Posts Tagged ‘IGC’

Secrets of Varifocal Success

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Here at the IGC ( Internet Glasses Company) we supply a high percentage of varifocal specs, as one of the few online opticians who embrace the wonders of these practical lenses and sell them over the internet. It’s rare that we have a problem with these dispenses, but as with any other type of spec we do get the occasional query. Here are some of the questions we’ve had, for everyone to share.

How come you offer varifocals when so many other online optical sellers don’t?

We can’t speak for other retailers, but our team are qualified opticians with a wealth of experience, both in testing sight and dispensing spectacles. We decided from the outset that we would not be offering a complete service if we didn’t sell varifocals. Our expertise means that we have a very high success rate, with less than 1% returned to us. This is a higher success rate than most opticians have in High Street stores.

How can they work when you don’t see people face to face?

For the vast majority of patients, with average facial measurements and a straightforward prescription, varifocals fitted to our standard measurements will work perfectly. They may need a slight adjustment, but we send out instructions on successful wear with the specs, and will always talk to people if they do come across any problems. This is usually easily rectified.

How long do they take to get used to?

Within a week, most wearers will have forgotten they’ve got them on! It’s rare that after two weeks anyone has any difficulties. They just take a day or two to settle down, and for that first couple of days you might feel a bit wobbly. Put them on, leave them on, and read and take note of the wearer tips we send to you.

What if I don’t get on with them?

In the unlikely event that there is a problem, we will mail you and also chat to you on the phone about what might be wrong. Often the client just needs reassurance that the specs take time to adjust to. We offer a no quibble refund at any stage, but most people want to find a solution that makes the specs work. We can also suggest alternative types of lens to the varifocal if all else fails!

The IGC (The Internet Glasses Company) Awards 2010!

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

With Lady Gaga wiping the board at the Brits and the film world awash with Oscar and Bafta talk, our thoughts turn to a review of who we would give IGC Gongs to, if we had the chance to devote ourselves to such a spectacle…..

Award for Stunning Sunglass Wear – It has to be the great Victoria Beckham, with as many pairs of sunnies as she has Birkins. We love Victoria and her endless hunger for fashion, never afraid to change her look and what she looks through….

Victoria Becham in sunshades

Victoria Becham in sunshades

Award for Cool Specs Wear – Colin Firth naturally, delicious and sexy in his new film A Single Man. Any fashion icon that promotes eye wear is an inspiration to us speccy four eyes, and we always appreciate great spex!

Award for Best Collection – Christian Dior, for his delicious detailing and exquisite scattering of bling on his ladies frames. Jewellery for the face indeed, even worn by one or two of you with no prescription!

Award for Cool Italian Style – Gucci stunned us with their chic men’s wear, classic lines, cool detail, always on trend. A pleasure to wear and to admire.

Award for the Coolest Spec Case – Giorgio Armani, not content with clean lines, smart details, and super sexy understated style, he even has to produce am amazing  spec case! With tactile material and curves that don’t quit, this case is as desirable as one of his suits.

Award for Services to Economical & Accessible Eyewear – us of course! We offer a fab range of inexpensive but excellent frames, and are major suppliers of varifocals over the net. Hurrah to the IGC – cheap is the new expensive and it’s all thanks to us!

To Tint or Not to tint?!

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

As the great thaw begins and our thoughts turn to more pleasant weather, orders start to trickle in for prescription sunglasses. As specs become more affordable for all of us (thanks Internet Glasses Company!!) people can afford to have glasses for different occasions, even for our fluctuating weather. The discussion we often have with people is what to do about tinted glasses – a fixed, permanent tint just for sunny days, or a photochromic lens that changes with the levels of sunlight?

The first thing you need to consider is what you will use your glasses for. If you go on lots of holidays in the sunshine, if you ski or work outdoors, then a fixed tint may be the best option for you. It will give full UV protection, and you can choose the level of colour to suit your requirements. If you want full sunspec coverage go for 85% darkness upwards. You can choose a big, bold, sunglass style frame and have plenty of practicality and style.

If you live less of an outdoor life, and like to wear a tinted lens but don’t spend all day outdoors, then a photochromic lens allows you to go in and out without messing around and swapping your glasses over. You still get full UV protection, with the tint changing from about 15% indoors, to 85% in full sun. Only the UV in sunshine changes the lenses, so they won’t be dark inside. You only need one pair of specs for all conditions, and don’t need to carry your clear pair with you.

The downsides? Some people don’t like the fact that photochromics go very dark on cold sunny days, and they always look dark on photographs. If you damage one lens, you’ll need to replace both as the colour balance will alter over time. If you have permanent tints you always need your clear glasses about your person, as it’s illegal to drive in tints at night. So take the time to consider your lifestyle before you place your order, and get set for spring!

Men Matter!

Monday, July 20th, 2009

As magazines tempt the ladies with the colour of the season or the look for summer, us chaps are often overlooked when it comes to style advice. So why should it all be about them? I had a chat with the dispensing optician from the IGC to get the low down on what men really want……

“I’m pleased to report that nowadays men are much braver at talking about the fashion aspect of eyewear, where once upon a time they only wanted to know about technical aspects of lenses and frames. Even real men wear moisturiser! Blokes are more willing to appear a little vain and mail me for advice on colour or shapes.”

I asked the crucial question – Do men like wearing specs? “I think most would rather wear specs than contacts, men are not used to messing around with faces like women, we’re all used to putting make up or plucking our eyebrows. Men like the minimum fuss approach to their daily routine. Lots of orders are from men who’ve given up lens wear and want to go back to specs.”

Is that a financial issue? Due to the downturn?

“Not entirely. Some just like the serious look for work, and lots get dry eyes from their computers while wearing lenses.”

Do they spend more than girls?!!

“Plenty do! Girls like disposable fashion, and to keep up with the latest trend. Boy’s seem to stick to classic style, but will splash out on a Gucci or Hugo Boss. The quality and technical detail appeal to them.”

Any advice for boys choosing new glasses?

“Think about colour – don’t just stick to boring black or brown. A flash of colour, like having a funky suit lining, is cool. Or a chic navy is a conservative but still slightly different option. As you don’t have the accessory or jewellery options that women do, use your eye wear to make a statement. If you buy online, go for trying frames at home before you make a commitment. It helps you to be that little bit braver.”

Thanks to the IGC dispenser for her thoughts, and she helped me to pick a cool metal frame. Mail anytime if you need the woman’s perspective on your eye wear – and remember – girls do make passes at boys who ear glasses!