We welcome all spectacle lens prescriptions to dispense. Depending on your prescription we will help you choose the most suitable frame and advise you on the best possible type of lenses and coatings.
Driving
The official standard of sight which drivers have to meet is the ‘number plate test’ which was introduced as long ago as 1935 as part of the first driving test. This test requires only that drivers can read the letters and figures on a standard car number plate from a distance of 67 feet and sets no standard for depth perception, binocular eye co-ordination, peripheral vision, night vision or colour awareness, all aspects important to drivers undertaking even the most simple manoeuvre.
‘It is an offence to drive with uncorrected defective vision.’ (Road Traffic Act 1972)
night driving
Light is a problem when driving at night and headlights of oncoming cars can be blindingly bright. However, it is necessary to let as much light into your eyes as possible to be able to see pedestrians, parked cars and any unlit obstacles alongside the road. If you wear prescription glasses, clear lenses with MAR anti-reflection coating are best for night driving.
Any lens reflects a certain amount of light off its front and back surfaces. Therefore, if you wear glasses when driving, ananti-reflection coating will reduce reflections on your lenses. therefore improving overall vision.
Also, do not underestimate the benefit of simply cleaning the windshield of your car. Road dirt will scatter light and reduce vision significantly. If your windshield has many scratches, consider replacing it. Cleaning your glasses before driving is also helpful. Be aware that vision tends to deteriorate with age. While it is inconvenient to give up driving at night,if you cannot see well enough to drive safely it is better to let someone else drive than to cause an accident.
If glare from headlights is a problem, the first step is to have a thorough eye examination. Excess glare from car headlights can be an early sign of It may also be a symptom of other medical problems. Also, some people have night myopia. They need a prescription for precise night vision even though they do not need glasses during the day.
Computer Screens
In today’s ever-growing technological world of computers, VDU’s are at the forefront of our daily working environment. A VDU operator is someone who regularly uses Display Screen Equipment (DSE) as a significant part of his or her normal work. Should you fall into this category you may find your employer will cover the cost of an eye examination, and help towards the cost of necessary spectacles.
But check with them first to see if you are eligible. If a prescription is necessary there are numerous options available including anti-reflection coatings and filters, which can considerably enhance your vision.
presbyopia
Presbyopia is the term given to the inability to focus on near or close objects and affects us all usually around the age of 40-45. Various types of lenses including single vision, bifocals, multifocals (including vocational) and even contact lenses are available for a prescription of this type.
Glare
Glare is light which – instead of helping us to see – interferes with our vision or makes us uncomfortable. Types of glare include light reflecting off the surface of our lenses, sunlight reflecting off water, snow or wet roads, uncomfortably bright light and in particular ultraviolet light. There are several solutions to this problem, depending on the type of glare.
Tinted and Photochromatic (self-tinting) lenses are all that many people require to protect them against the harmful effects of glare. Many prefer the ease and convenience of self-tinting lenses which adapt to suit all conditions in our ever changing climate.
There are several solutions to this problem, depending on the type of glare.
tinted & photochromatic (self-tinting) lenses
Tinted and Photochromatic (self-tinting) lenses are all that many people require to protect them against the harmful effects of glare. Many prefer the ease and convenience of self-tinting lenses which adapt to suit all conditions in our ever changing climate.
anti-reflection coating
Anti-reflection coating iis a thin film applied to the surface of a lens. It’s purpose is to allow light striking a lens to pass through the lens instead of reflecting off the surface. Anyone who is bothered by reflections on their lenses should consider an anti-reflection coating. It is especially useful when working on a computer or driving at night. It is also recommended for strong prescriptions since higher lens powers cause internal reflections.
polarised lenses
Polarised lenses have a special filtering layer in the lens to block reflected sunlight. Polarisation does not make a lens darker. Instead, it makes your sunglasses more comfortable by cutting glare from sunlight reflecting up from shiny surfaces. When driving in bright sunlight after rain or snow polarised lenses are excellent. Polarised lenses are also very effective for water and snow sports where light reflecting up can seriously impair vision.
Sport
There are many of us that need our vision corrected to play sport to our best ability.
Many people love snooker but cannot play in normal spectacles. There are several designs of snooker specs.
There are many keen cyclists among us, spurred on by the likes of Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins. We are being encouraged by the health authorities to get on our bikes and get fit.
Lots of people love to play football or squash but daren’t risk wearing normal specs. There are many options for these sports.
… whatever your sport, we can help.