Spectacles

Spectacle lens materials

Modern spectacle lenses come in many different specialist designs and materials, so you might need some advice on which is right for you.

Modern materials available include:

• Standard plastic
• PNX – A robust and impact resistant lens material, suitable for an active lifestyle. Light, thin and virtually unbreakable. Ideal for rimless spectacle frames.
• Mid Index Plastic – Thinner and lighter than standard plastic
• High Index Plastic – Even thinner and flatter than mid index plastic. Suitable for higher prescriptions
• Very High Index Plastic – Ideal for patients with high prescriptions. It’s thinner, flatter and lighter than standard high index lenses and reduces eye magnification considerably. So, no matter how high your prescription you will look and feel more natural.

Colour changing lenses (photochromic)

Colour changing photochromic lenses were developed to react consistently to light, UV and temperature. They darken quickly when you step outdoors and fade back to full clarity indoors, maintaining total UV protection during these rapid transitions. So, whether you’re running errands on the high street, strolling in a shady park, or relaxing on the beach, these lenses adapt to every situation.

Spectacle lens coatings

If you haven’t tried anti-reflective lenses, please consider this coating on your next pair of spectacles. They improve discomfort caused by everyday reflections on your lenses such as glare from headlights, eyestrain caused by computer screens, and surface scratches. The result is clearer, more comfortable vision.

We can offer a choice of coatings to overcome one or all five issues that compromise your spectacles:

• Reflections
• Smudges
• Scratches
• Dust
• Water

The lenses inside our eyes change shape to focus things that are close to us. These lenses are the only part of the body which never stop growing. This means that, over time, the lens becomes more and more dense and it can no longer change its shape to focus on things that are near to the eye. This usually becomes noticeable at about 40 years old.

When focusing on close work becomes difficult, varifocals become helpful.

When do you need varifocals?

Single vision lenses (reading glasses) only correct things that are close to you. Things further than arm’s length will be blurred when wearing reading glasses, meaning you would have to take the glasses off to see things which are far away.

Bifocals give you focus at two distances; near and far, but with a blurred intermediate area (the area at roughly arm’s length where a computer screen usually sits) and a visible line across the lens. 

Varifocal lenses have three main focal areas: far distance, intermediate (computer) distance, and close. These areas are smoothly blended into one for natural vision at most distances. However, there is some slight blur at the edge of the lens. This means that you do need to look through the centre of the lens, turning your head if necessary, rather than looking at things out of the corner of your eye.

Why buy our varifocals?

Working with lens providers who use the very latest technology, we recommend the right varifocal lens to fit your needs and provide expert advice and aftercare to ensure you get the most out of them. Switching to varifocals can take some getting used to. If you have any problems, come back to see us and we’ll help to put things right.

Personalised Lenses

Everyone is different, which is why we offer personalised varifocal lenses. These lenses are tailored to your needs using cutting edge technology and bespoke measurements. Our dispensing opticians will talk you through all of your options and help you choose the right frames.

Hoya Vision Simulator

If you’re not sure varifocals are right for you, the Hoya Vision Simulator can show you what to expect before you take the plunge. The virtual reality headset demonstrates what your vision would be like with varifocals and bifocals, so that you can be confident that the lens you are choosing is right for you.

Simply call to make an appointment to try the simulator. 

Hoya Enroute Lenses

Do you have trouble with glare from headlights when driving, or just want your vision to be a little bit sharper? EnRoute is the solution!

Developed for the modern motorist, EnRoute driving lenses are equipped with a specially developed glare filter. Absorbing light in the blue spectrum, it significantly reduces light scatter and distracting glare from the dashboard, streetlights and oncoming traffic. With the reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses, improving contrast and brightness. The result is more comfortable, relaxed vision even in stressful driving situations.

Ask us in practice for more details.

Varifocals and bifocals generally give good vision at a range of distances. However, some people who do a lot of work at intermediate and near distances – for example, people who work full time on a computer, or read sheet music, play cards and board games, do a lot of decorating etc. – find that varifocals do not give them enough help at these distances. This is where Occupational lenses become helpful.

Occupationals have a larger portion of the lens dedicated to near and intermediate distances compared to varifocals, providing more flexibility in these areas for people who need it. They do not give as much help for the distance vision, however, so we do not recommend driving in them.

If you think occupational lenses might be right for you, please give us a call to make an appointment with one of our dispensing opticians. 

“Thank you for the great service I received from everyone at Osmond Drake, Penarth recently.  

When I had my regular eye test, I explained my need for glasses when playing the guitar or reading a book and also for computer screen use.  

My prescription was formed with that in mind and the result was very pleasing. I now have what I think are referred to as office glasses.   

On a previous visit, I had a pair of glasses with varifocal lenses for normal use. They are remarkable for the way that any objects in my field of view are sharply focused.  

Having two pairs of glasses suits my needs and I would recommend anyone needing eyewear to visit Osmond Drake”. 

J. FERRISSEY

From tots to teens, we have a range of frames for young people in a range of styles and fashions. 

We know that if kids don’t like their glasses, they won’t wear them. So, we pay particular attention to finding comfortable and durable frames, with fun and practical styles, that they’ll like as much as you will.  

On top of your NHS voucher, we offer a Boost voucher which provides a further £30 off the frame. This applies to any child who is sixteen or under, or anyone who is eighteen or younger and in full time education.

• Ask about our range of Rayban sunglasses and ophthalmic frames in kids’ sizes.

You don’t have to look good to see well, but at Osmond Drake Opticians you can do both!

Finding a style and colour of frames that you like is only half the battle – they have to fit well and feel comfortable too. fortunately, our Dispensing opticians are skilled at helping you make the right decision.

Our Dispensing Opticians will chat with you about your preferences and circumstances; this ensures that we find a frame that matches your lifestyle, fits well, avoids materials that might irritate your skin, looks good and complements your prescription – all at a price point that suits you.

You don’t have to look good to see well, but at Osmond Drake Opticians you can do both!

Finding a style and colour of frames that you like is only half the battle – they have to fit well and feel comfortable too. fortunately, our Dispensing opticians are skilled at helping you make the right decision.

Our Dispensing Opticians will chat with you about your preferences and circumstances; this ensures that we find a frame that matches your lifestyle, fits well, avoids materials that might irritate your skin, looks good and complements your prescription – all at a price point that suits you.