Sunglasses FASHION. lowdown GAME ON FOR SPORTS EYEWEAR. Contact lens. EYEWEAR ADVENTURES

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1 framed2016/17 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT OPTICIAN ISSN FEAST YOUR EYES Nutrition and eye health Sunglasses FASHION Contact lens lowdown EYEWEAR ADVENTURES for youngsters GAME ON FOR SPORTS EYEWEAR EYEWEAR EDIT Styling hot off the catwalk YOU CAN FIND YOUR NEAREST SPECS NETWORK OPTICIANS AT

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3 Welcome to the 2016/17 issue of Framed, the magazine of the SPECS network. Short for Specialist Providers of Eye Care Solutions, your local SPECS network independent optician is dedicated to offering you a wide range of top quality frames and sunglasses reflecting up-to-theminute designs in fashion eyewear. Whether you re looking to upgrade an existing pair of frames or you want a second pair for special occasions, you ll find all the inspiration you need right here including the latest trends in sunglasses, frames for youngsters, sports eyewear and unique lines for men and women. We also take a look at the different types of contact lenses available to complement your spectacle wear, find out how (and why) maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can be beneficial for your eyes and vision, and hear from broadcaster John Craven about the importance of having good quality lenses for driving. While we can t promise your local SPECS network independent optician will stock every make and style featured here, we can promise that they will take the time to discuss your individual frame and lens requirements to help you make an informed and stylish choice. Nicky Collinson CONTENTS 2 Eyewear edit Key looks for 2016/17 4 Women s eyewear Look good, feel great 6 Frames for men Hero styles 8 Sunglasses Here comes the sun 10 Nutrition Feast your eyes 11 Contact lenses First contact 12 Eyewear for youngsters Adventures in wonderland 14 Sports eyewear Game on 16 Lens technology Driving and vision: On the road to seeing clearly Front cover Him: Basebox BB6007 C2 Her: Basebox BB6028 C1 Inside Front cover Stepper SI Back cover Whiz Kids Tomahawk & Squaw Editor Nicky Collinson Designer Ros Argent Publisher Richard Hollings Framed is the magazine of the SPECS network Published by Seiko Optical UK Ltd Nexus Court, Gloucester Business Park Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4AG Printed by Gecko Direct Ltd 1 Moorfield Business Park, Moorfield Close, Leeds, LS19 7YA 15 Issue 3 Seiko Optical UK. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, without the written permission of the publishers. Such written permission should also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system of any nature.

4 EYEWEAR EDIT KEY LOOKS FOR 2016/17 Framed editor Nicky Collinson reports on the latest eyewear trends translating from catwalk to High Street Wes Gordon for Silhouette debuts at New York Fashion Week The influence of fashion on eyewear is huge, with frame designers often looking to the international catwalks for styles notes and inspiration. Now a fully-fledged fashion accessory in their own right, your frames and sunglasses can speak volumes about your personality and your style whether it s classic, vintage, geek or glam and help you make a statement wherever you go. So, what are the key looks for the coming seasons? We spoke to some of the UK s leading eyewear design experts to find out BACK TO THE FUTURE We ve seen many common themes 2 on the runway recently, helping to define current trends, says Nicky Clement of award-winning eyewear company, Eyespace. There s an unquestionable continuation of the geek-chic look, with bold retro eyeshapes as well as the continued use of tactile materials. The catwalks also captured almost every hue of blue and pink, the latter Think pink this season: Cocoa Mint CM9926 On-trend green on matt temples for Oliver Goldsmith of which broke away from its feminine image, taking on a new directional edge through shades that are daring yet completely wearable, adds Nicky. Re-defined retro styling, allowing the rebirth of the iconic shapes and styles of the 1950s but using modern materials and vibrant colours, looks to be a strong trend for several seasons to come. Over the past few years, Britain has experienced a revolution in eyewear taste with wearers switching to brighter colours and bolder styles, says Louise Brunton of titanium frame specialist, Charmant. The hottest eyewear trend right now is for bright colours and bold fronts, which contrast with understated sides.

5 EYEWEAR EDIT A retro-inspired Hero frame for men A new and growing vintage trend is for styles from the 1980s, with deep rather than elongated shapes. This influence may well be seen in more rounded, softer or panto frame shapes, predicts Richard Crook of Stepper UK. POPS OF COLOUR Colour is also a big part of the current 80s revival. Expect blues, pinks and turquoise shades as well as zingy accents on inner frames and sides made more wearable against darker, more classic coloured fronts, says Peter Beaumont of Dunelm Optical, who also predicts proportions to edge larger with simple, angular lines creating a contemporary shape. Because frame profiles are thinner, A tactile wood effect Retro frame they can come further down the face without making too much of an overt style statement. It s more understated, Peter adds. Richard Walker, head of design at Inspecs, sees current and future seasons being all about brightly coloured accessories: light and fine optical frames and athletic styling in premium, luxurious materials. We ll be seeing more use of green, especially darker shades, he says. Metal is becoming popular again, especially in the mainstream women s collections, for example, engineered metals using industrial finishes mixed with acetate to soften the overall aesthetic. Confetti coloured tortoiseshells are increasingly popular as they bring a pop of colour but have an easy-to-wear base, adds Richard. Expect to see a 70s revival, translated through bold patterns mixed with deep, warm colours. Nineties influences are contrasting with 70s styling and building on futuristic trends providing bright, fun encouragement to eyewear through the use of vivid colours and geometric patterns, says Marthe Jansen, assistant designer at International Eyewear. With so many fantastic trends around, there s never been a better time to invest in a new, replacement or second party pair of specs. Have a chat with your optician about the shapes, colours and materials that will suit your lifestyle and vision correction requirements best. Your optician will also make sure your specs fit comfortably and correctly, so you get the very best out of them for many seasons to come. HOT LOOKS AT A GLANCE 70s, 80s and 90s influences Pink, green and hues of blue Bright colour pops Retro eye-styling Geometric prints Bold eye fronts Eighties colour pops at Cacharel Beautiful and bright Bridget from Kirk & Kirk s Kaleidoscope collection 3

6 WOMEN S EYEWEAR LOOK GOOD FEEL GREAT THE LATEST STYLES FOR LADIES WILL KEEP YOU LOOKING GOOD AND FEELING GREAT IN YOUR FRAMES Stunning titanium and TX5 high-tech plastic combination frame, the Stepper SI 4504 Paying homage to the architecture and art of the beautiful Czech capital of Prague, the Praga collection offers a fresh and invigorating approach to eyewear. The inspiration for model 8124 (1) comes from the decorative art nouveau that Prague is so well known for. With its bold personality, acetate model BB6016 from the Basebox collection (3) is the epitome of the 80s revival with its lively colour palette, tri-laminate tortoiseshell eye front and graffiti-feather temples. This particular style is layered with a fine strip of sky blue and a translucent orange interior, complemented by daring punches of 80s yellow, hot pink and cyan. Janet OLI020 from Oliver Goldsmith (5), purveyor of fine British eyewear for more than 70 years, is constructed from seven separate pieces of acetate that are ultrasonically fused together. By constructing the frames this way, OG s designers are able to produce unique colour options for their newest collection. Elle EL13405 in grey (2) is a refined preppy style, created utilising a new lightweight material called PES (Poly Ether Sulphone). PES allows frame designers to push the boundaries of comfort, lightness and style, as it s a very hardwearing and exceptionally strong plastic. 1 Bringing timeless design touches to a universally flattering silhouette, Louis Marcel LM1021 (4) offers serene styling for today s fashion-conscious progressive lens wearer. Sophisticated lines of petite crystals are placed along the highly polished, pearlised acetate temples in luxurious tones. Option C2 (pictured ) has a dazzling light gold frame-front with feminine ivory temples. 3 Radley adds a smile to your eyewear style with playful colours and prints that pop with personality and provide the perfect work-to-weekend eyewear (6). The use of TR90NZ material allows for lightweight styling in flattering eye shapes, and a host of colour options are available to tie in with the Radley handbag and accessories lines

7 WOMEN S EYEWEAR 7 Embrace your individuality with Episode 210 (7), a full rim model that combines a minimalistic eye front with temples made from the finest handmade Italian acetate. The delicate line of embedded Swarovski crystals and clever use of lace print on the temples takes its inspiration from the catwalk. New acetate styles OWP 2150 and 2151 (8) are available in six colours ranging from the purist black/white to iridescent turquoise/violet to a soft denim/caramel. The new acetates, aimed at the over-40s, are combined with a slick rectangular lens (2150) and a more rounded front (s2151). Small inlaid metal platelets name the designer that produced the frames. 8 9 The SPX Illusion collection (9) includes new bright colours, patterns and gradients. The frames are made from the most flexible and comfortable high-tech plastic, called SPX+, developed by Austrian frame maker Silhouette. Every style is hand dip-dyed to achieve the gradient shades and tortoiseshell effect, making each pair one-of-a-kind. The Great British outdoors is the inspiration for the latest Joules optical collection. Highlights include the brand s signature hare hopping around on neon two-toned temple tips as seen on stainless steel Erin JO1023 (10), with its rounded shape and petite sizing Mai-Zee is a quality ladies collection, perfect for everyday wear and incorporating the latest fashions with decorative detailing and chic style. Model MZ047 (11) is a metal etched rounded eye with acetate temples featuring rhinestone embellishments. Available in wine and brown this is an eye-catching feminine frame. 5

8 FRAMES FOR MEN Hero styles 1 Cool Scandi designs, retro styling and solid colour blocks embody the latest eyewear styles for men With its discreet outer temple branding carrying the famous Cecil Gee (CG) signature, model CG-029 (1) is a full-rim acetate frame available in tortoise and black. A tapered spring-hinged temple with a shallow cut-away detail balances the fine twin lines of metal on the joint. Model CH11434 (2) is a discreet and stylish men s frame from the Charmant Titanium Perfection collection. Precision manufactured in Japan, this super lightweight frame exemplifies the brand s high-tech fusion of superb craftsmanship and comfort. 2 Texture and tone take centre-stage in designer-driven style Jensen JN8010 (4), which combines highly polished marble acetate with fashionable wood effect detailing. Subtly drawing on Scandi design, the temples feature a wooden effect panel at the lug, enhanced by its linear silver trim detail. 4 5 For the current season, Irish designer Paul Costelloe has created model 5144 (3), which combines a deep retro square shape with matt surfaces in either grey, black or brown for a strong, modern look for men. 3 The Hero for Men collection continues to pave the way forward in men s eyewear. Hero 4247 (5) is a retro inspired full-rim combination model boasting a nostalgic rounded eye shape, slimline metal temples which extend onto the frame front and a keyhole bridge. 6

9 EYESTYLIST OPHTHALMIC FRAMES FOR TRENDS MEN 6 A must have brand worn by the likes of Simon Pegg and Stephen Fry, Austrian crafted Silhouette frames are the last word in minimal design with stylish highlights. The brand new Titan Accent line (10) is perfect for men looking for clear lines, accent print patterns and integrated hinge technology. In the fast lane of fashion and reminiscent of ultra cool biker movie, Easy Rider, Cool Metal (Mod ) by Joop! (6) is made of cool steel with a brown surface finish for a legendary used look. It also comes in grey and blue. 10 Understatement is the name of the game with Metropolitan Eyewear and combination style 8028 (7) sums this up perfectly. Minimalistic and urban, all new frames in the range feature the brand s characteristic fivebars decoration on the temple and a panto front. 8 7 Made for the young and hip at heart, Converse Jack Purcell eyewear offers unique designs and the chance to unleash your creative spirit. Featuring a bold square shape, the P017 (8) is constructed from two-layer acetate with milled detail and has striking real rivet hinges on the frame front and temples. The X-eyes collection offers something a little bit different from the norm: it s the go to collection if you want to stand out from the crowd without compromising on comfort. Model 161 (11) is a new gents metal style with silicone sides and it comes in black, blue and green With a nod to the past, KLiiK Denmark has launched a series of round, stainless steel models in keeping with the retro trend that has seemingly taken over the fashion world. Style K-546 (9) has a James Dean esque round shape, a keyhole bridge in keeping with the retro look and a small five-barrel hinge for added durability. 7

10 SUNGLASSES HERE COMES THE SUN 1 THE KEY SUNWEAR LOOKS FOR YEAR-ROUND WEAR MATCH ON-TREND SHAPES WITH EYE-CATCHING COLOURS The luxury Ocean Blue collection (1) has 36 new styles to choose from. Designed for the progressive lens wearer, Ocean Blue offers an eclectic mix of exquisite contemporary and classic sunglasses, utilising quality components including the finest handmade Italian acetates, Swarovski crystals and memory metal. 2 Inspired by the latest runway collections, a striking highlight found within the new Cocoa Mint sunwear range is CMS 2000 (2). Embracing the brand s distinctive style of relaxed glamour, the sunglasses boast a uniquely shaped high-gloss black eyefront amplified against on-trend gold temples and grey graduated lenses. The current Jaeger Sunglasses collection now has 22 designs available with a varied choice for ladies (4) and gents, in both metal and plastic. All of the styles are glazeable should you wish to have your own prescription fitted to the frame. 3 4 The Hero For Men collection has extended with four two-in-one male clip-on models (3) and four female clip-on models, each available in two colourways with polarised lenses providing 100 per cent UV protection. A bespoke Limited Edition presentation box is finished in brand colours with contrasting stitch detail, embossed logo and a soft velveteen lining. 5 Representing Jensen s iconic jet-set personality, signature model JNS 7000 (5) is a contemporary tri-laminate featuring a trend-led blue semitransparent eyefront and blue woodeffect temples. Grey-green lenses put this frame at the forefront of men s eye fashion, while chevron silver pin details on the temples add a masculine edge. 8

11 SUNGLASSES Janet Reger Sun 59 (6) exudes Hollywood glamour with its oversized shape and lowered sides against upswept, rounded temples. The diamante circular emblems are prominent against the glossy black acetate to elevate the look; it s also available in tortoiseshell. 6 Maui Jim s all-new Blue Hawaii lenses are now featured in Baby Bach, Wiki Wiki, Cliff House and Mavericks (7). Developed as a fashionable option for popular styles, Blue Hawaii provides a stylish new look that offers the same amazing colour enhancement and clarity as all other Maui Jim lenses The newly launched FYSH UK sunglass collection (8) is designed for women who embrace their own sense of style and spirit. The inaugural collection is titled Links, and is inspired by the delicate and intricate links in a chain necklace. The primary design feature is a silver metal inlay that is wrapped around the edge of the frame or embedded into the front. The Limited Edition Wes Gordon for Silhouette sunglasses collection (9) debuted at New York Fashion Week in Gordon s high profile catwalk show. The 60s inspired frames combine high fashion with technology creating a pair of luxury sunglasses that are some of the lightest in the world. The Joop! sunglasses collection (10) scores highly with elegant style and gentle yet eye-catching colours. The highlights are the colour-mirrored lenses and design details like metal décors, multi-layered materials and trend intense shapes. 10 9

12 NUTRITION FEAST YOUR EYES Sources: My Vision Matters, Macular Disease Society, Eye-friendly nutrients found in many fruit and vegetables, and fatty acids derived from fish, can all help to protect your sight. Kiwis, spinach and oranges are all good sources of vitamin C, which is a key antioxidant, and vital for eliminating free radicals that cause eye damage. Vitamins B and E can help protect against cataracts whilst omega-3 fish oils help maintain healthy blood vessels inside the eye. EYE-FRIENDLY NUTRIENTS Here are just some of the foods that are rich in eye-friendly nutrients: 1. Coldwater fish like cod, sardines and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These provide 10 structural support to cell membranes and may be beneficial for dry eyes, and the maintenance of general eye health. 2. Blueberries and grapes contain anthocyanins, which may help improve night vision. 3. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are rich in carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxathin. Lutein, meso-zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin form a yellow pigment that helps protect the macula a tiny yellow spot in your retina from excessive sun damage by acting as a natural sunblock. 5. Whole grains and avocados are rich in zinc and vitamin B. Deficiency in complex B vitamins may increase your risk of cataracts and retinopathy. RECOMMENDED DAILY AMOUNTS (RDAS) FOR SOME KEY EYE- FRIENDLY NUTRIENTS: Vitamin A: 0.7mg a day for men, 0.6mg a day for women Vitamin B6: 1.4 mg for men, 1.2mg for women Vitamin C: 40mg a day for all adults Vitamin E: 4mg a day for men, 3mg a day for women Zinc: mg for men, 4-7mg for women WE ALL KNOW THE BENEFITS OF EATING YOUR FIVE-A-DAY, BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT EATING A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET RICH IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES COULD HELP KEEP YOUR EYES HEALTHY TOO? 6. Garlic, onions, shallots and capers are rich in sulfur, which is necessary for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant required to help maintain healthy sight. 7. Eggs are rich in cysteine, sulfur, lecithin, amino acids and lutein. Sulfur may also help protect the lens of the eye from cataracts. 8. Papaya is a good source of betacarotene, which can help to prevent free radical damage inside the eye. 9. Soy contains essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens, vitamin E and natural anti-inflammatory agents. Nutrition, and nutritional supplements, may also play an important role in guarding against diseases of the macular, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the largest cause of sight loss in the developed world. Today s busy lifestyles mean many people miss out on essential nutrients provided by a healthy diet, so taking supplements may be beneficial. But remember: always consult your optometrist or GP before taking any supplements.

13 CONTACT LENSES FIRST CONTACT CONTACT LENSES CAN BE A FANTASTIC OPTION WHEN YOU WANT FREEDOM FROM FRAMES WHETHER IT BE FOR SPORTS OR A SPECS-FREE NIGHT OUT If you haven t yet given contact lenses a try, then why not ask your eyecare practitioner (ECP) for some advice about the different types available and what type of lens would best suit your lifestyle. Here s a quick run-down on the different types, and their uses, to help you get started TYPES AND MATERIALS More than 600 million contact lenses were sold in the UK in 2014*, each with a distinct replacement and wearing schedule designed to improve your vision according to your lifestyle and occupation. The two main types of contact lenses are soft lenses made of water-containing material, and less flexible rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are the most popular type fitted today, and are usually described by their replacement frequency or wearing schedule whether it be daily, two-weekly or six-monthly. Some can even be worn for up to 30 days called extended or continuous wear lenses. Daily disposables, which come in a wide variety of materials, powers and designs, are the most commonly fitted. Originally intended for extended/ continuous wear (for up to 30 days), soft silicone hydrogel materials allow more oxygen to reach the cornea and are now used for all types of soft lenses. Contact lenses for astigmatism (toric lenses), bifocal and multifocal lenses to correct presbyopia are all widely available in soft materials. And if you fancy changing the colour of your eyes then your ECP can discuss coloured and special-effect soft lenses. RGP contact lenses have been around for longer than soft contact lenses, and their oxygen permeability has been greatly improved over the years. They can be more suitable for people with astigmatism or a condition called keratoconus, where the cornea is cone-shaped and causes extreme visual distortion. Scleral and semi-scleral RGP lenses, which fit onto the sclera (the white of the eye), can be used to treat diseased and damaged eyes. They are larger than regular lenses, and are sometimes used for other medical indications, such as severe dry eye. Toric, bifocal and multifocal lenses are all available in RGP materials too. RGP lenses are normally used for daily wear but recently there has been growing interest in a technique called orthokeratology (overnight vision correction), in which special RGP lenses are worn overnight and removed during the day. If you re looking to try contact lenses, your ECP may offer a free trial and, once you ve found the best fit, may set you up on a home delivery and direct debit payment scheme that includes regular aftercare checks. * Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers 2014 market report 11

14 EYEWEAR FOR YOUNGSTERS AN EYEWEAR WONDERLAND There s a wonderland of children s frames out there so let the adventures in choosing the perfect pair begin Featuring combinations of bright, vibrant colours and traditional shades, the Joules signature hare can be found hopping around on tips and inside the nose pads of its latest frames for girls and boys (1). The frames are vibrant in colour and finish and feature soft touch rubber branding. A plethora of new plastic styles for both boys and girls are available in the Lazer Junior collection (2). A multitude of colour options are on offer, so the choice for the discerning youngster really is extensive. 2 1 Whiz Kids frames are specially designed to suit small features and fit in with young lifestyles. Curly sides fit snug round small ears and remain firm in place on active toddlers, while extra padding on bridges protects delicate noses. Whiz Kids Teepee (4) is a high jointed wayfarer shape brought to life in ruby red merging into pink tips, perfect for girls aged four upwards. 4 Street-cool and funky Rock Star frames It is said that teenagers can be hard to please not when it comes to choosing a frame from the Zenith Zest collection (5). Over a hundred options are on offer from plastic and metal for both girls and boys, and all are available in a broad palette of colours. 5 Awaken the force in your young spectacle wearers with Star Wars Rebels Starship (3), an innovative boys acetate model. This astronomical frame features HD printed temples emblazoned with memorable Rebel character artwork, and is available in Uniform Blue or Army Green with outof-this-world vibrant interiors. 3 12

15 EYEWEAR FOR YOUNGSTERS Keep your eye on the game with new boy s combination model, Eyestuff Footy (6). This football-focused rectangular style will suit all face shapes while a durable flex hinge makes it strong enough to keep up with all energetic sports enthusiasts. A raised football trim detail on the side is sure to score. 6 7 Two new collections in the acclaimed Miraflex range, Flexible & Fashion and Flexible & Light (7), are specially designed for youngsters unique face and head shapes with anatomically designed nose bridges. The Flexible & Fashion acetate frames are suitable for a wide range of ages, while the Flexible & Light models are designed in a special lightweight TR90 material. Disney Frozen Love (8) is a magical girl s acetate model sure to enchant the imagination of any little princess. The frame features a trend inspired deep eye shape, designed to accommodate most prescriptions. Adding to the Frozen Fever is the HD printed temple pattern in Nordic Floral print. It's also available in burgundy. 9 Catering for children aged from six months to 10 plus, the Blitz Kidz range includes mini-me designs with a sophisticated look. For younger children there are more technical features such as curled sides (9) and head straps. Bright colours are always popular with the latest releases featuring striking blue, deep red and vibrant orange Colorado Kids (10) offers unisex shapes with subtle colour schemes in slim and sleek temple designs for the ultimate wearing comfort. The collection features premium acetate frames, fitted with adjustable pad arms with silicone nose pads. They re ideal for children leading up to their teen years where fashion and function slowly fuse together Perfect for the youth of today, Rock Star s latest HD print addition is fun and funky boy s TR90 frame, Otis (11). Sitting alongside the TR90 temples, which are lightweight, resistant to perspiration and offer incredible durablility, Otis metal eyefront gives a comfortable yet super stylish look. Zoobug s new SqFarer Polarised sunglasses (12) were voted Best Travel Product for Children in the 2015 Junior Design Awards. They are one of several specially designed infant frames in the company s latest 2016 collection, and are fitted with a surgical grade silicone saddle to support your child s nose. 13

16 SPORTS EYEWEAR Game ON Keep on top of your game with the perfect sports eyewear (model wears Progear Dash) WHY NOT CHANGE UP A GEAR AND CHOOSE SOME HIGH-TECH SPORTS EYEWEAR TO ENHANCE YOUR VISION AND PERFORMANCE TOO With Adidas Vario photochromic lenses (1), your glasses can change with the weather conditions giving you clear vision under all circumstances. The lenses have an anti-fog coating and are available in the ultra-lightweight Evil Eye Evo, Halfrim and Tycane frames some with fluorescent highlights on the temples and a sweat bar to increase your visibility at dusk or in the dark. Progear sports shades Dash (see main photo) and Racer (2) are a dream team for cycling and other outdoor sports, such as running and hiking. Dash is a sleek, on-trend semi-wrap frame featuring flexible sides and a rubber nose bridge. You can also choose to have a prescription insert and pick from five lens colours including black, white and midnight grey. Racer is a full wrap design, featuring ratchet sides and extra-grippy rubber adjustable tips. It is also available with a prescription adaptor and in a choice of six lens colours including neon yellow, shiny white and graphite. Both models offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection, and are presented in a Progear branded sports case with cleaning cloth

17 SPORTS EYEWEAR Athlete-driven performance in an iconic cylindrical frame, the Nike Fade Goggle (3) offers comfortable functionality and timeless style. The Fade taps into Nike s innovation heritage with advanced materials like a ThermaFit microfibre fleece, which is soft, warm and insulating against the skin, and Engineered Durable Water Repellant mesh, which enhances airflow and repels exterior moisture. 3 4 The Dragon X2 (4) pushes functional versatility to the next dimension. The X2 combines the proven performance of manufacturer Marchon s patented Frameless Lens Technology with Swiftlock, an easy on-and-off mechanism that makes swapping lenses faster, easier and more secure than ever. Surfing brand O Neill s performance line Barrel (5) takes protection to the next level. The frames come equipped with zero-glare maximum protection polarised lenses and hydrophobic coatings to repel water and dirt. High wrapped ultralight TR90 material provides superior protection and the skull-fit styling make it possible to wear these under a sports helmet. Launched only last year to great aplomb, the INVU range of sunglasses offers high quality, desirable designs with a sporty vibe. Every frame is supplied with UV400 ultra-polarised lenses with a precision hard coat layer that helps prevent scratching. Model A2604-B (7) is a sleek wrap frame with cut-out detail on the temple, ideal for active sports. 6 5 Revo is a world-renown brand of sunglasses, which originated from a passion for technology, comfort and sports. With one of its latest collections (6), you can customise your own performance sunglasses with different lenses. Five lenses are available, designed for different outdoor sports and leisure activities. The iridescent and polarised coating of the lenses matches the latest NASA technology providing precision vision and contrast. 7 Fit, comfort and safety are paramount when it comes to choosing your sports eyewear and don t forget to ask your optician about all the tints, coatings and prescription options available. 15

18 LENS TECHNOLOGY DRIVING and VISION ON THE ROAD TO SEEING CLEARLY TV presenter, John Craven Celebrated journalist and television presenter, John Craven OBE, talks about the importance of having clear, comfortable vision when driving For many years now I ve been a television presenter. I regularly drive all over Britain on TV assignments, so as someone who wears spectacles it is vital that I ve got clear, comfortable vision when I m behind the wheel. We all know just how much traffic there is on the roads these days. So to drive safely it s important to be able to see things clearly and to be able to anticipate any problems. Recently, I went for my regular eye examination and during our chat my optometrist pointed out that with the increasing use of technology, such as satellite navigation and digital displays 16 in cars, the demands on our vision when driving are higher than ever. SUPER SHARP FOCUS Now to most of us, one lens might look much the same as another, but that is simply not the case. Spectacle lens technology is constantly evolving so it s essential that all of us get the right advice about which lenses are best for us. For the past few years, I ve been using SEIKO varifocal lenses, which allow me to focus on all distances, from up close to the dashboard and then far away using the same pair of spectacles. Because of new manufacturing technologies, SEIKO varifocal lenses provide a wider field of view and thanks to a specially developed treatment called Super Resistant Coating applied to the lenses, more light passes through them. This avoids distracting reflections and gives sharper vision, particularly when driving at night. Looking through every corner of the lenses, my vision is clear and comfortable. Whether it is quickly looking side to side for instance at a T-junction or up and down to check my speed, my vision is clear. You know, most of us have very little idea about all the different kinds of lenses that are available to us these days lenses that will suit our own particular lifestyles. Ask your local independent optician about SEIKO lenses and they will tell you which ones are best for you. Find your nearest independent optician at and I hope that soon, you will have the same clarity of vision as I have. Drive safely!

19 Clearer, sharper vision With SEIKO SRC lenses

20 YOU CAN FIND YOUR NEAREST SPECS NETWORK OPTICIANS AT