows, dazzling artificial light or sunshine - all without us even noticing. Photochromic lenses (e.g. Transitions and ColorMatic IQ) are designed to support our eyes in this work and so permit more relaxed, more comfortable vision.

Polarised lenses

Polarised lenses have a permanent tint. They eliminate blinding reflective glare to help reduce eyestrain and squinting. They provide 100% UV protection and enhance contrast to give better clarity and colour perception. They are particularly useful for driving, sports and activities near the water.