The way these lenses are mounted gives a floating effect. The red frames are from Klik's 2009 spring/ summer line.

How many pairs of shoes does the average woman have in her closet? How about a man and his pants? You're probably still counting but leave the arithmetic a while and think; what if we looked at prescription glasses in the same way? Have more than one pair.

"For some people, it's like they have a bit of a disease, almost every week they are in for a pair of glasses, but that's the exception rather than the rule," said Dr Aron Wohl, optometrist and owner of Eye Q Optical. He explained that while the mentioned group is in the minority, it is a practice the business promotes as glasses last longer and, of course, clients get to express themselves with an accessory which is usually the first thing other people see. "They're not looking for glasses that fade away and disappear. They're quite happy to wear glasses that make a statement and so we're happy to do that. We want you to see well, obviously, but we want you to look good too," he said.

And paying keen attention to that fashionable outlook the staff in both stores, located in the lower Manor Park Plaza and the Courtleigh Business Centre, were newly outfitted with uniforms designed by local fashion designer SIIM.

"We try to align ourselves more with the fashion industry so we sponsored Caribbean Model Search this year," he said. They try to keep the fashion trend, going with the types of frames they offer with brands like: CK, Fendi, Nike, and Calvin Klein. Eye Q also stages frame-style shows, which are like fashion shows with glasses as the main event. The shows highlight the entire line of new frames from the major brands they sell.

The lenses are not left wanting, however, as they offer reflection-free lenses which minimise visual fatigue while working at a computer, reduce glare during night driving and, of course, give the impression that you have no lenses.

English native

Wohl, an English native, moved to Jamaica to practise as an optometrist. Almost 10 years into owning his own business, it's near impossible to believe that his initial intention was to complete a three-month voluntary stint at the Foundation for International Self-Help Development (FISH) Clinic in Papine, and ultimately go to Reggae Sunsplash. He ended up making a decision to plant his roots here after serious consideration.

After years of experience in other offices, he wanted to start his own businesss where Jamaicans could come in, look at a wide selection and try without obstacles, this he wanted to be coupled with excellent care and customer service.

For the company's 10th anniversary in April, Wohl hopes to celebrate not only with a party but express the company's contemporary fashion side by producing an artistic coffee-table book for its customers on the history of the company while displaying frames.

In addition to fashionable and ultra-modern frames from top designers, Wohl said his staff is highly educated about the products and services they offer through overseas correspondent courses and general updates on new developments in the industry. He said they use top-of-the-line equipment.

Technologically advanced

"We are very technologically advanced in how we operate business and how we create glasses, even for practices abroad. We have what we call a remote edging system so we can put the frames in a machine and it takes a digital reading of the shape of the frame and that information gets sent to the lab overseas and we can then manufacture the lens, already cut to the size and, therefore, ensure that you get the thinnest edges with the nicest cosmetic appearance," he said.

Wohl cautioned that it's important that Jamaicans get yearly eye examinations and not wait until their eyesight deteriorates or their glasses are destroyed. He also emphasised the need for individuals to have their eye examinations and care performed by qualified optometrists.

"There are about 15 of us on the island," further explaining the shortage, "You should have one for every 10,000 members of the population," he said but it is necessary that a potential patient ensures that the eye care professional is properly certified.

Metal frames with an ornate eyelet design from Fysh.

You have different shoes for every outfit, why not do the same with your frames? Eye Q Optical believes in expressing yourself with different frames.

Calletia Sinclair in acetate frames from Fendi's Double F line.

Funky purple frames made by Fendi.

Christopher Eldemire sports a nice pair. - Photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Transparent Fendi frames bejewelled with real Swarovski crystals.

Photoshoot at Eye Q Optical Manor Park on Thursday 19.2.2009.