Author: Caitlin Bruno
Should AI pick your next pair of eye glasses?
Online eyeglasses retailers have recently promoted “AI” technology to help shoppers find their next pair of glasses. Can a computer program really custom pick great glasses or is this another marketing ploy? Someone should try it to find out…
Putting an AI optician to the test
I clicked on a Facebook Ad promising a “pair-fect” glasses match using AI technology. First, I answered 14 questions about my look and style preferences. Like most online shopping pages, they want your email address, so I could only see the results after agreeing to at least a weekly spam email from this company. Thankfully, I have an old email address just for this purpose.
Surprisingly, there wasn’t a “pair-fect” match instead, there were 10 results for me to look at and decide between. When I clicked on a frame I could virtually try it on. This was the experience of using an “AI optician” to select my next pair of glasses. Here are my thoughts compared to working with a real life optician at Binyon Vision Center.
Virtual optician vs IRL (in real life) optician
“What does your face look like?” vs “Let me look at your face”
Like all websites that use “AI” to find an answer to a question, the company asks many questions, collecting the shopper’s inputs to compare to their databases and then point to an answer based on past trends. In this instance, six of the fourteen questions asked required me to describe my own face. The first was to select if my face was long, short, or medium. Not only are 3 choices far too limited to describe a person’s face shape, but it can be difficult to evaluate. An optician won’t have to ask these questions, because they’re trained to see- in three dimensions- face shape and how features are spaced on someone’s face (nose and ears are very important).
Fixed questions vs. fluid conversation
The next section of questions had to do with the glasses appearance. I could select color preferences (colorful or neutral) and style (sporty, classic, etc) with limited detail on what these styles actually meant or looked like. Another question involved glasses shape, and while they did allow for selecting more than one option, there was no room for trying new things. When you’re talking glasses style with an optician, the line of questions can be much more fluid, following your needs, wants and answering your questions along the way. There is also an opportunity to try something new and different – who knew a cat-eye would look so good!
Ten results vs. the perfect pair
One of the most disappointing parts of this process for the shopper was not receiving the promised pair-fect pair, but instead a list of ten glasses, requiring more work. The AI optician did not find a pair of glasses, it found ten that you’d need to choose from- really adding limited value from perusing the website yourself. I could virtually try on each pair of glasses to see an image of them superimposed on my face. Unfortunately, I had to take my glasses off for it to work, so I couldn’t see that well and I’m not sure how they looked.
At Binyon, the trained optician sticks with you until you find the one and only perfect pair (or sometimes two!). You can try on the glasses, feel their weight, feel where they hit behind my ears, see if they slide down your nose or if they fit just right across your bridge. During the virtual fitting, I couldn’t look at the hinges of the glasses to see if they seemed sturdy, the quality of the plastic or metal, and make sure they hug my nose just right and wouldn’t leave big red marks in a few days- all things I could discuss with a real-life optician at Binyon.
AI can’t pick your next pair of glasses
In conclusion, don’t allow the latest tech advancement turned marketing ploy take the place of personalized styling from a trained optician. We tried it so you don’t have to- and we hope to see you in person at Binyon soon to find your next perfect pair of glasses.
Did you enjoy this article? In the past we visited online glasses in this two part series:
Glaucoma 101: Why Yearly Eye Exams Are Your Best Defense
Imagine you’re scrolling through social media, and you see a post about a friend’s recent eye exam. You realize it’s been a while since your last visit to the eye doctor. Life gets busy, right? But skipping that yearly check-up for a vision test is so much more. The optometrist’s peek inside your eye tells so much about eye health – current and future. This month, we want to dig into one check made in during a routine eye exam – the eye pressure test for glaucoma. What is glaucoma and why is it important to check yearly to catch it early? Read on…
What is Glaucoma?
So, what exactly is glaucoma? In simple terms, it’s a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure in the eye. Think of it as a silent thief sneaking in and stealing your sight without you even noticing. There are different types of glaucoma, but the most common is open-angle glaucoma, which usually doesn’t show symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This is why regular eye exams are crucial.
Why Yearly Eye Exams Matter
Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” for a reason. Many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the disease is quite advanced. That’s where those yearly eye exams come into play. They’re like a safety net for your vision! During these exams at Binyon Vision Center, your optometrist will perform tests—like tonometry, which measures your eye pressure, and visual field tests, which check your peripheral vision—to catch early signs of glaucoma.
Did you know that early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes? According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, when caught early, treatments can slow the progression and help preserve your sight. Unfortunately, once the disease has progressed there is no current treatment to reverse the vision loss. Imagine that—a simple annual visit can be your best defense against something that often goes unnoticed, but can create a huge visual obstacle down the road!
Don’t delay – schedule today!
So, there you have it! Don’t let glaucoma sneak up on you. Prioritizing your eye health means scheduling that yearly exam. Your eyes are a window to your overall health, and taking care of them is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your eye exam today!
“Something For Everyone” Glasses Trunk Show
You’re invited! Binyon Vision Center is proud to host three of our amazing independent frame lines for a most unique shopping experience!
What is a glasses trunk show?
A trunk show is an opportunity for a manufacturer to bring in their entire collection to a retail partner. As much as an optical boutique like ours would love to carry every pair of glasses in every color, we get to choose our inventory carefully.
During a glasses trunk show, we get a limited opportunity to bring in every frame from one of our manufacturers in every color and it is SO fun. This time, we’re doing that with three very different frame lines- providing so much variety there will indeed be something for everyone!
All the details…
Before we go on- here are the details to add to your calendar:
When? October 18th
What time? 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where? Binyon Vision Center 411 E. Magnolia Street Bellingham, WA!
Do I need an appointment? No – unless you’d like to design a custom Feb31st frame (more details below). If that’s the case- schedule an appointment by emailing our office manager, Calana at calana@binyonvision.com. Space is limited so contact her soon!
Glasses Lines Coming!
l.a. Eyeworks has made a colorful splash in Bellingham since the line came to Binyon three years ago! For the first time, we’ll be able to show Bellingham the entire collection and if you’re into extreme color, shapes or even just something completely unique and different (feathers embedded in your glasses for example?) you’ll love what you see! Browse their glasses here and don’t forget to check out their beautiful advertisements: https://www.laeyeworks.com/.
Feb31st eye glasses frames are made completely to order. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own glasses, this is your opportunity! Created from layers of wood in a special laminating process- you get to pick the shape, size, colors and even have fun with custom engraving. Many of our patients who have been through the process describe these as the most comfortable frames they’ve ever worn! More details about the sustainable manufacturing process and design options here: https://feb31st.it/.
Article One rounds out these lines with classic offerings, the type of staples we all need in our glasses wardrobe. They also offer a very unique line of activewear – great glasses and sunglasses with small details to help them stay in place during workouts. See the collection here: https://articleoneeyewear.com/.
Something for Everyone Trunk Show!
All glasses lovers – we don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity! You can see the depth and breadth of these three amazing collection and we promise this will be a great time! See you October 18th!
The Impact of Safety Glasses
Wiley X makes safety glasses that people enjoy wearing
Binyon Vision has partnered with Wiley X to supply our patients prescription and non-prescription safety glasses for over 20 years. Recognized as a trusted name when it comes to safety eyewear, their mission is to protect eyes and design glasses that can be worn anywhere. With the wide variety of styles and lens options that have all been rigorously tested for safety- they’re right on target.
What is the Z87.1+ stamp and why do we care?
The national standard for safety glasses outlines a specific set of 3 test requirements that glasses and goggles must pass to be stamped as Z87.1+ certified. It’s good to have standards when it comes to protecting your eyes and interesting to know what goes into meeting these standards. Here is a brief summary of the four qualifying tests for Z87.1+ certification.
- Test 1: Drop Ball Test – the most basic test is to drop a 1″ steel ball on the lens in the glasses from about 50 inches. To pass, no pieces of the lenses or frame may break free or fracture. This is a good indication of the overall strength of the glasses and meant to simulate an impact like a slipping tool that lands on a worker’s face or a lens collision with a stationary object. Passing this test will award the safety glasses design a Z87.1 certification.
- 2: High Velocity Impact Test – a 1/4″ ball is fired on 20 specific points on the lens of safety glasses at a speed of 102 mph. In addition to the requirements listed in test 1, the eye on the “dummy” face cannot come in contact with the lens during any point of the impact. This test is supposed to mimic flying projectiles in work functions such as grinding, chipping or machining. Passing this test and the above awards the Z87.1+ certification.
All Wiley X ANSI-rated frames and lenses have passed the requirements for ANSI Z78.1+ safety glasses described above. An important aspect to the safety glasses design is the connection point of the frame and lenses, and this insertion must be done at the Wiley X laboratory. Updating a prescription in a safety frame should require this extra step to maintain the Z87.1 or Z87.1+ safety rating.
Performance safety glasses that you want to wear
These aren’t your gas station safety glasses! Wiley X has a wide range of wearable frames from wraparound styles with removable dust guards, to office/dress styles with removable side shields. They keep active lifestyles and active performance in mind with designs and have specific lines for these professions- construction, first responder, oil and gas, healthy and safety, law enforcement and manufacturing. Styles are available in multiple colors and lenses are available with a wide range of parameters. Wiley X safety glasses are a favorite among Binyon’s patients who are builders and refinery workers, and they often use transitions light sensitive darkening lenses that allow them to stay safe as they move from indoors to outdoors in their work environments.
Binyon Vision Center is proud to offer a wide range of Wiley X safety eyewear in store for try on! There are some prescription limitations and it’s important to discuss all the possible options with a trained optician. Stop by today to try on Wiley X safety glasses today to elevate the performance and the look of your safety eyewear!
Glasses of Binyon – Calana experiences Migraine Relief with Avulux Lenses
Ever since her freshman year of high school, our office manager Calana has experienced debilitating migraines. Officially diagnosed with chronic migraines 17 years ago, she experiences at least 12 migraines a month. Triggered by light, then experiencing extreme light sensitivity, halos, nausea, fatigue, this condition has been very difficult to manage.
Since Calana excels in administrative positions, her work path has led her through a variety of office environments. Working in an office invariably leads to lots of computer time and overhead fluorescent lights. We’re so glad she ended up at Binyon Vision Center because we get the benefit of her talents. Over two years ago, aware of her condition, Dr. McEathron sent an article on this new migraine-relief lens technology to Calana. She pursued a trial of Avulux migraine relief glasses and they have been life changing for her. We hope the Avulux lenses now available at Binyon will also be life changing for more of our patients who deal with migraines.
How Avulux lenses work
Avulux lenses uniquely filter out blue, amber and red light, only allowing soothing green light to pass through. Blue and amber light affect cells in your eyes that secrete melanopsin, which can lead to migraine attacks and increase light-triggering pain.
The patented Avulux lens technology removes up to 97% of the triggering wavelengths. An independent, third party study conducted a double blind, placebo controlled study comparing the benefits of wearing Avulux lenses vs. clear plano lenses on patients with regular migraines (reference: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04341298). It was found that wearing Avulux in addition to a healthy life style statistically improved symptoms on an 11-point pain scale between 2-4 hours after wearing the lenses. The Avulux lens filter is the most scientifically researched and tested glasses device for migraine symptoms. Over eight years of development have gone into these lenses that are now available in single vision, progressive and plano (no prescription) lenses.
How to use Avulux lenses
Glasses with Avulux lenses can be worn either for preventative measures, or as migraine symptoms start. Calana’s main triggers are overhead lighting and heavy perfume smells. Without doubt, lighting in airports and airplanes have always triggered a migraine during the flight or upon landing. Calana recently traveled for work on two separate occasions and decided to wear her Avalux glasses. On all legs of her journey, she was migraine free! Instead of heading to the hotel to curl up in a dark room- she could go enjoy the sights and sounds of the city she visited. As a preventative measure, Calana wears her Avulux glasses when she is in an environment that triggers her migraines.
In addition- when Calana feels a migraine coming on, she grabs her Avulux glasses. Instead of craving a dark room- she feels relief. After a few minutes, she describes the feeling like when you relax and lower your shoulders- but in her eyes. Because lights are a main trigger for Calana’s migraines, she tried several other “migraine-reducing” glasses on the market and the popular tints. Avulux has been the best solution by far. She also likes that while other glasses distort color, the unique filter in these lenses keep colors true, something important in computer work. While migraines would often send her home from work before- she can keep working.
For more information on Avulux lenses
Binyon Vision Center is the only provider of Avulux lenses north of Seattle and south of Vancouver, BC. Our opticians have been trained in the specifications and fitting of these lenses. We have the ability to create Rx lenses in partnership with Cherry Optical lab in both single vision and progressive lens styles. We can also create a plano (non-Rx) lens and have fitover glasses with Avulux filters to pair with prescription glasses. To schedule time to discuss Avulux lenses with an optician- please call 360-647-2020.
Avulux offers a 60-day return policy for full refund when patients have tried continuous use for two weeks with no relief. Additional resources can be found at https://avulux.com/.
Glasses of Binyon – Scott Stiglitz must have color
“I’m always looking for the brightest frames. It takes me no time to pick, I see it and say that’s the one.”
We’re back with a new Glasses of Binyon highlight! See past Glasses of Binyon stories here, here and here!
Scott Stiglitz may have entered his bright colored glasses era a little later in life, but he has jumped right in with both eyeballs! After wearing more conventional, silver metal frame bifocals, Scott (or Stiggy as he’s known to many who call on him at the Hardware Sales cable shop), took inspiration from news anchors to go bold with his frame choice in 2021.
Stiggys’ first two Binyon glasses frames were a carbon fiber printed Ovvo frame and a Face a Face cobalt blue frame with tortoise temples. Next time, he designed a Seahawks-themed Feb31st wood frame and this year, purple was calling his name with the photographed Brutal No. 20 by Etnia Barcelona. After years of shopping at big-box retailers for basic frames, he loves the variety of choices, personal service and attention he receives at Binyon. He’s quick to decide- he knows he wants bold and as soon as he sees it- he gets the opticians approval on the fit and he’s sold. Check out the independent frame lines that Binyon carries that Stiggy has to choose from here!
For these 2024 glasses, Scott decided to pay tribute to his college team – the UW Huskies. He was on a mission for purple frames. These were the first ones he tried on and even after Heather showed him a few more purple options, they agreed the fit, the style and obviously the color were perfect!
Glasses of Binyon – Lenses matter too!
Stiggy has worked at Hardware Sales for 20 years, and his job has become more and more computerized in the cable shop, which also manages concrete sales. Due to vertigo, he was fit into lined bifocals when the birthday-onset vision changes first set in, but as his prescription changed, he found himself craning his neck pretty far back to see the screen and he asked about solutions. Stiggy now wears a trifocal lens, three distinct lined zones for distance, intermediate (computer) and close up (reading). It’s not as popular as a lens today making availability more limited, but the Binyon team sourced what he needed so he could stick with what works well for him.
Stiggy brings his great personality everywhere he goes. We’re thankful for the opportunity to help him bring color to his world and joy to him and all those around him, who often comment on his fun glasses. It’s not the usual choice for a hardware store employee, but it’s the perfect choice for Stiggy. If you’re looking to stand out in color or style, please stop by and check out the selection at Binyon Vision Center!
Patient Appreciation Month 2024
Each of you who trusts us with your eye health, contact lenses and eye glasses needs are invaluable to our business. For patient appreciation month we celebrate YOU. Thank you for your support.
Our community’s support of local, independent businesses is above and beyond. Inspired by the “Think Local” campaign – we’ve put together a drawing with prizes from some of our favorite local businesses and multiple ways for our patients to enter! In 2024, we’re going bigger – more prizes and more ways to win!
Here are the ways you can earn entries to the patient appreciation drawing:
- Coming to the Face a Face trunk show on April 12th- 1 ticket
- Purchasing a new complete pair of eye glasses (new frames and lenses) – 4 tickets
- Purchasing new lenses for an existing frame – 2 tickets
- Purchasing a complete pair of eye glasses (new frame and lenses) at the Face a Face trunk show – 6 tickets
- Purchasing a new frame at the trunk show – 4 tickets
- Stopping by the office to say hi! – 1 ticket
- Stopping by the office to refill eye glasses cleaner spray bottle – 2 tickets
- Purchasing a year-supply of contact lenses – 5 tickets
- Purchasing less than a year supply of contact lenses – 2 tickets
- Bringing contact lens packaging to the office for recycling – 2 tickets
Here is a list of *some* of the possible raffle prizes!
- Ovvo Optics frame (your choice from our best selling line in 2023!) plus new prescription lenses!
- Non-prescription sunglasses from Invu
- Many more prizes from some of our team’s favorite local businesses!
Face a Face Paris Trunk Show April 12th!
You are invited to the Face a Face Paris Trunk Show!
We are so excited to welcome back to the office our Face a Face company representative Dustin, who will bring with him all the latest styles from this outstanding eye glasses frame line! You are invited to make an appointment for an exclusive showing by emailing our office manager Calana at calana@binyonvision.com or stop in to browse between 10:00 – 4:00 pm. There will be snacks, trunk show specials and entry opportunities to our annual Customer Appreciation month raffle (info about last year’s raffle here)!
Also introducing – Nifties Eyewear!
In addition to presenting the Face a Face Paris collection, we are so excited to announce we will be launching a new line of petite eyewear at this event! Nifties specializes in high fashion frames in smaller sizes (eyesize 44-49). It’s a common observation from our more petite patients that they wish there were more options that fit them- and we’re excited to be able to provide a wonderful line that will fit this need!
Stop by April 12th and bring a friend! It’s a great time to find your next pair of glasses!
Feb31st Frames Sale in February!
Each of these Feb31st frames were custom designed by their wearer! We’re extending that opportunity to you for the month of February with a 31% discount! (See what we did there?). There’s never been a better time to design a frame unique to you- a true reflection of your style and personality! Stop in or give us a call to schedule time with an optician to talk about your custom Feb31st!
See more information about the Feb31st eye glasses frame line in our recent blog post here and on their website here!
