New research has revealed that an estimated 7 million women in the UK are ignoring their deteriorating eyesight, with almost a quarter (22%) rejecting glasses due to concerns that they will feel unfashionable, old, self-conscious or less confident.1,2 Boots UK is raising the health and happiness of the nation by encouraging women to embrace their changing vision with positivity and confidence. It is offering both health and style advice to inspire women to overcome their denial about needing glasses and help them to discover the joy of finding the perfect pair of frames so that they can look and feel amazing.
Sunglasses are not the only in-vogue eyewear option to accessorise a look - a timeless pair of prescription frames can also make a great style addition that will stay on-trend from one season to the next. In fact, the latest research underlines that women are more concerned about getting the right style (67%) than having perfect vision (42%). Women want to feel confident (33%), stylish (27%), beautiful (15%) and most importantly, feel themselves (39%) when wearing glasses.
Senior Frame Buyer Laura Bickley comments, “At Boots Opticians we understand that no one wants to struggle with their eyesight and finding glasses you love is more than simply how they help you to see. Suddenly needing glasses can really challenge how a woman views herself – sometimes feeling more vulnerable about her changing health and fearing the need to adapt her look. Embracing glasses needn’t be a style faux pas - it’s our mission to ensure no one feels overwhelmed and to help them find the perfect pair of glasses to suit their style and budget.”
Age-Aware
Despite the NHS recommendation, almost a third (30%) of women admit that they don’t have an eye test every two years with reasons including the expense (42%), the ‘hassle’ (26%) and forgetting (20%). Women aged 35-44 have eye tests the least regularly, with the average time left between eye tests being closer to four years (3.7 years) for this age group, despite the fact their eyesight may be changing.
Boots Optometrist Samantha Watson comments, “When we reach our forties, our vision starts to change. Most frequently we experience loss of near focusing ability, also known as presbyopia, and notice the need to hold books, magazines or menus at arms-length to focus properly. This is perfectly normal but can mean that we develop headaches, eye strain or feel fatigued when focusing close up. Presbyopia can easily be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses so it’s important to have regular eye tests and take action when you notice any changes to your vision.”
Style Top Tips
Senior frame buyer Laura Bickley offers a little help to those feeling daunted by the prospect of choosing their first frames:
“Once our optometrists have carried out the eye test, our free Frame Consultation makesnavigating thousands of stylish frames feel more like a makeover, rather than a mountain to climb. Our Optical Consultants will help you to search out the perfect pair to invigorate a look, bring out best features, and complement the wearer’s personal style - all at excellent value. We also ensure that your new eyewear fits properly so that you feel confident, comfortable and of course, are able to see clearly.”
1) Complement your complexion: If you have light skin and hair tones, avoid black frames as these can look too heavy – go for a tortoiseshell finish which will look softer. These come in classic and more vibrant colours, so choose a palette that will complement the clothes you wear most regularly. Medium and dark skin tones carry off darker frames more easily, but you shouldn’t feel limited to black - blue or green frames suit complexions with cool undertones, while gold and brown glasses work well for those with warm base colours.
Emporio Armani Women's Glasses EA3060 – Green, £230.00*
2) Don’t be afraid of larger frames: Although you might think they’re the most discreet, small, dark, rectangular frames can make your eyes look smaller. Make the most of your eyes by choosing slightly bigger frames that allow your pupil to sit in the centre of the lenses - this can be more flattering.
Kelly Hoppen Women's Glasses KH001 – Brown, £150*
3) Matching your face shape isn’t always the answer: If you have a round face with full cheeks and soft angles, you might think round frames would complement your features. However, circular or oval lenses will tend to make your face look rounder, so I’d recommend rectangular frames to help create balance and add definition. Conversely, for those with a square face, rounded oval frames can help soften the jaw line and bring out the eyes. For those with a heart face shape, rectangular or cat-eye frames both work well, but steer clear of aviator frames as they will emphasise your face shape rather than complement it.
Ray-Ban Women's Glasses - RB5150 – Black £230*
At Boots Opticians, there are over 2,000 stylish frames to choose from. We have glasses for only £35 and fantastic brands including Ray-Ban and Police. Eye tests cost £25, however certain groups are eligible for free NHS eye tests, including those aged 60 or over, 16 or under, or if you have diabetes or glaucoma. Ask in your local Boots Opticians for more details.
*Prices shown include frames and Boots Protect single vision lenses
- Ends -
Notes to editors:
For more information or additional quotes from Senior Frame Buyer Laura Bickley or Boots Optometrist Samantha Watson, please contact the Boots UK Press Office:
Boots UK Press Office: 020 7025 6657/ bootshealthteam@redconsultancy.com
About Boots UK
Boots UK (boots.com), the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer, is part of the Retail Pharmacy International Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. With 2,510**** stores in the UK, Boots UK is committed to providing exceptional customer and patient care, be the first choice for pharmacy and healthcare and offer innovative 'only at Boots' exclusive products such as the UK’s leading skincare brand No7, all delivered with the great value customers love. Created over 165 years ago, the Boots brand is still at the heart of the communities it serves.
References
1. Research commissioned by Boots Opticians, November 2016, data on file
2. ONS Population Data, MYE2: Population estimates by single year of age and sex for local authorities in the UK, mid-2015, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/datasets/populationestimatesforukenglandandwalesscotlandandnorthernireland, Accessed 06.12.16
Calculation of 7 million women:
Total number of UK women aged 18-64 (as per survey sample) = 19,959,546
73% of women surveyed suspect their eyesight to have deteriorated over the last few years = 14,570,469
Of these, 48% find themselves ignoring their deteriorating eyesight = 6,993,825