Take a look at Specsavers

Most of us wear glasses for practical reasons. I was eight years old the first time I put on a pair of glasses and remember being amazed that you could actually see the leaves on trees, that they weren’t just fuzzy green smudges up against the sky.

But recently a stylish pair of specs have become a fashion statement, and rumour has it that some fashionistas are not as vision-impaired as their retro-looking frames would lead you to believe…

If you’ve found yourself squinting at your computer screen lately, or want a bit of a makeover, head down to Specsavers on Lambton Quay for an eye test. It costs $60 and as well as getting a clean bill of health, you will then know your prescription – meaning you are set to get a pair of glasses.

The Specsavers atmosphere is that of a fashion retail store, rather than a dreary doctor’s office. Billboard sized posters of glamorous, glasses-wearing models adorn the walls, and there is rack after rack of designer brand frames from which to choose.

It’s good to know that the price sticker is the cost for your complete specs – frames and lenses – and better still, noticeably cheaper than what we’re used to paying here in New Zealand. You can then choose any “extras”, which include thinner lenses to avoid that coke bottle look or tinting if you’re after prescription sunglasses. There are some great deals for two pairs, or contact lenses combos.

Specsavers has style guru Gok Wan’s stamp of approval, claiming we can all have “specs appeal” now. I find myself reaching for some Buddy Holly style black rims. Another pair make me look like Sarah Palin. Are these diamante-studded ones too much? Taking along someone whose opinion you trust is a good idea, it’s easy to get carried away!