Blog, News & Offers
New Kids and Teen range now in stock
Posted on Monday, August 14, 2023
Our new ranges for Kids and teens are now in stock, We have our biggest range ever with frames starting from free on NHS voucher. We also have designers from Rayban, Emporio Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren and Oakley in all our practices.
Under 16's are entitled to free sight tests and a voucher to either cover the cost of Spectacles or help towards them. Those under 18 but still in full time education are also entitled to the same level of help for sight tests and spectacles.
Mix and Match, complete priced specs from £44.95
Posted on Saturday, April 22, 2023
Complete priced spectacles start from £44.95 with 2 pairs from a variety of price points from £79. Mix between Near, distance and prescription sunspecs.
Winter driving conditions, Drivesafe promotion and what can you do to help?
Posted on Monday, October 24, 2022
Winter is well and truly coming and with it are some of the most challenging driving conditions where sight is concerned.
If you’re not driving in the dark, you will be faced with very low sun and lots of road surface reflections which are worse still in the rain.
What that means for your eyes is either dark driving conditions with headlights, or low sun and glare from the road.
From now until the end of December we will be offering Zeiss drivesafe lenses at 25% off.
These are a specialist lens designed specifically to enhance vision in all driving conditions aiming to provide:
1. better vision in bad weather, at night or at dawn or dusk
2. less glare
3. fewer vision problems when shifting focus
So how do they create a lens that's not only ideal for driving but also for everyday life?
A// ZEISS Luminance Design™ technology
ZEISS DriveSafe features an optimised lens design that takes into account the size of our pupils in poor light. There is one lens design for single vision lenses and one for progressives. The result: improved and unimpaired vision when driving in poor light.
B// ZEISS DuraVision DriveSafe lens coating
With DriveSafe, ZEISS has used a special new coating to take into account the many different situations during driving when our eyes are confronted with glare. The DuraVision® DriveSafe coating by ZEISS partially reflects wavelengths in the high-energy, visible portion of the blue light spectrum, including the band around the wavelength of 450 nm. DuraVision® DriveSafe Coating by ZEISS therefore reduces discomfort glare by up to 64%* compared to premium Anti Reflective coatings.
C// ZEISS DriveSafe lens design for progressives/varifocals
ZEISS offers a special design to make driving with progressive lenses more comfortable and safer. The optimised vision zones make it easier for the eyes to refocus when moving between the road ahead and the dashboard and the rear view or side mirrors. Horizontal movements of the head are reduced. At the same time, the near zone is designed so that DriveSafe glasses can be worn all day long – they are also suitable for other activities, including reading
But these lenses are not the only thing you can do to make your life easier feeling more confident and safe on the road this winter.
Here are our practical and optical tips:
1) Make sure your sight is corrected, best as can be.
A study in 2018 found that over 3000 road collisions in the UK involved a driver with vision below the driving limit. Some with vision that couldn’t be improved by wearing spectacles but there are so many drivers who vision could and should be improved to a good and safe level for driving.
There are thousands of drivers out there this very moment in the UK who are within the driving limits but who could see much sharper. Why settle for ok when you could have HD correction.
Even more worryingly there are many out there who fall below the driving level, who can be corrected by specs who choose not to be putting theirs and other road users safety in jeopardy. Police in the Midlands and Staffordshire have been given increased powers to stop and test people’s sight at the roadside, revoking licences on the spot if you fail to see the licence plate from 20m away.
Some individuals are aware that their vision is not good enough for driving and choose to drive anyway, but many are completely unaware that they no longer meet the vision driving requirements, often because their vision has deteriorated slowly with time, which can be more difficult to detect. This teamed with a low awareness of the visual standard to read a number plate at 20 meters away on a clear day, leads to individuals driving illegally. Another study found that 50% of Optometrists had come across one or more individuals that knew they not meet the driving standard, but said they would continue to drive anyway, during a one month period.
One of these people may be a friend or relative of yours. Many have glasses but won’t wear them others may not have had a test in years. It’s important to educate these people in the importance of correcting their sight when driving, it could save a life.
If you haven't had a sight test in the last 2 years, get yourself checked out.
2) Keep you windows and mirrors clean
By keeping your windows and windscreen clean, you can avoid extra glare and condensation. This is especially prevalent in Winter, with the falling leaves and debris. Dirty mirrors can reflect and distort light so keeping them clean is essential to a safe drive. If it has been raining, then make sure you give them a wipe, so the droplets don’t further disrupt your vision. Don't forget to clean the inside of the windows too, often dirt can be on the inside windows which demist pads just smear making things worse.
3) Polarised sunglasses
Sunglasses are a key item all people should have. But if you are a driver, make sure they are polarised. Ordinary sunglasses only protect and relieve your eyes from the brightness of the sun, polarised lenses also eliminate glare that reflects off the road surface and dashboard. Polarised lenses are available in all lens forms from all our practices.
4) Coatings and coloured filters.
Lens manufacturers spend a lot of money in research and development of new coatings and tints which may improve a patient’s lifestyle. Driving coatings and tints are a big part of this development especially as headlight brightness and colour has changed with the introduction of a bluer based LED bulb.
In a nutshell a yellow filter helps with the brightness and colour of this LED bulb.
You may have seen some adverts selling yellow driving lenses or clip on’s. Sadly the vast majority of these are illegal for night driving in the UK as they leave you unable to see certain colours and therefore miss hazards on the roads.
Lens manufacturers have managed to create a coating which gives this yellowing and therefore dampening effect to the brightness of headlights while still giving you clarity of other colours, making them safe for night driving.
These coatings can be applied to single vision and Varifocal lenses.
However for some the yellowing can be a hindrance when not driving so they are more suitable as a second pair for specialist use when driving.
5) Transitions XTRActive
Normal photochromic lenses react when UV light hits the surface of the lens causing a change in the molecules meaning the lens goes from clear to tinted. The problem in a car is that most of the UV is reflected off the windscreen meaning they react poorly inside a car.
Transitions XTRActive work differently meaning they react and adapt to the levels of light you experience whilst driving and even leave a mild tint to help with unwanted headlight glare when clear whilst conditions are dark outside. This type of treatment can now be applied to the majority of lens types.
6) Driving Varifocals
There are now specialist varifocals for use when driving. Rather than the conventional design of a varifocal where the narrowest field of view is the intermediate range (the distance at which the speed dials etc sits), a driving varifocal gives an extra wide distance field of view and a much wider intermediate range, sacrificing the near distance area which is not needed when driving.
These again are best served as a second pair as not having the near area can be a hindrance to everyday life.
7) Don’t look directly into the lights
Headlights when directly looked at leave an after image for several seconds on the retina making it difficult to re adjust to the dark road. Avert your gaze keeping your eyes focused down on the road rather than up into the lights.
If you have any questions about lenses which may help you in these conditions call your nearest practice today, where one of our Dispensing Opticians will be happy to discuss our range and offers.
Upgrade to transitions, react to light lenses for £25
Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2022
Until the end of November you can now upgrade any pair of lenses for only £25 to enjoy the latest Gen 8 transitions technology.
Not only that, you can now protect your eyes in even more style than ever before with the transitions technology available in a variety of colours, mirrors and with polarising filters in the brand new xtractive polarised option.
Gen 8 is the latest technology available and not offered in all optical practices. Faster to go both dark and clear than ever before, darker in outdoors and now fully clear indoors are the main improvements made in this latest edition.
Along with the traditional colours of Grey, Brown and Graphite green we are now able to offer "style colours" of Amber, Amethyst, Emerald and Sapphire to truly compliment your frame style to lens colour as well as provide a more colourful outlook.
Recent advancements in technology have also now allowed polarising filters and mirrors to be added to this technology meaning they are clear indoors and then react outdoors to either offer fully mirrored or fully polarised protection, style and comfort.
All of these options are available in your local practice as a £25 upgrade on the clear lens price. Options available in single vision, bifocal and varifocal subject to availability.
Have a look at the options to best suit your style and visual needs by clicking the following link https://www.transitions.com/en-gb/products/?gclid=CjwKCAjwtKmaBhBMEiwAyINuwLLIe-eTGX_OiPUDfcohqFpIEYZGsg9XIpNs1179Ras-6OIZGhXA-hoC5uIQAvD_BwE#style-colors
Summer offers 2022
Posted on Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Grab yourself a bargain this summer with one of our tasty offers.
What ever your needs, we have a second pair offer for you.
Free second pair of single vision sunspec lenses with a variety of lens options purchased as a first pair
or
Upgrade your free pair to a polarised sunspec for £50 single vision, £75 for Bifocals or £100 varifocal. Not just that we will match the thickness of your first pair and the varifocal design so you wont be settling for second best when the sun is shinning.
Need something better for indoor use, our computer varifocals are perfect for anyone who uses a computer. Single vision lenses don't leave the screen and the desk both clear, computer varifocals will though as they have a slight graduation of power. Readers for the 21st century. These are available from £50 including antiglare.
What ever your needs this summer we have you covered.
Prescription sunspecs from £49.95!
Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2022
Get summer ready with our fantastic prescription sun spec package.
We have all of your needs covered with a range of frames including designers such as Ted Baker, Joules and Elle.
Without prescription lenses, options start from £29.95 with UV protective lenses. With prescription lenses and frame from £49.95.
In this range we have all variations of lens available, with or without mirrors, polarised, bifocals and varifocals as well as single vision so we have all of your needs covered.
Call your local practice today to arrange an appointment and view the range.
Spring is coming, contact lens promotion.
Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Spring is on its way, no matter what the weather may be doing today.
So, why not try contact lenses and discover all they can offer?
Contact lenses are perfect for lots of outdoor activities
Walks, sports, picnics, BBQ’s you name it!
And when they are combined with a stylish pair of Designer sunspecs the look is complete!
Our Contact lens trial is complimentary so why not try them for free and see the benefits for yourself?
All qualifying purchases of 90 pairs or more and Direct debit set ups will be entered into a free prize draw to win a free pair of designer sunspecs, one pair for each practice is up for grabs.
Fed up of fog? Anti fog solutions
Posted on Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Face masks have once again become an essential part of daily life to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), but they affect our specs and therefore sight by steaming up the lenses and the warm air moves towards the eyes causing increased drying of the tears, so much so that researchers have given this the name (MADE) mask-associated dry eye.
As the weather changes, going from the cold to the warm of indoor heating will make these issues worse.
There are solutions to help these issues and we are at hand to go through them when you come in and visit. We champion ourselves on lifestyle dispensing, getting to know our patients and offer them the best options based on their lifestyle and daily activity needs.
In this new normal we need to think; How often do you need to wear a mask daily? For some we might just wear them when we pop to the shops but for others they could be wearing masks for hours every day while at work. Have you noticed your eyes have been more prone to feeling dry and gritty after or while wearing a mask? After all if our eyes are dry we are more likely to rub them which is an increase infection risk of Covid 19. By keeping the eyes comfortable it keeps hands away.
So what are the options?
1. Anti-fog lens treatments
An anti-fog coating can be applied to the lens itself. These coatings can have the same benefits of anti-glare and scratch resistance as well as improved resilience against fogging up. We have tested these products and there was a marked improvement compared to normal coated and uncoated lenses. We have made a video to demonstrate these lenses which can be found here https://youtu.be/wgGW9uUffXI
We are offering these coatings at the same cost as our premium anti-glare lenses, offering the same benefits of anti-glare and a scratch warranty but with the anti fog as a free upgrade.
2. Anti-fog cleaning products
If you already have specs and don’t wish to change the lenses then there are specialist cloths and wipes which apply an anti-fog treatment to the lenses which lasts up to a few days. They come in the form of cloths and pre-soaked individual wipes. Some work best with anti-glare lenses while others are best suited to uncoated lenses.
We have trialled over the past few months and have found which we feel work best.
These can be found in all our practices with options starting from 0.50p.
Here's a video we made trialling the options https://youtu.be/TmVMxozsINc
3. Contact lenses
Contact lenses are another great way of avoiding specs from steaming up because, well, you’re now wearing any.
Modern contact lenses such as Silicon Hydrogel are very efficient at keeping the eye moist while also allowing enough Oxygen to the eye so it stays healthy.
We offer a free contact lens trial service so you could see how you could benefit from wearing them whilst wearing masks as well as other PPE.
4. Dry eye services
If since wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time you have found that your eyes are prone to drying or are feeling uncomfortable we have the solutions for you.
Each practice has trained ocular hygienists who can discuss the wetting drop product ranges we sell and explain each ones differences and benefits.
Not all wetting drops are equal, cheap ones often dry out much quicker so need applying more often meaning you go through the bottle quicker and it actually ends up costing you more. Likewise some bottles you may find difficult to use so the drops rarely go into the eye meaning again you waste unnecessary money with the drops on your cheek instead of the eye (we call them expensive tears)
If you are one of those who is unfortunately effected by dry eye and masks are making the situation worse we offer a dry eye clinic where a trained optician can identify the exact cause of why the eyes are dry and create a bespoke treatment plan for you.
There are many causes for dry eye and what works well for one doesn’t often work for another so friends/family advice may be wrong for you.
The price includes 2 follow up appointments to see how the treatment is going as well as discount off any products such as drops or lid cleaning wipes.
This service costs £40 and is available at all of our practices.
Give us a call if you would like any further advice. During this period of time with social distancing measures we are only able to let a limited number of patients in at any one time so we are making booking consultations to avoid disappointment or having to wait in the cold.
Want to break free from specs?
Posted on Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Want to break free from specs?
Did you know there is an alternative to varifocals, bifocals or reading glasses. Multifocal contact lenses allow you to see clearly at all distances leaving you without the need for specs.
You can trial these lenses for free at any of our practices. These are suitable for many prescriptions in many formats so can suit those who want to wear every day and those who just want some for social occasions.
Even if you do not need specs for distance there can be an option for you.
Book in to your local practice for a free trial.
Covid Update; What measures will we keep in place after July 19th 2021
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2021
This Monday will see changes in Covid 19 restrictions including the use of face coverings and how many can meet indoors.
It is important to remember that although on highstreets, Optometry practices are a mix of retail and patient care. There will be many patients and practitioners that remain medically vulnerable within our practices and others so the Optical professional bodies and NHS England have advised all face coverings and social distancing rules be maintained and observed in optical practices.
We will continue to wear PPE to keep you safe, so if possible we request you wear a face covering to keep us safe in practice too. This doesnt have to be all the time in practice, but we would appreciate it if coverings could be worn during face to face assessments ie when the optometrist is looking into your eye and during spectacle fitting and measuring. Both which involve close contact and put our colleagues at a higher risk if facemasks are not worn.
We will be happy to provide a face mask with stations in every testing room and dispensing desk.
Sun 2021 promotions
Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2021
This year we have some fantastic sun promotions suitable for all your eyewear needs.
1. Complete pairs of sunspecs from £49.95, that's a prescription pair of lenses including a frame, tinted to the colour and depth of your choice from £49.95. You name it we can offer it in this range. Polarised, Bifocal, varifocal, mirrored.
2. Polarised Xperio Crizal UV lenses as a second pair for £50 single vision or £100 varifocal. These are a huge saving of up to 75% as we will match the design, thickness and specification of your first clear pair. Xperio is a premium quality polarised lens which not only eliminates glare far more than a standard tint through polarisation, but also selectively filters different colours to enhance perception for the clearest vision you will have had when wearing sunspecs.
3. Upgrade to transitions reactive lenses for £20. That's a £20 upgrade from the clear lens price.
Lockdown 3.0, We are here for you.
Posted on Wednesday, January 6, 2021
With another lockdown starting 2021 we are not having the start to 2021 we had wished for.
Never the less we are here all your eyecare needs.
Opticians are classed as an essential service so we are providing the following services:
• Emergency Eyecare, by telephone with one of our opticians or face to face if necessary.
• Eye tests if you feel your vision has changed or you are in need of new spectacles.
• Contact lens fittings, trials and aftercare
• Spectacle, supply, repair and adjustment
• Contact Lens supply
• Online booking now available to avoid coming into practice to book.
• Hearing Services
If you are clinically vulnerable or shielding, call your practice to see if we can offer any remote services. We will do what we can during these difficult times.
Santa does specs and so much more.......
Posted on Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Santa does specs…. And so much more?
Santa doesn’t just deliver toys, clothes and gadgets to the boys and girls on his nice list. This year he has loads of optical accessories and sunglasses for even those on the naughty list.
Rather than the usual box of chocolates as a stocking filler how about a jewellery glasses chain, novelty or patterned glasses case or antifog sprays cloths and wipes with options starting from £2.99.
And its not just the stocking fillers he can bring, for the bigger gifts, how about specialist sports specs like Oakley prizm for the golfer, cyclist, angler or skier of the house.
We even have things for those on the naughty list, like vouchers so Uncle Dominic can get his eyes tested properly rather than having to rely on looking at castles.
Follow our Facebook page for our Christmas competitions for a change to win some new sunglasses and office varifocals.
Merry Christmas all.
Fed up of fog? Anti fog solutions
Posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Face masks have become an essential part of daily life to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), but they affect our specs and therefore sight by steaming up the lenses and the warm air moves towards the eyes causing increased drying of the tears, so much so that researchers have given this the name (MADE) mask-associated dry eye.
As the weather changes, going from the cold to the warm of indoor heating will make these issues worse.
There are solutions to help these issues and we are at hand to go through them when you come in and visit. We champion ourselves on lifestyle dispensing, getting to know our patients and offer them the best options based on their lifestyle and daily activity needs.
In this new normal we need to think; How often do you need to wear a mask daily? For some we might just wear them when we pop to the shops but for others they could be wearing masks for hours every day while at work. Have you noticed your eyes have been more prone to feeling dry and gritty after or while wearing a mask? After all if our eyes are dry we are more likely to rub them which is an increase infection risk of Covid 19. By keeping the eyes comfortable it keeps hands away.
So what are the options?
1. Anti-fog lens treatments
An anti-fog coating can be applied to the lens itself. These coatings can have the same benefits of anti-glare and scratch resistance as well as improved resilience against fogging up. We have tested these products and there was a marked improvement compared to normal coated and uncoated lenses. We have made a video to demonstrate these lenses which can be found here https://youtu.be/wgGW9uUffXI
We are offering these coatings at the same cost as our premium anti-glare lenses, offering the same benefits of anti-glare and a scratch warranty but with the anti fog as a free upgrade.
2. Anti-fog cleaning products
If you already have specs and don’t wish to change the lenses then there are specialist cloths and wipes which apply an anti-fog treatment to the lenses which lasts up to a few days. They come in the form of cloths and pre-soaked individual wipes. Some work best with anti-glare lenses while others are best suited to uncoated lenses.
We have trialled over the past few months and have found which we feel work best.
These can be found in all our practices with options starting from 0.50p.
Here's a video we made trialling the options https://youtu.be/TmVMxozsINc
3. Contact lenses
Contact lenses are another great way of avoiding specs from steaming up because, well, you’re now wearing any.
Modern contact lenses such as Silicon Hydrogel are very efficient at keeping the eye moist while also allowing enough Oxygen to the eye so it stays healthy.
We offer a free contact lens trial service so you could see how you could benefit from wearing them whilst wearing masks as well as other PPE.
4. Dry eye services
If since wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time you have found that your eyes are prone to drying or are feeling uncomfortable we have the solutions for you.
Each practice has trained ocular hygienists who can discuss the wetting drop product ranges we sell and explain each ones differences and benefits.
Not all wetting drops are equal, cheap ones often dry out much quicker so need applying more often meaning you go through the bottle quicker and it actually ends up costing you more. Likewise some bottles you may find difficult to use so the drops rarely go into the eye meaning again you waste unnecessary money with the drops on your cheek instead of the eye (we call them expensive tears)
If you are one of those who is unfortunately effected by dry eye and masks are making the situation worse we offer a dry eye clinic where a trained optician can identify the exact cause of why the eyes are dry and create a bespoke treatment plan for you.
There are many causes for dry eye and what works well for one doesn’t often work for another so friends/family advice may be wrong for you.
The price includes 2 follow up appointments to see how the treatment is going as well as discount off any products such as drops or lid cleaning wipes.
This service costs £40 and is available at all of our practices.
Give us a call if you would like any further advice. During this period of time with social distancing measures we are only able to let a limited number of patients in at any one time so we are making booking consultations to avoid disappointment or having to wait in the cold.
We are open, click here for more info
Posted on Saturday, July 4, 2020
There is a member of our team now present Monday to Saturday at all of our practices.
We have resumed sight tests but as you can imagine we have a large list of people who have been waiting during the lockdown, please bare with us. If you are due your routine test with no symptoms and do not need any new specs please await your reminder letter when things have settled down.
As we have throughout the lockdown, if you have an urgent problem we will see you straight away. Please be aware that we are not able to test everyday of the week though and if you are unable to leave the house we can offer virtual consultations.
If you feel you have had a change in your vision and you would like to purchase some specs from us, please call your local practice and we will update you on availability and get you booked in.
We are still operating with a limited number of staff so if you ring and we dont answer, we are there, leave a message if you can or alternatively you can email your practice with the details on the website.
The optical governing bodies have deemed that 2m distancing should still be maintained in optical practices, we will be wearing facemasks and we ask that you do the same. We are cleaning continuously throughout the day to keep you safe when entering our practices. Screens are in place throughout and we ask that you pay only by card.
We saw many of our own patients in need during the lockdown aswell as countless from other practices who had closed. Jan, Helen, Clive, Kim, Mike and Ben worked tirelessly to help those in need over the past few months and we look forward to seeing you back in more normal surroundings.
Covid 19 outbreak, eyecare, service and support
Posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2020
We are already in a period of deeply uncharted territory.
During this period we will be operating on an emergency basis.
Please bare with us during this time, the practices are closed but we are able to offer essential and urgent eye care advice and support.
This includes if:
Your vision has suddenly changed or become blurry
You have a painful or red eye
You have been advised to attend this practice by 111 or another healthcare professional for urgent eye care
You have broken or lost your specs and need a replacement pair to function
You have a problem with your contact lenses
You need a supply of contact lenses
Please phone your usual practice telephone number, your call will be answered by one of our optician’s who can assess how we are best to meet your needs. See locations on the main menu to direct you to your local practice details including telephone numbers.
Contact lens supply for existing patients will be done by post/delivery.
If you have spectacles on order we will be able to post/deliver these to you.
If you are worried about your eyes please phone us to discuss this. We may be able to answer your queries over the phone or video without you needing to come in.
Stay safe and we hope to see you very soon, in person and less than 2 meters away!
Easter Bank Holiday opening dates, Click for more info
Posted on Thursday, April 9, 2020
Happy Easter folks!
Thank you for all your support during this difficult time. We hope you have a great Easter.
We will be closed from Good Friday 10/4/20 and reopen Tuesday the 14/4/20 resuming our emergency eye care service.
If you have any emergency eye care needs over these dates please call 111 and they will advise you on the best course of action.
Coronavirus update & emergency services.
Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Hello all,
We are already in a period of deeply uncharted territory.
During this period we will be operating on an emergency basis.
Until Saturday 28th March, a member of staff will be present during normal working hours at each practice.
After that the practices will be closed BUT We are able to offer essential and urgent eye care advice and support.
This includes if:
Your vision has suddenly changed or become blurry
You have a painful or red eye
You have been advised to attend this practice by 111 or another healthcare professional for urgent eye care
You have broken or lost your specs and need a replacement pair to function
You have a problem with your contact lenses
You need a supply of contact lenses
Please phone your usual practice telephone number, your call will be answered by one of our optician’s who can assess how we are best to meet your needs. See locations on the main menu to direct you to your local practice details including telephone numbers.
Contact lens supply for existing patients will be done by post/delivery.
If you have spectacles on order we will be able to post/deliver these to you.
If you are worried about your eyes please phone us to discuss this. We may be able to answer your queries over the phone or video without you needing to come in.
Stay safe and we hope to see you very soon, in person and less than 2 meters away!
Coronavirus advice and guidance
Posted on Friday, March 20, 2020
Were open but for the safety of our patients and colleagues we are following strict government guidelines
We recognise that these are exceptional and unsettling times and want to support you with the latest information on our practices as well as advice on how to try and protect ourselves from the Coronavirus
As a health care provider, we always strive to deliver the highest clinical and hygiene standards, including regular handwashing and cleaning equipment between patients. But, given the threat we are all facing from COVID-19, we have brought in some new measures to try and combat the spread of the virus:
· Following government guidance, we’re asking anyone with flu-like symptoms not to visit us. When our patients are feeling better, we’ll help them rebook their appointment and look forward to welcoming them back in-practice
· We’ve made hand sanitisers available to colleagues and patients in our practices. Hand washing remains the best form so the facility to do so will be offered if you prefer to not use gel.
· Disinfectant wipes are available throughout the practice to wipe down any frames that you with to try on before and after use.
· Frames will also be cleaned at regular intervals during the day
· We have re-arranged the waiting area seating (where possible) to make sure there is less close contact between customers. This may mean the chairs in our waiting areas are spaced further apart than normal or every other desk will be left free when measuring and fitting glasses and contact lenses for our customer
What should i do regarding my Contact lenses and Glasses wear during this time?
The average person touches their face more than 20 times an hour* and half the time probably isn’t even aware they’re doing it. Safe to say, it’s a difficult challenge for everyone.
On top of that, glasses and contact lens wearers have the extra struggle of having to cope with physically wearing something on their faces or in their eyes and having to fit them on a regular basis.
Glasses
Will my normal glasses cleaning liquid help to protect my glasses from picking up the virus?
Just like washing your hands, it’s good practice to clean your glasses regularly. A glasses cleaning solution that contains a surfactant will help to remove surface microbes that may be of harm. Make sure you clean them thoroughly, not forgetting the nose pads and sides, and dry them with a clean glasses cleaning cloth.
Can I help keep my glasses virus-free by using anti-bacterial hand sanitiser on them, will that do the job?
An anti-bacterial hand sanitiser will help to rid your glasses of potentially harmful surface particles, as it would your hands. But, do avoid contact with your glasses’ lenses, as some ingredients may affect the quality of the lens’ surface. It’s also likely to smear or leave streaks on your lenses unless properly rinsed and dried. If you have purchased your glasses from us, pop into your nearest practice and ask for a complimentary lens spray, these can be refilled for free when it runs out!
How often should I wash my glasses cleaning cloth and how should I do it?
With regular wiping, it doesn’t take long for a cleaning cloth to get a little dirty. The simplest way to keep it clean is to wash it in the washing machine on a 40 degree wash with your clothes. I tend to wash my cloth once a week or more frequently if needed. Overtime, and after frequent washes, your cloth may shrink a little, become less effective and need replacing.
If I run out of glasses cleaning liquid, can I use something else?
Yes you can. You can wash your glasses in warm diluted soapy water, a pH neutral washing up liquid is ideal. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly under running water and use a clean glasses cleaning cloth to dry to help avoid any smears or streaks on your lenses.
Contact Lenses
Should I avoid wearing contact lenses so I don’t have to touch my face?
No, you don’t need to. Wearing contact lenses is safe despite myths and misinformation that you may have heard or read about recently. What’s critical though is that you wash your hands carefully and thoroughly with soap and water followed by drying them with unused paper towels. You should do this when you’re putting your lenses in your eyes and also removing them.
Should I use an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser before I handle my lenses or is soap a better option?
As you’ll probably already know, The World Health Organisation are advising people to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after they have been in a public place, or after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
If I normally wear monthly lenses, should I switch to dailies so I’m not handling my lenses as much?
Irrespective of whether you’re wearing monthly or daily disposable lenses, they’ll still need to be inserted and removed from your eyes at least once each day. Again, proper handwashing is the key. You should dispose of your daily disposable lenses each evening, or regularly disinfect your monthly or two-week lenses according to the instructions you’ve received from your optician or the lens manufacturer.
If I stick with my monthlies, should I change my cleaning pot more regularly?
We already advise that you replace your case every month and we’d suggest you continue to do this. Remember, each night you should empty your case of the old solution; rinse your case with fresh solution and then air-dry it upside down on a clean tissue.
Should I wear surgical gloves when putting my contact lenses in and taking them out, will that make a difference?
As long as you’re washing your hands properly with soap and water before you insert or remove your lenses and dry your hands with unused paper towels, there’s no need to wear gloves. (it’s actually pretty tricky to handle your lenses with them on, so best to avoid it!)
Should I stop using my comfort drops for dry eyes to avoid touching my face?
No. If you’re already using comfort drops you should continue to and make sure you’re thoroughly washing your hands before putting the drops in your eyes. Reducing or stopping using comfort drops could lead to an increase in eye irritation which could increase how often you inadvertently rub your eyes.
Eye Health
Should I watch out for any changing conditions of my eyes and sight that might mean I have contracted the Coronavirus?
Viral Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is believed to occur in about 1-3% of people infected with the Coronavirus so you’re much more likely to have common signs and symptoms such as coughing and a fever.
25% off drive safe lenses
Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Free specs with contact lenses
Posted on Friday, February 1, 2019
Free specs for contact lenses.
We would like to reward all our new and existing contact lens patients who pay a monthly direct debit with a free pair of spectacles. Choose from a range of over 30 different frames or use the vouchers value towards anything of your choice.
Pop into your local branch to claim your voucher or it will be waiting for you at your next check up.
Single vision included free of charge only, see your local practice for full terms and conditions.
New designer ranges in store now
Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2016
New designer ranges in all stores now, featuring RayBan, Police, Armani, Oakley, Carolina Herrera, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors
Mix and match from £79
Posted on Saturday, September 17, 2016
Mix and match from £79 for 2 pairs of complete spectacles. Choose across any combination of prescription including reading, distance and prescription sunglasses.
Single vision only.
Free sunspecs with contact lens purchase.
Posted on Thursday, June 30, 2016
Free sunspecs when setting up a direct debit or purchasing 6 months supply of contact lenses. T& C apply.
Blog Search
Blog Categories
- News (62)
- Sunglasses (3)
Blog Archives
- March2024 (1)
- November2023 (1)
- October2023 (1)
- August2023 (2)
- June2023 (2)
- April2023 (1)
- November2022 (1)
- October2022 (2)
- September2022 (1)
- August2022 (4)
- June2022 (3)
- May2022 (3)
- March2022 (3)
- December2021 (1)
- November2021 (2)
- July2021 (2)
- June2021 (1)
- May2021 (2)
- April2021 (3)
- March2021 (2)
- February2021 (4)
- January2021 (1)
- December2020 (1)
- November2020 (2)
- October2020 (1)
- September2020 (2)
- July2020 (1)
- April2020 (2)
- March2020 (3)
- January2020 (1)
- July2019 (3)
- June2019 (2)
- February2019 (1)
- October2016 (1)
- September2016 (1)
- June2016 (1)
Offices
- Aldridge (1)
- All Offices (24)
- None (37)