Insights and news

Spring Style, Streaming Eyes: Hay Fever & Your Vision

Spring has arrived, and with it longer days, lighter wardrobes…and for many of us, itchy and watery eyes.

At Monocle, we love this time of year, our new window display celebrates everything fresh, colourful and full of life. But if your eyes are feeling less than comfortable, hay fever could be the reason.

Why does hay fever affect your eyes?

Hay fever is caused by pollen, tiny particles released by trees, grasses and flowers. When pollen comes into contact with your eyes, your body reacts as if it’s under attack.

This can lead to:

·       Itching

·       Redness

·       Watery eyes

·       Puffiness around the eyelids

In simple terms, your eyes are trying to “flush out” the pollen, which is why they can feel irritated and constantly teary.

Simple ways to soothe your eyes

A few small changes can make a big difference:

·       Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from pollen

·       Avoid rubbing your eyes (even though it’s tempting)

·       Wash hands and face and change clothes after being outside to remove pollen

·       Do not dry your laundry outdoors, as pollen gets trapped in the fabric

·       Use a cold compress to calm irritation

·       Consider antihistamine eye drops for relief from the pharmacy

If symptoms are persistent, it’s always worth speaking to your optician or pharmacist.

A fresh look for spring

Just as nature changes in spring, it’s a great time to refresh your eyewear. Our latest window display is inspired by the season, light textures, soft colours and frames that feel fresh as the air outside (even if your eyes disagree!).

Feel free to pop in to explore the collection or simply have a chat, we’re always happy to help you see (and feel) your best this spring.

How to find a perfect pair of glasses?

As we step into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to refresh not only our wardrobe but also our eyewear. At Monocle, we believe that your glasses should do more than just correct your vision, they should reflect your personality, elevate your style, and make you feel fabulous every day.

Whether you’re looking for something bold and vibrant, sleek and professional, or classic with a modern twist, we’ve got something to suit every style and face shape. From handcrafted luxury frames to innovative designs from top eyewear brands, we are thrilled to showcase our latest arrivals.

Finding the perfect pair of glasses goes beyond just choosing a frame, it’s about finding a style that complements your personality, lifestyle, and face. Our team of experienced opticians is here to guide you through a personalized frame consultation, ensuring that you leave with a pair (or two) that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Book an appointment with us today and let’s explore the range of options together!

Apply here

Our frame consultations

Choosing the right frame should feel enjoyable, not rushed. That’s why our frame consultations are calm and unhurried, with our full focus on you.

We take time to get to know you beyond your prescription, your work, lifestyle and how you use your glasses every day. We talk about the colours you are naturally drawn to, how bold or understated you like your style to be and what you need your glasses to do for you, whether that’s long days at the desk, creative work, or life on the move.

By understanding you better, we can guide you towards frames that not only suit your face, but feel like a natural extension of who you are. The result is eyewear that looks right, feels comfortable and fits effortlessly into your life.

Start the New Year with a Fresh New Look

Ready to update your eyewear collection and step into the New Year with a fresh new look? To mark this occasion, we would like to offer you a free frame consultation* (usual cost £55) and help you discover the perfect pair of glasses for you. We can’t wait to help you find eyewear that’s as unique and stylish as you are!

Apply here

* Offer ends 15/02/2026

Monocle Eye Care Introducing Nina Mûr

This month we are taking you to Madrid, the city famous for its world class museums, tapas, flamenco and of course football. This is also the home of Nina Mûr eyewear, a brand where art, innovation and sustainability meet.

In an era dominated by fast fashion and disposable design, Nina Mûr Eyewear is a powerful example of how innovation and sustainability can coexist in style. Launched in 2018 by Lorena Serrano, a designer and daughter of opticians and Davide Fichera. Nina Mûr is proudly designed and produced in Spain. But it’s more than just an eyewear brand, it’s a design philosophy rooted in slow fashion, responsible consumption, and a deep passion for craftsmanship.

Every frame is produced in a controlled, small-scale environment, meaning there is no mass production, no dead stock, and minimal waste. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint, but also ensures that each piece is created with care, intention, and precision.

Crafted from History: Birch Wood with a Legacy

What truly sets Nina Mûr apart is its choice of material. Each frame is made from birch wood sourced from responsibly managed forests in Finland, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This wood is light, highly flexible, and incredibly durable, so much so, it was famously used to build airplanes. That same resilience and adaptability is now channelled into eyewear, offering frames that are both strong and comfortably lightweight.

A Palette of Possibilities

Nina Mûr is not a brand that believes in one-size-fits-all. With over 70 different colors and finishes, and options to mix and match sides, thicknesses, and hues, each frame can be uniquely yours. Whether you lean toward minimalist tones or bold color statements, there’s a combination to reflect your personal style. And for those with specific needs, custom-made frames are available, ensuring a perfect match in both fit and aesthetic.

Sustainable, Inside and Out

From material sourcing to final touches, Nina Mûr takes pride in aligning every step of production with its sustainability ethos. By keeping design and manufacturing under one roof, the brand maintains full control over quality and environmental impact. This also allows for a close relationship with every product where glasses are not just accessories, but wearable works of art designed to last.

A New Way to See Eyewear

With Nina Mûr, eyewear becomes more than a necessity, it becomes an experience. It’s about knowing where your frames come from, how they’re made, and what values they represent. It’s about choosing timeless design over trends, craftsmanship over convenience, and sustainability over mass consumption.

Occupational Varifocals: The Smart Solution for Clearer Vision at Work

After our summer break, Monocle just like the majority of us are now back in full
throttle at work. This inevitably means hours in front of screens, leading to
eyestrain, blurred vision and neck pain. If this sounds familiar and you use
varifocals, it might be time to consider a lesser known, but highly effective
occupational varifocal.

How Are They Different From Regular Varifocals?

Standard varifocals are meant to be worn all day, allowing you to see clearly at
all distances, from reading a book to driving a car. However, this all-in-one
design comes with compromises:

  • The reading and computer zones are often small in standard varifocals.
  • You may need to tilt your head awkwardly to find the “sweet spot”

Occupational varifocals on the other hand:

  • Provide wider zones for reading and computer work.
  • Offer more comfortable head posture at a desk.
  • Reduce eye and neck strain.
  • Enhance focus and productivity during close tasks.

They are not designed for outdoor use or driving, but they are exceptionally
good for your work environment.

Are They Worth It?

If your job demands long hours of close or screen based work, then absolutely.
Think of occupational varifocals as a tool – like an ergonomic chair or a standing
desk – that helps you work more comfortably and efficiently.
While they are a second pair of glasses (you’ll still need your everyday varifocals
or distance specs), they can be a game-changer for productivity and comfort
at work.

Final Thoughts

Occupational varifocals are a smart investment for professionals who demand
more from their vision. As we age, our eyes need a little more help – and these
lenses are designed to make your workday smoother, clearer and far more
comfortable.

If you are experiencing visual fatigue at work why not come and see us or book
in for a sight test and we will be happy to help you.

New Season

The arrival of a new season brings an exciting opportunity for reinvention, particularly when it comes to your personal style. It’s the perfect moment for a refreshing update, perhaps starting with your eyewear. Embracing bright and bold ideas can transform your look, and we believe that finding quality eyewear is key to making a statement that lasts. At Monocle Eye Care we can offer tailored personal style advice to help you select frames that complement your features and your personality. Choosing long lasting eyewear is an investment in your appearance and confidence, ensuring you step out looking sharp and feeling great.

Love Eyewear Awards

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve won the “Love Eyewear Award 2025” for the most engaging window display in the country. Creating captivating windows is something we genuinely take pride in, and it’s wonderful to receive this recognition. We hope our window displays add a little bit of fun to your day and perhaps bring back some lovely memories.

Visit from SALT. eyewear designer

We had the pleasure of a visit from Trevor the designer of SALT eyewear. SALT are a Californian brand producing very high quality frames using Japanese acetate.

Trevor explained the inspiration from nature reflected in this brand and the manufacturing process in Japan, focused on producing highest quality frames.

We loved the passion Trevor puts into producing these great frames.

SALT is for anyone who’s looking for simple elegance and timeless style, with the Californian free spirit.

Inspired by nature.