Style focus – Metal frames
Timelessly stylish, metal spectacle frames will never go out of fashion.
Tending to be lighter and more flexible they are great if you want a simple look which makes less of a statement than bolder, acetate options.
But picking your favourite pair is unlikely to be an easy task as there is a surprising variety of shapes, looks and colours to choose from.
So which ones to choose? Read on to find out about some of our favourite metal frames currently in stock at Patrick & Menzies.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 1035 – SILVER
No one is more famous for wearing round metal frames than the legendary John Lennon. This pair offers a contemporary twist on the classic style, allowing you to Imagine you are the Beatles frontman if you so wish! The rounded shaping would particularly suit someone with a softly curving face.
JASPER CONRAN – JCM007 – COL 3
Chunkier than your average pair of metal frames, these Jasper Conran specs are super cool. The matt silver colouring gives them an added edge.
NIKON – NC1021 – 301
For a serious look that shows you mean business these frames from Nikon are the perfect pair. In classic black with a bar running across the top of the lenses, they are a great example of how simplicity is anything but boring.
HERO – 4276 – C1
In a style often favoured by actor Hugh Jackman, these specs are effortlessly cool. Sophisticated and lightweight these half-rimmed frames would suit people with a diamond face shape. Not sure what shape your face is? Check out our blog Finding the Right Frames for Your Face.
VOGUE – 4108 – 5101
We love the cat eye shaping of these glasses from Vogue. While not overly bold, the thin, black frame will really draw attention to your eyes.
WOLF EYEWEAR – 2058 – C84
Although metal frames tend to be simpler it doesn’t mean they have to scrimp on style as this beautiful pair from Wolf Eyewear shows. The almost rose gold colouring of the metal sits perfectly with the muted pinks and blues of the patterned sides. As ever you can trust Wolf Eyewear to create glasses that are a little bit different from the rest.
Did you know you can browse the range of glasses frames on offer from Patrick & Menzies from the comfort of your home? Click here to take a look.
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Style focus – Acetate frames
Light and comfy to wear, there is so much choice on offer when it comes to plastic spectacle frames.
From solid colours to intricate patterns, chunky acetate to lightweight resin, you really can project your personality with a plastic frame.
With so many different frames to choose from, we have taken our pick of some of our favourite options on offer at the moment at Patrick & Menzies.
MATTISSE – 53S – MARINA
If you are looking for pattern in your frames, plastic really is fantastic. This pair from Mattisse is a brilliant example of what can be created. A burgundy strip draws attention to the eye, coupled with a striking pattern of criss-crossed black lines, resulting in a spectacular pair of specs.
SEA 2 SEE – VERONA
Looking for ethical eyewear? Then Sea2See is for you. This stylish range of frames is made from abandoned fishnets and ropes collected by fishing communities off the coast of Spain. Best of all you don’t need to abandon a love of style in favour of your beliefs as the Sea2See range fulfils in both areas by the bucket-load. These beautiful two-toned frames are a great example of what’s on offer from Sea2See.
Find out more >
SILHOUETTE – 1560
In a muted red, these Silhouette specs show that plastic can just as easily be sleek as well as chunky.
TIFFANY – 2189
Feminine without being overly girly, these dusky pink frames are proof that Tiffany really does know how to create standout eyewear. The sparkle along the sides is the perfect final touch.
EMPORIO ARMANI – 3079
Plastic frames don’t need to be brightly coloured. This perfect pair from Amporio Armani is classically shaped and superbly stylish.
WOLF EYEWEAR – 3101
So, we may have just mentioned that plastic frames don’t have to be colourful, but if you do want to brighten up your look, they offer a fantastic way to do just that. For people who like bolder colours and patterns when it comes to their glasses, Wolf Eyewear is a great place to start. This pair makes us think of sipping cocktails on a tropical beach – and what could be nicer than that?
Did you know you can browse the range of glasses frames on offer from Patrick & Menzies from the comfort of your home? Why not take a look.
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What happens at a child’s eye test?
Keeping on top of your child’s eye health from an early age is so important.
As well as allowing any issues to be addressed early on, taking your child to the opticians from a young age can help make the experience part of the norm, ensuring they get into good habits.
The best time to start coming for regular eye checks is around the age of two. However, if there is a family history of vision problems then it would pay to book in even earlier.
Patrick & Menzies’ Dan Edwards explained: “At the very least we recommend children have their eyes checked out before they start school. We want to make sure any issues are addressed as early as possible, even if it takes some time to resolve them.
“If visual problems aren’t picked up, not only may that child have difficulty seeing clearly and struggle to keep up with their learning as a result, but it can also sometimes lead to other issues in the classroom such as poor attention span and disruptive behaviour.
“Sometimes when children are struggling with their sight, they will respond by going into themselves, while others may express this through bad behaviour.”
If you are looking to have your child’s eyes tested for the first time, just give us a call and book an appointment. Try to talk to your child in advance about why you will be coming for the appointment and what will happen, so they can arrive calm and confident about what to expect.
Explain that they will need to sit in a big chair, and the lighting may be dimmed for some of the tests.
As well as assessing the general health of the child’s eyes, the optometrist will check their vision in a number of different ways to understand how well they can see. It’s not difficult or scary – they just need to give easy, straightforward answers to the questions the optometrist asks, and at the end they might even get a sticker for coming along!
Don’t worry if your child isn’t talking much yet or is unable to recognise the alphabet, as there are other methods that can be used to assess the health of their eyes.
Dan explained: “The optometrist will be able to get lots of information from the parent or carer about what the child will and will not understand. For those children who can’t yet read letters, pictures of familiar objects can be used instead. These are specifically designed to replicate the same results as if they were reading the letters chart.
“If the child is very young, we will use retinoscopy techniques where we shine a light in the eye and assess how it reflects off the retina. We can see how it moves and judge if it the child is normal sighted, short sighted or long sighted.
“It’s normal for young children to be slightly long sighted, this resolves as the child grows. The optometrist will be able to judge if their vision is as expected for their age.”
As part of the examination the optometrist will be checking for stereo vision – or in other words if the eyes are working together as they should – by showing them a series of pictures, which should look 3D.
If the child is able to recognise numbers, they will also be tested for colour deficiency. They will be asked to look at an image made up of different coloured dots and say if they can see a number hidden within it.
Usually, children should have an eye examination once a year, unless any issues are spotted and then it will be more frequently.
Should you discover your child needs glasses, we have a great range to choose from at Patrick & Menzies. Take a look at all of our children’s glasses currently in stock.
Call us to book an appointment or book online
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Making sure your vision is the best it can be
If you are due an eye test, need to replace your glasses or are thinking of switching to contact lenses then look no further – Patrick & Menzies is here to help!
As a proudly independent opticians we have been looking after people’s eyes for more than 30 years and have always done things a little bit differently to the competition.
With branches in Braintree, Brightlingsea and Mersea, we have the added benefit of being based in market town and seaside locations which mean that it’s much easier to find a parking space nearby than in the centre of a bigger town and you may even get to enjoy the local area after your appointment.
There are lots of other reasons to support our local, independent business. Here are just a few.
Time
Your vision matters to us. That’s why we give longer for our eye examinations than many opticians, allowing our optometrists the time they need to assess all aspects of your vision and eye health.
Our aim is for all of our patients to leave feeling listened to, fully informed and reassured that their eyes are taken care of, whether it’s a routine check-up or an appointment about a specific concern or symptom that’s bothering them. We’ll never rush you or dismiss your worries.
Once we have examined every aspect of your vision and eye health, we will take the time to clearly explain any changes that have occurred and explore what we can do to help.
Expertise
When you book an appointment at Patrick & Menzies you can be confident in the skills and expertise of all of our staff.
Every member of the team, from our optical assistants and dispensers to our optometrists, is continually developing their knowledge and expertise to ensure the information we provide to you is bang up to date.
The technology we use to assess your eyes is also regularly updated.
Choice
When picking your glasses frames our team is on hand to help you select the perfect pair. We can offer advice on which frames will best meet your needs, taking into account fit, comfort, and suitability for your lenses.
Fitting
The fit of your glasses plays an important part in how well they work for you, so it is always best to go to a dispensing optician when buying new frames.
That’s why as well as taking accurate measurements, we also take the time to understand what you need from your glasses to make sure you get the very best from them.
When your frames are ready for collection, pop in and we can do any final adjustments to make sure they fit just right.
Our patients tell us this is particularly useful when there has been a significant change to their prescription or they’re trying out a new type of lens for the first time.
And if your glasses should become uncomfortable or slip, we will be happy to adjust or refit them.
After care
If the worst does happen and your glasses break, don’t worry – we can more than likely fix them.
Just pop into one of our branches and in most cases, we will be able to repair them while you wait.
If you bought your glasses from us, we won’t charge for small fixes like new screws or nose-pads. If it’s something more serious then we can send them to our repairers.
If you are concerned about your eyesight, or are due a regular check-up please do give us a call to book an appointment.
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Hay fever eyecare
Watery eyes, runny nose, constant sneezing – for many these are signs that summer is on the way and hay fever season has kicked in.
Starting as early as March in the UK, hay fever season continues throughout the summer, though depending on what you are allergic to you may only suffer from symptoms for a portion of that time.
But what exactly is hay fever?
Charlotte Wearmouth, Optometrist and Patrick & Menzies Partner, explained: “Hay fever is essentially an allergic reaction to pollen – mainly either from trees or grass. Usually, you will be exposed to the pollen by breathing it in. The body sees the pollen as something harmful, which triggers your immune system. A chemical called histamine is then released and this causes the blood vessels to widen alongside an increase in mucous production which will leave you feeling congested with a runny nose and watery eyes.
“Hay fever sufferers often find their eyes also become red and itchy with swelling or puffiness around the eyes caused by inflammation. Generally, if you are suffering from hay fever it will affect both of your eyes, not just one.”
Even if you haven’t grown up with hay fever, it’s something you can develop in adulthood. And, like other allergies, you can grow out of it too.
Over the counter treatments are usually the best course of action to combat hay fever symptoms. If you are particularly suffering with eye irritation antihistamine eye drops may ease the discomfort.
However, Charlotte warns: “If there is no improvement in your dry, itchy, red eyes after taking antihistamines for a week, then you should make an urgent appointment at your opticians to ensure you are not suffering from a different eye condition.”
Hay fever sufferers may benefit from reducing the amount of they wear contact lenses while experiencing symptoms, especially if using two-weekly or monthly contact lenses.
“This is because the contact lenses could accumulate allergens over time, and glasses may provide a barrier to protect your eyes from pollen in the air,” Charlotte explained.
Wearing sunglasses when outside can also help, again providing a barrier to protect your eyes from pollen in the air. You can check out our full range of sunglasses online.
If you are concerned about your eyesight please do give us a call to book an appointment. ⠀⠀
We are here to look after your eyes, glasses, and contact lenses, with Covid-secure measures in place to keep everyone safe.
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Colour focus | cool tones
Beautiful blues, calming greens, subtle silvers – cool tones can be used to great effect when creating spectacular specs.
Traditionally these cooler colours are said to look great on people with a fair complexion and those with an olive skin tone. But don’t feel you have to follow the rules when it comes to picking the perfect frames for you!
We have a lovely range of blue frames available in our branches, from the deepest navy all the way through to the brilliant blue of a summer sky, we are sure to have something to match your favourite shade.
Silver glasses offer classic style and have the benefit of co-ordinating with pretty much any outfit, while greens can add a real touch of class.
Check out some of our favourite cool toned frames available now from Patrick & Menzies.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 1034 – NAVY
There’s nothing to be blue about with these frames from Anton Phillips. The shade of the frames, though described as navy, has a real warmth which is bold yet far from showy. These stunning glasses have a real wow factor and are sure to accentuate your eyes.
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AUTOFLEX – 109 – 710
These silver Autoflex frames are classic and stylish. A thin bar running across the top of the lenses combined with rectangular shaping add a serious quality to these specs.
Find out more >
PUCCINI – 274 – C1
We love the attention to detail that you find in Puccini glasses. This pair is a great example. Simple silver frames are taken to another level with the help of a beautiful design detail on the hinge and a striking flash of turquoise on the inner of the sides.
Find out more >
WOLF – 3085 – C72
The mottled green and black of these Wolf Eyewear frames is sure to get your glasses noticed for all the right reasons. These glasses are a great option for people looking for a bold option with cool undertones.
Find out more >
WALTER AND HERBERT – ELGAR
You can trust Walter & Herbert to create glasses which are both sophisticated and a whole lot of fun. These frames make us think of a darkening sky just after sunset and we love the range of blues featured in the design.
Find out more >
If warm toned glasses are more your thing, fear not! Take a look at our recent blog featuring frames in fiery hues. And if you need help picking the right frames for your face shape take a read of another of our blogs.
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Brand Spotlight | Anton Phillips
At Patrick & Menzies we pride ourselves on offering our customers a superb range of high-quality frames.
So, when we come across a brand like Anton Phillips we couldn’t be happier!
The Anton Phillips range is truly diverse and has fantastic options for both men and women. Made of pure titanium, these are top quality, lightweight glasses which ooze timeless style.
Whether you are searching for classic metal frames or a more unique or colourful look, there is something to choose from.
It was tough, but we have picked out our top five pairs from this exciting range. Read on to find out more.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 1034 – NAVY
The intense blue of this frame really makes a statement. Couple with metal sides and you have a pair of specs that’s really special.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 2012 – SILVER
Half rim metal frame, finished off with a beautiful zebra stripe on the sides, adding personality and style without being too showy.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 1035 – SILVER
This round metal rimmed frame is a great take on a classic design. It would particularly suit anyone with a square or oval face shape.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 2038 – GRAPE
Almost like wood grain, the intricate pattern of this frame is stunning. The muted colouring works particularly well and offers contemporary style which won’t go out of fashion.
ANTON PHILLIPS – 2038 – PURPLE
As glasses-wearers know, your choice of frames can say a lot about you! So, if you want a look that screams modern sophistication, then these deep purple specs will be perfect for you. Best of all the classic shaping will suit most faces.
View the complete range of Anton Phillips frames we currently have in stock.
Did you know you can now browse a wide selection of our frames from the comfort of your own home via a new section on our website? Just click here to have a look. You can then pick out which pairs you would like to try on before you come in for your eye test.
Obviously, we don’t have all frames available at all times in all of our stores, but we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know.
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Christmas Colouring Competition
Tis the season to be jolly and at Patrick & Menzies we are getting into the spirit with a Christmas colouring competition.
Under 18s are invited to use all of their Christmassy creativity to decorate our festive colouring sheet, and be in with a chance of winning a delicious chocolatey prize!
You can use pastels, paint, crayons, pencils – or whatever else you fancy to add some sparkle to the design.
To take part simply click on the link below to download the colouring sheet. Print a copy and colour to your heart’s content!
PM_Christmas_Colouring_Comp_2020
Once complete scan or take a photo of your entry and send it in a private message to our Facebook or Instagram page. Don’t forget to give us a like while you are there!
Entries close at 11.59pm on 24th December 2020. One winner will be selected by the P&M team to win a festive chocolate prize. The winner will be announced on 28th December 2020.
A selection of the entries will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages, offering a moment of stardom for the budding artists.
With excitement rising as we get closer to the big day, what better way to keep the kids calm than with a spot of festive colouring!
Extra Information
There is no purchase necessary to enter. Making a purchase does not increase the chances of winning.
A winner will be chosen at random by a member of our team.
This competition is administered by Patrick and Menzies Opticians.
The prize is an 850g giant bar of Dairy Milk chocolate (pictured above).
We would like to share entries across our Facebook and Instagram pages. Please remember to tick the box on the colouring sheet, if you are happy for us to do this.
Competition is void where prohibited.
This competition is not endorsed, sponsored or administered by Facebook (or Instagram), nor is Facebook associated with your contest.
Facebook (and Instagram) is released from any responsibility to entrants or participants. It is understood that Facebook will not administer the contest or assist in it.
No “consideration” is required for participation. This means sharing of personal information, liking the page or sharing the post is not required in order to enter. Neither do you need to tag friends in the post in order to enter.
Entrants must reside in the United Kingdom
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Top tips to make Zoom calls a breeze
Until 2020, many of us had never even heard of Zoom. But with the outbreak of COVID-19, millions of people have turned to video conferencing, both for work and social interaction.
With many companies moving towards home working on a long term or permanent basis, now is the time to hone your Zoom skills beyond the basics of making sure the camera is working and the audio is on.
Patrick & Menzies has five top tips to help you make sure your video conferences are remembered for all the right reasons.
- Whether you are calling your granny or presenting a new strategy to the boss, make sure you look your best for video calls. Particularly for work calls, the more professional you look, the more confident you will feel. If you wear glasses you have a definite advantage here – a recent study found that needing to wear glasses might be associated with higher than average intelligence, so pop on those specs!
- As anyone who has ever tried to take the perfect selfie knows, you need to keep the camera angle at eye height or above to avoid looking like you have a double chin or showing everyone a view up your nostrils. If you are using a laptop place it on a stack of books making sure you are well framed on the screen.
- Good lighting is key if you want to avoid appearing in silhouette, or looking ill or tired. Where possible take your call from a position where you can face natural light. Alternatively place a lamp behind your laptop angling it so the light bounces off a wall or ceiling to avoid glare on your glasses. Anti-reflective lenses are definitely worth considering if you video call a lot as they block out any additional light, helping you see better and look better.
- Before your call check out your background. Move anything that’s distracting or unprofessional – dirty dishes, kids toys, the airer full of washing. For professional calls give virtual backgrounds provided by some conferencing apps a miss and go with your genuine background. Save that view of a tropical island or a scene from Star Wars for your next social call.
- Keep video conferencing calls to the point to help avoid digital eye strain. The past few months has seen screen-use rocket, and it’s important to protect your eyes where possible. According to the College of Optometrists, one in five adults in the country say they think their vision became worse during lock down, with one in three blaming it on too much screen time.
If you are concerned about your vision, or would like to explore options for anti-reflective lenses give us a call today.
*Get 10% off your specs, and 20% off an extra pair when you sign up to VisionPlan.
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Brand Spotlight | Wolf Eyewear
Looking for bold, bright frames with plenty of personality? Then look no further than Wolf Eyewear, the latest addition to the list of designer brands we stock.
Wolf Eyewear promises to create high-quality and innovative specs that reveal your wild side!
Founded in 2009, the British, family-run company supplies independent opticians across the UK and Europe.
Perfect for the fashion-conscious glasses-wearer, Wolf Eyewear uses a diverse range of materials and styles to offer individual design and superior quality at an affordable price.
Fun is at the heart of the Wolf Eyewear designs: “We love colour in frames and think it’s a fantastic way to express who you are. Eyewear is a relatively small part of ‘the wardrobe’ but is the first thing seen, and says a lot about the wearer. We use this by looking at new modern designs and fashionable colours whilst catering for the UK style, we also look at shades of colour, and designs that work for the majority of face shapes.”
While frame designs focus on fashion, Wolf Eyewear certainly doesn’t scrimp on quality.
Frames use a mix of titanium, stainless steel, acetate and a number of other new materials that give a lightweight, strong and comfortable feel to the wearer.
The collection ranges from traditional styling to retro-modern designs along with a lightweight plugged rimless collection.
There’s a real mix of bright and outrageous frames along with traditional and very wearable colours you would expect.
It’s hard to pick, but here’s the lowdown on our three favourite pairs of Wolf Eyewear specs.
Looking for frames which are ultra-feminine and fun at the same time? The 3063 style frames certainly fit the bill. The classic oval shape combined with a mottled mix of colour create a super stylish result.
These frames – style 3089 make us think of an exotic beach, fringed with palm trees and tropical birds taking to the skies. The mix of colours really pop and will certainly help the wearer stand out from the crowd.
Wolf frames aren’t just for women. This beautiful two-tone pair for example, are a great addition to our selection for men. The colouring is eye-catching without being showy and combined with flattering rectangular shaping these frames are a great option for anyone looking for something just a little bit different to the norm.
Obviously, we don’t have all frames available at all times in all of our stores, but we are always happy to help, so if there’s a particular style you’re interested in, just let us know!
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