The Optician magazine this week reported that: sales of sunglasses have increased for the second year since the all time high in 2007. This equated to sales in May of over 87,000 pairs sold through optical preacticies. In reality this figure will be much higher if you add-in the number sold via the internet and non-opitcal stores. We have seen a huge increase in the sale of prescription tinted lenses and the reactions lenses too. This is said to be down to the great Summer sun!

The sales of prescription-type frames was still in decline generally, the only sector increasing was the frames below £45 and above £220, which just demonstrates how polarized the optical high street has become.

We’re still baffled why more of the public don’t buy the frames really cheaply on the internet  (after locating in-store on the high street) then have them glazed by us at ciliaryblue, the savings to be had are huge.

So please research and compare.

A leading lens manfacturer has release a new ‘app’ for the iphone so that you can test your own eyes. It may not be very accurate and doesn’t give any indication as to what you may need, but it is a good way of checking.

It is also a good way of testing if the new glasses you have had done are ok, if they are set up correctly then you should have near perfect eyesight and as such should pass all the tests?

Have a look at the video below:

Sight test

Give us your thoughts as to the accuracy or the relative merits of such an application.

We have seen a 10 fold increase in orders from France recently, all of the customers are English. I spoke with one of the customers today and found out why the increase. Cost, of course! He wanted to order uncoated bifocal lenses only for his own frame, the cost was a staggering 390 euros  in old money £325+! We charge £30! So if you live in France, call or email and we will beat any prices the French have to offer!