Sports and Adventure Eyewear for Peak Performance

When people are giving 100% to the sports activities they enjoy, the last thing that should be on their mind is how to get the best function out of their spectacles. This is where optical experts (like us) come into play.

Everyday glasses are unlikely to meet the specific needs of individual sports, and so it’s up to us to find the most appropriate solution. But when introducing an ophthalmic lens into a sports frame, we introduce a new set of aberrations that must be addressed, based on the patient’s needs. And this can be a challenge.

To ensure our patients are able to perform at their peak, first of all we need to find out what kind of environments they’re active in: do they need glasses for peak daylight, or in dim lighting conditions?

Are they inside or out? Do they need eyewear to cope with high wind / on the water / or long distances?

Consider the Tint

Different tints come with various benefits but there isn’t a specific ‘best’ tint for everyone as personal preferences and individual needs will also vary. However, there are a few things that we can keep in mind when considering colour options:

Grey or smoke-coloured lenses provide a neutral colour balance, for accurate colour perception while reducing brightness. This makes them a versatile option.

Copper or brown tints enhance contrast and depth perception, which can be beneficial in low-light conditions, or when used for an activity such as golf with dense foliage around. These tints tend to enhance the visibility of the ball against the green background. They can also help cyclists distinguish road irregularities and potholes.

Rose coloured tints can improve contrast and can be useful in low light or overcast conditions. They can also enhance visibility in shaded areas or under trees.

Orange or yellow tints are known to enhance depth perception and increase visual clarity in low-light or foggy conditions. They can be very helpful for people out at dusk or early in the morning.

Activities on Wheels

Motorsports require different lenses, depending on the weather conditions and the discipline. Shamir’s driving intelligence lenses offer soft, low distortion design lenses with high acuity and excellent wide distance vision. These lenses are designed to fit a wide variety of frame tilts, from flat to high curve. Shamir Glacier Sun UV lenses are ideal for daytime while Shamir Glacier Expression lenses are designed for nighttime and low light conditions.

Skiers and snow boarders who need scripted lens inserts for snow goggles require particular attention as the position-of-wear back vertex distance will be dramatically increased. To ensure your patient’s ski goggles perform the same as their day-to-day spectacles, prescriptions of over -/+ 5.00D should have a back vertex distance compensation.

While most high impact sports necessitate lenses made from impact resistant material, this is not the case for all sports. For example, a cricketer wearing a protective helmet will benefit from a slim fitting wrapped frame with a 1.59 polycarbonate lens to fit under their helmet.

Similarly, cyclists will need a slim fit frame to fit under their helmet and as Hung Ton, an optometrist and avid cyclist observes, will mostly be looking for protection from UV and wind.

Mr Ton said there are a few challenges to overcome when prescribing cycling eyewear for patients. “Availability is quite restrictive when you want a full peripheral wrap in a scripted lens. The purpose of cycling glasses is to protect the eyes from developing a pterygium (due to UV damage) and to protect from air gusts on the cornea which can blur out the vision in fast downhill sections. A good way to counter this is to use inserts, but they are not always the tidiest solution as they can introduce back vertex issues. Also, bifocal lenses can’t be set into them.”

When prescribing cycling glasses for people with adds greater than +1.50D, “I might restrict the add to +1.75D. This is because many cyclists use onboard computers/GPS systems on the handlebar. For these patients, a bifocal design with a very low set segment could be beneficial because of how the angles work out and to reduce peripheral distortion.”

There are also limitations when it comes to matching frames to a cyclist’s facial anatomy, as Mr Ton has discovered for himself. “The last point of pain is the anglo-morphic nature of many products on the market. Caucasians have a more pointed face profile whereas Asians have a flatter face profile, made worse by nose bridges. This creates a situation where my frames rub on my cheek after a long day of riding; the vibrations from the plastic chafe the cheek and almost cause a burn.”

Selecting a Sports Frame

To maximise comfort, protection and visibility, sports frames commonly include some of the following:

• Adjustable pieces such as nose pads, temple arms, and head straps that allow for a customisable fit,
• A wraparound design to help provide a wider field of view and protect the eye from debris and wind,
• Ventilation to reduce heat buildup and prevent fogging,
• Soft padding around the edges of a nylon frame or on the nose bridge to cushion the glasses and reduce pressure points,
• Impact resistant lens materials to survive accidental collisions, and
• UV protection to guard the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Most practices have limited displays of sports and adventure eyewear, which means staff may not feel confident when recommending eyewear for specific activities. Bi-annual refreshers with staff, hosted by lens and frame suppliers, can ensure they’re equipped to advise patients on the speciality frames they need.

One is Never Enough

Spectacles rarely break at convenient times, and as Mr Ton mentions, when they do, it can cause anxiety.

“If you crash and break your spectacles, and you have a -3.00D script, how will you get home? Do you carry a set of contacts and go to a bathroom?”

Similarly, patients engaging in water sports like jet skiing may rely on polarised lenses for optimal vision. However, if their scripted, polarised eyewear falls into the water, it may be difficult for them to safely return to shore. Floating frames may be an ideal recommendation to avoid this eventuality, but so too is a hidden stash of contact lenses.

The best knowledge can come from firsthand experience. Chat to your patients about their favourite activities and any challenges they’ve faced with their sports or adventure frames – you’ll most likely learn something and you’ll be better prepared to fully equip them for their preferred activities. In the meantime, look at the frames and lenses for sport and adventure on the following pages.

Nicole Grasso is a qualified optical dispenser and a regional compliance officer and optical trainer at the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing. She also dispenses at The Optical Co and provides volunteer dispensing services internationally.

Frames for the Fearless

Oakley Meta Vanguard

Oakley Meta Vanguard

Oakley Meta Vanguard is built for the demanding world of sports, where equipment has to keep up with high speeds, rough conditions, and extreme action.

With hands-free computing, athletes can stay fully in the moment, embracing one of the most exciting frontiers in modern technology.

This is the next evolution of athletic intelligence and sports technology; it’s innovation wrapped in art.

Contact: EssilorLuxottica (AUS) 1800 210 190 

Progear

Progear

Aviva and Mann Optical, with Progear, brings you tailored Rx solutions for all Progear sports eyewear, sunglasses, and swim goggles. Every lens is crafted for clarity, comfort, and ultimate protection, meeting the toughest global safety standards. Give your clients performance eyewear that protects and performs, wherever sport takes them.

Contact: Aviva and Mann Optical info@avivamann.com.au or visit avivamann.com.au

Nike Zeus Rise

Nike Zeus Rise

Experience the win in the Nike Zeus Rise, inspired by athletes and designed to push boundaries. Featuring an iconic lightweight design made from G850, this prescription-ready sunglass features a wrap front providing maximum coverage. Built with Nike Max+ lenses to ensure superior clarity and precise vision from all angles, they will help your clients stay focussed and unstoppable.

Contact: VSP Optics (AUS) 1800 251 025 (NZ) 0800 141 444 or CS.Aus@marchon.com

Fila

Fila

Lightweight and race-inspired, these Fila performance sunglasses are built for any outdoor activity. Adjustable rubber nose pads and grippy temple tips ensure a secure, custom fit, with holes for attaching an adjustable sport cord. Featuring high-quality ZEISS lenses with Ri-Pel water-repellent treatment and specialised filters, they deliver sharp, clear vision in any environment – from water to forest. Perfect fit. Premium optics. All-day performance. Featured is model SFIA06.

Contact: De Rigo sales@derigo.com.au or (AUS) 02 9428 1500

Carrera Pat Cummins Selection

Carrera Pat Cummins Selection

The second collection of the Carrera Pat Cummins Selection features even more of Pat Cummins’ favourites, including the new Carrera CSport 02 frames that the Australian cricketer will be wearing on field this summer.

The new wrap-around design features the unique Carrera Pat Cummins Selection green colour as well as his gold signature, ensuring that the Collection is instantly recognisable.

The CSport 02 model is available as a white frame with high-definition green/brown lenses or a black frame with high-definition mauve/blue lenses.

Visit: safilo.com.au or contact (AUS) 1800 252 016

Revo

Revo

Revo launched in 1985, transforming the eyewear industry with NASA lens technology engineered to protect astronauts’ eyes in space. Now in its 40th year, it has become a favourite for people who love the outdoors – from adventurers and athletes, to everyday consumers who demand clarity, style, and performance.

Visit: revo.com or contact (AUS) 02 9311 8588

MAKO Eyewear

MAKO Eyewear

MAKO Eyewear, a proudly Australian-owned brand, delivers premium polarised sports sunglasses engineered for performance, comfort, and long-lasting durability. Offering 10 standard lens options and 20 prescription variations, the range meets diverse visual needs with advanced optical technology. The Nemesis frame (pictured) is purpose-built for active sportsmen. Its integrated adjustable neoprene strap clips securely into the frame, ensuring a firm fit during demanding activities like fishing, kayaking, sailing, or boating. A reliable choice for anyone who can’t afford to lose prescription eyewear.

Contact: MAKO Eyewear info@makoeyewear.com.au or (AUS) 02 8436 6666

Maui Jim

Maui Jim

Bold design meets effortless performance. Pāluna (pictured) is a lightweight, semi-rimless shield with sculpted wavy temples. Designed with Maui Brilliant lens technology, experience visual clarity and comfort with confidence during your daily sporting adventures. Featuring Maui Jim’s exclusive PolarizedPlus2 lens, flexible temple tips, and ergonomic rubber nose pads, the Pāluna from Maui Jim brings winning energy, all year round.

Contact: Maui Jim (AUS) 1800 010 244 or sales.au@mauijim.com

Ugly Fish

Ugly Fish

Ugly Fish Rxable sunglasses are designed for the harsh conditions of the Australian outdoors. Choose from a range of tough, lightweight frames in durable materials.

• The ‘Unbreakable’ range of Tpee flexi-frames are virtually indestructible. Twist them, bend them – they’ll bounce right back.

• For the ultimate outdoors experience, choose from the Ugly Metals aluminium range, or ultra lightweight TR-90 frames.

Ugly Fish frame and lens packages are available to order through Lab partners Rodenstock, Essilor, HOYA, and OSA.

Contact: Piranha Eyewear sales@piranhaeyewear.com or (AUS) 1300 369 574

Lenses for Every Landscape

Transitions Gen S

Transitions Gen S

Whether your patients are hitting the trail, the road, or the tennis court, Transitions lenses offer more than vision correction – they provide dynamic light adaptation that keeps pace with an active lifestyle. Transitions Gen S is fully clear indoors and darkens to category three in seconds, fading back in about two minutes.¹

For those needing extra light protection, XtrActive new generation is the darkest in hot temperatures² and activates behind the windshield³ for added comfort while driving. XtrActive Polarized reduces reflective glare with up to 90% dynamic polarisation,⁴ providing sharper vision, vivid colours, and larger view outdoors.⁵

Contact: EssilorLuxottica (AUS) 1800 210 190

References

1. For polycarbonate and CR39 lenses across colours achieving 18% transmission at 23°C in less than 30 seconds.
2. Clear to extra dark photochromic category. Tests across polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses at 35°C achieving <18%T using Transitions Optical’s standard testing method.
3. Polycarbonate and 1.5 grey lenses tested at 23°C behind the windshield achieving between 18%T and 43%T.
4. Based on tests across materials on grey lenses at 23°C, using ISO 12312-1 standard.
5. EcoOptics Limited – Prof. Nicholas Roberts, Quantitative study evaluating the visual benefits of the polarisation properties of lenses compared to similar non-polarised lenses, 2019–2020.

Sensity Colours

HOYA Sensity Colours

HOYA delivers tailored lens solutions for active lifestyles.

HOYA’s Sensity Colours collection features six bold solid and gradient tints designed to enhance contrast and reduce glare – perfect for cycling, hiking, or any outdoor pursuit. These lenses offer 100% UV protection and are available across HOYA’s premium designs.

For added style and performance, coating options like Mirror, Light Mirror, and Hi-Vision SUN Pro finish off these advanced lens designs.

Contact: HOYA Account Manager

Satin+ Mirror

Satin+ Mirror

Satin+ Mirror is the ultimate lens coating built for the extremes. Whether your clients are slicing across alpine snowfields, carving waves, or chasing sunsets, its mirrored tint cuts glare from water, snow, and pavement, keeping fatigue at bay.

Enhanced contrast sharpens detail when every second counts; full UV protection shields against cataracts and age-related damage. Satin+ Mirror isn’t just functional – it’s bold, reflective finish and range of colours make a statement, giving you both protection and style. For those who push their limits outdoors, this is vision built to go the distance.

Contact: CR Labs (AUS) 03 8795 9111

Impression B.I.G. Exact Sport

Impression B.I.G. Exact Sport

Rodenstock’s Impression B.I.G. Exact Sport and Impression B.I.G. Norm Sport are progressive lenses tailored for dynamic visual needs. The technology delivers wide, distortion-free fields of vision with a reading zone optimised for up to 60 cm. This makes them ideal for sports like cycling, golf, tennis, and any leisure activities. The reduced near reading addition minimises peripheral aberrations, expands distance vision fields, and reduces swim effects often associated with sports eyewear.

For single vision users Mono Sport ensures excellent imaging properties across the entire lens surface, even in curved sports frames.

The design point far (the point through which the patient is optimally corrected when looking into the distance) can be adjusted within a range of 0 mm to +4 mm to match personal viewing habits such as head-down cycling positions.

Visit: rodenstock.com.au or email optics@rodenstock.com.au

Shamir Attitude

Shamir Attitude

Shamir Attitude lenses are the perfect blend of performance and style, designed for wraparound frames and active lifestyles. Available in both single vision and progressive designs, they deliver sharp, vision across all zones. Whether you’re driving, playing sports, or enjoying the outdoors, these lenses enhance peripheral clarity and comfort.

With a wide range of tinting options, including polarised and Transitions, they can adapt to changing light conditions while maintaining visual precision. Backed by Freeform technology, Shamir Attitude lenses offer personalised optics, sleek aesthetics, and all-day wearability – ideal for those who demand both function and fashion.

Visit: shamir.com/au or email info@shamirlens.com.au