The days when optically challenged citizens were restricted to a sparse smattering of unflattering frames are long gone, with a plethora of Australian and international eyewear brands specialising in prescription glasses that double as covetable accessories. Aside from helping you see clearly, the right eyewear has the ability to define your look, making it essential to choose wisely.
Whether you require single-vision or multifocal lenses (or even just want to try out a pair of blue light glasses), these are the best prescription glasses brands that don’t sacrifice style for sight.
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1. Specsavers
“Should’ve gone to Specsavers.” Effective and iconic marketing aside, British eyewear brand Specsavers has become a mainstay in the Australian market. With an unparalleled array of collaborations with the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker, Alex Perry, Hugo Boss, Viktor & Rolf, Carla Zampatti, and Collette Dinnigan, as well as its sustainable in-house ReWear range, Specsavers is a no-brainer for a stylish pair of prescription glasses. Despite its design-led approach, Specsavers remains affordable, with designer glasses styles starting at $199AUD for two pairs.
Price: from $199AUD for two pairs
2. Bailey Nelson
Australian brand Bailey Nelson specialises in fashion-forward eyewear, offering up both trendy and timeless styles. Think oversized wire-rimmed, cat eye, tortoiseshell, and colourful acetate frames. Ideal for those who like to make a statement, the signature Bailey Nelson style of oversized yet dainty wire-rimmed frames has proven popular with the younger crowd while the acetate Palmer style — available in an array of colours — makes for an almost universally flattering style.
Price: from $199AUD for two pairs
3. Oscar Wylee
Ideal for those who want both fun and function, homegrown eyewear company Oscar Wylee specialises in translucent acetate frames available in a wide array of colours. Frame shapes range from classic to trend-led, with colours taking on an experimental tone. The brand regularly releases new collections based on trends in the fashion space, with colourful hues catering to dopamine dressing and circular metal frames that evoke dark academia energy.
Price: from $199AUD for two pairs
4. AM Eyewear
Catering to those who want to stand out from the crowd, AM Eyewear was born out of a love of vintage frames. Funky and nostalgic, the Australian eyewear brand produces high-quality frames that combine bold hues with geometric shapes. Prices start from $260AUD for one pair, available through select optical dispensers.
Price: from $260AUD for one pair
5. Oliver Peoples
Los Angeles-based brand Oliver Peoples looks to the unique culture of its hometown for inspiration, drawing from elements of fashion, art, and film. In addition to a chic collaboration with the always elegant Brunello Cucinelli, Oliver Peoples also releases unique collections like a reimagined take on the golden age of Hollywood, with styles inspired by the likes of Gregory Peck and Cary Grant.
Price: from $391AUD for one pair
6. Finlay & Co
The sunglasses from British eyewear brand Finlay & Co are a favourite among Meghan Markle and Gigi Hadid, however, their prescription eyewear is equally as chic. Designed in Soho, London and handmade in the Italian Alps, the brand unites contemporary styles with traditional techniques. The recent collection in collaboration with British singer-songwriter Liam Gallagher sees tinted lenses combined with wire rims, for a punk rock-approved take on prescription eyewear.
Price: from £135 for one pair
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Denis Leupold for Oliver Peoples
