Eyecare Opticians Presents

The Definitive Guide To Choosing Glasses That Make You Look Good

The 6 Common Eyewear Buying Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

Start Reading

Foreword

Since establishing Eyecare Opticians in 2009, I've had the privilege of helping thousands of patients in Kingston Upon Thames find eyewear that not only corrects their vision but also enhances their confidence and personal style.


With over two decades of experience in optometry—from hospital eye service to high street practice—I've seen the same mistakes repeated time and again. Patients arrive frustrated, having spent money on glasses that don't fit properly, don't suit their face, or simply don't meet their vision needs.

This guide exists to change that. Inside these pages, you'll discover the six most common mistakes people make when buying glasses—and more importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned glasses wearer, the insights within will transform how you approach your next purchase.

— Nish Fofaria, Consultant Optometrist & Owner

Why Read this Book?

Because your glasses are more than a medical device—they're a part of your identity. They sit on your face every single day, framing your eyes, the windows to your soul. The right pair can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and even change how others perceive you. The wrong pair? It can do the exact opposite.

This isn't just another buying guide. It's a comprehensive resource born from over 20 years of professional experience at Eyecare Opticians, designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the best decision for your eyes, your face, and your lifestyle.

About Eyecare Opticians

Eyecare Opticians is your local, independent community practice in Kingston Upon Thames. We aim to provide innovative eye care and an exemplary service to all our patients, continually investing in the latest equipment to ensure we not only meet, but exceed patient expectations.

We don't adhere to strict time slots for examinations—every patient is unique, and if more time is required, you can be assured it will be given. Our eye examinations are tailored for each individual's specific requirements, and we guarantee you'll never feel like your eye care has been rushed.

20+

Years Experience

2009

Established

4

Expert Team

Meet The Team

Nish Fofaria

Consultant Optometrist


Owner & Director. Specialises in Myopia Management & OrthoK.

Dianne Sell

Optical Receptionist


Joined 2013. Passionate about frame styling.

Exposed. The Truth About Designer Glasses

Here's something the big brands don't want you to know: that flashy logo on the side of your frames? It might just be a sticker on a mass-produced product. The eyewear industry is dominated by a handful of giants who manufacture frames for dozens of "luxury" labels under one roof. Same factory, same workers, same materials—just a different name stamped on the temple.

These manufacturers operate on volume. Their goal? Sell as many units as possible to as many people as possible. That means playing it safe with designs—generic shapes that look "okay" on everyone but truly suit no one. And because they're chasing the average, you'll usually find just one size option. If your head is slightly smaller or larger than their template? Tough luck. You'll end up with frames that slide down your nose or pinch behind your ears.

Our Advice: If you want eyewear that reflects who you are—not what a marketing department decided—look beyond the obvious names. Ask your optician where their frames come from. At Eyecare Opticians, we love telling the stories behind our collections: the independent designers we discovered in Milan, the artisan workshops in Paris, the innovative studios in Copenhagen. Real eyewear with real character.

The Hidden Pitfalls of Online Shopping

The online minefield promises convenience and savings, but it often delivers disappointment. Virtual try-ons can't show you how frames feel on your nose and ears. PD measurements done at home are frequently inaccurate.

When you buy glasses online, you're taking on the role of optician, stylist, and quality controller—all without the training. Returns are cumbersome, and you're often left with glasses that are "good enough" rather than perfect.

The Solution: Visit a professional for your primary pair. Use online options only for backup pairs with simple prescriptions.

Embarrassing Eyewear

When your glasses send out the wrong message, it affects your confidence and how others perceive you. Outdated styles, ill-fitting frames, or choices that clash with your face shape can undermine your personal brand.

Your glasses should complement your features, not compete with them. The right frames can highlight your best features, while the wrong ones can draw attention to areas you'd rather minimize.

The Solution: Work with a stylist who understands face shapes, skin tones, and personal style. Don't be afraid to try something new.

The Weekend Wasted on a Wild Goose Chase

You know the drill. Saturday morning arrives, and you've finally carved out time to find new glasses. You start with high hopes. By midday, you're wandering between your third or fourth optician, surrounded by frames that all start to look the same. Nothing quite fits. Nothing quite suits. And you're no closer to a decision than when you started.

It's exhausting. You came wanting quality, style, and something that actually works for your face. Instead, you're drowning in choices without guidance, trying on frame after frame that either pinches, slides, or simply doesn't feel like "you." The worst part? Every shop seems to stock the same dozen brands. Where's the inspiration? Where's the expertise?

This is why so many people genuinely dread buying glasses. It's not that they don't care about how they look—it's that the experience has been designed to frustrate rather than delight. Endless browsing without direction. No one to tell you what actually suits your face shape. No one to explain why that frame that looks great on the shelf looks wrong on you.

There's a better way. Find an optician who treats your time with respect. Someone who listens first, then guides. Someone with the knowledge to narrow down hundreds of options to a curated selection that actually works for you. When you find that person, the whole experience transforms—from chore to something you might actually enjoy.

Listening To The Wrong Advice

Well-meaning friends and family often offer opinions on your glasses, but they're not eye care professionals. What looks good on them may not suit your face shape, prescription needs, or lifestyle.

While feedback can be helpful, the final decision should be based on professional guidance. An experienced optician considers factors that friends simply aren't trained to evaluate—pupillary distance, lens centration, vertex distance, and more.

The Solution: Trust the professionals. Bring a friend for moral support, but let your optician guide the technical decisions.

The One-Pair Trap

Think about your shoe collection for a moment. You probably have trainers for the gym, smart shoes for work, comfortable ones for weekends, and perhaps something special for evenings out. You choose based on where you're going and what you're doing. Now ask yourself: why do so many people own just one pair of glasses?

Your glasses sit on your face every single day. They're the first thing people notice. Yet most of us settle for a single pair that has to work for every situation—work meetings, casual weekends, special occasions, sunny days. It's like wearing the same outfit every day of the week.

The eyewear enthusiasts we see at Eyecare Opticians understand this. They've built a small collection that works for different moments: something understated and professional for the office, something bolder for social occasions, quality sunglasses for bright days, and perhaps a fun pair that expresses their personality.

You don't need a dozen pairs. But honestly? Two or three well-chosen frames will serve you far better than one pair trying to do everything. Consider the practical side too—if your only pair breaks or goes missing, can you manage without them? Having a backup isn't indulgent; it's sensible.

How We Do Things Differently

At Eyecare Opticians, we've created an experience that puts you at the centre. No rushed appointments. No overwhelming walls of identical frames. Just honest advice, carefully chosen eyewear, and the time to get it right.

1

We Listen First

Before showing you a single frame, we want to understand you. Your lifestyle, your preferences, what you love and what you'd rather avoid. Then we use our expertise to guide you toward shapes and styles that will genuinely work for your face and your life.

2

Handpicked Collections

We've travelled to eyewear capitals across Europe—Milan, Paris, Antwerp, Copenhagen—to discover independent designers doing remarkable work. Our showroom holds around 900 frames you won't find on every high street, each chosen for quality, character, and craftsmanship.

3

No Guesswork

Instead of wandering through endless options hoping something sticks, you'll see a curated selection that actually fits and flatters. We explain why certain shapes work for you and others don't. You leave knowing exactly why your new glasses are the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does an eye examination take?

    Our comprehensive eye examinations typically take 30-45 minutes. We don't adhere to strict time slots—every patient is unique, and if more time is required, you can be assured it will be given.

  • Do you offer myopia management for children?

    Yes! Nish is passionate about myopia control and is accredited in OrthoK, Miyosmart by Hoya, Misight by Coopervision, and Stellest by Essilor.

  • Can I bring my own frames?

    Absolutely! We're happy to fit new lenses into your existing frames, provided they're in good condition and suitable for your prescription.

  • Do you offer home visits?

    Yes, Barbara leads our domiciliary arm of the practice, providing eye care for those unable to visit us in person.

  • What are your opening hours?

    We're open Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm, and Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm. Closed on Sundays.

What Our Patients Say

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our patients have to say about their experience at Eyecare Opticians.

Comfortable Glasses Guaranteed

We promise a perfect fit, or we'll adjust, remake, or refund until you're completely happy. No questions asked, no time limits, no hassle.

Lifetime Adjustment


Free adjustments for as long as you own your glasses

Satisfaction Promise


Not satisfied? We'll make it right

Free Aftercare

Cleaning, minor repairs, and advice always free

Book Your Eye Test Today

Experience the Eyecare Opticians difference. AI-enhanced eye tests, personalised care, and expert frame styling—all in one visit.

307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 5QU

Mon-Fri: 9:30am - 5:30pm • Sat: 9:30am - 4:30pm • Sun: Closed