Manchester optician raises awareness of wearing proper sunglasses

A Manchester optician recently hosted a summer event to raise awareness of how important it is to wear sunglasses offering the correct protection.

The Specsavers store at Manchester Fort shopping park hired jugglers and stilt walkers, who performed in front of the store, attracting customers inside. Staff also handed out branded beach balls and water bottles to shoppers.

“Many people are unaware that throwaway-fashionable sunglasses without the correct CE marks could endanger sight more than not wearing sunglasses at all,” says Peter Dodd, the store’s retail director. “This is because the dark lenses cause our pupils to widen and let more light in, but without the UV filter. This could increase the risk of certain eye conditions over the long term.

“Short term exposure to UV rays can cause photo keratitis, painful inflammation on the front of the eye. Excessive long term UV exposure has been linked to eye conditions such as age related macular degeneration and cataracts.”

The store sells sunglasses by a range of designers including Cheap Monday, Puma, Karen Millen, Gant and Love Moschino and can be adapted for those who wear bifocals and varifocals.

“Always look out for the CE kite mark and for sunglasses marked UV400,” says Peter. “Cheaper glasses not bearing these marks might not provide adequate protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

“Children’s eyes are particularly at risk of damage, as they have larger pupils and clearer lenses in the eye than adults which allows more UV to penetrate. Kids should wear sunglasses as soon as they will keep them on, normally from around the age of two.”

The store is currently running a 2-4-1 glasses deal, which means anyone buying a pair of frames over £69 will be eligible for a pair of free sunglasses. Visitors to the store can also take advantage of the store’s free eye test offer.

Shoppers purchasing contact lenses at Specsavers can make savings of up to 43% off the price of non-prescription sunglasses.

The all-inclusive package means customers can choose a pair of glasses from Specsavers’ £45 range or designer frames from just £35, and receive full aftercare, future sight tests as recommended by our opticians plus delivery of lenses and cleaning solutions at no extra cost.

To book an appointment please call 0161 834 6665

Click here to download a free eye test voucher!