|
If in fact the eyes are’
the windows of the soul’, than it goes
without saying that there’s nothing
more important when making a first impression
than your eyes - or what you put on them.
Dr. Lauren Dickerman, O.D.,
owner of Harvard Square
Eye Care, a full-service eye care practice
in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
should know. She and her uncle, Dr. Richard
Glugeth, O.D. recognized in the industry for
his innovations with contact lenses, have
been in the eye business for more than 40
years.
While optometry is a profession
they take very seriously, the doctors are
quick to admit that cosmetically attractive
eyewear is also part of the equation. That’s
why Harvard Square Eye Care offers expert
medical care, as well as some of the most
fashionable selections of eyewear in the area.
The doctors both agree that
what you wear – whether it’s clothing
or accessories – makes a statement about
who you are. Because a face is often the first
feature we see when we meet someone, eyewear
is often the accessory with the most immediate
impact. Certain styles can project a certain
image and give insight into the wearer’s
personality.
A style can be classic,
retro, minimalist, trendy, or just plain fun.
For example, a classic horn rimmed frame might
lend an air of studiousness, while an aviator
style could suggest the wearer is a bit more
relaxed.
Just as someone wears different
kinds of clothing for different occasions,
it makes sense to wear a different style of
eyewear - frames, rimless, contact lenses
- for different occasions, too. For fancy
occasions or more formal events, Dickerman
suggests contact lenses.
However, if glasses are the
only option, the frame should be delicate
and almost nonexistent. Often, a rimless or
semi-rimless frame lends an elegant effect
to an evening look. When it comes to sports
and more strenuous outdoor activities, it’s
safest to use impact resistant materials like
polycarbonate.
Yet, if you prefer to wear
just one frame, Dickerman says she can help
find one that’s versatile and appropriate
for work, social activities, and evening affairs.
Harvard Square Eye Care
patient Professor Henry Louis Gates wears
a Rodenstock rimless. “It’s a
quality frame with a slightly modern edge
because of its square angles. It’s also
a frame that, while understated, sends a subtle
message that the wearer is style conscious
without being overly concerned with what’s
in fashion. The frame suites Dr. Gates because
of its classic lines.”
Another Harvard Square Eye
Care patient, Judge Joyce London Alexander,
U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of
Massachusetts, Boston, wears a larger style
frame with photo chromic lenses ¾ lenses
that darken when exposed to light. These frames
serve a dual purpose and are appropriate for
both indoor and outdoor activities. “This
frame – #641 by Oliver Peoples - has
soft edges and is a good choice for someone
who wants to project an image that is commanding
yet approachable.”
What’s popular in
eyewear right now? Dr. Dickerman says color
in both lenses and frames are ‘key’.
“For the summer, pastels and pinks are
popular for both men and women.” Another
trendy look is thick-rimmed and rectangular.
Semi-rimless frames are also quite popular,
as are bigger ‘Jackie-O’-type
frames. And, designs with titanium, flat metals,
and strong shapes are ‘in’ right
now, too.
Dickerman says a good eyewear
stylist will get to know you and your lifestyle
- and help create a look that will bring out
your individual personality. “We help
people decide the look they want to project
and always give an honest opinion about whether
or not the frame flatters the face.”
While eyewear with a flair
is important, quality, and frame and lens
construction are equally important. “Besides
being fashionable, eyewear also needs to be
functional. The correct fit and personal comfort
are still hallmarks of our practice.”
When it comes to fit, some
rules of thumb apply. For instance, the center
of the eye should always be in the center
of the lens. “If the frame is too wide
for the eyes, they can appear cross-eyed.”
In addition, it’s important that the
frames are wide enough for the face: the edge
of the frame should protrude slightly beyond
the face.
Techniques to enhance attractive
facial features or minimize less attractive
ones also apply. A frame with a low bridge
can make a long nose appear shorter, while
a frame with a clear bridge can make narrow-set
eyes appear wider. A semi-rimless frame ¾
one with a rim on the top, only - can help
to balance a strong lower jaw.
Although Harvard Square
Eye Care carries a large variety of designer-brand
eye wear, Dr. Dickerman is quick to point
out that quality can be had with non-designer
frames, as well. But, no matter what the brand
name, it’s important that the frame
is made from a quality product with a good
‘finish’.
“Many mass produced
frames are inferior. Often times, injection-molded
frames have an unattractive sheen to them
that can cheapen the look. A hand-made frame
tends to have a softer finish with hinges
that are less visible, while mass produced
frames often have externally attached frames.”
Dr. Dickerman says she sometimes
hears patients lament that a frame is too
stylish. “At Harvard Square Eye Care,
we want our patients to feel good about how
they look and at the same time express their
own style. We make sure our patients leave
the office with a new look ¾ and plenty
of compliments.”
Harvard Square Eye Care,
the only doctor-owned dispensary in the Harvard
Square area, has been in business since 1961.
Before Dr. Dickerman took over the reins,
her uncle, Dr.Glugeth, who is now retired,
was in charge.
While expert eye care in
a family environment and quality service are
still cornerstones of the practice, Harvard
Square Eye Care now also offers the latest
in eyewear fashion.
They stock brands
from France, Italy, Japan, and the United
States, as well as a wide range of popular
frames including Gucci, Oliver Peoples,
LA Eyeworks, and Calvin Klein,”. Services
include comprehensive eye exams, laser vision
consulting, computer vision syndrome treatment,
home exam visits, contact lens fittings, child-friendly
services, and flexible office hours. Who says
high fashion can’t be high quality,
too?
Return
to the Top |
