Glasses
Can I Use My Everyday Glasses as Safety Glasses?
No - standard prescription glasses should not be used as safety eyewear, as optical lenses are not impact-rated. For school science, DT, workshop work, DIY or sport where something could hit the eye, you need purpose-made safety glasses with polycarbonate lenses that meet the relevant impact standard (such as EN166). Ask us and we'll point you to the right option.
All purpose-made safety glasses use polycarbonate lenses - approximately ten times stronger than standard optical plastic and significantly more impact-resistant than glass. Polycarbonate is the material of choice for safety eyewear globally, and it also provides inherent UV protection.
Safety eyewear should meet EN166:2002, the European standard for personal eye protection - and ASTM F803 for sports-specific protective eyewear where applicable. We can advise on the right specification for your particular activity or workplace requirement, and provide compliance documentation where needed.
Ask us and we'll point you to the right option.
Bifocal vs. Varifocal - Which Is Right for You?
Bifocal glasses have two distinct zones - distance above, near below - with a visible line and an immediate transition that most people adapt to straight away, at a lower cost. Varifocals blend distance, intermediate and near in a single line-free lens with a short adaptation period. There genuinely isn't one right answer - it depends on your prescription, what you do day to day, and personal preference.
| Bifocals | Varifocals | |
|---|---|---|
| Vision zones | Distance + near, with a visible line | Distance + intermediate + near, blended, no line |
| Best for | Mainly distance or reading; simplest transition | All three distances; driving + computer work |
| Trade-off | The line, and a "jump" between zones | A short adaptation period; higher cost |
Bifocals might suit you better if: you want a straightforward lens with no adaptation period; you spend a lot of time either reading or looking at distance, and not much time in between; cost is a factor (bifocals are typically less expensive than equivalent varifocals); or you've tried varifocals before and found them frustrating.
Varifocals might suit you better if: you need good vision at all three distances - distance, computer screen and reading; you'd prefer a lens with no visible line; you're comfortable with a short adaptation period; or you do a lot of driving or computer work.
We'll talk through your situation honestly and make a genuine recommendation - not just tell you what you want to hear. Come in and we'll talk it through.
Men's Glasses
We stock frames to suit all styles from the cutting edge sports brand Oakley to the best selling eyewear brand in the world-Ray Ban. We have frames made from various materials including light weight titanium and handmade acetate.
Women's Glasses
We have an extensive range of frames to suit your needs. Whether you want the latest fashion “must haves”, mid range or budget brands, we can find your perfect match.
Children's Glasses
The Northern Optical Company offer children’s frames in different styles and colours. From Barbie to Batman we have brands which your children will love, making them want to wear their glasses.
Sunglasses aren’t just about looking good, they also protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light. All our sunglasses block 100% of UV rays. We offer sunglasses to suit all budgets and can often put your spectacle prescription in them.
