As optometrists and optical dispensers in Australia and New Zealand, recommending the perfect spectacle frames for professional patients requires a delicate balance of functionality, aesthetics, and workplace considerations. Understanding how to guide patients through this frame selection process is crucial for ensuring both satisfaction and practice success.
When consulting with working professionals, begin by discussing their specific workplace culture and daily activities. A corporate lawyer’s frame requirements will differ significantly from those of a creative director or medical professional. Consider factors such as computer usage, client interaction frequency, and workplace dress codes to inform your recommendations.
The Art of Face Shape Analysis
Professional frame selection starts with a thorough analysis of facial features. Train your staff to confidently assess face shapes, and to explain their recommendations using objective measurements and visual aids. For example, angular frames can add authority to round faces, while softened rectangular shapes complement diamond-shaped faces without appearing too severe in professional settings.
Create curated collections of workplace appropriate frames, and train staff to confidently discuss professional image enhancement through eyewear
Material Selection for Professional Longevity
Guide patients toward premium materials that withstand the demands of professional life. Titanium and high-quality acetate frames offer excellent durability for full-time wear. Discuss how specific materials perform under different working conditions – for instance, memory metal for patients who frequently remove their glasses, or lightweight materials for those wearing frames during long surgical procedures.
Colour Psychology in Professional Settings
While neutral colours dominate professional eyewear, subtle variations can significantly impact presence. Deep blues and burgundies offer sophisticated alternatives to standard black frames, while tortoiseshell patterns provide warmth without sacrificing professionalism. A splash of colour can add personality to a frame without being too loud within a conservative environment. Help patients understand how frame colours interact with their skin tone and professional wardrobe.
Practice Implementation Strategies
Develop a systematic approach to professional frame selection in your practice. Create curated collections of workplace-appropriate frames, and train staff to confidently discuss professional image enhancement through eyewear. Consider implementing lifestyle questionnaires to better understand your patients’ professional needs before consultations.
Technical Considerations
Remember to account for prescription requirements when recommending frames. High prescriptions may need careful consideration of frame size and material to minimise thickness and weight. Discuss how different frame choices might affect lens options and overall aesthetics, particularly for complex prescriptions.
The Financial Discussion
Professional frames often represent a significant investment. Build value by explaining the relationship between quality materials, workplace performance, long-term durability, and the brand story. Highlight how appropriate frame selection can enhance professional image and potentially career advancement.
The role of an eye care professional extends beyond vision correction to helping patients project confidence and competence in their careers. By understanding workplace dynamics and implementing these recommendations, we can better serve our professional patients while building practice loyalty and reputation.
Take a look through the professional eyewear we have curated for you here to help you build your next collection.
The Professionals
Carrera
The Carrera range of optical frames has always catered for wearers who want to look professional and make a statement in the workplace.
Now with the launch of Carrera Woman, there is a full range of stylish eyewear for both professional men and women. Pictured is Carrera Woman 3009 JBW.
Contact: Safilo Australia (AUS) 1800 252 016
Laibach and York
Crafted with precision, and manufactured in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Laibach and York’s latest collection combines sophisticated aesthetics with essential functionality.
The ergonomic fit means your patients can wear them all day without discomfort, leaving them free to concentrate on what really matters – their work.
The Ultra Rare Collection is limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, so your patients can stand out in the business world with striking eyewear that reflects their individuality.
Perfect for executives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals alike.
Contact: Rialto Eyewear (AUS) 0416 952 291
Paul Taylor
Dress your professional patients for success in Shazam by Paul Taylor. With so many spectacular acetates to choose from, there’s no doubt that a frame from this collection will make them a standout at their next boardroom meeting.
Visit: paultaylor.com.au
Airlock
Airlock focusses on minimalistic styling with sleek and modernised designs. The brand is known for its durable, yet lightweight construction, and is offered in multiple silhouettes, colours, and materials for both men and women. Airlock is perfect for those who want that ‘barely there’ look and feel, with an array of styles to choose from.
Contact: Marchon (AUS) 1800 251 025 or (NZ) 0800 141 444
Frank and Fritz
Elevate your patient’s professional look with Frank and Fritz Eyewear. This Australian brand offers premium sun and optical frames for men and women that are perfectly suited for the office, home, or on-the-go lifestyles.
Winston (pictured) is a unisex frame celebrated for its exceptional design and versatile fit – the ideal business companion.
Visit: frankandfritz.com
Talla
Talla is an Italian brand that offers a great range of stylish, professional eyewear for businessmen.
The new Chiaroscuro collection is inspired by shadow and light – in the interplay of these elements the frames reveal their depth and character, unveiling each meticulously crafted detail.
Visit: framesetc.com.au
Aspinal of London
The quintessential British lifestyle brand, Aspinal of London, offers affordable luxury that accents, highlights, and complements every wardrobe choice.
Crafted from the finest materials, Aspinal of London’s eyewear perfectly reflects the exquisite styling and timeless British design consistently associated with this brand, and coveted by the fashion elite, celebrities, royal admirers, and opinion formers.
Contact: Aaron’s Eyewear (AUS) 07 3367 8447
The Elusive Miss Lou
The business world is so often associated with grey suits and serious faces but as we evolve and change, so do our perceptions.
Empower your patients in the workspace and enable them to express their individuality with the colourful madness of The Elusive Miss Lou.
Contact: The Elusive Miss Lou (AUS) 0414 908 841
Jack De Ross
Help your patients lead from the front with the lightweight strength, comfort, and fit of Jack De Ross.
Crafted with hard density cellulose acetate, Jack De Ross eyewear offers a professional look without the hefty weight that drags wearers down during long business hours.
Contact: Jack De Ross (AUS) 0414 908 841
VAANYARD
VAANYARD aims to captivate the creative community while effortlessly attracting professionals and corporate audiences.
Its designs are striking and bold, yet tastefully understated.
Visit: vaanyard.com
Ted Baker
Quirky distinctive styling meets handcrafted quality, for an ocular spectacular that mixes and matches bold colours and patterns to create unparalleled, individual eyewear.
With frames lined in unique prints, and hidden trims concealing messages, Ted Baker’s eyewear is as inventive and original as it is upbeat and vibrant – just like the brand itself.
Contact: Mondottica (AUS) 02 8436 6666
Seraphin
Olin from Ogi Eyewear’s Seraphin collection features a cats eye shape with vintage style undertones for light-hearted sophistication. Rich base colour pigments pop with warm tortoise flourishes, bringing dimensionality and movement to this comfortable and upscale design.
Contact: ProOptics (AUS) 02 8007 6041
