Our lab
With our catalogue of over 200 frames regularly celebrated in the likes of Vogue, GQ and Wallpaper, it’s nice to remember that Black Eyewear originated from our independent optical practice in St Albans, just outside of London (UK).
For more than 40 years, our Lab Team’s focus and passion has been to make sure that you’ll be seeing the world with the best possible vision. Now you can order high quality prescription glasses and sunglasses online.
Discover the story behind Black Eyewear.
”I WANTED TO RESCUE THE BOLD, ICONIC EYEWEAR STYLES OF THE 50S.”
Tailor your frame to your needs.
Our Services
We work with high-quality optical lenses from world-leading manufacturers (like Hoya, Essilor, Kodak & Zeiss) to fit your new Black Eyewear glasses with the best lenses to suit your prescription needs.
Our in-house Lab is also able to offer a wide range of services to help enhance your lenses and accommodate your lifestyle requirements.
We are here to help.
Understand your prescription
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How can I get a glasses prescription?
Opticians must issue you with your prescription after your eye examination. If you are not given one, you should ask for it. We also recommend you ask the optician to include your pupilary distance (PD) measurement in your prescription.
What is my pupillary distance and how to measure it?
The pupillary distance (PD for short) is the distance between the centers of each pupil. We need this measurement so we can fit your lenses accurately. Sounds technical but it is a very easy measurement to take.
In the UK this measurement is part of the dispensing service, remember to ask your optician!
Want to know more about the PD? check out our Journal!
Understanding the frame measurements.
All Black Eyewear’s frames come with 3 numbers engraved on the inside of the left temple.
These numbers represent the frame measurements and define its size; the lens diameter, the bridge width, and the length of the temples, all in millimeters. Remember: two frames that have identical measurements can fit differently, depending on the bridge style, frame shape, and design.
But how do you read these measurements and use this information to better understand if a pair of glasses is right for you? Find out more about frame measurements in our Journal.
I love my Black Eyewear frames but my prescription has changed.
If you own one of our frames but your prescription has changed we'll be happy to glaze new lenses for your glasses. Get in touch with a member of our lab team to get a quote.
What’s a high prescription?
Prescriptions over +5.00/-6.00sph and/or over +/- 2.00 cyl are commonly identified as high prescriptions. We will inform you should this incur extra charges.
Our services.
Eye Tests
We are always happy to welcome prescriptions from other opticians.
Alternatively, we are currently able to offer appointment-based eye tests in our St Albans store.
Lenses price list
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Standard prescription lenses
All our standard prescription lenses come with complimentary anti-reflection and anti-scratch coating.
- Single vision starting from £77*
- Progressive starting from £167*
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High index 1.6 lenses
All our high index 1.6 lenses come with complimentary standard anti-reflection and anti-scratch coating.
- Single vision +£40*
- Progressive +£40*
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High index 1.67 lenses
High-index lenses are lighter and achieve a thinner finish. This is advisable for higher prescriptions over +/-4.50 or in larger frames.
- Single Vision +£90*
- Progressive +£100*
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Photochronic lenses
These lenses are light adaptive and will darken in outdoor sunlight. Find out more in our Journal.
- Single vision +£50*
- Progressive +£80*
Coating & tints price list
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Blue filter protect coatings
This coating filters surplus blue light from screens and artificial light sources and is available on clear lenses.
- Starting from +£40*
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Graduated tints
This tint gradual fades from a darker top to a lighter shade in the lower part of the lens.
- Starting from +£40*
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Custom sunglasses tints
Available in dark brown or grey, included with prescription.
- Single vision +£77*
- Progressive +£167*
*Note: all add-on prices are “from prices” and subject to prescription power and availability. To purchase add-ons or to get a quote please get in touch with our Lab on 01727 761048 or e-mail us at hello@blackeyewear.com.
