The must haves for professional eyewear are few and relatively straightforward:
1. A frame that’s ergonomically designed to comfortably rest on the nose for long hours every day;
2. A lens that’s designed to help the office professional switch their attention from close to intermediate distance quickly and without causing strain;
Most notable this year is the vast array of finely crafted frames in titanium and other lightweight metals
3. A lens that reduces the impact of blue light rays that emanate from the ubiquitous digital screen.
Within these parameters there are many different options to suit your patients’ sense of style, professional environment and budget.
Most notable this year is the vast array of finely crafted frames in titanium and other lightweight metals. ic! berlin’s collection, quirkily named ‘Something I want… to tell you’ is inspired by the glamorous 50s and 60s. With a choice of panto metal frames, browlines and cats eyes, these frames appeal to those looking for elegance, absolute comfort and – with the well known ic! berlin screwless hinge that enables the temples to be removed from the fronts with a quick flick of the wrist – a technical bent.
ic! berlin presents ‘Something I want... to tell you’ – a collection of eight metal frames for women who see their glasses as jewellery. Contact European Eyemakers: (AUS) 02 9960 7766
Fleye’s new eyewear designs are on the cutting edge of fashion… literally! Contact: Fleye (AUS) 02 9997 5373
The unique, sportive models of the Jaguar Summer 2014–15 eyewear collection are a direct reflection of the sports cars of their namesake. Contact VMD: (AUS) 07 5594 9845
Optique Line has released its exciting new 2015 Stepper, Convertibles and Optique Line catalogues. Contact Optique Line: (AUS) 03 9853 0796
proprietary combinations of Swiss TR-90, Japanese Ultem and German stainless steel. Contact ProOptics: (AUS) 02 8007 6041
The Smart Bionic line by Porsche Design is distinguished by lightweight metals and streamlined design. Contact Rodenstock: (AUS) 02 9748 0988
Half eyes have been worn in the workplace for decades, but few have looked as good as the latest version from Marc O’Polo. Contact European Eyewear: (AUS) 03 8805 1555
GenOp’s Blu-Olp lens filter high-energy blue and ultra-violet light using ocular lens pigment (OLP). Contact your GenOp Account Manager
blueEase lens coating can increase contrast, comfort and focus while minimising eye fatigue and visual stress for people who spend lengthy periods of time in front of a computer. Contact Bonastar: (AUS) 02 9310 1688
According to Rodenstock, Ergo computer lenses are the only lenses on the market that can be individually tailored to your patients’ specific needs. Contact Rodenstock: (AUS) 02 9748 0988
Hoyalux Desk is designed for patients who require correction in the near and intermediate viewing zones. Contact your local Hoya Sales Consultant.
The Nikon e-Life Series consists of Nikon DigiLife, Nikon Home and Office, Nikon Soltes Wide and Nikon Relaxsee. Each of these lenses – with or without a distance prescription. Contact your Essilor Account Manager.
ic!berlin (AUS) 02 9960 7766
Zeiss has extended its office lens portfolio with Office Lens Plus, featuring M.I.D (Maximum Intermediate Distance) technology). Contact: your local Zeiss representative.
Designer Peter Coombs, from Adelaide, gives hope to all who enjoy a short day at work (and who doesn’t?) with his 4 o’clock collection, inspired by his own studio’s propensity to down tools at 4pm for a social drink with friends. A jeweller by trade, Coombs has incorporated his signature sterling silver hinges in this new collection, while the faces and temples are cut from a single piece of flat titanium. Folds and twists create a unique style and sense of sophistication – perfect for the quietly confident executive.
Lightec optical frames, distributed by Eyes Right Optical, are made from a lightweight, highly flexible surgical grade stainless steel. Fitted with a robust, double-action spring-hinge, most of these frames are screwless and all are beautifully coloured and timeless in design.
William Morris has collections in metals (such as the London frames) and acetates providing absolute choice for professionals of all ages. The brand’s Young Wills collection, with its chunky acetate frames, is particularly suited to the younger suits. Black Label is designed for a more mature audience with the large cats eyes, has a deep lens, which is perfect for office lenses.
Rodenstock distributes a number of frames that are suited to the urban professional, among them Mercedes Benz eyewear, which is both functional and stylish. Frames are colour coordinated with automotive finishes and finished with the 3D Mercedes Benz logo created through a complex process of embossing, stamping, cutting, galvanising and polishing.
Professional Lenses
Digital media – computers, tablets and smart phones – have become ubiquitous in the office, home and educational institutions. Consequently, optometrists are increasingly faced with patients who complain of tired eyes. Blue light that emanates from digital screens is being linked to disturbing the sleep cycle, chromatic aberration and macular degeneration.
Fortunately, today there is a host of options to choose from, according to your patient’s needs and budget. Rodenstock’s Ego office lens, for instance, provides an extra-wide field of vision for both near and intermediate distances. As a result, the wearer can shift their vision from the computer screen to a colleague across the room or a meeting table with clarity and comfort.
Bonastar has released a new lens coating called blueEase, which the company claims reduces the flickering, ghosting impact of blue light. Similarly, GenOp’s new Blu-Olp lens filters high-energy blue and ultra-violet light using ocular lens pigment. Two options in the Blu-Olp range ensure these lenses can be optimised for intermediate and mid-distance, making them ideal for the office.
For customers who are unsure of whether to go with your office lens recommendation, its worthwhile pointing out the advantages they provide in the home as well. Office lenses can be ideal for pursuing hobbies and crafts, cooking and even watching TV.
