Lens Designs

Single Vision Lenses

Single vision lenses are the foundation of clear eyesight, correcting for short sightedness (myopia), long sightedness (hypermetropia), or astigmatism, with a single optical power and one focal range across the entire lens, they are lightweight and affordable. Ideal for distance vision, reading, or intermediate vision like desk top computing, these lenses provide sharp, undistorted views without the complexity of multifocals.

Varifocal (Progressive) Lenses

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, offer a smooth, seamless progression of optical powers from distance at the top, through intermediate (e.g., computer screens), to near vision at the bottom. Without visible lines, this multifocal design provides a more natural viewing experience compared to bifocals. These lenses replace the potential need to have three different pairs of spectacles and are highly recommend for those over 40, experiencing presbyopia, who require sharp vision at various distances. We offer premium varifocals with wider fields of view to provide all-in-one vision correction with minimal adaptation time.

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses are a practical choice for those over 40 experiencing presbyopia. This multifocal design combines two prescriptions into a single lens, the upper part for distance or intermediate vision and a visible lower segment (often D-shaped) for intermediate or near tasks, like desk top computers or reading. This classic design eliminates the need to switch between multiple pairs of glasses, offering a seamless transition from one focal range to the other.

Occupational Lenses

Occupational lenses are multifocal and tailored for people with specific visual needs, for example VDU use, office workers, pilots, or musicians. They often include enhanced intermediate zones and have a high success rate for adaptation. They are ideal for those who struggle to find the sweet spot in their varifocals during prolonged tasks, or those who wear bifocals in their day to day life but need the intermediate correction that these lenses offer.

Children’s Myopia Control Lenses

For kids experiencing progressive myopia (short sightedness), our myopia control lenses use innovative designs like peripheral defocus or multifocal segments to slow the elongation of the eyeball. Short sightedness in children gets worse, if untreated, as the child grows and we now know that short sightedness increases the risk of sight threatening eye conditions in later life, such as glaucoma, macula degeneration and retinal detachments. Brands like MyoCare from Zeiss or Stellest from Essilor lead the way in early intervention, helping maintain healthier vision into adulthood. Find out about our free children’s eye tests.

Materials

UV protection is crucial for prolonged eye health. UV exposure increases the risk of sight threatening conditions like Age-Related Macula Degeneration and can accelerate Cataract progression. Many of our lenses come complete with UV protection. Our sunglasses meet 100% UV protection requirements and can be polarised to remove reflected glare which is ideal for fishing or driving in wet conditions. Alternatively our photochromic lenses offer UV protection, providing everyday clear vision indoors whilst the lenses become darker when outside. Using the latest technology, we now have photochromic lenses for driving, which react from behind the car windscreen.

Those with higher prescriptions would benefit from a higher index lens material which flattens the lens design making the lenses lighter and more comfortable, whilst improving the look of the glasses.

Safety specs need impact-resistant materials and there are many different requirements depending on the job they are for. Our lenses all conform to the appropriate BS EN standards which dictate requirements for optical clarity, impact resistance, and protection from other hazards like liquids, dust, corrosion and ignition.

Coatings & Tints

We recommend scratch resistant and anti-reflective coatings in almost all cases, to protect the lenses and reduce indoor and outdoor glare to maximise visual comfort, whilst giving the glasses a softer, more natural look. 

Our specialist lenses offer smudge, scratch, dust and water resistance, and reduce glare not just from the sun but from screens and car headlights too. These are designed to be easy to keep clean and optimise the quality of your vision.

There are many other coatings such as blue light filters, coatings for night time driving, and a wide range of tints for those who are light sensitive or may require better contrast for sports or work, or may just want a different look.

These lenses are engineered for active lifestyles, offering impact-resistant materials (like polycarbonate or Trivex), wraparound designs for peripheral vision, and tints for enhanced contrast in various lighting conditions. From cycling to skiing, we have options with UV protection, polarization, and anti-fog coatings. These lenses prioritise safety and performance, ensuring your vision doesn't hold you back. We even have prescription swimming goggles so you can enjoy clear vision under water as well as above.

Sports and Performance Lenses

Whether you have very specific vision requirements, or if you just need a day to day pair of glasses that look and feel great, our team at Phillip Bradley Opticians are passionate about delivering a friendly, professional and personalised service to look after the health of your eyes and provide you with the best products and treatments available. Book a consultation today or visit our store to find out more.