Discover HOYA EnRoute Driving Lenses

Nigel Robinson on August 3, 2024

Sharp vision & safer journeys with driving lenses for glasses

Do you love to escape on the road on long drives, or do you go behind the wheel as a necessity? Whatever your answer, wouldn’t it be great if your drive was safer and easier on your eyes? Considering how crucial having good vision is to being able to drive responsibly and comfortably, it’s our responsibility as eyecare professionals to let you know if there is something to help.

Lucky for you, there is!

HOYA EnRoute driving lenses for glasses are arguably the best driving glasses lenses available today. So, how do they work, and what do you stand to gain?

Hoya EnRoute driving lenses – The tech

There’s a reason HOYA EnRoute is considered the best driving glasses option for distance vision or varifocal wearers — and it’s the technology behind them.

First, they feature a Glare Filter. This cuts out high-energy light from oncoming LED and xenon headlights, streetlights, and your dashboard. The result? Excellent anti-glare driving glasses that also improve contrast and brightness in low-light conditions, making night driving less of a strain on your eyes and less stressful.

Then, there’s the Integrated Double Surface Design for varifocal lenses. That’s tech-speak for glasses lenses typically worn by people in their 40s upwards who need a prescription for near and distance vision. This particular design delivers a wider visual field and speedy switching between distances, meaning you can experience a clear, comfortable vision whether you’re looking at your speedometer, the road, or your mirrors.

Finally, EnRoute offers Balanced View Control for varifocals, too. This provides stable image perception, which means you can see what’s ahead of you clearly despite the constant movement and changing dynamics of driving.

Why does it matter?

Want sharp, comfortable vision for a safer drive? Get ready to discover what makes HOYA Enroute some of the best driving glasses to wear all year round.

If more comfortable vision isn’t quite enough to convince you of the benefits of HOYA EnRoute driving lenses for glasses, consider this: 90% of your reaction time depends on your vision.

By reducing glare, improving contrast and brightness, and ensuring a smooth transition between distances, HOYA EnRoute improves your vision while driving, where every second can count — and that keeps you safer on the road.

This is especially important as darker evenings draw closer and you want to feel more confident on the road.

To find out more about how HOYA EnRoute can make driving more comfortable and safer for you, get in touch with Robinson Optometrists, your trusted opticians in Whitley Bay.

Spotlight on Kaleos eyewear

Nigel Robinson on July 2, 2024

Kaleos eyewear and glasses at Robinson Optometrists, Whitley Bay Opticians

Discover your signature style with Kaleos eyewear

From Antoni Gaudí’s Basílica de la Sagrada Família to delectable Catalan delicacies, Barcelona has given the world a long list of cultural delights.

Amongst that list is a thriving fashion scene that blends the city’s unique flair with avant-garde creativity. It’s from this scene that Kaleos eyewear was born in 2013, founded by Claudia Brotons and Pol Grau, to offer high-quality, high-fashion glasses at prices that won’t break the bank.

We think they got it spot on and we’re delighted to stock a wide range of Kaleos glasses in practice. The brand draws its inspiration from Barcelona’s rich artistic heritage and dynamic urban culture, a fusion that comes out loud and clear in its bold and colourful frame designs.

From classic to cutting-edge

Kaleos offers a wide range of styles, from classic to cutting-edge. Their collections include oversized glasses, retro-inspired designs, and sleek minimalist options. The brand is particularly known for its statement pieces featuring unique shapes and colour combinations. Kaleos also experiments with materials, incorporating premium acetate and high-grade metals, such as titanium.

Each frame is put together by hand with exceptional attention to detail. It’s the antithesis of fast fashion – these glasses are made with care and built to last.

As a fashion industry veteran, co-founder and creative director, Claudia Brotons has brought her unique insight into trends, design, and manufacturing processes to create a 21 st -century eyewear brand that blends modern and classic styles to perfection.

Every six months, a new collection of eclectic and daring Kaleos sunglasses and glasses is released. Each design takes over a year and a half from conception to production.

Our top Kaleos picks

It’s fair to say we love the entire range, but if our staff had to choose two frames that embody Barcelona’s vibe, it would be these.

Megs loves this glasses frame. Gaudi’s modernism is echoed in a funky, geometric design that mixes up colours tastefully.

More Kaleos Designer Eyewear, Whitley Bay

The whole team loves this frame for its oversized, chunky shape that scream ‘I’ve arrived’ balanced out with versatile yet striking hues that work with any outfit.

Browse our Kaleos collection

Visit our opticians in Whitley Bay to awaken your Mediterranean spirit and embody art with our fabulous Kaleos eyewear collection now!

Eye health: Can UV cause cataracts?

Nigel Robinson on June 5, 2024

Can UV cause cataracts?

Long days, warm evenings, weekends in the garden or the park. Summer is a time of year when most of us love to be outside enjoying the sunshine. You just can’t beat those easy-going, relaxed, sunny vibes.

However, while we hasten to spend as much time outside as possible, we must also take precautions to protect ourselves from sun damage caused by UV rays. One question our patients often ask is, ‘Can UV cause cataracts?’

Let’s explore the link, symptoms, and how you can stay safe in the sun.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, most common in people over 60 which typically develops gradually as you age.

This is when the lens in your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy or opaque. It’s caused by proteins in your lens breaking down and clumping together, affecting the quality of your vision. It usually only affects one eye at a time rather than both simultaneously.

Signs and symptoms of cataracts

The signs and symptoms of cataracts typically develop gradually over time:

● Cloudy and blurry vision; often the first and most common symptom.
● Difficulty seeing at night; activities such as driving at night or reading in low light can become difficult.
● Sensitivity to light and glare; bright lights can seem more intense than usual or have a halo effect.
● Fading or yellowing of colours; they can seem less vibrant.

These symptoms can also be caused by other eye conditions. If you’re experiencing any of them, it’s important to book an eye examination to get a professional diagnosis from our experience optometrists.

How do UV rays cause cataracts?

UV rays from sunshine exacerbate the breakdown of proteins in your natural lens, which kicks off the early development of cataracts. These rays can also damage cell membranes in the lens, making them weaker. Additionally, UV rays can lead to the buildup of yellow pigments, which
contributes to lens discolouration.

Protecting your eyes

It’s not all bad news, though! When it comes to your eye health, a belt and braces approach is worth it.

If you’re wondering, “Are cataracts preventable?” The answer is yes, to some degree. While there are other risk factors, such as genetics, one simple yet effective way to protect your eyes and enjoy the sunshine is by wearing a high-quality pair of UV protection sunglasses.

All our sunglasses carry the CE UV400 or British Standard Mark (BSI Kitemark) with lenses that offer 100% UV protection. In terms of sunglasses frames, we recommend oversized and wraparound styles for the most coverage around your eyes to completely shield them from the
sun.

Additionally, your everyday prescription eyewear can protect your eyes
from UV too. The Hi-Vision Meiryo lens coating from our lens supplier
Hoya, provides 100% UV protection on the front and extra protection on
the back of the lens, too.

The importance of regular eye examinations

It’s important for you to attend regular eye examinations as they are the
first port of call for diagnosing cataracts. It also means over time; we can
monitor changes in your vision and any cataract development. If cataracts
are severely affecting your vision, we’ll refer you for cataract surgery. It’s
a simple procedure that’s typically very straightforward and effective.

Contact us for more information

Contact our opticians in Whitley Bay if you have any concerns about your eye health or if you’d like to learn more about cataract symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

Our top Father’s Day gift ideas

Nigel Robinson on June 3, 2024

With Father’s Day approaching, it’s an ideal time to pick something special you know they will love. If you’re struggling this year, we have the best Father’s Day gift ideas for you… sunglasses! Not only will they make an excellent gift because they are stylish, but they will show you care.

To help you make your choice, we’ve selected three brands that dads nationwide will appreciate: Tom Ford, Ray-Ban, and Land Rover. Read on to find out more.

Tom Ford

Close-up of a pair of sunglasses

Description automatically generated

Having been the creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford put his reputation and name on the line to start something fresh and memorable. High-quality materials, precision engineering and Italian craftsmanship form the backbone of his operation.

These square-framed sunglasses show how Tom Ford manages to weave the vintage with the contemporary. The angular design plays perfectly with round and oval-shaped faces, and the blend of tortoiseshell and moody Havana tones of orange, black, and brown offers versatility with countless aesthetic preferences.

These are sunnies for the chic, stylish and fashion-conscious men amongst us.

Ray-Ban

A close up of sunglasses

Description automatically generated

This company is synonymous with sunglasses and classic, eternal style, and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are a model that will always be a solid choice. The Wayfarer comes in a few different forms, but we are in love with the New Wayfarer Classic, as pictured here. Being a bit smaller, they can accommodate a variety of face shapes, and the rounded design offers a softer yet more compelling finish.

The G-15 polarised lenses only allow 15% of light to pass through, so your dad would be glare-free, cool, and comfortable.

Land Rover

A pair of sunglasses on a window

Description automatically generated

Land Rover is a brand seeking out sporty and adventurous souls, and the pair featured here meld this aesthetic with clean and minimalist elements, finished in a lovely matte black.

The frame shape complements rounder faces and harnesses that sought-after timeless style. Land Rover is a British brand known for its attention to detail and for producing superior on and off-road vehicles that can navigate incredible obstacles. This “go-anywhere” attitude and premium feel have been transferred to its eyewear, making these a perfect pair for the thrill-seeking dad.

Visit our Opticians in Whitley Bay

We have the perfect gifts for Father’s Day: sunglasses! Rest assured, all of our shades can be fitted with prescription lenses if needed. We’d love to welcome you to our practice, so please get in touch to book an appointment or visit us to browse our eyewear and sunglasses ranges!

Meet our Optometrists

Nigel Robinson on May 3, 2024

Robinson Optometrists, Whitley Bay Opticians

At Robinson Optometrists, we pride ourselves on having a fantastic team that provides every patient with a service that is second to none. Our practice offers a relaxed and friendly environment to help you feel comfortable when you come for an eye test in Whitley Bay. Our optometrists are the main port of call when you attend your eye exam, so why not carry on reading to get to know them a little better?

John

Up first is our colleague from north of the border, John, who’s been a valued member of the team for 20 years! John moved to Scotland from South Africa in his youth and started with us as a pre-registration student before qualifying in 2004.

As a contact lens wearer, John has a special interest in that area, as well as being involved in the North Tyneside diabetic eye care programme. You’ll find John loves a good chat with patients and will be happy to tell you all about his hobbies, including sea fishing and watching Hibbs as a season ticket holder!

Elaine

Say hello to Elaine! We are incredibly lucky to have Elaine working with us as she is one of only a few independent prescribing optometrists in the area. Elaine has experience working in the eye emergency department of Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), which is invaluable to us here at the practice.

With years of experience behind her, and as one of our optometrists in Newcastle, it’s safe to say Elaine is passionate about looking after her patients’ eyes, and everyone who meets her also says she is lovely! You’ll see her out and about running, training for a 5k or marathon when she’s not at work.

Andrea

Our optometrist, Andrea, is super popular with our patients and team. As a genuine people person, Andrea loves getting to know our patients and will do everything she can to help them. Her qualifications enable her to provide emergency care for minor eye conditions like red eye.

Andrea is also qualified in paediatrics, and she is a part of the local paediatric scheme. She loves helping people of all ages, even more so if you chat with her about her beloved Newcastle United!

Stop by to say hello

Now that you’ve got a little insight into some of our fabulous optometrists, why not pay us a visit and meet them in person? Contact us to book an appointment with our opticians in Whitley Bay today – we know you’ll love them as much as we do!

Step Out In Style With Just Cavalli Glasses

Nigel Robinson on August 1, 2023

Just Cavalli is a high-end eyewear brand that has mastered the art of producing statement-making eyewear. Their glasses are a perfect mix of classic and contemporary design, making them a must-have for fashion-forward individuals. We’re excited to showcase our top picks from our carefully curated Just Cavalli collection, from sleek cat-eye to oversized, bold frames. Get ready to glam up and upgrade your accessory game with Just Cavalli glasses!

Just Cavalli‘s Iconic Fashion Evolution

Just Cavalli stands out from the crowd when it comes to women’s designer glasses. Founded in 1998 by Roberto Cavalli, the brand has become famous for its unique and edgy style, blending rock, street cool and urban-inspired elements. Their frames offer a more accessible version of the designer’s luxury style, making it perfect for those who love contemporary fashion.

Its bold and unconventional designs feature oversized frames with animal prints and architectural shapes with bold accents, making it a favourite of many fashion-forward women looking to experiment with a new look. With its fearless and innovative designs, it’s easy to see why Just Cavalli has become such a standout designer glasses brand.

Our Must-Have Just Cavalli Glasses

At our opticians in Whitley Bay, we offer a diverse range of Just Cavalli frames that are sure to make a statement. Our in-house style experts are showcasing their top 3 picks from the collection just for you!

There’s just something about an oversized frame that exudes a sense of confidence and style. And when you combine that with the beautiful tortoiseshell colouring of this pair, it’s no wonder they’re one of our favourites. The warm brown and amber tones give a classic, timeless vibe that’s hard to resist. This doubles up as a great everyday pair or one you bring out just for special occasions as the showstopping centrepiece of your outfit!

If you’re in search of a chic and modern eyewear option, look no further than this chunky square acetate frame. This screams bold and ready for business, with the perfect balance of sophistication. Definitely a versatile design that can easily transition from day to night and a frame shape suited to people with rounder faces in particular to give them a more chiselled look.

The sleek look of this frame has caught our eye with its beautiful use of contrasting grey leopard print tones to complement the cat-eye shape. The addition of a pop of vibrant pink on the sides has truly taken this frame to the next level, adding a playful touch to this beautifully understated frame.

The Ultimate Style Statement

Just Cavalli is a name that has become synonymous with bold and daring fashion choices. From statement prints to edgy designs, this brand never fails to impress. It’s about being confident, taking risks, breaking free from the conventional and expressing individuality through style. That’s why we love Just Cavalli glasses so much!

If you’re in need of a new pair of glasses, look no further than Just Cavalli and our other top brands. Our opticians in Whitley Bay offer a wide range of stylish and practical frames to suit any style preferences and vision needs. Visit us to browse our latest collections now!