Ask the CEO

All of the frames we can source are displayed in our catalog. There may be a few exceptions where we can obtain a specific frame not listed, but for the most part, if we can get it, we display it.

However, we can add lenses to any frame. So if there is a frame we cannot source, but you may have in your possession or can acquire elsewhere, we can fit lenses to it.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Dr. Cooper

That’s a difficult question to answer without a physical evaluation. I would suggest a visit to a local optometrist or ophthalmologist in order to evaluate his eye muscle coordination – to ensure all muscles are in balance – as well as a dilated eye examination to determine if there are any retinal or internal abnormalities. And of course, make sure he has an accurate and updated prescription for his eyes.

Hope this helps.

Dr. C

If it is what I think it is….It is called a Pince Nez..have not seen one in years but perhaps some of the high end manufacturers are coming out with modern versions these days….It actually “pinches” the bridge with no temple pieces.

We carry several sunglass lines that make glass lenses in non RX. You can try Ray Ban, Maui Jim and Costa Del Mar. We can make prescription glass lenses in just about any ophthalmic frame except for rimless style.

Lenses in an unfinished state come in large circular blanks. Minus prescriptions such as yours start off as thin in the center (thinness is dependent on the material) and gradually become thicker at the edges as you know. When a lens is cut to fit the eye wire (the part of your frame that holds the lenses in) it is first centered on your PD and then the “excess” part of the lens is cut off. This excess (thickness at edges) is reduced by cutting the lenses into frames with smaller eye wires. This is the only way in addition to using high index materials to reduce the edge thickness without rolling the edges. With this type of RX it is always better to use a frame that is rounder and where your pupil center is as close to the geometric center of the eye wire as possible. This will help even out whatever thickness is there and make the lenses look more uniform.

Take a look at Shuron eyeglasses, particularly the Freeway and the Sidewinder. Ray Ban RX eyeglasses offer the Ray Ban RX 5165 and there is always the option of the Ray Ban RX Wayfarer frame with custom clear prescription lenses.

Chances are if the lenses are glass and in good condition, you have UV protection. As far as being a collector’s item, they are probably not valuable, but still pretty neat to have!

Hello Sandy,

Sorry for the late reply. The axis of the astigmatism can vary over time for a variety of reasons, so it’s not too unusual to have a slight shift in the axis. In your case, the shift is about 5 degrees in the right eye, and this is a very small amount especially for the very low astigmatism correction you have.

And by the way, it is no problem to do bifocals for you online. We can compute the height of the bifocal mathematically – and provide a 100% guarantee if you’re not satisfied. So if you haven’t got your prescription filled and want to use our services, please call our customer service manager, Candace at 1-800-248-9427 ext 221 or email her Candace@framesdirect.com

Good luck with everything and if I can be of further help let me know.

Kind regards
Dr. Dhavid Cooper

We are unaware of a frame that does not have nose pads and is still light in weight. It is our recommendation to go to your local optical and try on a Seiko Titanium rimless frame (example: T486) and/or a Silhouette Rimless frame. These are extremely lightweight. Given your sensitivity it is best for you to try them on first before purchasing. We will be happy to help you if you need further guidance.

Below is a pretty good selection of size 58 eyeglasses that we carry. XXL and Fatheadz are our best sellers, but I have listed a few other options for you as well.

XXL Saint
XXL Knight
Fatheadz 701
Fatheadz 702
Fatheadz 703
B.M.E.C Big Mens Frank
B.M.E.C Gig Mens Max
Denim 108 Light Gold
Chesterfield 353T
Safilo Elasta 7145
Safilo Elasta 7118

Here are a few suggestions courtesy of our opticians:

46/19 Kate Spade Rosey
46/18 Denim 119
47/16 Armani Exchange 203
47/16 JLo 208

Hello Eide,

The bridge size can definitely have an effect on how the frame will fit on your face, especially if it is a plastic frame. Ideally when taking bifocal measurements, the frame/bridge should be adjusted first so that the frame is positioned correctly on your face – and then the measurements should be taken for the bifocal height. If the frame was just put on your face and no adjustments to it were made prior to your bifocal measurements being taken, that might account for some of your problem.

A wider bridge size would make your eyes appear closer to the bridge. If you are having trouble seeing things at near, then the larger bridge size might be having an impact – however, if you are having difficulty seeing clearly at a distance it’s not likely to be the bridge size, but rather the prescription itself.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dr.C

We carry 1.67, 1.70 and 1.74 index lenses.

UltraThin UV 1.67
Hi-Index 1.67
These lenses are thinner and lighter than they have ever been before by using the highest index of refraction at 1.67 and a most advanced material.
High prescriptions no longer mean thick, chunky lenses that can only be glazed into heavy frames. 1.67 lenses are up to 45% thinner than regular plastic lenses!

Hoya Hi-Index 1.70
This ultimate high index material offers patients with higher prescriptions uncompromised visual clarity in the thinnest, lightest and most fashionable lenses available anywhere in the world. The 1.70 refractive index combined with an Abbe Value of 36 transforms these plastic lenses into an optically superior lens option when the thinnest lens design is required for high prescriptions.

Hi-Index 1.74 Lenses
Hi-Index 1.74 lenses are the thinnest, flattest, and most cosmetically appealing lens ever developed and deserves the best of all technologies including the most advanced anti-reflective (AR) lens treatment.

These lenses are nearly 50% thinner than 1.50 index plastic and 13% thinner than 1.67 index, offering you the ultimate in technology and cosmetics by reducing the “eye-shrinking” effect that many high prescriptions have.

High index lenses have flatter curves than their lower-index counterparts for a reduced lens profile. A flatter curve, however, can cause off-axis blurred vision. To compensate, the 1.74 lens incorporates optical aspheric technology into the lens design. Not all aspherics are created equal. We have chosen only the industry’s most advanced optical performance in a flat design while preserving beautiful cosmetic appeal.

Yes, there is a fairly good solution for this issue. They are called the Zeiss Business lens. It’s a progressive lens where the top portion is designed for the computer distance and focuses up to a about feet away. The near portion as you move your eyes downward brings the keyboard into focus. They are not on our website yet, but we have tested them and they will be up in the next month or so. I have several friends who wear them and love them. Ask your local optician for these – I think you’ll be happy. Or if you wish to use our services, please contact josie@framesdirect.com – one of customer service persons who has dealt with these lenses and could take care of you.

Thanks
Kind regards
Dr. C

We are working on sorting frames by size. We have a huge database and are determining the most efficient way to do size sorting. I’d recommend contacting Candace@framesdirect.com our customer service manager or calling her at 1-800-248-9427 ext 221 about the frame. And we do ship to Canada. Thanks.

Kind regards
Dr. C

We do not carry the frame, but the manufacturer is Charmant and they provided this # for their Consumer Hotline: 800-645-2121 ext 648.

Hope this helps

Not quite sure what 88 stands for, but here are the other numbers:

189: Brooks Brothers model number
1005: Color code (but this must be a discontinued color because the manufacturer no longer has that color.)
50/19-135: Eye size, bridge size, temple size (in that order)
*Note: Only colors available in this frame now are: 1081, 1123, 1138, 1151)

In the past that was often the case. However, the new lens designs and materials that are now used in premium brand sunglasses are very impressive and accommodate most prescriptions. I would recommend Oakley lenses with Oakley RX sunglasses frames, or Wiley X lenses and frames if you are looking for wrap sunglasses and premium quality product.

Kind regards Dr. C

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone personally up in your lovely part of the world, but I would recommend contacting the BC Optometric Association http://www.optometrists.bc.ca/ and asking them for a solid recommendation. Please let me know if you have success. I will keep asking my colleagues if they know of someone and will come back to you if they do.

Kind regards
Dr. C

The best way to do this is when we go live with our new version of FrameFinder Virtual Try On where you’ll be able to upload your photo and try on frames and sort by size. We’re about a month away from that. We will be including the XXL eyeglasses frames collection that does have large sizes. Kind regards Dr. C

Hello Gail,

Based on the information you sent, for the OS (left eye) information no prescription amount was given for the cylinder (CYL). It just reads DS – so perhaps it was just a typo. If there is astigmatism, there will usually be a an amount of “power” written with an AXIS amount. If indeed there is no cylinder information, then the prescription is not for astigmatism.

However, to answer your question about the Plano lens. You are correct in that Plano indicates no prescription required – and in my practice the only time we used a Plano lens was for therapeutic purposes as a “bandage” contact lens.

It is common practice to prescribe a Plano contact lens with color contacts but not usually with clear lenses.

Is it possible that you are being fitted as a mono-vision patient, where one eye in this case, the right eye would be for distance viewing and the left eye for near viewing. If this is the case, then the doctor may have prescribed a very low “plus” lens (for example +0.25) for the right eye, even though the prescription says Plano.

However, a Plano lens will not improve distance viewing. It is designed without power to not interfere with the natural vision of the eye.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Dr. Dhavid Cooper
CEO

Those would be eyeglasses using Transitions lenses. You can order most eyeglasses frames with these lenses. See our Transitions Lenses page for more information and call our opticians at 1-800-248-9427 with any questions.

Yes, we certainly can. As long as your doctor has performed an accurate examination and specified exactly what amount of prism is required for your prescription, we will fill it 100% accurately.

To discuss your prescription in more detail, please call our customer service manager, Candace at 1-800-248-9427 ext 221 or e-mail her at candace@framesdirect.com – she will be able to answer any of your questions and will also discuss your prescription directly with Dr. Hodgson or me if necessary.

It depends on what the sunglasses are being used for and if the person wants safety protection or thinner, lighter lenses. Both are good quality materials, but the choice for which to use is based on different criteria. Polycarbonate lenses are impact and shatter resistant and thinner and lighter than regular plastic so are ideal for sports and children’s sunglasses as well as higher prescriptions. They come in polarized or non polarized blanks. Plastic lenses can be tinted and coated with UV protection in any prescription and are also available in polarized blanks.

The Brooks Bothers 611 was made in 2 sizes, 50 and 52. I have listed some frames below that look very similar and are available in one or both of those sizes.

Dolce Gabbana 3060
Prada 01IV

Also, Brooks Brothers 682 is very similar, but it is only available in 54 eye size.

I hope I was able to find you something very similar to what you were wearing. Please let me know if you need any further help.

Although you might see advertisements on TV about solutions you apply to optical lenses to take out the scratches, in the real optical world scratches cannot be buffed out or removed because additional buffing or grinding will affect the prescription as well as any scratch or anti-reflective coatings.

Corey -

If you’re active and still playing sports, I’d recommend the Oakley Radar or Oakley Flak Jacket. Both are sport specific frames and are available as prescription sunglasses as well.

Margie:

I am sorry, but we do not make the frames, we order them through the supplier, which in this case would be Concepts in Optics. Unfortunately, Concepts in Optics is no longer in business, therefore we cannot order the Urban Insticts collection.

However, Berkshire Chase can actually custom make plastic frames from other manufacturer styles. We can try them and see if they could and what the cost would be BUT we would need the model name/or number.

If you would like to try this, call Candace at 1-800-248-9427 x 221.

CR-39 – A lightweight plastic lens material that is easily tinted to just about any color. Standard Plastic CR-39 Lenses are much lighter and less breakable than glass lenses. Traditional plastic lenses are made from a hard resin that is cast or molded in the wet state into lens blanks. These plastic blanks can be ground into specific shapes to fit any lens frame. Plastic lenses are great for prescription sunglasses due to their tintability factor.

Thanks for the email. Yes, for prescription sunglasses we have that functionality. Select a brand of prescription sunglasses and then select the START HERE option. It will guide you through the process of which frames would work for your prescription.

However, it sounds like your prescription is fairly complex so I’d strongly recommend emailing or faxing us a copy of your prescription and let us help you determine frames that would be suitable.

There is no charge for this service – and our Customer Service Manager, Candace, is an expert in this field and can help you through the process. She can contacted at 800-248-9427 ext 221, or at Candace@framesdirect.com

Regards
Dr. Cooper

Hello Mathew,

Yes, seeing the periphery of your glasses is perfectly normal. Over time, the brain makes an adjustment to where it “tunes out” the blurriness that is outside the frame area. Rimless frames are a lot easier to adapt to than a small plastic or metal frames. If you are wearing a small plastic frame, especially a dark one, that can be a problem and could restrict your active and clear visual field.

Without seeing a photo of you and your frame, it’s hard to tell if indeed they are too small for you. But based on your comments it sounds like they may be. If this is your first time wearing glasses – that too could play a part in how long adaptation takes. Give it a few weeks, and if you are still having difficulty adjusting, getting a slightly larger frame could be your answer. Or, if you really like smaller frames, get a rimless one.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it turns out.

Regards
Dr. Cooper

Yes. Crown glass is optical crown glass (optical glass of low dispersion and low refractive index). We do not have crown glass as an option on site but you could place the order over the phone – (800)-248-9427. They typically take about 10 days due to the hardening process.

Hello Randy,

Thanks for the question and my apologies for the delay in replying.

Let’s discuss your prescription first. To get the best looking pair of lenses you will need to find the smallest possible frame that looks good on you. By small, I mean mainly the diagonal width of the lens section – from the top inside corner (near the nose) to the bottom outside corner (near the cheek). This measurement is referred to in optical terms as the ED measurement. The smaller this is, the thinner your lenses will be.

For example, if you’re familiar with the Ray Ban Aviator (tear drop) frame – you wouldn’t want to use something like that because the ED (diagonal) measurement would be too great.

So let’s assume you’ve found the smallest frame that looks great on you, let’s discuss lens options. I’ll cover clip ons after that.

Your lens options are:

1. The line bifocal – called a Flat Top 28 in a 1.67 hi-index lens. This lens has a bifocal width of 28 millimeters – pretty standard in bifocals and would take a little getting used to, but they are quite easy to adapt to.
2. A progressive lens – the Varilux Panamic in a 1.74 hi-index material. This will be a thinner lens, and the progressive technology these days is quite good – to where you might adapt in a short time, even as a full-time contact lens wearer. Of course, the more you wear the progressives, the sooner you’ll adapt.

While I don’t want to go counter to your doctor’s recommendations – I would try the progressive option. We have had several high prescriptions work out quite well with progressives with no major issues. However, the key, and this is important, you need to be fitted and measured by someone who has a lot of expertise and knowledge in this area. Your measurements must be taken with extreme accuracy because even being just a few millimeters off could impact the success of the fit.

While we would be happy to help you, I wouldn’t recommend you do this online, but rather find someone in your area who would be willing to try the progressive option for you – and who could make adjustments to your frame as needed once the lenses are fitted. You require a little more personalized attention that is best provided in person. Often, many companies and doctors will offer the option of trying the progressives – or remaking them at no extra charge in bifocals if they don’t work out.

Regarding clips, this won’t be a problem if you find a frame that can accommodate your prescription and still have room for the clip attachment. I would recommend going with a brand that comes with clips … and magnetic clips would be just fine.

I hope this has been of some help to you. Please keep me posted of your progress.

Good luck.

Kind regards

Dr. Dhavid Cooper
CEO

Hello Elizabeth, thank you for your question.

Your impression that progressive lenses had to be marked while the wearer had the frames on was completely accurate – until a few years ago. In the early development of FramesDirect.com I asked my business partner Dr. Guy Hodgson to devise a mathematical formula that would be as accurate, or more so, than the standard progressive measuring system. The conventional system often resulted in different measurements from one measurer to the other – and we wanted a truly accurate system we could apply online to our customers around the world.

I’m proud to say he figured it out. As long as we have a monocular pupil distance measurement (easily provided by your optometrist of ophthalmologist) – and the frame specifications – we can mathematically determine exactly where the optical center of the progressive lens should be. We do this for thousands of customers around the world every month that purchase from FramesDirect.com – or that visit our showroom in Houston.

The progressive lenses I am wearing were positioned using the mathematical formula – and I love them. If you would like to have a pair of progressive lenses made in your Brooks Brothers frame, I’d like you to be assisted by our Customer Service Manage, Candace. She is an expert in this area and will do her best to guide and assist you through the process. She can be reached at 1-800-248-9427 ext 221 or at Candace@framesdirect.com.

I am sure you will be impressed and satisfied with the result. If you aren’t – for any reason, I’ll be happy to offer you a full refund. If you do make the purchase, and are truly satisfied, all I ask is that you tell your friends about FramesDirect.com.

Thanks for taking the time to write.

Kind regards,
Dr. Dhavid Cooper, CEO

Hello. While there often is a little bit of adjustment to a new prescription, it will usually resolve itself in a few days. However, headaches and dizziness are not usually symptoms that we associate with an adjustment to new glasses. Having the prescription reevaluated by your doctor and also confirming that the new prescription was made 100% accurately would be the next course of action I would recommend if your symptoms haven’t subsided.

Kind regards
Dr. Dhavid Cooper

Probably not. The 40mm measurement sounds like a child’s frame. It is very doubtful that the lenses could be made to fit current frames.

This is essentially the exact same prescription written in two ways. The plus cylinder is written by an Opthamologist and the minus by an Optometrist.