C55829: Spectacle frame materials

When looking at supplying a frame to a patient, not only must we take into account the fitting, the style and the cosmetic effects, we must look very carefully at the material that is used. It may be that we can use a so called ‘cheap and cheerful’ material if the frame is to be used short term, or it may be that the patient is somewhat heavy handed, and so to avoid unnecessary chair time for minor repairs and adjustments, a stronger more flexible material is needed.

The art of ensuring the best pair of spectacles is dispensed does not stop with the lens choice; it must be extended to the design and the material of the frame. It is imperative, particularly with many modern day materials being notoriously difficult to adjust, that the patient is appropriately advised and measured to ensure a good fitting frame at the end of the dispensing process. It is therefore as important to assist with the choice of frames as it is to assist with the lenses.