FAQs

Your eyes are precious and need to be taken care of. Regular eye examinations will ensure that both the health of your eyes and your vision can be monitored and any problems detected at an early stage.

At HBD we recommend that you have your eyes examined at least every two years. Certain medical conditions require yearly monitoring. Contact lens wearers need yearly appointments to renew their annual contact lens prescription.

Wearing a prescription does not make your vision deteriorate. When putting on your spectacles for the first time, you may be surprised at the sharpness of the detail you are seeing — this is because the retinal image is now perfectly focused. Removal of your spectacles can give you the impression that your vision has got worse, when in fact your brain is comparing a high-definition picture with the previously soft uncorrected picture.

No difference. Both fractions denote perfect sight. 20/20 is the imperial version measured in feet, whilst 6/6 is the metric equivalent measured in metres.

You must be able to read a standard number plate on a motor vehicle, in good light, from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet). The minimum field of vision for safe driving is defined as 120 degrees wide and 20 degrees both above and below the horizontal. Regular eye examinations are recommended.

As we assemble our spectacles in our own workshop, they may take as little as one hour to make up. Certain specialised jobs require extra care and may take a little longer. Our dispenser will advise you of the likely timescale before we proceed.

Absolutely yes. The key to successful contact lens wear is to incorporate rest days without them — particularly at the first signs of discomfort, blurring or early infection. It is recommended that contact lenses are not worn while flying, and definitely not when sleeping on a plane.

Unless our contact lens fitter has specifically said that your lenses are suitable for regular overnight wear, the answer is no. Several designs are suitable for occasional overnight wear, but check with your optometrist first.

Photochromic lenses change from a relatively clear state to a dark sunglass tint when exposed to sunlight and UV radiation. Polarised lenses eliminate reflected light from surfaces in addition to direct glare — useful for drivers, sailors, skiers and anyone who spends time outdoors.