UV RADIATION - THIS IS WHY "MIB" WEAR SUNGLASSES?

Sunglasses are an essential tool in safeguarding the health of your eyes and the surrounding tissue.

Here's what you need to know about what sunglasses can do for you (apart from style) and how to choose them.

Sunglasses: Protect your eye from UV Radiation

Eye on UV Risks

Just as the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin, they can also harm the lens and cornea of the eyes.

UV radiation increases your odds of getting cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens and lead to diminished eyesight. It has also been linked to macular degeneration, a treatable, but incurable disease of the macula, a part of the retina that is essential for sharp vision.

Sunlight that bounces off highly reflective surfaces such as snow, water, sand, or pavement can be especially dangerous.

Sunglasses play a vital role in shielding the fragile tissue around the eye, this skin, including the eyelid itself, is very thin and vulnerable to skin cancer, and that’s especially troubling since dermatologists are reporting an epidemic in all types of skin cancer.

Do you wear prescription eyeglasses? If so, you also need to wear sunglasses while outside; standard glasses won't shield your eyes from harmful UV and HEV radiation.

Despite this, many people go without proper sun protection because of the extra cost for prescription sunglasses or the inconvenience of having to switch glasses when they move from indoors to outdoors. If this sounds familiar, fit-over or clip-on sunglasses may be an ideal solution for you.

Fit-over sunglasses, such as Solar Shield "Fits Over" sunglasses shown in the image above, are designed to be worn over prescription frames, while clip-on lenses can attach to most contemporary prescription eyeglasses. Both of these "2-in-1" options offer a great value alternative to prescription sunglasses.

Zeiss Prescription Lense

Malaya Optical provide with expertise, accurately fitted multi-focal spectacle lenses and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPs) using the latest technology. Malaya Optical has Branded Sunglasses, Sports Eye Wear, Branded Frames, Transition Lenses,  Progressive Lenses, Digital Lenses. If you're looking for the highest quality care with a personal touch, give us a call.

SAVE YOUR VISION IN TODAY'S DIGITAL WORLD

Today, most of us are fully immersed in the digital world around us. From our work computers to laptops and tablets to our smart phones that we never leave home without, we definitely always have an amazing amount of information at our fingertips.  While technology has continually advanced to allow us access to this amazing flow of information, it can also put a tremendous strain on our eyes.  Common symptoms that can result from excessive computer usage may include: eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision and loss of focus. The combination of these symptoms is often referred to as computer vision syndrome.  

Computer Vision Syndrome

If you are one of the billions that now use some sort of digital device for more than 8 hours a day, you have probably felt your eyes begin to strain, dry out or become fatigued towards the end of the day.  If this is you, then you have suffered from some of the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.  The barrage of symptoms from this syndrome can range from minor inconvenience to being totally debilitating and decreasing productivity completely. 

The best treatment for computer vision syndrome is often a combination of changing your digital work habits with the correct ergonomic setup and by taking frequent breaks to look off in the distance using the 20/20/20 rule. This is an easy exercise to relax your eyes so they do not over-focus up close by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes you are at the computer. There are also occupational computer prescription eyeglasses that can help you read the computer and other digital devices. This will not only improve your vision at your proper viewing distance, but also aid your comfort and productivity while using your digital devices.  

Dry eye treatment may also be needed to help your vision perform optimally when staring at a monitor all day.  This is often due to the fact that we tend not to blink as much when working on a computer and the right lubricating eye drop or medication dry eye drop can sometimes make all the difference.  To see your best and perform up to your potential at work ask your eye doctor about computer vision syndrome at your next eye exam.  

EXPERT WARN: AVOID BLUE LIGHT FROM YOUR CHILD

Ever since the personal computer hit the desk top in the 1980's, concern about the possible vision implications to the computer operator has not stopped.

Screen technology has improved dramatically over the last 30 years to the point that virtually every person carries a smart phone or tablet in the their pocket or their bag.  It is common today for the average person, young and old, to be viewing some sort of digital computer screen for more than 10 hours per day.

Light Spectrum

Is this something we need to be worried about?

Recently studies have shown that blue light (or high energy visible light) potentially is toxic to the human eye.  Dr Jim Kokkinakis was recently quoted in the Daily Telegraph on the implications of computer screen use and possible damage to our most precious sense - our Vision.  This is especially more important in children's eyes, which are more delicate and still developing.  CLICK HERE to read the article in full.

Blue light has been shown to penetrate the structures of the eyes more intensely, which possibly could be implicated with retina damage in the future. 

Phone and Tablet could harming your child eye

So why the concern all of a sudden?

In the last 5- 7 years all the new screens whether they be on your smart phone, on your computer screen or on your TV are made with LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology.  This type of light globe irradiates significantly more blue light than previous screen technology.  The problem is that many children, as young as 2 years of age now are often playing with tablets for hours.  The proximity and the intensity of the blue light projected onto the delicate eyes of children is also therefore significant.

There has been much discussion within the profession about the possible implications and as usual when there is a new thought, there are always many opinions.  They range from, do not worry about it, to it is a disaster brewing. The problem with these theories is that we will be experts in hindsight.

We will all remember that smoking was once considered healthy and more recently global warming and its implications.  Smoking took many decades to discover its horrendous health implications and globally warming is still being debated furiously amongst scientists with no definite answers.  Do we have to wait for disaster to react?

At The Eye Practice we have chosen to take the conservative approach. We educate all our patients about the new research and let them make up their own mind.  Most choose to wear blue blocking filters in their new glasses, as there is no downside and potentially a big upside if blue light proves to be the hazard some people think it is.

Historically screen use has been associated with eye strain and dry eyes. These are definitely big problems to a persons well-being. If blue light proves to be hazardous we are now taking about something far more serious.

Click HERE for free Eye Exam appointment

WHY EYE EXAMS IS IMPORTANT TO US

Regardless of your age or physical health, it’s important to have regular eye exams.

During a complete eye exam, your eye doctor will not only determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.

An eye exam is an essential part of your overall health routine A lot of people make the assumption that good vision means healthy eyes. Whether you have good vision or not this is not always a good indication of when to have an eye exam. Vision and ocular health conditions are not always accompanied by obvious symptoms.

Through routine eye examinations your eye care practitioner can detect early stages of such diseases as diabetes high blood pressure glaucoma cataracts and retinal problems. Your eyes change over time. Some of these changes may be quite noticeable while others can go unnoticed. Your optometrist will review your personal health and family health history and will then conduct various tests to check the status of your eyes. Remember an eye exam is an essential part of your overall health routine. Regular visits help to ensure a lifetime of clear vision and healthy eyes.

Here is what you can expect during your eye exam:

History

Your optometrist will review your personal health and family health history any visual problems that you are experiencing current medications as well as specific visual demands of your occupation and hobbies.

Visual Acuity Test

Visual Acuity

Using a Snellen letter chart (or picture chart for children) your optometrist will assess your ability to see small detail clearly at both near and far distances.

Refraction eye test

Refraction

By using an instrument called a retinoscope your optometrist can check for nearsightedness farsightedness and astigmatism. If corrective eyewear is necessary another instrument called a phoropter (consisting of hundreds of lens combinations) is used to refine your prescription.

Eye movement/ Binocular vision

Eye Movement / Binocular Vision

Using a series of different tests it is determined how well your eyes align or coordinate when working together and individually.

Peripheral vision test

Peripheral Vision

Your eyecare practitioner will use handheld targets or a visual field perimeter to measure how well you see objects that are not directly in front of you. This can help to detect such conditions as glaucoma certain neurological problems and diseases of the retina.

Response to light test

Pupil response to light

By shining a light in your eyes and watching the pupil s reaction your optometrist can detect possible neurological problems.

Color Blind Test

Colour bling test

Your optometrist will ask you to describe figures in a series of illustrations made up of numerous coloured dots or circles. This tests your ability to differentiate colours.

Ocular Health

Ocular Health

This is part of the examination that checks the health of the internal and external structures of the eye. An instrument called a slit-lamp is used to assess the health of the external structures of the eye. Your optometrist will use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to see the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye. This is where clues to many diseases specific to the eye as well as to the entire body such as diabetes and hypertension first appear. Special drops are often used to dilate your pupils to allow a better view of the back of the eyes.

Children Eye Test

How often should you have an eye examination?

Routine eyecare is important and the need for eye exams depends on age and risk factors:

Children should have their eyes examined at 6 months 3 years and yearly thereafter. Adults and seniors should be examined annually. People with certain health conditions or those at risk of eye disease may require more frequent visits.

Your eyes are for life. Routine eye exams will help to ensure proper eye health and a lifetime of clear vision.

Your optometrist will choose those tests required to adequately evaluate YOUR visual system! If you want to read more about how to prepare for an 

eye exam click here.

Other related articles:
- Children's Eye Care Basic That Parent Should Know

- Eyesight During Pregnancy

- The Finest And Best Sunglasses For Men

- When Do You Need Glasses?

- Should We Let Our Kids Wear Sunglasses?

- Choosing Sunglasses: Fit, Size, Colour And Shape

- Geometric Design Frame 13&9 Design

- Colours Of Birch Brings First-Of-Their-Kind Shapes To Eyewear

- Kirk-Kirk Vivarium Eye Wear Collection Launching At Silmo 2014

- What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

- The Differences Model Of Ray-Ban Wayfarer

- Do Transition Lenses Have An Expiration Date?

- Boz Eye Wear - A Freak But Most Fun Tastic Design Frame!

- Do We Need Reading Glasses For Presbyopia (Farsightedness)

- Give Your Child A Clear Vision

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GIVE YOUR CHILD A CLEAR VISION

We had a 2 year old boy who was found to be very near sighted (myopia). He cried the whole time no matter what treats we presented him with; this child have developed a condition called Ambylopia and with severe myopia, and this is very difficult to learning in school, because they CANNOT SEE TO LEARN! Often times children with this condition simply drop out of school. At the end of the day.......

So, I strongly suggested, parent must play an very important role, to bring their child to the nearest Optometrist Eye Center for regular check up. Because children wouldn't know about the symptom, and they couldn't tell parent "how strange my eyesight are......", at the end, crying is the only reaction of eyesight uncomfortable.

Children Eye Care

Give your child a clear vision of a great school year!

We all want of our kids to do well in school, even if we define success differently. 

For some families, success means top marks and glowing report cards, for other families it means a happy child who enjoys going to school. However you define it, school is a huge part of your child’s life and it's important that kids be provided with the best possible experience there, to keep their love of learning alive.

As you are gearing up for the new school year, what’s one thing you can do to give your student a great start? You can get their vision and hearing checked by a certified Doctor of Optometry.

The symptoms of vision problems are easy to miss, or are often attributed to another cause. 

A Doctor of Optometry doesn’t merely check your child’s vision. He or she will also look at eye health and muscle control as it relates to vision. Problems in these two areas often have no symptoms, but if left untreated, they can have very detrimental effects on your child’s vision. As with so many health concerns, early detection of eye problems gives the greatest possibility of treatment.

Convinced? Here are the steps you now need to take:

1. Find a Doctor of Optometry.

Check out the Doctors of Optometry website to find a doctor near you, then call and book an appointment. In British Columbia, annual eye exams for kids are covered.

2. Prepare your children for the exam by telling him or her what to expect.

Let your children know that they will be looking at some pictures or letters and that the doctor will shine some light in their eyes. Assure them that it will not hurt and you will be with them the whole time. If your children are anything like the kids in my family, you may want to mention that a Doctor of Optometry doesn’t give needles — that should make the appointment a little more enticing. 

3. Show up at the appointment well-prepared.

On the day of the appointment, be sure you have your child’s health card. You may want to bring along a comforting toy, snack, or other distraction to keep any waiting time light and cheery. And that’s all there is to it. Such a simple step that could have such a big impact.

Keep those eyes healthy so your children can keep enjoying their journey!

Click here to find out your nearest Optometrist Center

DO WE NEED READING GLASSES FOR PRESBYOPIA (FARSIGHTEDNESS)

Many people think that farsightedness must be the "opposite" of nearsightedness. And since nearsighted individuals have good near-vision and blurry distance vision, being farsighted "should" mean seeing well at a distance and poorly up close. But that isn't exactly the case. Although it is true that most farsighted people can see distant objects clearly, to do so they need to use more focusing effort than other people, and for seeing up close they need to exert an even greater effort.

IN FACT, It comes with no warning like many other unwelcome signs of aging. One morning you wake up and there’s a new grey hair, or an unfamiliar fine line at the corner of your eye, or you find yourself squinting at your morning newspaper. It’s called presbyopia and it is the farsightedness caused by ageing. This condition happens to everyone at some point, but not everyone wants to wear reading glasses or bifocals which can make even the youngest looking person feel old. Read on to learn about this common condition and how you can avoid ever having to resort to granny glasses.

What is presbyopia?

As we age, the crystalline lens in the eye that bends the light in order to hit the retina loses elasticity. When this occurs, it prevents your eyes from focusing as well as they once did. Its effects can begin suddenly, usually around age 40, and can worsen over time.

According to the AOA (American Optometric Association), signs of presbyopia include:

• Holding reading materials at arm’s length
• Blurred vision at normal reading distance
• Eye fatigue
• Headaches when doing close work
• Are there alternatives to bifocals/reading glasses?

Just because you’re in your forties, it doesn’t have to mean a life sentence of carting around reading glasses wherever you go. While there’s no cure for presbyopia, there are surgical and contact lens options.

Surgery–LASIK or CK (Conductive Keratoplasty) can create a monovision solution for presbyopes. What that means is one eye would be able to focus on distant objects while the other would focus on close objects.

Contact Lenses–Contacts for presbyopia come in “monovision,” “bifocal” and “multifocal” solutions. Multifocals are the most common form due to their ability to mimic a natural viewing experience. They are designed to have different portions of the lens for distance vision and near vision. Some good options for this type of lens are CooperVision’s Proclear 1 day multifocal and Proclear 1 day sphere; two advanced designs containing multiple zones of vision correction in both lenses, allowing for clear vision up close, at middle distances, and far away.

What if I also have other conditions like astigmatism?

Some people have more “-opia’s” than they can keep track of: myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and then there’s astigmatism. In fact, having multiple conditions is very common. For example, high hyperopia (farsightedness) is associated with high levels of astigmatism. If you’re afraid your eye doctor will turn you down for contact lenses because of a complex prescription, you need not worry. There’s more variety out there than ever before. For example, the Coopervison Proclear family includes a lens that is multifocal, toric and designed to alleviate dry eye symptoms (a common side effect of presbyopia).

There’s no need to let the onset of presbyopia get you down. It happens to everyone and there are several options for correcting the issue without ever having to wear “readers” or bifocals. If you’re wondering if you have presbyopia and are interested in trying multifocal contact lenses to correct it, schedule an appointment with your Eye Specialist.

Click HERE for your nearest EYE SPECIALIST

BOZ EYE WEAR - A FREAK BUT MOST FUN TASTIC DESIGN FRAME!

Wowza! I have been scoring the internet for cute frames…and eBay has been the longest of my haunts. I wasn’t finding anything that I was really feeling; the shapes seem to be the same, the colors just blah.

I decided to change my search tactics up a bit and started entering things like ‘crazy frames’ and ‘fashion eyeglasses’ and ‘unique eyeglasses’. I finally found some frames, but unfortunately they are out of my budget. WAY out of my budget.

Even so, BOZ frames have got to be the dopest, most funktastic and original frames on the planet thus far. For the longest time, I had been lusting after some Zoetica Ebb-type glasses, but BOZ has her Tokyo boutique glasses beat out 100 million times over.

The frames I found on eBay were $400. I did a Google Search on BOZ Glasses, and found a site which offered plenty of different styles and I nearly had a glee induced stroke from all the wacky colors, offbeat designs and was in disbelief of how ME these glasses are.

Unfortunately, I dont have $400 to plunk down right now for these miniature works of art. I think I may need to start squirreling away some cash here and there to save up for one of these puppies, because BOZ frames have totally captured my heart!

Click HERE to view MORE

DO TRANSITION LENSES HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE?

Transition lenses are so useful, especially for those who sensitivity light, but do transition lenses have an expiration date? That's is a great question!

Transition Lenses

Transition Lenses for Prescription Glasses Transition lenses are extremely popular and an asset to those who need glasses that  provide sun protection and clearness indoors. Occasionally people with Transitions will have a problem with the lenses not getting  dark enough anymore, and this poses the question: “Do Transition lenses wear out?”

Transition lenses generally last the life of a pair of glasses (or longer), though they do wear out after years of use. Most Transition lenses wear out in about three years, with a yellowish tinge forming in the lenses while clear and a noticeable reduction of the lenses’ darkness in full sunlight.

There are, however, some things to consider when the question, “Do Transition lenses wear out?” comes up. Other factors can make you think they’re worn out, when they aren’t:

• Transition lenses generally take at least 3 years to wear out.
• Temperature affects how Transitions change. When they’re hot (like in the summer), the lenses will change slower and won’t get as dark.
• Transition lenses don’t change behind the windshield of a car.
• When Transition lenses do wear out, they will take on a yellowish tinge when they’re clear. They will no longer get as dark at that point.
• Transition lenses don’t get as dark as standard sunglasses.

If you’re thinking about buying Transition lenses, it’s important to consider these factors before making your purchase. Additionally, 

if you have Transitions that are old enough to be worn out, it’s probably time to get a new prescription anyway!

Transition lenses are some of the most impressive lenses on the market, and millions of happy Transitions wearers come back for a new pair with every prescription.

Click HERE for more product info - TRANSITION LENSES

THE DIFFERENCES MODEL OF RAY-BAN WAYFARER

Ray Ban glasses are a classic.  The name says it all; style, quality and durability!  So why are people debating between the Ray Ban Wayfarer Models; the New or Original?  I personally feel that whatever model you choose of Ray Bans you will not be disappointed, but there is a difference between the Ray Ban New Wayfarer and the Ray Ban Original Wayfarer.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer

The Ray Ban Original Wayfarer are:

• Full frame style
• Vintage frame look
• Plastic
• Larger lenses
• Tilt more toward your face

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer

The Ray Ban New Wayfarer are:

• Slightly smaller frame
• Softer eye shape
• Plastic
• Ideal for smaller features

Whatever model you choose, go with what looks best on you!  Some people feel that with the brand of Ray Bans also comes a hefty price tag, but you get what you pay for; quality!

Stay fabulous!

Click HERE to view more!

WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?

Diabetic retinopathy — vision-threatening damage to the retina of the eye caused by diabetes — is the leading cause of blindness among working-age Americans, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Yet, many cases could be prevented with regular eye exams and appropriate treatment.

Currently more than 5 million Americans age 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. And that number will grow to about 16 million by 2050, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC also estimates that nearly 26 million Americans, or 8.3 percent of the U.S. population, had diabetes in 2010, and 79 million Americans adults age 20 or older are at high risk for the disease.

Also, between 12,000 and 24,000 new cases of blindness related to diabetic retinopathy occur in the United States each year, the CDC says.

And both diabetes and obesity (a major risk factor for diabetes) are steadily on the rise in the United States. Data gathered by the United Health Foundation indicate that diabetes affected 8.7 percent of the U.S. population in 2011 (up from 8.3 percent in 2010) — a 4.8 percent increase in one year and a 42.6 percent increase since 2001.

The Foundation also estimates that 27.5 percent of the U.S. adult population were obese in 2011 — a 2.2 percent increase since 2010, and a 37.5 percent increase since 2001.

People who are most vulnerable to diabetic retinopathy, including the elderly and certain minorities, may not receive appropriate eye care because of lack of health insurance or access even to primary care physicians.

For these reasons, make sure you promptly advocate for your own eye health and that of affected family members or friends when any kind of diabetes is present.

Generally, diabetics don't develop diabetic retinopathy until they have had diabetes for at least 10 years. But it is unwise to wait that long for an eye exam.

With any diagnosis of diabetes, your primary care physician should refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist who will give you a dilated eye exam at least once a year. 

How Does Diabetes Cause Diabetic Retinopathy?

CLICK TO READ MORE

MALAYA OPTICAL IS CELEBRATING 57th YEARS IN SERVICES!

AN ABSOLUTE GREAT NEWS for those whom stay in Uptown Damansara, or nearby Petaling Jaya! just would like to share with you guys. MALAYA OPTICAL has celebrating their 57th years in services, mid season sales is up to 70%! Promotion until 30 September 2014. But today I would likely to touch a little bit regarding MALAYA OPTICAL...... their history.

Malaya Optical celebrating 57th years services-Sales Optical retail in Eye Wear

MALAYA OPTICAL HISTORY

• 1957 Ho Kai, Pioneer and Founder of Malaya Optical emigrated to The Malay Peninsular in the year 1922 and Malaya Optical opened for business at High Street (Jalan H.S.Lee)
• 
  
• 1971 Bobby Hoe former President of Malaysian Optometry Association (MOA), former member of Malaysia Optical Council, joined the company as Ocular Prosthesis Specialist
• 
  
• 1972 William Ho, President of MOA, joined the company as Operation Manager
• 
  
• 1974 KM Ho,University of Auckland,New Zealand joined the company as consultant
• 
  
• 1979 Paul Ho,University of Auckland,New Zealand joined the company as consultant
• 
  
• 1980 Malaya Optical PJ opened for business at New Town,Petaling Jaya
• 1999 Dr.Janet Hoe, Ophthalmologist joined the company as Eye Disease consultant
• 2000 Dr.Victor Hoe Indutrial Health Care Specialist, joined the company as consultant.
• 2001 Agnes Chin joined as Director/HR and Ryan Ho joined as CEO/Consultant in the company.
• 2002 Malaya Optical Uptown opened for business at Damansara Utama Petaling Jaya
• 2003 Malaya Optical Bukit Bintang opened for business in Low Yat Plaza Kuala Lumpur
• 2006 Malaya Optical Subang Jaya opened for business at SS15,Subang Jaya
• 2007 Malaya Optical CapSquare opened for business in Capital Square Shopping Mall, Kuala Lumpur
• 2008 Malaya Optical Jusco AU2 opened  for business in Jusco Setiawangsa Ampang Kuala Lumpur
• 2009 Malaya Optical become the first Carl Zeiss Relaxed Vision Centre in Malaysia
• 2010 2010 Brand Laureate winner for the Best Vision Solution Center. Received Johnson & Johnson Top Fitter Award. Malaya Optical is also the first Optometrist center in Malaysia that using the iProfiler in Malaysia.
• 2012 Malaya Optical Damansara Uptown as “The Eye Experience Boutique”

Malaya Optical - Zeiss Specialist Auto Refractor

Malaya Optical is just not only retail shop for eye wear, but it also a qualified Professional Optometrist. An Optometrists examine not only examine, but advice on the patients’ eyes, they are trained to recognize diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma and cataract, as well as general health conditions such as diabetes. They refer patients to Ophthalmologist when they detect an eye disease is present.

Most of their clients are referred to by Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctors) and friends recommendations as Malaya Optical has been in practicing since 1957. Their qualified Optometrist ensure that patients are well prescribed and managed especially for multifocal / progressive lenses and they specialize in children myopia control or myopia retardation. They deal a lot with self-tinting lenses by Zeiss or Essilor or Hoya such as Photofusion and Transition 6.

Some of the famous list of clients includes Top Corporate Individuals, Politicians, Celebrities, to everyday people like you and me. To name a few they are Amber Chia, Fouziah Gous, Harrith Iskandar, Datuk Sheikh MuszapharShukor (Malaysia’s 1st Astronaut), Soo Wincci, and Many More.

If you are interested on Branded Sunglasses. Sports Eye Wear. Branded Frames.  Transition Lenses. Progressive Lenses.  Digital Lenses.  Hurry up! Promotion until 30th September 2014!

KIRK & KIRK VIVARIUM EYE WEAR COLLECTION LAUNCHING AT SILMO 2014

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Kirk and Kirk, a new company founded by Jason and Karen Kirk, makes its debut with the Vivarium Eyewear collection. The frames are handmade in France from acrylic to create a unique color palette in such autumnal hues as anthracite, blue, brown, bordeaux, green and silver, all with a metallic finish. Frames are accented with pins crafted by British artisans in 925 sterling silver and 9-carat gold. What appears at first glance to be a classic trim is actually a three-dimensional animal head—a lion, horse, ram or fly. “Our objective with our new venture is to respond to expectations, but to surprise at the same time. What we are hearing over and over is ‘we want something different.’ Making something different is relatively straightforward. Making something different that people can sell is somewhat more of a challenge. And that’s what we hope to do,” says Jason Kirk. 

Carson in Blue with silver fly detail from our Vivarium Collection - Malaya Optical

As with brilliant Beam collection a couple of years ago, Vivarium is made of acrylic, which makes it lighter than acetate. The frames are handmade in France while the animal jewellery pins have been crafted in England and are made of sterling silver or 9 carat gold.

Frames top to bottom: Darwin, Curie and Gilbert, featuring gold horse pins.

What a great feature - Malaya Optical

Owen in Silver with silver fly detail from our Vivarium Collection.

Forget glasses with plain pins in the top corners of the frame. Forget the ubiquitous lozenge shape rivet that dominates the mass market. And opt instead for an intricate fly or a horse inspired by Victorian natural history collectors .

Please click HERE for enquiry