Vision Origins Blog

James' in his Rudy Project.

2010-05-18T09:49:00.006+08:00

James was wearing Rudy Project's Rydon when he caught this monster stingray off Labrador Park on the 25th of April, 2010.

Here's an image of platinum velvet Rydon with bronze lenses. Do check out the rest of Rydons at Rudy Project website.

Linkskin- world's first eco-friendly spectacle frames!

2009-09-03T01:01:00.007+08:00

Every one of us can contribute to the efforts of saving the planet with the things we do everyday. Companies alike are playing their roles in their daily operations in order to be socially responsible for their products.

Recently it has come to our attention that the first eco-friendly range of spectacle frames by Linkskin has been produced. At first glance, it was a little unbelievable that contemporary frames that are both stylish and light-weight can be fabricated using recycled materials. But they are, from the frames to the spectacle cases! Using only recycled plastics and stainless steels from old spectacles, the frames are not only “green”, they are designed to be comfortable, durable and versatile. And they are available in a variety of different shapes and colors!

Every pair of frame is engineered to function in the absent of screws while the temples of the frame are joined to the frame front by a patented buckle-lock system that also secures the lenses. The temples have an unique spring design that is worth mentioning. Unlike other spring temple frames, the effect of the spring lasts for the lifespan of the frame so there are no worries that the spring will break or the temples need to be readjusted as a result of daily wear and tear. They also ensure that the spectacles sit snuggly on your face with maximum comfort.

Linkskin has won several awards both for it designs as well as for its contribution towards sustainable development. It has also been accredited with the Green Label in Singapore and applications to other eco label certifications in Japan and Germany are in progress.

** Images provided by Nanyang Optical.

Unique frame designs that function beyond practicality!

2009-09-03T00:23:00.011+08:00

Traditional spectacle frame essentially consists of a frame front that holds the lenses and is joined together to the temples by screws. In recent years, advancements in technology and product designs have made possible the fabrication of unique frames that function beyond practicality.

VO was introduced to four such interesting brands recently! We were both intrigued and impressed by how cleverly the designers of these brands successfully married advanced technologies with innovative designs.

The concept used in the art of paper origami is clearly visible in the designs under Urband. Borrowing from the idea of the traditional Japanese art (whose goal is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and patterns) designers of this brand created the frame front through the bending of a piece of sheet metal, resulting in a frame design that is uniquely modern, simple yet durable. Innovation does not simply stop there. We were informed that the frame is constructed without soldering, screws or hinges. While the conventional frame uses screws at the temple hinges to attach the temples to the frame front, Urband uses a patented S-clip system to accomplish the same task and with more elegance. With the S-clip, the frame can be easily assembled or dismantled without using any special tools and the lenses are firmly secured. Urband has already won several awards, both locally and internally.

Colours, and lots of colours is what you would find in frames from Glossi! Apart from being light weight, durable and comfortable to wear, the designers of this series of frames seem determined to provide wearers a chance to celebrate everyday living with vibrant and glossy colours! A special feature we have to point out is that the frame front is joined to the top bar at both frame-ends by stitch concept (patent pending) using nylon string and not screws or pins. This soft connection allows more flexibility.

The world’s first soft-lock system using nylon string to lock the lenses within the rims of the frame is found in spectacles by Eyelet. The system replaces the conventional frame with screws and makes it easy to lock and unlock the lenses. It also helps to minimize the chipping of the lenses which are common with sheet metal frame front fitting. Wearers of rimless frames will find it easy to adopt Eyelet.

Another world’s first is found in this frame below by Linkskin. While the common highlight of frames by this brand is that they are made primarily from recycled materials (details will be featured in a separate article), it is the design of this particular frame that caught our attention! Notice how ingeniously the designers utilized stitches to decorate and enliven the frame!

Drop us a mail should you be keen to know more about these products!

** images provided by Nanyang Optical.

VO has pledged to donate a portion of their profit for charitable undertakings!

2009-08-26T10:52:00.007+08:00

The three partners of VO has pledged on the 25th of August to set aside at least 10% of their profit for charitable undertakings! We know it won't be an astronomical amount but it should be a good start!

VO is now Rudy Project authorised dealer!

2009-08-19T15:11:00.004+08:00

We are now the authorised dealer for Rudy Project! We will be offering the full range of Rudy Project products (sunglasses, prescription frames, helments, visors, apparels, bags.. etc) with at least 10% discount off retail price. Drop us an email to arrange for an obligation-free viewing session!

We have additional discounts for some older models. So write to us and we hope to surprise you with a good offer!

Before we put the product images in VO's website, here's Rudy Project homepage once again: http://www.rudyproject.com

Duanneng and her Levi's sunnies!

2009-08-11T14:18:00.001+08:00

Duanneng in her Levi's Ladies sunnies! The gradual brown tint goes well with her hair and the swarovski-crystals (on the temples) glitter no end!

VO Vision Care Article, No. 1- Frame Materials.

2009-07-27T14:35:00.000+08:00

We will be starting a series of articles to provide information on vision care. May they be useful to some! The first article we are featuring concerns frame materials.

Types of Frame Materials

When choosing a pair of spectacle frame or sunglasses, are you influenced by the type of material the frame is made of and are you aware of the benefits and shortcomings associated with these materials?

Metal and plastic are the two predominantly types of materials used in the manufacturing of frames. In general, metal frames are lighter in weight and they keep their adjustments better than plastic frames. Plastics frames, on the other hand, being thicker and more rigid can offer a more dramatic and stylish look. The wide range of colours being offered, together with interesting designs and intricate details frequently seen on the broad temples of designer eyewear, make plastic frames ever popular. Most designer eyewear are available in these two materials or the combination of both. There is a third type of frame material that is more exotic and is derived from nature. More details can be found in the rest of the article.

Metal Frames
Metal frames can be made of different types of metals, but the most common ones are made out of nickel silver, although increasingly materials such as titanium and stainless steel are being used. For tropical countries like Singapore, nickel silver may not be the ideal material of choice as high humidity causes the frame to tarnish easily. Also, nickel silver frames are susceptible to corrosion when they are exposed to perspiration. Skin that comes into contact with the corroded portion can experience skin sensitivity (common symptoms will include redness of the skin) and in a more serious case, an allergic skin rash may develop. Approximation 10% of the general population experiences nickel-related allergies.

Another metal frame material that is worthy of a mention is titanium. Currently, titanium represents about 25% of the eyewear market in the United States. This metal, apart from being light and biocompatible, possesses excellent strength, corrosion resistant and flexibility. Titanium frames are also hypoallergenic. Pure titanium frames (>90% Ti by weight) are very expensive. As such, it is common to find titanium alloy frames in the market. Beta titanium is an alloy of titanium, aluminum (added to make the frame light), and vanadium (for hardness). The primary benefit of beta titanium is the enhanced mechanical flexibility that allows the fabrication of very thin frame. Memory metal frames are alloys of nickel and titanium. These frames have extraordinary elasticity and can retain their shape superbly well. As they are less likely to break, they are excellent choice for children and active people.

Plastic Frames
Most plastic frames, sometimes known as shell frame, are machine manufactured while the more exquisite ones are being hand-made. Almost all plastic materials used can be softened with heat for the purpose of lens insertions and adjustments. Most plastic frames do not come with nosepads which fit individuals with high nose bridge very well. However, for Asians who tend to have flatter nose bridge and flared noses, these frames may not fit comfortably as inadequate support can result in the frame slipping down the nose.

Plastic frames are mainly made of cellulose acetate which can come in many colors and shapes. Frames made of this material are durable and they can be designed to offer high transparency as well as deep gloss. They also feel more natural than some other types of synthetic materials and thus retained their popularity as a material of choice.

There are more exotic plastic frame materials that include nylon and propionate but we are going to just mention about two others here- polyamide and epoxy.

Polyamides are synthetic plastics approved for use by the FDA. The material has the necessary properties to be made into frames that are extremely light-weight and flexible while at the same time retain their shape very well. Frames made from these materials possess very good breakage-, scratch- and chemical-resistance, hence, making them a good choice with individuals who have sensitive or/and allergic skin conditions. Such material forms the core technology in Swissflex’s range of eyewear.

Epoxy frames (more commonly known as “memory plastics”), like their memory metal frames counterpart, are strong and has the ability to return to their original shape after being deformed. As such, they offer the advantage that the frame does not require to be re-adjusted as frequently as some other types.

Natural Materials
Materials derived from buffalo horns and turtle shells are occasionally still being used, even though this has become less common as conservation of these animals gained momentum. The demand for these frame materials arises on the principle of exclusivity- no two pieces are identical. They offer the individual the opportunity of owning a “signature” piece and as each piece is hand-crafted they command a very high price. Since these materials are derived from nature, they are extraordinarily kind to the skin. Buffalo horn and turtle shell frames are also light-weight and they offer great wearing comfort. Some even believe that they offer some medicinal benefits!

Kwanghui and his Tag Heur!

2009-07-22T13:42:00.000+08:00

Here's Kwanghui and his Tag Heur!

Kwanghui's job nature requires him to travel widely and frequently around Asia meeting business associates. This pair of frameless Tag Heur help project a clean sophisticated image! So does the pink tie! Ha! :P

Andrew with his Oakley Tumbler!

2009-07-22T11:38:00.000+08:00

Andrew in his olive tortoise Oakley Tumbler!

Andrew and his wife, Mitsuko, have done something very brave of late. They have quitted their high-paying jobs to set up a boutique offering unique Japanese products that aimed to make everyday living more comfortable, stylish and pleasant. Their boutique will open in 61 days time in Mandarin Gallery! Check them out here.

VO Ishihara Colour Blindness Test!

2009-07-14T21:51:00.000+08:00

Check this out guys! What do you see?

How to identify the model no. of a pair of sunglasses?

2009-07-09T15:31:00.000+08:00

We received enquiries from friends asking how can they identify the model number of a pair of sunglasses. This post seeked to address that.

In general, the model number and other specifications of a pair of spectacles/sunglasses can be found on the temples of the frames. The model no. usually follows this format- two to three alphabets followed by four or five digits. The alphabets are normally abbreviation for the brand. The image below shows an example for a pair of prescription frames by Levi's Ladies Style- LSL6009. When you order with us, we just need this info. to know what you are looking for (also the colour of cos!).

Other information of the frame can also be found on the temples, such as the colour of the frame (sometimes given in codes like 1,2 or 3), the dimension of the eye size and the length of the nose bridge. Sometimes, the material of the frame is also indicated. You will be clear after seeing the two images below!

The presentation of these specifications vary among brands (they could all be found on one temple for a particular brand). But you should be smart enough to have them figured out! Here's another example!

Rudy Project!

2009-07-08T00:19:00.000+08:00

We were given the opportunity to view the full range of Rudy Project (RP) products today! What can we say? We were utterly impressed! We knew all along that this Italian brand has pretty good frame designs but today, after trying on several pairs, we were delighted to say that Oakley has a worthy competitor! Ok, to be honest- Ki & Raphael have never been an Oakley fan. And we have no reason to be after trying on Rudy Project! Apart from the use of really advanced materials (seen on those we tried today), RP excelled in the areas of innovative (and useful!) frame designs and the offer of accessories to cater to wearers who require prescriptions or other needs. And we quite like the way the sunglasses fit our (asian) faces! Check out RP's website for more information! And here's one of Raphael's favorites! Zyon Sailing with detachable side protection and adjustable floating retainer!

*image from Rudy Project website

We are actually very puzzled by the acceptance (or the lack of to be exact) of this brand in Singapore, especially when it is hugely popular with athletes overseas. We arrived at the conclusion that they are not doing enough marketing! Good for them! Let them focus on the development of wonderful products and offering them to the market at reasonable prices instead of squandering millions on marketing and endorsements and making consumers pay for them!

We will explore ways on how to offer this brand to you guys at a good price! So if you are looking for something sporty, be informed that RP offers an exciting range of products!

Frame anatomy!

2009-07-07T05:28:00.000+08:00

You will find in this image some common terms that are being used to describe various parts of a frame.

LV sunglasses

2009-07-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

We received an enquiry from a friend concerning a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses. We made some checks with our supplier friends and was informed that LV eyewears are not available in optical shops that cater to commoners. You probably have to get them from LV boutiques. And I am doubtful that they ever give discounts. At least this was what I gathered from one of LV salespersons when I visited their boutique in Paris last year.

"I have worked in Looie Verton for more twenty years. And I have never see discounts (given)".

I can still vividly remember his super hao liao expression!

Contact Us!

2009-07-06T01:24:00.000+08:00

Oh! One more thing! VO can be contacted at contactus@visionorigins.com

First Questions.

2009-07-05T23:40:00.000+08:00

Upon receiving the news that we are offering our service, several friends have contacted us expressing their interest in one or more eyewears. One common question received was whether we have a website with images of the brands we carry. Another question raised was whether we do prescription glasses. We will address both questions here.

We are in the process of developing the website! We understand that images of the products will, in some ways or others, facilitate your selection process so currently while Keat is making plans for the website, Raphael and Ki are collecting images of the products (we found out over the weekend that this is really not an easy job as a single brand can easily have over fifty models)! We'll keep you guys informed as soon as the website is near completion! So what can you do now should you need a pair of glasses? We suggest the following procedures:

Walk into your friendliest optical shop, preferably one that offers a good selection of designer eyewear.
Try on different models to ensure that they fit and look well on you.
Note down the model number of the frames once you have identified what you want. The model no. can commonly be found on the temples ("legs") of the frames with codes like LSL2112 ("LSL" for Levi's Ladies).
Take note also of the colour and the best price offered by the shop (so that you can compare with ours later).
Thank the salesperson with your most genuine smile and walk out immediate!
SMS VO indicating the brand, model no. and colour!

We will then give you a quotation.

We understand that this is not the most convenient shopping process but until VO can offer something reasonable in future, we feel that it is necessary to make a trip to ensure that the frames fit properly. We can only hOpe that the discounts we are able to give compensates for the hassle!

At the moment, we can obtain almost all brands although the extend of discounts we can offer vary among brands. Just for illustration purposes, we are able to provide 10% discount off retail price for "difficult" brands (because their supply is very controlled) while for others we can give 20% or more. So please request for a quotation from us!

We have the means to do prescription glasses (as Ki is an eyecare professional) although the main focus of our venture is in sunglasses. Currently, we will only do prescription glasses on a case-by-case basis. For those of you who knows your prescription, we can help with getting the lenses done (with some discounts of cos). But do note that we will NOT be held responsible should we be provided with the wrong prescription. However, should the mistake come from our side, we will of cos have the lenses corrected free of charge. For folks who do not know their prescription, you can get those details from your regular optical shop. Alternatively, you can also arrange with us for an eye check.

Alright! Gotta go!

Have a most blessed week ahead!

The VO origins.

2009-07-03T16:27:00.000+08:00

VO was established with the aim of providing reasonably priced designer eyewear to our friends and online shoppers. The origin of VO could be traced back to several years ago when two of our founding members started supplying friends with really affordable eyewear! Since then, we are constantly persuaded to extend the offer to friends of our friends who, alike us, appreciate the finer styling and quality associated with designer eyewear.

So here we are! After much considerations and encouragements, we will now be providing our service to more friends as well as shoppers via the internet (we hOpe that many of our shoppers will become our friends in due time :))!

We have decided on this online approach based on a very simple objective- keeping non-essential business overheads to the minimum. As we do not have to account for expenditures typically required of an optical shop (go imagine!), we are able to convert most of what we save into discounts for our customers!

As much as we would like to paint the rosiest picture for our venture, we have to be frank that limitations exist for e-business of our nature (e.g. we may not be able to provide eye check conveniently for everyone). So we seek your forbearance should you encounter any with us! This article, apart from bearing witness to our humble beginning, shall serve as a reminder that we promised to resolve these limitations the best we could in the near future!

We would like to take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt appreciations to our friends (including our suppliers) and families, without whom this endeavor would not be possible, much less meaningful!

Last but not least, we welcome questions, feedbacks and suggestions of any sort! So should you have questions concerning eye-related problems or suggestions on how our service can be made more efficient, write to us!

Raphael on behalf of VO.