Make your 40-and-over clients happy with stylish new-generation reading glasses
some customers will always be satisfied
with reading glasses from the corner drugstore. But many others among your presbyopic patrons are dying to find distinctive readers with high-quality optics. Here’s your chance to deliver: The collections on these pages represent a new generation of trendy readers your 40-and-up customers will crave. Packed with fashion-forward design touches, they’re also practical, technically sound, and deliver quality, functionality and comfort for frequent use. Haven’t checked out readers for a while? Now is a great time to expand your selection. — CLODAGH NORTON
VERA BRADLEY
For a super-feminine take on the classic reader, consider the Vera Bradley Readers Collection. Bold colors and patterns (like Flutterby, pictured) combine with classic shapes to create bright looks that fit every style. Powers include +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50. All Vera Bradley readers come with a coordinating slip case.
MSRP: About $30
(800) 966-2020 | mcgeegroup.com
JOHN VARVATOS
The John Varvatos Reader blends vintage design with a fold-away system to create a must-have accessory for city gents. Includes a small natural leather pocket case with the Varvatos logo for stylish safekeeping. Available in gold/silver and antique silver.
MSRP: $245
(800) 423-3023 | remeyewear.com
EYEOS EYEWEAR
Fun colors, cool shapes and retro edge are found in Phoebe, Sebastian and Otis — three combo styles in metal with Italian Mazzucchelli zyl. Included Hex-O-Tech lenses offer advanced optical design for increased comfort, acuity and relief from screen fatigue. Hex-O-Tech single vision lenses are aspheric to reduce distortion while the bifocal lens (FT-28) is photochromic, going from light to dark in 10 seconds.
MSRP: From $109
(978) 562-1720 | eyeosreadingglasses.com
EYE RESPECT
An essential style accessory, the innovative fold-up Jota by Eye Respect is ideal for men who lead busy lives. These handcrafted frames of Italian acetate won’t pare down a list of meetings and appointments, but they’ll help your successful customers manage their agendas and travel in style. Distributed by Fusion Eyewear.
MSRP: $350
(888) 343-8746 | eyerespect.com
SCOJO NEW YORK
Jane Street exudes feminine flair with its fabulous cat’s-eye shape. Part of the Tribeca collection, this premium reader pairs burnt orange temples with a tortoise-shell front. The swooping brow offers vintage glamour to this flattering, flirtatious style.
MSRP: $80
(763) 252-0508 | scojo.com
TUMI
Traverso Compatto travel reading glasses offer an elegant slim profile and state-of-theart materials: carbon graphite in front, and beta titanium temples. An innovative nose pad design holds the temples in place for compact storage. Includes black and brown tortoise.
MSRP: $187
(800) 423-3023 | remeyewear.com
EYEBOBS
With classy eco-friendly bamboo temples, Sugar Cane highlights eyebobs’ reader range. Other designs in the collection use brightly colored materials along with quality stainless steel, bamboo or plastic. Frames are Rx-able, and offer a selection of lens powers.
MSRP: $85
(866) 393-2627 | eyebobs.com
DESIGNER INSIGHTS
JULIE ALLINSON
EYEBOBS EYEWEAR
How did you get into designing reading glasses?
I started to design reading glasses because I couldn’t find any worthwearing! The inexpensive drugstore variety had zero style. The frames available at optical stores were beautiful but unaffordable when I considered buying more than one pair. And people who need reading glasses will own eight to 10 pair because, when done well, they become a fabulous accessory.
What sets yours apart?
Our frames are inspired by the latest fashion trends with attention paid to color, shape and, most importantly, the customer’s attitude. Our frames are handmade using state-of-the-art materials. Each pair comes with a case to keep it in tip-top shape, and all of our sunglasses offer 100 percent UV protection.
Do you follow trends?
We think of ourselves as a company that designs fashion accessories, rather than reading glasses. We don’t suffer from a “me, too” mentality, which works in our favor. In terms of the product and the packaging — and really everything we do — the spirit is irreverent, sassy, honest, fun and transparent with a bit of attitude.
What kind of opportunity do reading glasses represent for eyecare practices?
Some of our best retailers are optical shops and eye doctors because they no longer have to send their target customer away to buy a good pair (or three) of reading glasses.