Lisa McIntyre, Author at The Optical Shoppe

July 11, 2023

Blue Light Lenses

Blue light. It’s something we’ve all heard about, but many of us are unsure about the actual impact that blue light can have on our vision. In order to fully understand how blue light may be affecting you, it’s important to stay informed on what blue light is, and that’s what we here at The Optical Shoppe aim to do.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is one of the highest energy forms of visible light that we come into contact with on a daily basis. Because of it’s high energy, blue light has the ability to penetrate through our cornea where other coloured light would be absorbed. This means that blue light has the ability to interact directly with our retina and although it hasn’t been scientifically confirmed, some optical professionals feel that this interaction could be damaging our retinal cells.

When did Blue Light Become Such a Big Deal?

Blue light has always been around in the form of natural light coming from the sun. Since the sun only affects us when we are outside, we could protect ourselves from blue light by being indoors for a large portion of the day. In the past few decades, advancements in technology have allowed us to bring blue light with us when we go inside in the form of lamps, phones, computers and television screens. Blue light becomes a bigger deal every time we add a screen to our home or office.

If Blue Light is Already in my Home, What Can I Do?

The most effective way to protect yourself against blue light is with blue light lenses. These lenses are made with a coating that reflects blue light away from your eyes, keeping your retinas blue light free whenever you need them to be. Many people find these lenses work best for them in situations where they may be sitting in front of a monitor for extended periods of time, like at work or playing a video game.

So Blue Light is Always Bad for You, Right?

Not exactly. Many optical professionals disagree on the effect of blue light on the eye, with some saying that it definitely has an effect on eye health while others believe that blue light is of minor concern and can actually be helpful in certain circumstances. At The Optical Shoppe, we think that you should do what is best for you. Every eye is different and everyone’s sensitivity to blue light is different so if you’re struggling with your screens, we think it can’t hurt to give it a try.

How do I know if I should try blue light lenses?

One of the most common symptoms of blue light sensitivity is dry eye. When we look at a screen, we tend to blink less which allows more blue light in. The blue light causes dryness and the slowed blinking creates less opportunity for relief from that dryness. Another common symptom is fatigue. Since natural blue light from the sun helps our bodies to differentiate between day and night, the artificial blue light from our phones and TV screens can trick our bodies into thinking it is daytime again. This leads to poor sleep, which creates the feeling of fatigue throughout your day. Other symptoms include: migraines, eyestrain, blurry vision and an inability to focus. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then it might be time to consider blue light lenses.

July 3, 2023

Brand Spotlight: Krewe

If you’re someone who misses Mardi Gras every time you see a beaded necklace, it might be time to join the KREWE crew! Based in New Orleans, KREWE designs bring an element of culture and eclecticism to the optical industry that is totally unique, just like their hometown. In 2013, photographer Stirling Barrett wanted to find another way to capture the essence of New Orleans and stumbled upon his grandfather’s vintage frame collection, giving him all of the inspiration he needed to jumpstart his eyewear brand. KREWE has since grown exponentially as an eyewear company, earning praise from fashion icons like Beyoncé and Meghan Markle. By 2019, Barrett was recognized on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list of the most influential innovators in art and style, and once you see some of the colours these frames come in, you’ll see why.

Stirling Barrett believes the common perception of New Orleans is that it’s a city grounded in the past, but with the personality that each KREWE frame has, he hopes that he can breathe a new, modern life into New Orleans. Here at The Optical Shoppe, we love a frame with attitude and what has more attitude than a frame modelled after the French Quarter? KREWE made their Optical Shoppe debut in October and we can’t believe they weren’t here sooner! From bridge to temple, KREWE is an absolute party and since it’s already a party over here 24/7, it really was time we added a Mardi Gras vibe to round out the atmosphere.

June 7, 2023

Opticians on Wheels: Yup, We’re on a Roll

Do you have a busy lifestyle that makes it hard for you to get downtown during the weekdays? Do you dream of being able to spend hours trying on glasses instead of rushing through it so that you can make it to your next meeting? Well you’re in luck because our opticians at The Optical Shoppe are now on wheels and ready to bring your favourite designer frames to your home or office! Whether you’re a corporate office with thousands of employees, a small business with an intimate staff or one employee who has way too much going on right now; if you’re looking for frames, we want are ready to come to you!

We believe that everyone should have the perfect frame to match their personality, which is why we make sure that every visit includes a frame selection tailored specifically to the range of personalities in your office. We ask each staff member about their eyewear preferences before we arrive so if you are looking for a subtle, refined frame but your co-worker wants a bright green statement sunglass, we’ll have you both covered with uniquely curated selections of frames for each of you to try on in the comfort of your own office space.

With an Optician on Wheels, the benefits are endless. Aside from the convenience and efficiency that having frames right in your office brings, you can turn your co-workers into fashion-advisers-on-standby to make sure that your selection will turn heads at work. Plus, it gives us the opportunity to see your work set-up so that we can better recommend the best lens type for you. Really, everybody wins when you book an in-office visit from our opticians!

If you or your office is interested in booking an in-office appointment with us, send us a message at info@theopticalshoppe.ca or save even more time with our new booking calendar which can be found here!

May 15, 2023

Brand Spotlight: Tom Ford

Why did the tomato buy a pair of Tom Ford frames? Because it wanted to ketchup with the latest fashion trends and if you’re anything like that tomato, Tom Ford can do the same for you! This line features luxury materials and unmatched craftsmanship that provides wearers with a bold, yet refined look that is perfect for anything from a day at the office or a cozy night in. One the things that makes Tom Ford eyewear especially unique is the signature T logo that you can find wrapped around the front hinge of every Tom Ford frame. Since 2005 when the brand launched, this T has become a symbol for luxury and high-quality standards in the fashion industry.

The Tom Ford brand means precision and attention to detail, which is something that Tom Ford credits to his time working on his architecture degree from Parsons School of Design. Ford has said that the ability to make clean lines and structured shapes is what allowed him to make his first splash in the world of fashion with his unique take on menswear, which caught the eye of the House of Gucci. In 1990, Ford was hired as Gucci’s chief women’s ready-to-wear designer and he quickly went on to become Gucci’s design director in 1992. Until his departure from Gucci in 2005, Ford flipped Gucci’s entire brand on its head, from eyewear to fragrances. Prior to Ford, Gucci was making brown suits that typically took on a rounder structure but in the 90s, they began crafting black, squared off suits and began seeing major success as a result. The House of Gucci, which was nearly insolvent when the hired Tom Ford, was valued at nearly $10 billion when he left to create Tom Ford.

Tom Ford as a brand is also heavily referenced in pop culture. The brand has been mention in songs like “Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake and “Tom Ford” by Jay-Z, the latter of which went on to sell over a million copies and become certified platinum. Tom Ford is also responsible for dressing many of the celebrities you see on TV and in movies. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Gosling and even Michelle Obama have been spotted wearing custom Tom Ford designs. In movies, you can find Tom Ford suits in the last four James Bond movies featuring Daniel Craig and if you watched House of Gucci featuring Lady Gaga, you’ll know that Tom Ford is represented as a character portrayed by Reeve Carney. Needless to say, if you want to feel like a movie star or a super spy, Tom Ford might be the brand for you.

April 22, 2023

Shoppe n’ Sip

Is there really anything better than cocktails, charcuterie and shopping for new glasses or sunnies all in one place?

We are so excited to invite you all to Shoppe & Sip with us!

Starting on May 4th, we are kickstarting our new monthly event “Shoppe & Sip” where you can connect with like-minded individuals, win exciting prizes and shop our incredible collection of glasses and sunglasses.

Shoppe & Sip will take place on the first Thursday of every month from 4:00 – 7:00pm. To kick things off we will be celebrating 40 years in business!

Mark your calendars – we can’t wait to see you!

May 4th

June 1st

July 6th

August 3rd

September 7th

October 5th

April 19, 2023

Brand Spotlight: l.a.Eyeworks

On those days when it feels like winter in April, why not add a little California to your life with an l.a.Eyeworks frame? In 1979, two inseparable high school friends named Barbara McReynolds and Gai Gherardi opened a storefront on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles and, unsurprisingly, they quickly grew to become an internationally renowned eyewear company that we are proud to feature in our store. Today, l.a.Eyeworks remains independently owned under the leadership of McReynolds and Gherardi and aims to push the boundaries of eyewear design by pairing bold and daring frames with bright, expressive colours. Like their frames, l.a.Eyeworks also pushes societal boundaries with their ad campaigns. The l.a.Eyeworks Portrait Campaign has become iconic in LA and features a wide range of celebrities and cultural provocateurs from Danny Trejo, Reggie Watts, and John Waters to Grace Jones, Leslie Jordan and RuPaul. I guess it’s true that big names like funky frames!

l.a.Eyeworks’ mission is to challenge the status quo in a fun, proud and expressive way and we think they nailed it…I mean, what’s more fun than a frame named Pancake? Anyone who knows us here at The Optical Shoppe will also know that we love bringing a bright and energetic vibe to our store in whatever way we can, and l.a.Eyeworks’ passion for fun does that perfectly. Whether you’re someone who loves unexpected eyewear design or you just want to be amazed by how many different shapes glasses could possibly be made in, we’re sure that this brand will have a frame that (eye)works for you!

March 10, 2020

How it all started?

The Optical Shoppe first opened its doors in 1983, introducing Regina to fashion forward eyewear. Founder Thelma Bannatyne had a fierce passion for fashion, and she believed eyewear was the ultimate accessory.

Thelma traveled to New York, Las Vegas and even Milan to find the best frames to bring to you. She met with designers from all around the world to ensure the latest and greatest frames were in her store.

In the late 90’s Thelma stepped back from being in the store every day, but not before she instilled a passion for eyewear in her son Rene.

Rene has been a staple in the store for many years, continuing Thelma’s legacy of fashionable frames and outstanding customer service.

Today we continue that tradition, by searching for the best frames and continually improving our customer service and enchaining your in store experience.

My name is Lisa and I am thrilled to be the new owner of The Optical Shoppe. Coming from a family business myself it means a lot to me to carry on the traditions of this great store. I can’t wait to meet all the loyal clients that Rene has been servicing for so many years, as well as welcoming new clients to the store. I hope you all drop by soon so I can share my passion for this industry with you and give you some sneak peeks from this springs collection.

February 4, 2020

You’ve heard it before, shop in a store with a door, but why?

“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependant on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.”
Michael H. Shuman, author of the book Going Local.

Local Economic Stimulus. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, and service providers. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.

Non Profits Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. Since July of 2019 The Optical Shoppe has donated to over 15 local charity events.

Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity. The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the business that reside there, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of your home and property.

Environmental Impact Is Reduced. Small local business usually set up shop in the town/village center, providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community’s walk score than out of town shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses. Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. Plus the more jobs you have in your local community the less people are going to have to commute which means more time and less traffic and pollution.

Customer Service Is Better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude because they have to face you day after day.

Local Business Owners Invest In Community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s welfare and future.

Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices. A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

You Matter More. We talk a lot about exerting influence with your purchasing choices, or “voting with your wallet.” It’s a fact that businesses respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to your local community business than the large big box stores.