Hello, everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review my latest experience at the local eyewear label sightonomy, where I got a pair of spectacles fitted with Shamir Transitions lenses.
I’ve gotten numerous pairs of spectacles from sightonomy before—you can read about my latest experience with sightonomy here. Recently, I heard from Shane that he has implemented an eye health screening as part of his customer offerings, and thus, I decided to head down to have a look.
Sightonomy – the Video
For more information on sightonomy’s eye screening process, do watch the YouTube video below:
Sightonomy – Eye Screening Experience
Shane is actually a certified optometrist, which is defined as a “primary eye care provider who specialises in performing eye examinations”. This includes the detection of eye infections and common eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
As he was already familiar with the procedures, Shane decided to take the leap of faith to purchase these pricey eye screening machines to provide additional value to his customers and further differentiate himself from other opticians in the area.
The first machine Shane used on me was the tonometer, which measures eye pressure. Healthy eye pressure helps maintain the shape and structure of the eye and supports overall eye health, preventing conditions such as glaucoma from developing.
Next, Shane checks on my anterior eye health using the digital slit lamp. This helps detect a range of conditions, such as cataracts and dry eyes, and is also part of the check for glaucoma.
The visuals from the digital slit lamp are projected on the TV. While you won’t be able to see it whilst in the machine, your companion will, making for an interesting visit to the optometrist. I can certainly see this being of note to parents who bring their kids for an eye screening, or even adults bringing their elderly parents.
Afterwards, Shane uses a non-mydriatic fundus camera to take a photo of my retina. This helps him evaluate the retina for optic disc abnormalities and signs of disease, such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.
Luckily for me, Shane examined my retina and gave it a clean bill of health. However, he also stressed that eye screenings—like any other screenings—should ideally be done yearly and that detecting certain diseases may require more specific and advanced tests.
Sightonomy – Shamir Transitions Lenses
After the eye health screening, it was time to get a new pair of glasses.
Sightonomy regularly refreshes its frames, so there were plenty of new options.
In particular, a greyish, translucent titanium frame called the Ramsey stood out.
Sensing my interest, Shane shared that these frames’ USP (unique selling point) was their reinforced uppers, which enhance durability and create an interesting aesthetic effect.
I promptly tried on the frame on my face, and was instantly sold as its size fits my face to a tee.
With the frame chosen, all that’s left is to choose the lenses. I’ve done a variety of lenses with Shane before, including photochromic lenses. However, I mentioned to Shane that I’ve never done tinted or gradient lenses before, which happens to be all the rage recently. In fact, even professional athletes have started to adopt them, both for style and function.
Hearing this, Shane recommended that I opt for the PhotoGlamour lenses from Israeli lens manufacturer Shamir. In addition to their photochromic properties, the lenses also feature the brand’s Shamir Relax technology, which helps reduce digital eye strain.
Shamir’s PhotoGlamour lenses use Transitions technology, which means that they darken quickly when exposed to sunlight but fade rapidly back to clear in indoor settings. I notice that it changes quicker than my previous pair of photochromic glasses, which didn’t use Transitions technology.
The photochromic lenses come in various colourways, but I chose a dark blue tint because I felt they would pair best with the muted grey frame.
After 5 days, I received the finished frame and lenses.
I immediately fell in love with the blue gradient tint—it looks beautiful in person. I was pleasantly surprised by its subtlety, which makes it versatile enough for everyday wear.
In fact, I felt the gradient lenses paired perfectly with the “crystal smoke” frame thematically. The grey and blue colour pairing also works well, given that both are cool colours.
The frame also features a titanium construction, which makes it lightweight on the face yet durable. Titanium is also hypoallergenic, so even those with sensitive skin (like me) can wear the frame for hours without worry.
The result is a fashion-forward frame reminiscent of Gentle Monster offerings. It’s eminently striking but not ostentatiously so, and is perfect for those seeking something different. The Ramsey’s largish square frame should also fit most face shapes, thus adding to its versatility.
Conclusion – so sightonomy Shamir Transitions Lenses “shiok” or not?
Firstly, I have to commend Shane for his passion and commitment to his craft. The various eye screening equipment is not cheap, yet Shane is offering his eye health screening for free (with a minimum spending of $300) as a value-add for his customers. Given that a professional screening by an ophthalmologist can easily cost hundreds (if not thousands), this represents great value for money. Do note that sightonomy’s frames are also relatively affordable, with the Ramsey starting at just $135 (basic lenses included). I also appreciate how sightonomy offers a wide repertoire of lenses, including unique lenses from smaller, independent lensmakers like Shamir. I love the look of the blue gradient PhotoGlamour lenses – it’s now my daily go-to, and never fails to start a conversation.
As always, those interested in purchasing eyewear from sightonomy can quote “WAHSOSHIOK” in-store or when making their appointment to enjoy $10 off their purchase. If you’re looking for unique yet affordable glasses, heading down to sightonomy is a no-brainer—you can even get your eyes screened as well.
View the Ramsey here.
Learn more about the Shamir PhotoGlamour lenses here.
View the full range of sightonomy’s offerings here.
sightonomy’s location: 60B Smith St, Singapore 058963
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
