Optical Dispensary

We have an extensive collection of high-quality eyeglass frames for the entire family. We feature Guess, Kate Spade, BCBG Maxazaria, Marchon-Flexon, Emporio Armani, Jessica McClintock and Shanghai Tang. Our frames carry a one-year warrantee for manufacturer defects in most cases. You can drop by anytime for an adjustment to your eyewear or have the nose pieces replaced. We have a great relationship with a repair company that can fix most broken frames.

We also have a nice selection of Sunglasses from the likes of Ray Ban, Guess, Kate Spade and Shanghai Tang. It is also possible to have custom sun-clips made by E-clips, based in Emeryville.

Choosing the right kind of lenses with the right coating is essential in acquiring the best vision possible. The key to this decision is matching the benefits of each lens and coating with your individual needs.

Anti-Reflective Coating
Normal lenses often create glare, reflections, and "ghost images." This can be eliminated with an anti-reflective coating. There is both a cosmetic and functional advantage to this coating. These coatings are especially beneficial when viewing computer screens and driving at night.

Bifocal and Trifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses allow the wearer to see through two areas of the lens. One area focuses on distant objects, while the second area is used for reading. A little-known fact is that bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin, and his style of bifocals is still available today. These bifocals are called line-bifocals or flat-tops. They may be quite fine for most people in spite of the fact that no-line progressives are more popular.

Trifocals feature three areas of focusing power, each separated from the other by a distinct line. The three windows allow for focusing on distant objects, mid- distanced objects, and for reading.

Progressive Lenses
One of the main problems with bifocal and trifocal lenses is abrupt visual jump from one area to another. It may be difficult to switch from one focusing power to another.
A recent variation of bifocals and trifocals are called no-line lenses or progressive lenses. Progressives provide a smooth transition from focusing on near objects to focusing on distant objects because they do not have a line which separates the focusing powers. Instead, a gradual change in power allows the wearer to focus on objects at all distances.

Photochromic
Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays. The change is caused by photochromic molecules that are in a coating on the front of the lens. When the wearer goes outside, the lenses darken. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become clear. They are typically available in gray or brown.

Polarized Lenses
Glare from wet roads, light reflecting off other vehicles, and glare from your own windshield can be annoying and dangerous. To eliminate this glare, we offer polarized lenses. Polarized lenses eliminate almost all glare, reducing eye strain and increasing visibility.

Scratch Resistant Coating
Scratches damage the cosmetic look of the lenses as well as their performance. With a scratch resistant coating, there is much less chance of getting scratches on your lenses. It is important to remember that scratch resistant does not mean scratch-proof. Our coatings have a one-year warrantee.

Lens Materials
High index materials are named because they have a higher index of light refraction. Basically, they can do the same job that glass or CR-39 does, but is much thinner and lighter. When speaking about high index lenses, you may hear many unfamiliar numbers and terms. Here are a few things to remember.

Polycarbonate:
The first and still most popular high index plastic is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was originally developed for fighter jet cockpits. It is very strong, very light, and resistant to scratches and impact. Most sports lenses are made of polycarbonate.

High Index:
High index lenses, such as 1.60, 1.67 and 1.74 are much thinner than regular glass or plastic. Talk with your doctor to decide which high index lens is right for you.