This page includes some answers to questions opticians have asked.

Question #1 How can I fit a patient with a pair of glasses that looks good on them?

Thanks for your question, below you can find some tips on fitting glasses.

Spectacle Fitting Tips 

1. The pupil should be near the center of the lens space to avoid looking cross eyed.
2. The top of the frame should be no higher than the line of your eyebrows.
3. The bottom of the frame should not touch the patient's cheek so they don't rub.
4. Frames should not be wider than the overall width of the patient's face at the temples.
5. The design and position of the bridge is key to a comfortable fit. When the bridge leaves pinch marks then the frame is too tight. On adjustable pad frames the pads can be adjusted, plastic frames need to fit as is.
6. Ask what jewelry your patient commonly wears close to their face and match the frame to it.
7. If the patient is buying one pair of spectacles, think about matching them with the majority of the patient's wardrobe.

Face Shapes

Oval face 
This shape is the so called "standard of beauty" and is therefore perhaps the easiest to suit. Oval faces have foreheads that are slightly wider than the rest of the face and the sides of the face taper gently inwards towards the jaw line.
Frame shapes to try
Almost any style is suitable: round, oval, angular or upswept, although as with all frames attention should be paid to the fit of the bridge and the size of the frame.

Round face
A round face is usually short and fairly wide. Cheeks may be full leading to a soft, rounded chin.
Frame shapes to try
The illusion of a slimmer face can often be created if round styles are avoided. Choose frames that are distinctive, angular, almost square, with designs that accentuate the upper part of the face. Look for frames with high temples and up-swept "cat's eye" styles.

Heart or Triangular shaped
This face features a small neat chin and mouth leading up to a broader forehead. 
Frame shapes to try
Choose angular frames with strong vertical lines. Avoid frame shapes which mirror the angle of the jaw and in doing so draw attention to it.

Square face
The square face is angular and well-defined but can be quite short and wide. 
Frame shapes to try
The square face shape should not be echoed by the frame, try soft round frame shapes or large ovals. Avoid very small or insignificant styles as these will only emphasize the square ness of the face.

Long face
The long face is characterized by high cheek-bones, a deep forehead and a strongly defined sharp chin line.
Frame shapes to try
The long shape can benefit from enhancing the width of the face so try wide, large framed glasses in oval or round styles.

Hair Types and Color

Blond 
Try lightweight styles with delicate color effects. Warm colors can add warmth to skin tone.
Avoid dark, heavy styles and cold colors  

 Auburn 
Reflect the warmth of your coloring with tortoise shell, reddish brown, gold, copper, bronze.
Avoid cold colors unless you want to make an impact. 

Dark 
Try metal frames in light silver or gold, soft browns and tortoise shell.
Avoid pastels and very dark colors 

Black 
Try metallic frames
Avoid bright colors unless planned to match outfit.

Soft and curly
Enhance this style by wearing delicate shapes, rimless frames and translucent colors.

Very curly hair
Small classic styles are best, also choose a frame shape that follows your brow line.

Very short hair or long hair tied back
Experiment with bold designs or more decorative styles to draw attention to your face.

Long hair
Check how different frames look with your hair loose, held back or bunched on top of your head. Keep your fringe regularly trimmed so that it's not too long or too heavy.

 Make-up considerations 

Near-sighted (minus rx): The eyes appear smaller
Apply bold make-up to emphasize them. Use lighter colors on the inner corners, blending into deeper, darker shades at the outer corners to add emphasis and to make your eyes look bigger. Use dark or lash-building mascara.

Far-sighted (plus rx): your eyes are magnified
Apply make-up sparingly and blend colors carefully. Use concealer or a slightly lighter foundation under the eyes. Dark mascara gives definition, but avoid harsh eyeliners or thick mascara - blobs and smudges will be magnified too!

Your patient's glasses don't just perform a function, they're also a fashion accessory. Think of them as another piece of jewelry and they won't look overdressed: