Chris Adams Opticians Sight Tests

Sight tests at Chris Adams Opticians of Folkestone are available several days a week. Regular eye tests are important because your eyes don’t usually hurt when something is wrong.

Spectacle frames are available from £29.00 We are happy to accept NHS Vouchers for full or part payment on your choice of spectacles.

Children’s Eye Examinations

About 10% of children have some kind of minor eye defect and it is vital to correct these problems as early as possible. We recommend your child’s eyes are examined before school age and yearly after that. In addition to the large range of plastic & metal frames, which are covered by the NHS Vouchers, we have various fun children’s frames including the hugely popular Lazer Junior range.

Chris Adams Opticians Sight Tests

Consultations are by appointment. Please either telephone us on 01303 246105 or contact us to book yours. A full eye examination costs just £40.00

Lens Types Explained

Everybody’s eyesight is different and whatever your prescription and visual requirements we have the experience to prescribe the correct lenses for you. Below is a brief explanation of some of the lenses available.

Single Vision Lenses

The simplest form of spectacle or contact lens is the single vision lens, made to a single prescription to correct a particular eyesight problem. Essentially distance or reading lenses. Concave lenses are used to correct short sight and convex lenses to correct long sight.

Concave lenses are generally thinner in the centre than they are at the edge and convex lenses are usually thinner at the edge than at the centre. The curvature of the lens, its thickness and weight will depend on the amount of long or short sight it is designed to correct. The lens material will also influence the thickness and weight of your lenses, as will the size and shape of the spectacle frame you choose. Our Qualified Dispensing Opticians will offer advice and guidance to help you choose.

Traditionally, spectacle lenses were made of glass but most lenses are now lightweight plastic and there is a wide range of materials available to suit your prescription and lifestyle.

Bifocal lenses contain two optical corrections with a distinct dividing line between the two parts. The most common use of bifocals is for people who have become presbyopic and need a different prescription for close work.

The upper part of the lens corrects distance vision and the lower half is for near vision. Trifocals are also available that have three sections and incorporate a correction for intermediate vision. Bifocals and trifocals come in a range of designs but nowadays varifocal lenses are much more likely to be prescribed.

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, are used for correcting presbyopia but unlike bifocal lenses have no visible dividing lines between the different corrections. Instead they have a graduated section in which the power of the lens progresses smoothly from one prescription to the other, allowing the wearer to see clearly at all distances.

These lenses also have the benefit of looking better they don’t draw attention to the ageing process. A range of varifocal designs is available depending on your lifestyle and occupation. Modern lens technology means that there are many different designs and materials to choose from. Our dispensing opticians will be able to advise you on the best lenses to suit your individual requirements.

We offer the latest designs from many different suppliers, we also have a great deal of experience with Essilor Varilux. We believe that these manufacturers offer the best blend of performance and value for money in today’s market.

We can also offer lifestyle lenses which are designed for specific tasks such as desk work.

If you need high powered lenses you can improve the weight or appearance of your glasses with special lens materials and designs. High-index materials and aspheric designs mean that lenses can now be made thinner, lighter and better looking than traditional lens types. High index materials make lenses both thinner and lighter.

We have a great range of sunglasses available, all the latest designs. We can provide sunglasses for distance, reading, bifocals and varifocals. We can even provide non prescription sunglasses if you are lucky enough not to need a prescription or to wear over your contact lenses. Non Prescription sunglasses start at just £89 and Prescription sunglasses from only £149 so you can afford to step out in style. Polarised lenses help to cut out glare and are very comfortable to wear, still only £50 extra too.

Photochromic lenses also known as transition lenses darken to a sunglasses tint when exposed to sunlight, or UV ultraviolet, and return to a clear state when indoors, away from UV light.

Often referred to as transitions, photochromic lenses are made of many lens materials including plastic and polycarbonate. They are typically used as sunglasses that conveniently switch from a clear lens indoors to a sunglasses depth tint when outdoors, and vice versa.

Spectacle lenses can be provided with anti-reflection coatings which virtually eliminate distracting reflections off the lens surfaces. Reducing reflected light is particularly helpful for computer users and for night driving. Anti-reflection coatings also improve the cosmetic appearance of your glasses highlighting your eyes not the spectacle lenses.

Plastic lenses are lighter than traditional glass lenses but they scratch more easily. Scratched lenses can be irritating for the wearer and look unsightly. Scratch-resistant, water repellent and UV coatings are available to protect against damage and prolong lens life. These come as standard on all anti-reflection coated lenses and all thinner lenses.

Polarised Lenses, these are the most effective form of sunglass lens as they completely eliminate reflected glare. They are available as a sunglass lens, prescription and can also be combined with a photochromic element for the ultimate flexibility.