Shepparton Optical only uses the highest quality spectacle lenses and lens materials.  The better the quality of lens, the better the optics and the better your vision looking through them will be.

There are many additional features to choose from which will enhance the quality of vision, the aesthetic appearance and the function of your spectacle prescription.

Lens Type

Single Vision Spectacle Lenses:

• These lenses provide clear vision at one particular working distance. Typically they are used for distance (>3m), intermediate (music/computer work) or near (reading/sewing) tasks.
• They are manufactured in a “stock” or “off the shelf” range of prescriptions.
• If using your own frame a fitting fee will apply.
• A minimum of 1.6 index lens material must be used for rimless frames. If your prescription falls outside the “stock” range then a “grind” or “specially manufactured” surcharge applies. Grinding the lens can also make the lens significantly thinner in the “Plus” prescription ranges. This is recommended for prescriptions greater than +3.00.
• In higher prescriptions (>4.00) distortion of the image occurs if you look away from the centre of the lens. For people with higher prescriptions it is recommended they have a lens custom made to eliminate these distortions which gives more comfortable viewing.
• Single Vision Lenses are good for single purpose usage, such as when playing sport, reading in bed or using a computer.
• Because they only have one focal point then other options are required if multiple viewing distances are required. Reading the paper and watching television, working in an office environment or shopping in a supermarket are examples of where a Bifocal or Progressive Lens is a better option.

Extended Focus Spectacle Lenses:

• These work in a similar fashion to Single Vision Glasses but give more flexibility as they are designed to provide clear vision over a greater depth.
• Recommended for people whose near tasks require clear focus at a number distances.

Bifocal Spectacle Lenses:

• Bifocal Lenses enable viewing at two different distances. This technology is largely out-dated now and is not prescribed as a first choice very often.
• Typically they are used as Distance/Reading glasses but can be made distance/Intermediate or Intermediate/Near glasses depending on their intended usage.
• They have a distinct line separating the two areas and this can cause trouble with walking – especially up and down steps.
• They also only give vision in two zones and so do not offer the advantages of a Progressive Lens design.

Trifocal Spectacle Lenses:

• Similar to bifocals except they have focus in three zones.
• Very rarely used today.

Progressive Spectacle Lenses:

• Also known as Multifocal or Graduated Lenses, they provide clear vision at all distances from the wearer. This is achieved by changing the prescription of the lens up and down the lens surface to create different focal points.
• The top of the lens is in focus on distant objects and the bottom of the lens focused on near tasks. The middle portion of the lens is manipulated to focus on intermediate tasks.
• An unfortunate side effect of the manufacture of progressive lenses is that distortion to the side of the vision is created and if not controlled properly this makes adaptation to the lens difficult.
• The manufacturing technique used and the quality of lens surfacing is critical in minimising the effect of this distortion.

We offer 2 levels of Progressive Lenses to our customers:

Standard Progressives: This lens utilises superior optical design to minimise distortion and adaptation time.  It is ideally suited to those who need a multifocal lens but don’t use their glasses full time. The quality of our Standard Progressive is such that it is at least as good as the BEST progressive lenses offered by our competitors.  We sell our Standard Progressive lenses for only $280 per pair.

Custom Progressives: Our Custom Made Progressive lenses use advanced optics and digital surfacing technology to minimise aberrations and distortion that are part of multifocal wear. These features enhance adaptation and offer unsurpassed areas of clear vision and superior sharpness and contrast, especially in lower light conditions.  It is like switching from standard definition view to High Definition (HD).  They are only $100 more expensive than the Standard progressive and it is what we recommend for people that use their glasses the majority of the time.

BONUS PROGRESSIVE DEAL: When you buy a pair of Custom Made Progressives from us in to a new frame we will give you a pair of Standard Progressive lenses FREE.  These are ideal to use as prescription sunglasses or as a second pair.  That’s 2 pairs of the best multifocal lenses for $380!!

Lens Coatings:

The standard lens included in our packages already has a basic scratch resistant coating. Remember that all lenses will scratch and the better the quality of scratch resistance, the longer they will last with normal wear and appropriate care.

Other lens coating options available to you include:

Premium Scratch resistant coating: This coating is typically twice as hard as the standard coating offering better lens durability.

Ultra Violet (UV) protection: UV rays from the sun are damaging to the surface and interior of the eye. A standard lens will absorb approximately 80-85% of the harmful UV light. This extra coating ensures your eyes receive 100% protection. (Note it is not dark like a sunglass.)

Multi-coating (Premium Scratch resistant coating + UV + antireflection): A Multi-coating is an all-inclusive coating that allows more light through the lens and minimises distracting reflections and glare around images that increase eye strain. It includes 100% UV protection and a premium scratch resistant coating. The coating improves the quality of the image by up to 25% in terms of contrast and sharpness and enhances the aesthetics of the glasses.

To obtain maximum performance from your lenses and to limit eyestrain from reflected glare when driving at night, reading or using the computer then this is an extra that is strongly recommended.

Sun Glare Protection:

Depending upon your requirements, when choosing your spectacle lenses it may be a good idea to include a level of sun glare protection.  This is particularly important if you will be wearing your glasses outside and when driving.

Sun glare protection options available to you include:

Basic Lens Tinting: Have your lenses coloured to the intensity you require to meet your needs. Please note this must be sold with a minimum of a UV coating to meet sunglass standards.

Transitions glare protection: Will darken just like a sunglass in ordinary conditions and saves you having to carry a separate pair of sunglasses. They will automatically adjust to the ambient light and prevent unnecessary squinting which causes fatigue and eyestrain.

Works best when combined with a Multi-coating.

Note: Limited changing when driving due to the windshield blocking the UV light which activates the lens. If needed for driving purposes then consider having a second pair either polarised tinted or basic tinted for this purpose.

Polarised Tinting: Polarised Tinting offers the highest level of glare reduction. The Polarising Filter removes the glare (horizontal, reflected light.) that creates eye strain and reduces the sharpness of images on bright days, while the tinting reduces the overall brightness of the image.

For people who need sunglasses for outdoor activities and want to have clear, sharp, comfortable vision then Polarised Tinting is recommended.

Lens Safety and Lens Thickness Options

The ‘index” of the lens material refers to its ability to bend or refract light. Essentially the higher the index the thinner the lens will be.

Choosing a higher index lens increases impact resistance and decreases the weight of the lens.

The available lens thickness options are as follows:

• 1.5 index – The 1.5 material is standard for all frame packages.
• 1.6 index – The 1.6 material is a thinner and lighter option that has 10 times the impact resistance of 1.5 and is half the weight and 40% thinner.
• 1.67 index – The 1.67 material is thinner and lighter than the 1.6 material by about 10-15% and is recommended for prescriptions over +/-4.00D. 1.5 is a very basic plastic. For improved comfort, appearance and safety then 1.6 is the MINIMUM material recommended.

Cosmetics:

Polishing Lens Edges: Finishes off the glasses by adding a classy polish to the cut surface of the lens.