Ready-readers fail to meet quality standard

Nearly half of ready-made spectacles do not meet British and European guidelines, a study by the College of Optometrists has found.

A research team from Bradford University, led by Professor David Elliott, assessed 300 pairs of ready-readers priced between £1 and £32 available from a range of high street stores.

The report stated: 'The quality of these ready-made spectacles could easily be improved by the use of more appropriate interpupillary distances for the work they are intended for.' It was also found spectacles with higher powers (+3.50DS) were more likely to display inadequacies.

'The report provides a useful evidence-base for optometrists on the quality of ready-made spectacles and reinforces advice to the public on when ready-made spectacles are suitable to wear and the importance of attending an eye examination,' said Mike Bowen, director of research at the College.