EYEWEAR TREND: Browline Glasses

Browline glasses date back to the 1950's and 60's. In these periods, the browline style eyeglasses were all the rage. Browline glasses are characterized by a bold upper frame in a shape that resembles eyebrows, hence the name of the style. The bottom frame is most commonly completely absent or clear.

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While a number of eyeglass brands carry browline glasses, Ray-Ban gets much of the credit for browline style reappearing and popularizing. In the 1980's, Ray-Ban produced the line of sunglasses and eyeglasses, known as the Clubmaster.

Browline glasses have continued to be popular today for both men and woman, adored by fashion-saavy individuals who gravitate towards vintage fashion.

Browline glasses are primarily found in black or brown, while other colours such as white, cream and red have emerged as a popular choice. 

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Optometrists Without Borders

Contributing to local and international communities gives us a chance to give back and go beyond the office.

Internationally, we are proud to support Optometry Giving Sight. Every year on October 10th we participate with the charity in World Sight Day, where our optometrists offer free eye examinations.
Within the Optometry Giving Sight charity, we are able to better the lives of people in countries who do not have easy access to eye care. By setting up the resources to keep an eye care infrastructure running, we offer a sustainable solution to people with otherwise minimal options for their eye health.

Our international efforts continue with Eye Care Missions, run through Canadian Vision Care. In 2011 and 2012, our own Dr. Loewen travelled to Jamaica to aid in giving eye care to people who urgently required it, but who had not been able to gain access to any treatment in their regions.

Our work within Canada extends across the country with the  Canadian National Institute for the Blind. For the past two years, we at Village Optical have donated money to this case for every eye examination we received during May, the Eye Health Month. In 2012 we raised our support and gave $2.00 per examination, rather than $1.00.

In Winnipeg we focus organizations such as the Siloam Mission. At the downtown location, Dr. Dillon and Dr. Loewen volunteer their time and expertise to provide eye care for the less fortunate.

Source: Village Optical

What goes around, comes back around

Eye glasses, or spectacles as we now call it, date back to the Roman Empire. Glass was used to improve vision during sporting events. They give clear vision to those who weren't blessed with 20/20 vision.

Riveted spectacles were invented in the 1300s, the V-shape was not for looks by any means, they were made to balance on the nose. These first appeared in Italy in the early 1200s.

Throughout the centuries, corrective eye wear was not only made for the rich, it was eventually possible for the less fortunate to purchase. The nose bridge was introduced to the frame in the 1600s, still not a stylish pair but definitely more practical. Then the temple glasses were constructed and made way for the frames as we know today.

In the mid 1900s, the fashionable frames started to make their appearance. What were the most popular you ask? Cat's-eye frames for women, and thick rectangular frames for men, in black of course. Plastic lenses were not made until 1962, and in the 1970s, plastic frames took over as a preference over metal and the bigger the frame the better.

The coke bottle glasses were almost obsolete when the polycarbonate thin lens became available in the 1980s.

In the 90s to present day, glasses were and are made eco-friendly with recycled or sustainable materials; we wear the same shape of frames our grandmothers wore in their time; and glasses are made adjustable for any face shape.

Just like style has a way to come back around, vision frames are no exception. Thankfully, frames and lenses are made more affordably and visually appealing - no pun intended.

Food for Sight.

From a nutritional standpoint, it has been shown that there are several nutrients that help protect our eyes. The most important ones being those rich in the antioxidants beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin! Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has helps people pursue healthy, active lifestyles. They recently release the following video that talk more about what kinds of foods are good for your eyesight!

Next time you eat fruits and vegetables go for a mix of colorful produce like carrots, tomatoes and leaf greens. These are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C that help protect your eyes against damaging sun light. - Herbalife

Bionic Contacts: A Close Reality

The human eye is an amazing thing. "It can see millions of colors, adjust easily to shifting light conditions, and transmit information to the brain at a rate exceeding that of a high-speed Internet connection."  But as technology evolves so does the scientific and medical ability of health-aiding products like the contact lens. 

Contact lenses with built-in electronics capabilities are becoming much more marketable than we might even know. The article from  IEEE Spectrum: "Augmented Reality in a Contact Lens" talks about how close we are to this reality. Check it out for yourself and tell us what you think!

And although we don't carry bionic lenses as of yet, we do encourage you to stop by Village Optical and talk to us about your eye care concerns and interests! We love what we do and you'll be able to see the difference!

Eyewear by Hair Colour

The hair colour eyeglasses concept is not set in stone. In the end it is all about how you feel when you put on your frames that will help you decide if they are the perfect fit! However, it's always fun to learn about what can compliment your individual look. So here's the latest word on hair colour and eyewear...

Blondes...

Those with a fair and rosy complexion and natural to bright hair should choose frames that are subtle if they are choosing to play it safe. Honey, pink, pale blue, pale green and any of the various pastel shades will compliment the face without drawing attention away from your eyes and bone-structure.

Now, if you're looking to take a walk on the wildside"contrast" is the name of the game. Shoot for thick black or tortoise-coloured frames to add texture to your look!

Brunettes & Ravens...

While it may be an extreme move for your blonde friends, tortoise shell frames are your go-to! Earthtones like plum and maroon bring out brown, hazel and green eyes. Also consider deep reds, coral, warm green, gold, copper, peach, or khaki frames to complement warm-toned hair.

If you have black hair you just may be lucky enough to wear whatever you'd like. Just like black clothing is so versatile, so can black hair.

Redheads...
Consider rusty red or a deep forest green,or a dark shade of blue. If you're feeling adventurous go big, bright and vibrant for some fun.As far as frames go, the cat-eye shape will bring a vintage flare to your look.

What does your eyewear say about you?

Finding the right pair of glasses is important.

Your optometrist will help make sure you have the right prescription in place to provide the best possible vision and clarity with your new pair of glasses. Your optician will help you find the right pair of glasses that meets your prescription and suits your style; but what is your style!?

A large component of face-to-face communication involves reading people's eyes. With a fancy pair of specs resting comfortably in front of your peepers, it's quite clear that your style eyewear will make a statement on your behalf. At Village Optical, we put a high value on that statement and consequently, we are passionate about ensuring each client finds the right pair of glasses. We've gained some insight about styles as they relate to people via personality types, occupations, face shape, demographics and more. We invite you to read a little bit about what type of glasses you might be interested in based on your style.

Conservative: Go for non-flashy, classic colours like black, silver, brown or gold. If you want to add more colour, darker hues are preferred. Conservative means you're looking for traditional lens shapes and thin frames. If you're a business-type, you may likely find yourself into this category. Your glasses don't need to make a big statement, cause you do. 

Funky: Trendy people enjoy glasses that express a similar feeling. Even if you're interested in something with a more retro feel, always ask to see the latest, most 'forward' models. The frames you're likely interested in will focus on exciting colours rather than heavy patterns. Perhaps you like hanging out in the Exchange District? You will likely be drawn in by unconventional lens shapes. When you look in the mirror, ensure you're wearing eyeglasses that say "FUN"!

Bold: You're confident and your eyewear follows suit. Explore thicker-framed options and interesting patterns. Your glasses will make a statement and practically dare people to comment on them. Many women looking for a standout pair will opt for the soft cat-eye lens shape. You're not as worried about finding your favourite designer brand as you are choosing something that is unique and that won't be seen anywhere else. "You said you only have one pair of these? Perfect."

We invite you to stop by a consult one of our wonderful opticians to find the best style for you.