New brand - now in store

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:57:14 GMT

New brand - now in store

ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:01:34 GMT

ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM

Finally, the multifocal toric contact lens you have been waiting for – A daily disposable multifocal lens for astigmatism.

Life demands more from our eyes than ever, and these intense demands are even more troubling for the aging eye. Accommodation declines, the tear film becomes less stable, and patients can experience an increase in light scatter– all of which may impact clarity of vision and comfort. This is true for patients with astigmatism too – who also may experience increases in cylinder and changes in orientation as they get older.

Now presenting a solution for this. The Acuvue Oasys Max 1-day Multiifocal for Astigmatism.It delivers crisp, clear vision at all distances and in all lighting conditions, plus all-day comfort and exceptional stability.

We are proud to be chosen as the first launch stores for the above product. Call in today to enquire how you can benefit.

Eyeplan 2025 Christmas Hamper draw winners

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:51:44 GMT

Congratulations to the winners of our Eyeplan Christmas Hamper draw

Congratulations to the winners of our Eyeplan Christmas Hamper draw, and thank you for your continued loyalty and regular custom — we truly value your support. We hope the hampers bring some extra enjoyment to the festive season.

To those who did not win this time, thank you for taking part and please do not be discouraged. There will be more opportunities and giveaways ahead, so we encourage all Eyeplan members to stay engaged and participate in future draws. We look forward to seeing even more members involved next time.

Silmo Optical Trade Show, Paris 2025

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:01:04 GMT

Silmo Optical Trade Show, Paris 2025

I decided to venture to the European trade shows for the first time in search of what other products were out there to try and bring something different to my customers here in the UK. The show was spread over 2 halls and I decided to start in Hall 6. After my badge was scanned, I was ushered into a small annexe where various frames were on display. These were all showcase pieces. I exited the other side and made my way into Hall 6. The entry is on a higher level and as I approached the escalators I got my first glimpse of this massive hall, which was way large than the UK halls (and I had 2 such Halls to navigate).

Hall 6 was split into 2 divisions – the left dominated by the Eastern suppliers ranging from cheap frames to spectacle cases and accessories. The right side was occupied by some of the biggest optical supply corporations. Of course this was of no interest to me as I was after the smaller companies, the ones where you knew who you were dealing with, the family businesses, the ones with a story behind their brands.

I moved swiftly to Hall 7, where I found what I was interest in. First up I entered a small exhibition, where spectacle Art had been created by various artists around the world.

Firstly, I came across an Australian company called SMEC Eyewear. This company is owned by Meg, who actually grew up in Croydon, London before moving to Australia 14 years ago. She was frustrated by the lack of eyewear in the market for her personality (you guessed it she is bubbly) and using her background in jewellery making she created this brand of bold stylish frames.

I saw tonnes of 3D printed specs, which ranged in quality and colours and weird. I couldn’t resist trying some on (from The Parasite Club).

I encountered an Italian brand called AirDP. This was a brand launched by Italian and Juventus ex-footballer Alessandro Del Piero. This collection was all made from Italian acetates and metals.

I spoke with the frame manufacturing technician of Nenu Eyewear, a brand created for women who love colour, creativity and style. This brand is inspired by the impressionists and reflect the vibrant colours and unique patterns. A few special models were created for the show, which I was told were a lot harder to make then first imagined.

I had the privilege to sit and talk to Tokio Saito, a Japanese craftsman who started manufacturing his own eyewear about 15 years ago. What he has created are simple yet high quality frames using the finest Japanese materials and made out of single blocks to eliminate the need for soldering.

There were 2 other Japanese manufacturers I talked to. First was the more well-known Matsuda, whose eyewear is hand crafted in Sabae, Japan and takes up to two years to create. They use the finest metals in manufacturing including titanium, stainless steel, sterling silver and 18k solid gold. The acetate is all Japanese and derived from cotton being cured for 3 months. This helps produce uniquely rich colours and high durability, whilst giving ultimate comfort.

The other was Ptolemy 48. They also manufacture in Sabae, Japan and their frames take 6 months to complete. Their frames feature extremely detailed inlaid engravings in the arms of the frame, which can only be done by a handful of craftsmen.

This craftmanship and quality highlighted why Japanese spectacles and materials are at the forefront of our industry.

Next up were some wooden frame manufacturers. Now remember we already stock Feb 31st Italian handmade wooden frames, so it was interesting to see what else was different. First up were Nina Mur, who do some “funky” wooden frames. This was shapes and colours, all wood with colourful fronts.

Then I came across an Italian wooden frame manufacturer called W-eye. They were innovative as they use different materials for the fronts of their wooden frames from soda cans to other recyclable materials.

I ventured into a small booth of a French company making wooden frames, called Sebastien Geslin. The creator of this brand was a shoemaker who couldn’t find the eyewear he wanted and using his technical knowledge studied wooden forms and brought his creation to life. These frames are made of different woods in their natural colours and are either one wood or a mix of different woods to give a variance in colours. He has also injected resin in some models to give them a bit of colour without looking cheap. This brand was one which oozed luxury. A special hinge on the frames allows you to move the arms to different angles enhancing their comfort as needed.

Moving on from here, I came across a couple of companies who manufacture frames with buffalo horn. Both companies are based in Germany where their frames are made. I had an interesting chat with the technical director of Hoffman, who explained where the buffalo horn comes from and the ranges they do and how these frames are manufactured. Buffalo horn comes only in a few shades and to enhance the colours, they add silk or wood or even gold flecks into the buffalo horn layers.

I was shown how they repair these frames if ever they got broken. This fascinating process bonds new horn into the existing frame, which is then polished and finished in such a way that even I couldn’t make out the frame had ever undergone a repair.

These were frames from a material I couldn’t have imagined having spectacle frames made from, which was very comfortable and long lasting and all eco-friendly with all waste being use either to make jewellery or for fertilisers. Eventually I was allowed to have a go at learning how to adjust buffalo horn to introduce flex into it which would enable me to fit it perfectly for each customers’ head.

Another high fashion brand I came across was Francis Klein. These are all made in France with precious stones set into them. These are highly colourful and for those who are brave enough to wear colour and style.

Finally, it was time for me to return home, my head reeling with the vast amount of stuff I had seen, people I had talked to and tired sore legs.

What I took back home with me was the stories these manufacturers had about their enterprises and their passion about their brands. These were the real people behind the stories. I valued the human connections I made at the show. The family run businesses – some in their fourth generation now. All of this resonated with me because our business is all about family from being family run to providing outstanding eyecare for your family.

Enjoy £50 cash back with Acuvue Lenses

Fri, 30 May 2025 14:31:29 GMT

Enjoy £50 cash back with Acuvue Lenses

We are pleased to announce a new special offer on Acuvue lenses.

Please ask for details during your consultation

New look door

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:13:10 GMT

New door design

Our new look door, advertising the latest daily contact lenses by Acuvue, Johnson & Johnson. These have a new tear stability molecule to provide fantastic comfort whilst wearing these lenses. In addition to a UV filter, they also have a blue light filter for maximum eye protection from harmful light rays.

crayford

New brand - now in store