Repairs
Eye Exam
Repairs at Optica (Oculistas) Opticians
At Optica Oculistas we have all the machinery and parts generally required to repair most spectacles on site. Depending on time, if we are not busy, we may be able to fix your glasses on the spot while you wait, or at least have them done in a few hours. Some times "miracles" can be done.
It is amazing how mangled frames can be and still survive being bent back into shape. If they are broken generally they can be fixed with silver solder…not lead solder!!
Common areas of metal frames that can be repaired by solder are:
- Bridge bar joining the two lenses.
- Rim screw block at the outside edges of the frame.
- Side hinge joints where the side attaches and pivots on folding.
- Metal nose pad arms.
Common parts for metal frames that can be replaced are:
Nose pads
It is generally recommended to change your pads once every 12-18 months. They are not expensive considering the improved appearance and hygiene that results.
(Dependant on discolouration…people often say, "I clean them but it doesn't seem to improve them". Often with nose pads of a soft silicon nature they absorb the perspiration from the skin the easiest. The pads will turn yellowish, sometimes with green verdigris at the core, and over long periods will eventually turn white. People I think forget that they initially started out clear. Scrubbing will not help when they are at any discolouration state, it is too late!! Today there are hypoallergenic nose pads that last longer, but are less sticky and a little less flexible. Generally we can put on a pair of pads while you wait).
Temple tips
Often these plastic covers bent round the ears get cracked, snapped or chewed! Never fear they are generally easy to replace, and certainly cost a lot less than buying a new side.
Screws
Often lost, stripped at the screw (or the frame block) thread or broken inside the frame. All of these things can generally be fixed. It is best to bring them into us for Inspection and repair.
(People often come up to the front counter and say, "I need a screw". Some get embarrassed when they realise what they have said!). Some ask to buy a screw to take home, however, considering there are many different varieties, it is best left to the professionals, remember:"We do not charge for simple fix it jobs, it is a service we are happy to do."
Normally plastic frames can take pressure-knocks to a point and then "snap!" Unlike metal frame you cannot solder them. Depending on the breakage position, glue often doesn't last or hold together the frame at all. The biggest trap is customer's gluing their lenses in them-selves, as they tend to get more glue on the lenses!
If the sides are badly bent (angled up or down), it has done so at the metal joint, thus can usually be bent back into shape. If the joint snaps never fear as it is the only thing on a plastic frame that can generally be fixed!
Note: Plastic frame materials when new are more prone to go out of shape quicker. As they get older the material generally gets more brittle and holds its shape better. However this means easier to snap! Hence, be careful adjusting your plastic frames without heat (hot air). Once again leave it to the professionals. Remember... Frame adjustments are a free service whether you purchased your glasses from us or not. So if they are crooked, loose or uncomfortable come in and see us.
Generally in an accident it is the lenses that break. However if the frame does break it can generally be soldered on site. The exception is Titanium, which needs to be sent away as only a few major repair companies have the mega-expensive equipment for the job.
i.e. frame at top-but not at bottom. The lenses are held in by fine nylon, running inside the groove of the lenses around the bottom of the frame. The nylon is secured by pressure of the lens edges against the frame. The nylon can break either by wear and tear or an accident. Generally replacing the strip of nylon solves the problem. There is a small charge for this as it can be quite fiddly.
We do not charge for simple fix it jobs, it is a service we are happy to do.