Occupational Lenses: The Perfect Pair for Work and Play
If you’ve ever caught yourself squinting at your workspace, leaning in to read small text, or rubbing your eyes after a long day, occupational lenses might be just what you need.
They’re designed for all sorts of indoor activities, from office work to crafting, making them a brilliant option for anyone who spends time focusing on close and mid-range tasks.
Let’s dive into what makes them so special, and why you’ll find yourself wondering how you managed without them.
What Are Occupational Lenses?
Imagine your regular glasses trying to be everything, everywhere, all at once—focusing on distance, close-up reading, and everything in between. Occupational lenses, on the other hand, are the specialists. They’re crafted to give you the clearest view of your workspace, whether that’s a computer screen, a workbench, or even your sewing table.
Think of it like this: varifocals are your outdoor shoes, perfect for getting around wherever you go. But indoors, you’d probably slip into something comfier - your trusty slippers! That’s what occupational lenses are for your eyes: custom-made for comfort and clarity in your indoor environment.
Who Can Benefit From Occupationals?
If you’re thinking these lenses are just for the desk-bound, think again!
Occupational lenses work wonders for anyone who needs sharp, strain-free vision up close and at intermediate distances. Here are a few people who might fall in love with them:
No more neck-craning or screen-hunching - occupational lenses give you a clear view of your whole desk setup.
Office Heroes & Keyboard Warriors
Knitters, woodworkers, painters, and more will appreciate how these lenses make it easier to focus on detail without eye strain.
Crafters & Creators
Anyone who needs to read, glance around, and switch between tasks will notice the difference. Occupational lenses keep you moving smoothly from one thing to the next without a second thought.
Multitakers
If you’re working with tools, measuring, or inspecting parts up close, you’ll find these lenses make your job easier and more comfortable.
Workshop Wizards
1) Why Not Just Stick With Varifocals?
Varifocals are fantastic for everyday life, with zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision all in one lens. But when it comes to up-close and desk-based work, varifocals can be a bit like wearing outdoor shoes indoors. Yes, they’ll get the job done, but you’ll often end up tilting your head or straining to find the right spot to look through.
Occupational lenses, on the other hand, are specially designed to make near and intermediate distances a breeze. They’re tailored to your workspace, giving you a natural, comfortable view without all the neck gymnastics. You’ll feel the difference, especially during long hours on the job.
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2) Why Not Just Use Single Vision?
Single vision lenses are great. Simple, cheap, and for tasks that require only a single working distance, they may well be the best lens fo the job.
They do have their issues though, and the clue is in the name: Single vision are designed to work for a single distance.
Think about your work or hobby area, is it all really just at one distance or are there different objects throughout your field of view. For computer users, we have the screen, keyboard, phone, notepad, and sometimes a second screen - all at different distances - requiring you to adjust your position every time you need to switch focus.
With occupational lenses, your entire set up is clear and sharp without moving your position, or adopting awkward, back-ache inducing postures.
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3) Are Occupational Lenses Worth It?
If you’ve been dealing with sore eyes, a stiff neck, or that mid-afternoon blur after staring at your screen, occupational lenses might be the answer. Here’s a quick checklist to see if they’re right for you:
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Do you find yourself leaning closer to your screen, table, or workbench?
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Are your eyes tired or sore by the end of the day?
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Is your neck feeling the strain of holding awkward positions?
If you’re nodding along, then it’s worth booking a consultation with Doctor Oculus. We can help you find out if these lenses could make a difference in your work and your life.
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4) Why Choose Doctor Oculus
When you come to Doctor Oculus, you’re not just getting a one-size-fits-all lens—you’re getting lenses that are custom-tailored to your workspace, your daily tasks, and, of course, your comfort. Here’s what makes our occupational lenses stand out:
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Personalised Fit: We take precise measurements based on how you sit, how you look at your work, and your unique needs. No guesswork—just lenses made to fit you perfectly.
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Top-Quality Materials: Our lenses are built for durability, clarity, and comfort, using high-quality materials that make a real difference in how you see and feel.
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Peace of Mind: With our 2-year warranty on scratches and damage, you can trust these lenses are built to last through every project, meeting, and crafting marathon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can any glasses be re-lensed?Not every pair of glasses can be re-lensed - it depends on factors like the frame's condition, build quality, and material. If your frames need a bit of TLC before we can fit new lenses, we’re happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment. Whether it’s a minor repair or a full refurbishment, we’ll guide you every step of the way. At Doctor Oculus, we specialise in giving glasses a second chance while helping you save money and reduce waste. If your frame is suitable, we’ll re-lens it with precision and care, ensuring it feels as good as new.
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Can you re-lens glasses that another optician can't?Most opticians might tell you, “It could break during glazing, are you sure you want to risk it?” This cautious approach is often down to company policy. Re-glazing isn’t the most profitable service for them - no judgement, it’s a tough industry - but the truth is, breakages are rare in skilled hands. If you do find an optician willing to re-glaze, you might face hefty surcharges, sometimes up to £90, wiping out your savings. So, why are we different? At Doctor Oculus, re-glazing fits perfectly with our eco-friendly ethos - why toss a frame when it still has life left? We’ve spent years perfecting our craft to handle nearly any type of glasses frame, so you can trust us to do it right. Plus, we’ll never tack on hidden fees. You only pay for your lenses - unless you fancy giving your frame a refurbish while we have it.
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How long does the process take?Re-lensing your glasses typically takes 7 to 10 working days. We use premium-quality lenses on par with those from top independent opticians but without the hefty price tag. Like driving away with a Rolls Royce after paying Peugeot prices. This timeframe ensures your lenses are expertly glazed to the highest standard, giving you clear and comfortable vision for the lifetime of your glasses. We also maintain strict quality control at every stage, which occasionally means a slight delay. If that happens, don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way, so you’re never left in the dark.
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Can I re-lens my glasses online?At Doctor Oculus, we believe in delivering the most comfortable and precise vision possible, which is why reglazing your glasses requires an in-store consultation. Our qualified professionals will take detailed measurements and a lifestyle consultation to ensure your lenses are tailored perfectly to your needs. We’re conveniently located in Digbeth, a vibrant area just a short stroll from Birmingham’s iconic Bullring, with excellent transport links and nearby parking. Visiting us in person eliminates the risk of your frames being lost or damaged during transit, guarantees accurate measurements, and ensures you receive the full benefit of our five-star service. We understand that for some, an online service might seem more convenient. However, because quality and consistency cannot be guaranteed with that method, we choose to leave online re-glazing to others. With Doctor Oculus, you can always trust in-person expertise for the best results.
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Can sunglasses be re-lensed?Absolutely! We can replace tinted and polarised lenses, as well as create custom colours or mirrored finishes to transform any glasses into prescription sunglasses. Whether you need single vision, varifocal, or other specialised lens types, we’ve got you covered. With Doctor Oculus, you can upgrade your sunglasses for perfect vision and style, all while keeping your favourite frames.
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Do I need to provide my prescription?Yes, you’ll need to provide a prescription that’s less than two years old. This ensures your new lenses are precisely tailored to your current vision needs, giving you the best value for the lifetime of your re-glazed glasses or sunglasses. During your appointment, we’ll verify your prescription to make sure it’s accurate before crafting your lenses. This extra step guarantees a top-quality result that provides optimal comfort and clarity.
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Is re-lensing convenient?Re-glazing your glasses is often more convenient than buying a new pair. You can skip the hassle of browsing for new frames and going through the fitting process again. Once we’ve taken your measurements and tailored your new lenses, you can continue using your current glasses while we get to work on the lenses. When your lenses are ready, we’ll send you a message and arrange to swap them over at a time that suits you. It’s a simple, stress-free way to refresh your glasses and enjoy perfect vision without disruption.
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Can I change the type of lens I'm wearing?Absolutely! Re-glazing your glasses gives you the flexibility to switch to lenses that better suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for prescription sunglasses, anti-fatigue, computer lenses, or transitioning from single vision to varifocals, we can tailor your glasses to match your lifestyle. Re-glazing is also a cost-effective way to upgrade your lenses without the expense of purchasing new frames, giving you the freedom to customise your eyewear while saving money.
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I've had my glasses a long time, are they still suitable?If your frame is starting to show its age, don’t worry! We specialise in refurbishing glasses to restore their strength and shine before fitting your new lenses. Whether it’s a quick repair or a full refresh, we’ll bring your favourite frames back to life. Read more about our repair and refurbish service here If you’re already comfortable with the fit of your glasses, re-glazing them is a smart way to maintain that perfect feel while upgrading your lenses for clearer vision.
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Is re-lensing environmentally sustainable?Yes, re-lensing your glasses is a great choice for the environment! All re-lensed spectacles can be fitted with our most sustainable lenses from Metaform. These lenses use significantly less water and energy during manufacturing compared to traditional methods, and they’re available for all types of lenses—from readers to varifocals and everything in between. Read more about Metaform here We also offer more affordable lenses that are locally cast and manufactured, further reducing transportation impact. By choosing to re-lens your glasses instead of buying new ones, you’re making a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste and prevent unwanted eyewear from ending up in landfill.
Are You Ready To See The Difference?
If occupational lenses sound like the missing piece in your routine, don’t hesitate to give us a shout. At Doctor Oculus, we’re here to help you find a pair of lenses that truly fits your life - no more settling for “good enough.” Book your consultation today, and let us help you discover a world of clarity, comfort, and ease in your work and hobbies.