ABOUT EYE Q OPTICAL

THE POWER OF EYEWEAR

Still an enigma how no resident of Metropolis could discern that Clark Kent was really Superman disguised behind a pair of eyeglasses…

Talk about the power of the lens. And let’s not forget, Scott Summers or The X-Men’s Cyclops, who relies on high tech lenses made of ruby quartz to control his fi re-shooting eyes, a blast of optic force.

But kryptonite and comic-book-chaos aside, people have long depended on eyeglasses or spectacles to aid vision. The first historical reference harks back to the time of the Pharaohs, where ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs from the eighth century were found to depict simple glass lenses.
The earliest written record though, dates back to the first century when Seneca the Younger, a tutor of Emperor Nero wrote: “Letters, however small and indistinct, are seen enlarged and more clearly through a globe or glass filled with water.” It’s also said that Nero would watch the gladiatorial games using an emerald as a corrective lens. Fast-forward hundreds of years (1784 to be exact), to when American inventor, Benjamin Franklin, designed the bifocal lens.

However, while eyeglasses would undergo many changes, they would remain one of the most important inventions in history. In fact, a myriad of professionals including artisans, glassmakers, jewelers, clockmakers, along with some of the most brilliant scientific minds have contributed to developing this vital instrument. Somewhere along the way, their role shifted somewhat, from simply an aid to that of a more fashion accessory. It’s true that at one time, those who sported eyeglasses were perhaps thought of as “nerds”, but these days, frames are found on the faces of citizens around the world—Hollywood included—and are often the season’s hottest accessory. Take Whoopi Goldberg, Elton John, Spike Lee, Randy Jackson and Tina Fey for example—and let’s not forget the enduring popularity of the bespectacled young wizard Harry Potter and his trademark Windsor frames! Spotting the trend, Eye Q made sure to master the fundamental paring of “the functional” with “the fashionable”. Just ask any of the fashion world’s top clothing designers who have extended their labels to include stylish frames, often with starring roles in major ad campaigns. Speaking of fashion, frames are as diverse as the many labels that make them. Hip international designers like Face à Face and Lafont, both based in Paris, take frame wear design to a whole new level. Unconventional ideas and colours turn optical design on its head—Baroque-period styled frames intertwined with futuristic elements reminiscent of the “matrix” mode—and these designers are truly industry leaders and trendsetters. These along with a wide range of other innovative frame designers can be found at Eye Q.

Here on “The Rock”, local celebrities such as Simon Crosskill, Tarrus Riley, and Kingsley Cooper are known for their frames. According to the Pulse Model Management front man, Cooper—who is currently enamoured with his Hummer frames, as well as his Hugo Boss frames—his glasses are a fashion statement. “Glasses have always been a crucial part of the fashion landscape. Who can forget Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her famous sunglasses? Glasses have always been in fashion.” Cooper says he purchases from Eye Q because they fit into his personal frame style—fairly classic but with an edge. “They have great frames, great service and a highly professional operation.”

Many people wear frames daily, and so they must comply with fashion, form and function. As such, much research has gone into the production process of frames, and they can be made of a variety of metals including stainless steel, carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum, optyl, and nylon. With the various options now available people can change their frames in the same way they do shoes or handbags, and coordinate them with different outfits. Indeed the optical world is keeping abreast with the aesthetic demands of the haute couture crowd; photochromic lenses are all the rage. These lenses transition from clear to tinted depending on the light available, and those who once wore separate shades can opt to be both fashionable and functional all at the same time.

In addition, Eye Q prides itself by staying ahead of the crowd, utilizing and offering the latest technology in lenses. While they offer the photochromic lenses, “Anti Reflective coating is what it’s all about,” Dr. Aron Wohl of Eye Q Optical says, “it’s what sets us apart.” This coating—in keeping with their promise to provide the latest in eyewear and the best in quality—allows more light to pass through the lens, reducing the amount of glare, and drawing more attention to the eyes. Finally, you can take perfect pictures in your glasses! While options like contact lenses and corrective eye surgery might appeal to some, the eyeglass has earned its place in the hearts (and perhaps on the nose bridge too!) of its wearers. It’s more than just aiding vision; it is, these days, an extension of one’s personality.