Lens Guide
Find the right lenses for the way you see.
Every pair of Shades of Sam glasses is made with lenses chosen for your prescription and your day. Here's a simple guide to our lens types and treatments, so you know exactly what you're getting.
Lens Types
Which lens type do you need?
Your lens type depends on what you need help seeing: far away, up close, or both. Your prescription usually tells us which one is right.
Single Vision
For one distance: far or near
One prescription across the whole lens. The most common lens, for people who are short-sighted, long-sighted or need reading glasses. Single vision lenses are usually ready in 24 to 48 hours.
Progressive
For far, middle and near, with no lines
Your prescription changes smoothly from the top of the lens (far) to the bottom (reading), with no visible lines. A popular choice once you need help with both distance and reading.
Bifocal
For far and near, in two zones
Two prescriptions in one lens: the main part for distance and a small segment at the bottom for reading, with a visible line between them.
Trifocal
For far, middle and near, in three zones
Like a bifocal with an extra middle zone for arm's-length tasks such as a computer screen or a shop counter. Each zone has a visible line.
Computer Glasses
For screens and desk work
Set up for the distance of a computer or laptop screen, so long hours at your desk feel more comfortable. Often paired with blue-light blocking.
Driving Glasses
For clear vision on the road
Made for distance vision while driving, so road signs, traffic and the road ahead stay sharp, by day or at night.
Lens Treatments
Choose how your lenses work for you
A treatment is added to your lens type. Pick the one that suits where you spend your day.
Clear
Everyday lenses
Standard clear lenses for sharp, comfortable vision indoors and out.
Blue-Light Blocking
For screens and devices
Filters some of the blue light from phones, laptops and TVs. A popular choice if you spend long hours on screens.
Photochromic
Clear indoors, darker in the sun
Darkens automatically in sunlight and clears again indoors, so one pair works as glasses and sunglasses. Also known as transition lenses.
Colour Tint
A fixed tint, for style and sun comfort
Lenses with a permanent colour, from light fashion tints to darker sunglass shades. Ask us about the colours available.
Not every treatment is available on every lens type. We'll confirm the options and price for your prescription before we start.
How it works
From frame to finished glasses
- Choose your frameBrowse our eyeglasses online or try frames on at our shop in Ashaley Botwe.
- Share your prescriptionSend us a photo of your prescription. No prescription, or older than 2 years? Book an eye exam.
- Pick your lensesChoose a lens type and treatment from this guide, or let us recommend the best fit for you.
- We make your glassesWe check your prescription and fit your lenses. Single vision lenses are usually ready in 24 to 48 hours.
Not sure which lens?
We'll help you choose
Tell us how you use your glasses and send your prescription. We'll recommend the right lens type and treatment, with no pressure.