Fitting your glasses frames so they work for you
At Patrick & Menzies, our dispensing opticians take all the time that’s needed to ensure our patients are comfortable in their glasses and their vision is the best it can be.
And if you have ever had a pair of glasses that doesn’t fit very well you will truly appreciate our team’s attention to detail!
While our optometrists will examine your eyes and determine your prescription, the dispensing optician will translate the numbers on your prescription into lenses and eyewear that will meet your visual and lifestyle needs.
Patrick & Menzies Partner and Dispensing Optician Dan Edwards explained: “My job is to make sure we create eyewear that fits the patient properly and enhances their vision. We want our patients to be happy that their glasses look and feel right.”
Once you have had your eye exam you will then see the dispensing optician if you need glasses for the first time, there is a change to your lens prescription, if your glasses are wearing out and need replacing, or if you just fancy a change in look.
Dan explained: “First I’ll talk to the patient about what they need their glasses to do – maybe they need them for driving or they have a special requirement for their work. If they have had glasses before we will talk about how they got on with them, and if there is anything we can do to improve that.
“This helps us to make sure the final glasses are the optimum solution for the patient.”
Then it’s time to choose some frames from the broad array we stock at Patrick & Menzies. Although choosing glasses that fit your style is important there are other factors to consider, too.
Dan explained: “The frames must also be able to hold the lenses correctly so they can do the best job.
“Usually, we try to find frames which fit well straight from the shelf – if too many adjustments are needed, they probably aren’t the right ones for you.”
Basic adjustments may be made to make sure they sit correctly and then measurements are taken to ensure the lenses align properly with the eyes. The more complex the lenses or prescription, the more measurements required.
The dispensing optician will also talk through any lens treatments which may be helpful such as scratch resistant or reflection-free lenses.
Around 10 days later your glasses will be ready to collect at a dispensing appointment where we will recap the lenses and frames we have created and get you to try them on.
Dan explained: “Lots of lenses come with yellow fitting marks on the lenses so the dispensing optician can check the fit and alignment. Don’t worry – we will clean it off once we have made sure you are comfortable!
“We will then check the patient’s vision with the new lenses to make sure they are seeing as well as they possibly can.
“If you are new to glasses or you have had a significant change to your prescription it can take a little time to get used to your new glasses. Sometimes it can take a couple of weeks for you to get used to them, but we always ask our patients to let us know if they are experiencing problems with their lenses sooner rather than later so we can make any necessary adjustments.”
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Taking care of your eyewear this Christmas
We’re fast approaching the festive season – and as staff at our four north Essex branches will tell you it also seems to be the time of year when more people than usual break their glasses!
So, if a nose pad goes missing while you’re unwrapping your presents, you sit on your specs when you settle down to watch King Charles give his first Christmas speech or a screw slips out while you’re on a Boxing Day walk, don’t worry. The Patrick & Menzies team can help.
Patrick & Menzies’ Dan Edwards said: “We always find people seem to break or lose their glasses more around Christmas time, so we do advise patients to consider investing in an extra pair of specs. Then, if the worst does happen, you still have a fall-back plan. So long as you have an up-to-date prescription then all you need to do is call us to book a dispensing appointment and we can help you to choose the right spare pair for you.”
Many people now choose to have multiple pairs of glasses frames as if you want to dress to impress, altering your eyewear is an easy way to switch up your look.
And if you do break your classes we are also primed and ready to carry out repairs. Just phone your local branch once we reopen and we will do our best to make them as good as new.
So, whether you need a simple spare pair, or you’re searching for new standout eyewear, we have plenty of options to choose from. You can browse a large selection of the frames available from Patrick & Menzies on our website, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Needless to say, if you are worried about your vision or have any concerns about your eyes, get in touch with us as soon as possible to book an appointment. Our branches are closed for the period between Christmas and new year, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. You can either book over the phone or book online.
Festive opening times
All of our branches will be open right up to 1pm on Christmas Eve, reopening at 9am on Tuesday 3 January for the start of the new year.
We would like to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. Our deepest thanks for your ongoing support.
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