Author: Julia Hughes

As we all know, British summertime comes with unpredictable weather changes. One moment it’s sunny and we’re outdoors soaking up the sun, and the next moment we’re pulling jumpers out of our winter wardrobe. Whatever the weather, there is one accessory that everyone needs. Come rain or shine, you’ll always need a trusty pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses not only offer style, but they provide essential protection for your eyes against nature’s elements.

Summertime is when sunglasses transform from accessories that live on the top of your head to essential tools that sit across your nose. As stylish as you may look, it isn’t all about aesthetics. It’s about protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays that are present even on cloudy days. Even if you’re in the shade, these rays bounce off surfaces and find their way to you.

When people think of sun protection, the first thing that springs to mind is their skin. However, our eyes are also sensitive to UV radiation. Squinting, and struggling to see from the harsh brightness can significantly affect your eye health. This is due to UVA and UVB rays. UV radiation can be as high as 70 to 75% on the ground due to reflection and dispersion. Water, for instance, reflects up to 20% of UV radiation, fresh snow roughly 88%, sand up to 25%, and a concrete road around 12%.

The earlier you start protecting your eyes, the better – but it’s never too late to start! Children’s eyes are particularly sensitive to UV rays. By the time we turn 20, we’ve already been exposed to around half the amount of UV radiation a 60-year-old has experienced. Without protection, we risk damaging our eyelids and the skin around our eyes, or even developing diseases like conjunctivitis and photokeratitis. Continuous intense light exposure can cloud the eye’s lens, leading to premature cataracts, and UV radiation is also suspected of causing tumours on the eyelid.

We understand that choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses is more than just about how they look. It’s about practicality and suitability in your daily life. We consider your unique face shape, skin tone, features, and personality to curate a selection of frames that reflect who you are at your core. But beyond mere functionality, your sunglasses should be an extension of your personality and style, allowing you to make a statement and express yourself to the world.

So go ahead, try on a few pairs, and let them speak to you. Because ultimately, it’s not just about finding sunglasses – it’s about discovering a piece of yourself in those frames and crafting your own unique style story with every choice you make.

Take a look into the world of eyewear brilliance as we shine the spotlight on Götti. The brand epitomises elegance and focuses on innovation, quality, and sustainability. Founded in 1998 by the visionary Sven Götti in Switzerland, this brand has carved its niche and stamped individuality through a blend of stylistic confidence, Swiss precision, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.

For over 25 years Sven Götti has been at the forefront of revolutionising eyewear design both aesthetically and mechanically. His dedication to Swiss craftsmanship while and unquestionable quality has propelled Götti to global recognition.

The dream was sparked in his youth, Sven’s journey led him to create eyewear for other opticians before establishing the renowned Götti+Niederer store in Lucerne, Switzerland.

His passion and success continue to fuel Götti’s quest for innovation, constantly evolving and adapting to new influences while staying true to its unique design ethos.

Götti’s commitment to sustainability shines through its collaboration with designer Fabio Hendry of Hot Wire Extensions. Together, they transform surplus material from Götti Dimension eyewear into captivating art pieces and sculptures, showcased in prestigious galleries like the Swiss National Museum and the Museum of Design in Zurich.

This partnership reflects Götti’s dedication to minimising waste and maximising creativity, ensuring that every piece of eyewear leaves a positive impact on both style and sustainability.

The Götti Perspective collection is the epitome minimalist elegance. Blending technical precision with aesthetic finesse with its rimless eyeglass system Götti redefines simplicity by eliminating screws and glue, offering a sleek and durable eyewear solution.

Crafted using advanced 3D printing techniques, these glasses achieve a flawless fusion of stainless steel and lenses, that boasts strength and style. Swiss-engineered and customisable in a range of colours and shapes, Götti’s rimless frames allow for individual expression and urge people to stand out from the crowd.

Götti’s acetate frames are a testament to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each frame undergoes a painstaking process of tumbling and chamfering to achieve a smooth, comfortable finish that can take up to a week to complete. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, these frames are polished to perfection using rotating buffing wheels, with each frame bearing the personal touch of the craftsman who gave it its final polish.

From colour selection to final finishing, Götti’s acetate frames embody the brand’s commitment to individuality, adding a unique, personal element to every pair.

In the realm of eyewear excellence, Götti stands as a beacon of innovation and sophistication. From sustainable practices to craftsmanship, every aspect of Götti’s eyewear reflects a harmonious blend of style and substance.

Whether it’s the groundbreaking rimless design of Götti Perspective or the artisanal precision of their acetate frames, Götti invites you to experience the epitome of eyewear refinement firsthand. Book your free stylist consultation today and embark on a journey into the world of Götti.

Optometry isn’t just about getting your eyes checked—it’s about making sure your eyes are healthy. From early disease detection to improving the health of your eyes, let’s give into why regular checkups are crucial for keeping your eyes in top shape.

Regular eye exams are important for picking up early warning systems, they can catch eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that usually go under the radar before they start causing trouble. Glaucoma, for example, can creep up on you without any obvious signs until it’s too late.

In today’s digital age, our eyes do a lot of heavy lifting. Many people sit behind screens for large portions of their day which can lead to eye strain and other discomforts but with the right prescription or specialised lenses (blue-light filter) we can ease that strain and keep your eyes feeling fresh. Regular checkups ensure that your eyes are up to the challenge of modern life, whether you’re crunching numbers at work or binge-watching your favourite show at home.

Your eyes reveal a lot about your overall health. We always keep an eye out for any other health conditions like diabetic retinopathy or high blood pressure can show up during an eye exam before you even notice any symptoms. Studies suggest that over 1 in 3 people over the age of 40 have diabetic retinopathy and other examples include autoimmune conditions and rheumatoid arthritis or even high blood pressure, which is often identified first in eye exams.

Clear vision allows you to live your life to the fullest, without the burden of eye strain and headaches. Whether you’re traveling the world, playing sports, or just enjoying a good book, healthy eyes are essential for immersing yourself in the vibrancies of life.

Regular checkups have become crucial for independent living, especially for older adults, and the earlier we catch and correct any vision problems, the better we can preserve your quality of life.

Think of regular eye exams as your secret weapon for peak performance. Athletes rely on them to spot any vision quirks that might affect their game. And for kids, these exams are crucial for keeping them active and engaged in sports and play. When your eyes are in top form, you can tackle anything life throws your way.

Optometry checkups aren’t just about getting your eye test checked off a list—they’re about taking proactive steps to protect your vision and overall health. So why wait? Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a clearer, brighter future. Your eyes—and your whole body—will thank you for it.

In a world often painted in shades of conformity, Iris Apfel fashion and eyewear icon dared to splash across the canvas of life with the boldest of colours. Her philosophy, “More is more, and less is a bore,” transformed not just her wardrobe but also our understanding of personal style. Apfel, who passed away recently at the remarkable age of 102, was a luminous figure in the New York fashion scene, her impact resonating far beyond.

Iris Apfel, a style icon, launched “Rare Avis” jewellery on HSN and taught at the University of Texas. Named a top dresser by The Guardian, she’s collaborated with MAC, and Swarovski, and starred in “Iris,” a documentary that premiered at the New York Film Festival, showcasing her influence in fashion.

Apfel’s signature look—oversized glasses, bold lipstick, and layers upon layers of accessories—wasn’t just a statement; it was a manifesto. She stood as a testament to the power of individuality in a sea of sameness. Her appearances at Paris fashion shows were legendary, as was her Park Avenue apartment, a treasure trove of 20th-century designer works.

Her wisdom extended beyond fashion. Apfel urged young women to embrace their uniqueness, to experiment fearlessly with their looks, and to live vibrantly regardless of age. “Don’t let age and numbers frighten you,” she advised, embodying this ethos until her final days.

Apfel’s legacy is a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity. Her life reminds us that to be bold, to be different, and to be unconditionally ourselves is the greatest fashion statement of all. As tributes pour in from other fashion icons, it’s clear that Iris Apfel’s influence will continue to inspire generations. In her refusal to fade into the background, Apfel demonstrated that life, like fashion, is richest when lived in full, dazzling colour.

‘If I’m going to wear glasses, I’m going to wear GLASSES. This may be my signature style, but everyone can make it their own.’ – Iris Apfel