Le Parc: Superb Colourful Glasses

Nigel Robinson on March 2, 2025

Our new Mediterranean-inspired eyewear collection has a unique power to catapult you from the mundane to the extraordinary – at least in your imagination. One minute you’re waiting for the Metro in Newcastle on a chilly Monday morning; slip on a pair of colourful glasses, and suddenly, you’re on a beachfront in Nice, sipping a café au lait.

That magical transportation is exactly what we want to deliver at Robinson Optometrists – and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce our latest collection.

A splash of Mediterranean sunshine in Whitley Bay

A pair of grey Le Parc glasses with rose gold sides.

Le Parc has just landed at our practice, bringing with it the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean living. Think azure seas kissing terracotta coastlines, bustling markets alive with hues of saffron and paprika and golden sunlight casting everything in a hazy glow. This isn’t just eyewear – it’s the pocket-size Mediterranean you can wear.

The Med’s unique bohemian style is one that never tries too hard, yet always looks spectacular. Le Parc captures this essence perfectly. They’re frames that make a statement while looking completely at home on your face.

Craftsmanship that tells a story

Each pair of Le Parc frames is created by the hands of skilled artisans. The collection features high-grade Italian acetate – a game-changing material that allows for rich, saturated colours and patterns to blend and pop like no other.

The creation process involves multiple stages of hand-finishing, with craftspeople meticulously polishing each frame to bring out the depth and character of the colours. It’s this attention to detail that gives each pair of Le Parc frames their distinctive personality. You can almost feel the warmth of the Mediterranean workshop they were born in.

A diverse collection of possibilities

A pair of oversized, square tortoiseshell Le Parc glasses in a case.

Beyond its essential functionality, the Le Parc collection offers a delightful spectrum of designs to match any personality.

If you’re after something bold, chunky acetate frames come in striking colour combinations that channel the energy of Barcelona’s art scene. Or, if you prefer a more subtle look, there are minimalist metal designs that offer a quiet elegance with a hint of coastal charm.

What’s particularly lovely about these frames is their signature round temple tips – a small but significant detail that creates a perfect colour accent. This thoughtful design element means every frame carries that distinctive Le Parc character.

Bring some sunshine to Tyne and Wear

A member of the Robinson Optometrists team holding a pair of black and rose gold butterfly-shaped metal Le Parc glasses.

In a world of increasingly similar eyewear, Le Parc brings something genuinely refreshing to the table.

Let’s be honest, there’s lots to love about living in the Northeast, but a tropical climate isn’t one. However, with Le Parc, you can carry a bit of that sunny disposition with you whatever the weather.

Your Mediterranean adventure awaits

Ready to inject some coastal colour into your life? Pop into our opticians in Whitley Bay to experience the magic of Le Parc yourself. Our team will help you discover which piece of Mediterranean bohemia suits you best – no passport required for this stylish journey!

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

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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

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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

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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!

Half price luxury sunglasses offer at Robinsons Opticians in Whitley Bay

Site Administrator on May 20, 2019

Half price luxury sunglasses when you order a complete pair of glasses from any of our Boutique ranges.

Tom Davies is just for you. That’s the feeling you get every time you wear a pair of Tom Davies spectacles..

Whether you’re choosing ready-to-wear, custom-made to order or sunglasses, you’re choosing a bespoke, handcrafted product. It’s the coming together of a designer frame shape, high quality materials, precise measurements and fine-tuned fitting.

Why not visit our Practice in Whitley Bay to find out more?