Just a reminder that a SPECS OPTICAL hand-written gift certificate, wrapped  in a beautifully designed enclosure and envelope, is the perfect gift for any Eyewear Enthusiast (yes, that’s a real title.) But really, you don’t have to be an EE to appreciate the value of a SPECS OPTICAL gift certificate. They can be used toward an eye exam, prescription specs and sunglasses, non-prescription sunglasses, accessories….the sky’s the limit (seriously, you can’t purchase the sky with it…sorry).

Though they are available all year, SPECS OPTICAL gift certificates are perfect to give now because they can be used in conjunction with any remaining Flex Spending (or, HSA) dollars you or your loved one may have left to use up before the year’s end.

Stop by the shop, call, or email us and we can set you up with a SPECS OPTICAL gift certificate any time. Available in any denomination and they never expire. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

NOW AVAILABLE @ SPECS OPTICAL

Since he was 15 years old, Bruno Chaussignand has been a part of the optical industry. He created his first collection in 2004, which included a nosebridge-less design, a technically innovative eyeglass that garnered much attention. He followed up in 2008 with the Stand’Art collection, which was “a tribute to the great classics of haute couture.”

Bruno’s newest collection, known as Time Out, reflects ten years of work and thousands of drawings. These designs are not meant to reflect the past nor jump ahead into the future, but to simply be contemporary ‘specs for pleasure’ that are comfortable and stylish.

Bruno Chaussignand eyewear is created in France and handcrafted from entirely natural (cotton flower, horn and titanium), un-lacquered materials as to avoid potential allergy risks. Come take a look at this beautiful, clean and elegant collection…now available at SPECS OPTICAL!

@

Specs Optical

SAVE THE DATE:

Tuesday, May 1st – 2012

10am – 7pm

“Above superficial fashion trends, DeromeBrenner creates a classic, retro and glamorous style, that shapes itself through the personality of every individual.”

The teaming of Xavier Derome and Aurelia Brenner resulted in a creative collaboration that focuses on the art of eyeglass frame design, starting with particular attention to the ‘matter,’ or basic materials from which their pieces are built. Their multi-laminated ‘cellulose acetates,’ or natural plastics, require more than 60 manipulations done by hand to create.

 The results are truly beautiful and are best viewed in person to fully appreciate. The vibrancy of their colors, ingenuity of patterns, and unparalleled mulit-laminate striations are like no other collection.

In addition to showing his entire collection of eyewear, here at SPECS OPTICAL, Xavier Derome will be bringing the DeromeBrenner collection of accessories, including rings, chains and bracelets created from the same amazing acetates and 925 grade sterling silver used in their eyewear. These pieces are shown in many of the finest boutiques around the world in partnerships consistent with their “100% French values of refinement, quality, authenticity and exclusivity.”

 Come meet Xavier Derome on Tuesday, May 1st between 10am and 7pm at SPECS OPTICAL, and see all the stunning acetate designs within his eyewear and jewelry collections. As always, there will be a variety of delicious treats and beverages served throughout the day. We look forward to seeing you all!

We recently updated our website to include information regarding our ON-SITE LENS FINISHING LAB. To take a look, click on the LAB option on the menu bar at the top of the page. Below is the accompanying video that also appears on our YouTube channel.

SAVE THE DATE:

Tuesday February 28th, 2012

10am – 7pm

“Les Belles Lunettes“

It really is true…everything does sound more romantic in French. Les Belles Lunettes, or beautiful eyeglasses, are what we have come to expect from the Anne et Valentin collection out of Toulouse, France. The colors, the lines, and the dynamics of Anne et Valentin eyewear consistently reflect that French sensibility of style and romance. That certain something, we say. Or, je ne sais quoi.

Gabriel Gestin of Anne et Valentin had such a great time with us last year that he is making a return visit to Specs Optical. If you missed him, here’s your chance. On Tuesday, February 28th 2012, from 10am to 7pm, Gabriel will be showing the Anne et Valentin collection in its entirety. It really is tremendous to see Anne et Valentin in all its glory.

Par usual, we will be offering coffees, cappuccino, and lattes along with some French-inspired treats (no, not French fries). Gabriel is looking forward to seeing you all again and meeting some new friends. So, stop by anytime. Feel free to contact us with any questions at 612-374-2114 or info@specsoptical.com .

Without accurate optical measurements, your eyeglass lenses cannot be correctly made for your prescription strength.

We always cringe a little (okay – honestly – we cringe a lot) when we see optical websites stating that they can provide quality prescription eyeglass services via a totally online experience. The websites advise patients to take their own optical measurements, such as the pupillary distance (PD), using a magnifying mirror and a ruler. Then comes the first warning, they say that if your head moves or the ruler moves, you won’t get an accurate measurement and then in small print at the bottom of the website page, you can read the final warning:

“Please note that when you measure your own PD by using these techniques you may not get the same result as an experienced professional. We recommend that you use the measurements taken by an optometrist or an optical dispenser whenever possible.”

It seems that we’re not the only ones in our field concerned about these discount online optical retailers…

We read with interest a story in the November 2011, issue of “Optometric Management” that stated that almost half (44.8%) of online-ordered prescription eyeglasses were “deficient” according to a study done by “Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association.” The researchers concluded that:

“. . . Spectacle eyewear ordered without the benefit of a dispensing process can come with significant risk of error in providing the correct type of lenses needed or ordered, the optical parameters that are within acceptable tolerances and the physical parameters that provide sufficient protection to the wearer.”

What the researchers did was order online 200 pairs of adult and children’s prescription eyeglasses from the most popular online vendors. After testing the prescription eyewear received, they found:

• one in every five eyeglasses had lens treatments that were added or omitted
• one in every five had lenses with incorrect optical parameters
• more than one in every five pairs of eyeglasses had lenses that did not correctly pass testing for impact

The study noted that patients who purchase eyewear without the assistance of trained optical professionals may not receive lenses that perform to industry standards for safety and vision correction; and they do not receive the benefit of a trained dispensing optician ensuring an accurate prescription and proper fit of their eyeglasses. So online buyers beware!

Specs Optical would like to invite you to send in a pic, or drop by the shop for a quick photo, and then tell us about your Specs. We’d love to tell the world a little about you. You can also directly post a picture of yourself in your specs with a few words on the Specs Optical Facebook page.