Specialist Services
We offer a range of specialist optical services that are not widely available on the high street. All are dispensed and fitted in our Shenfield practice.
The Franklin Split
Two pairs of lenses in one frame. It is the original bifocal, invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1784.
Franklin had trouble seeing both close up and far away, so he had two pairs of spectacles cut in half and put half of each lens in a single frame. The lower half is for near vision, the upper half for distance viewing.
Although there is not a great deal of call for this type of spectacle with the technology available today, sometimes old school is the only way to go.
Dispensed and fitted in the practice.
The Franklin split remains the optician's choice in cases where standard bifocal or varifocal lenses are not suitable for the patient's specific visual demands.
The Ptosis Prop
Ptosis props (also known as eye crutches or crutch glasses) are a non-surgical solution to ptosis, or drooping eyelid syndrome.
Affected eyes do not have the ability to open and close properly. In severe cases, a person is unable to open the affected eyelid at all. Ptosis props are tools installed onto existing eyewear that support the affected eyelid, keeping it open and allowing the individual to see.
This type of eyewear is not widely available in high street opticians and is entirely bespoke to the patient.
The procedure to fit ptosis props was passed on to our technician by a very knowledgeable and highly skilled dispensing optician some fifteen years ago, and we are among the last who can fit these props.
Dispensed and fitted in the practice.
Crutch glasses for ptosis offer a non-invasive alternative to surgery for many patients. If you or someone you know has a drooping eyelid, please call us to discuss whether ptosis props may be suitable.
The Ocutech Bi-Optic Telescope
A telescope low vision system with which patients can achieve a level of control never before available with high quality low vision telescope systems.
Ergonomically designed to provide the optimal combination of wide field of view, light weight, compactness and wearing comfort.
Dispensed and mounted in the practice.
The Ocutech system is suitable for patients with conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or other conditions that reduce central vision. Please contact us to find out whether a bi-optic telescope could help you.
For a full range of magnifiers and low vision aids, see our low vision aids page.
Enquire About Specialist Services
These services are not widely available. Contact us to discuss your needs with our experienced team.