Repairs and Adjustments
We at Blackheath Eyecare Centre carry out minor repairs and adjustments. This service includes:-
- Frame adjustments for facial symmetry
- Adjustments to frame sides
- Fixing broken frames
- Replacement of nose pads
- Replacement of temple tips
- Tightening loose screws
- Fixing displaced spectacle lenses
These are mostly done quickly and simply on the premises. For patients who have purchased our spectacles we will normally provide this service free of charge. However, there maybe a charge for replacement parts if needed. If we have to send your frames to our lab for repairs we will inform you of any charges payable. Please note that we cannot accept liability for repairing frames purchased elsewhere as with any old frame there is a possibility of breakage.
As always, prevention is better than a repair or adjustments of your spectacles so we recommend that you:-
- Use two hands when putting on glasses and when taking them off.
- Store glasses in a spectacle case when you are not using them.
Caring for your spectacles
Eyewear is a financial investment and improper care will cause damage to your lenses and may result in scratches, haziness and peeling coatings. This could affect your vision and cause eyestrain.
Your spectacles should be cleaned regularly. The classic slow but steady breath onto the lens followed swiftly by a gentle massage with a good quality linen or cotton cloth still works well.
However, we recommend that you use a special micro-fibre cloth and glasses cleansing spray if your glasses are dirtier. We supply a good quality micro-fibre cloth with glasses purchased.
If your glasses get very dirty you can rinse them thoroughly to remove any dust or grit that could scratch the lenses. Then, wash with soap and luke-warm water and rinse. Never use hot water, anti-bacterial or extra strength washing-up liquid as it can damage lens coatings and frames. Anything designed to "remove grime" will break down your lens coating over time.
We have a range of accessories that you can buy to ensure that your glasses stay clean. For our patients that buy designer glasses worth over £200 we supply a “glasses care kit” for free. Additional kits can be bought for £3.50.
We also provide a free same day 6 monthly Ultrasonic cleaning service for patients who have bought glasses from us. This service normally costs £2.50 per frame.
Why shouldn’t I use these products to clean my glasses?
Clothing
Clothing may have fine particles of dirt caught in it and leave fine scratches on a lens. Research shows that 52% of people use “clothing” as their most frequent cleaning method for their glasses and the majority of lens damage comes from this.
Dish Soap
While a few mild dish soaps don’t harm lenses the “extra strength” dish soaps are powerful enough to slowly disintegrate lens coatings. Anything designed to “remove grime” will remove a lens coating over time.
Glass Cleaners
Glass cleaners are highly corrosive and can damage your lens coatings quickly. They are not designed for plastic lens materials that are used in spectacles.
Tissue Paper
Dry paper products can grind dust and dirt into a lens, leaving scratches. If used with water it will not be able to remove oils, hair products or fingerprints.
Alcohol
Alcohol is often used to remove ink marks needed for cutting your lenses, However, the long term use of pure alcohol can damage lens coatings.