• What prescription lenses do you offer?

• What type of single-vision lenses do you offer?

• How do I understand my prescription?

• What is the difference between near vision and distance vision?

• What if I have a strong prescription?

• What type, thickness or index of lens should I choose?

• What sunglasses lenses do you offer?

• What type of progressive lenses do you recommend?

• Which coatings do your lenses include?

• Can I have the lenses in my glasses replaced?

• How do I order a lens replacement?

• How quickly can I have my lenses changed?

• Can I have lenses replaced on non-Cubitts frames?

• Can I order varifocals or bifocals online?

• How old do I have to be to order prescription spectacles?

 

What prescription lenses do you offer?

We offer the following types of lenses:

• Single vision - including near vision (helping to see things close up) and distance vision (helping to see things far away)
• Varifocals / Progressives
• Readers - ready to wear lenses for close up work such as reading, which don’t need a prescription
• Prescription sunglasses - in three standard tints, with a full range of additional tints to choose from at checkout
• Non prescription lenses - clear (‘plano’) lenses, as either lifestyle lenses (ready-to-wear non-prescription ZEISS ClearView lenses including DuraVision coating, or frame only (non-optical plastic lenses which can be replaced by your local optician).

Our prescription lenses are made by ZEISS. You can find out more about our ZEISS lenses here.

Additional lens styles and treatments are available, including Blue Filter, Polarised and Light Reactive, which you can read about on our Lens Guide here.

Strong prescriptions* and progressive lenses require additional measurements to be taken, and are not available to buy online. To order one of these lenses you can:

• Visit one of our stores

• Buy the frame without prescription lenses and take it to your local optician to have the lenses fitted.

*We define strong prescription as any sphere (SPH) outside +/- 6.00 or cylinder (CYL) outside +/- 3.0.

 

What type of single-vision lenses do you offer?

Our most common type of lens, single vision lenses correct one field of vision for either near (near add), intermediate (int add), or distance (sph+cyl).

Zeiss Duravision Platinum (Premium)

• 1.5 (included) 1.6 (+£25/$40) lens index - For lower prescriptions (typically +/- 5.00 or below). Our optical associates will choose either a 1.5 or 1.6 index when processing your order, depending on your prescription and frame.

• 1.67 lens index (+£50/$65) - For medium prescriptions (typically up to +/- 6.50)

• 1.74 lens index (+£75/$100) - For strong prescriptions (typically over +/- 6.50)

Single vision lenses are available online and in store, however, for higher prescriptions using a 1.67 or 1.74 lens index, we will need to take extra height measurements that can only be done in person, for more information on this see.

 

How do I understand my prescription?

Read our guide: How to read your glasses prescription

 

What is the difference between near vision and distance vision?

Your near vision is shown as 'Near Add' on your prescription and refers to your ability to see objects clearly at close distances. This is typically important for tasks such as reading, sewing, or working on a computer

Your distance vision is the 'SPH' and 'CYL' numbers added together and is the ability to see objects clearly at a distance. This is crucial for activities such as driving, watching TV, or recognising people from afar.

 

What if I have a strong prescription?

Strong prescriptions, including prescriptions with prisms, are no problem, however, you may require extra measurements that can only be taken in-store.

Online, we can cater between:

Sphere (SPH) between -600 and +6.00
Cylinder (CYL) between -3.00 and +3.00

Values outside of this range require precise measurements and fitting adjustments for lenses to provide optimum vision. Therefore, we do not recommend ordering spectacles online for such prescriptions. If your prescription lies outside of this range you have two options:

1. Visit one of our stores where we can take additional measurements while wearing your chosen frame.
2. Buy the frame without prescription lenses and take it to your local optician to have the lenses fitted.

Please note: In certain cases, our ability to fulfill your prescription for the standard price may depend on the combined sphere and cylinder values in your prescription, as well as other factors such as PD measurements and frame choice. In such circumstances, we may need to contact you to discuss lens options.

 

What type, thickness or index of lens should I choose?

• 1.5 lens index is included in the cost of the frames.
• For lower prescriptions (typically +/- 3.00 or below), our optical associates will choose a 1.5 index when processing your order, depending on your prescription and frame.
• For moderate prescriptions (typically up to +/- 5.00) we recommend a 1.6 lens index (+£25 / $35)
• For medium prescriptions (typically up to +/- 6.50), we recommend a 1.67 lens index (+£50 / $65).
• For strong prescriptions (typically over +/- 6.50), we recommend a 1.74 lens index (+£75 / $100).
• Read our guide: How to choose your prescription lens

 

What sunglasses lenses do you offer?

For standard (non-prescription) sunglasses, we offer a core range of three colours, and an extended range of colours. Add them to an order during checkout. Our sunglasses lenses are UV400 rated, blocking out all UVA and UVB light up to the top end of the spectrum.

For prescription sunglasses, we offer prescription tints up to a thinner (1.67) lens index in three colours - Grey, Green, or Brown. These can be tinted to a solid 85% absorption or in a gradient of 75%-25%. To order prescription sunglasses, select this option during checkout. Our prescription sunglasses lenses are made by ZEISS and are UV400 rated, blocking out all UVA and UVB light up to the top end of the spectrum.

Read our Guide: A guide to tinted lenses

What type of progressive lenses do you recommend?

We currently offer two types of varifocal lenses: Advanced and Bespoke. Every varifocal wearer is different, and the correct choice of lens will be dependent on how you use your spectacles.

All lenses include DuraVision® coatings as standard, with greater transparency, the latest anti-reflection technology, and outstanding scratch resistance.

You can read our guide on choosing varifocal lenses here.

 

Which coatings do your lenses include?

Most of our prescription lenses include ZEISS Duravision Platinum (Premium) coatings as standard. These include the following coatings:

• Antistatic - Repels dust and dirt, giving you clear vision and an immaculate appearance.

• Hydrophobic - Repels water, reducing smudges, and making your lenses easier to keep clean.

• Scratch resistant - This hard, durable layer protects your sunglasses from scratches and scuffs.

• Anti-reflective - A coating to reduce glare from light reflection, easing strain on the eye.

  100% UV protection up to 400nm

For more information, see our lens guide.

 

Can I have the lenses in my glasses replaced?

Yes you can. We offer this service both online and in store. The service costs £75 for prescription and £50 for non-prescription. We also offer a appointment service at our King’s Cross lab if you can leave your frames with us. You can find out more about the service here.

 

How do I order a lens replacement?

You can place an order online for single vision lenses.

Postage is included for UK and US order. Postage is paid by the sender for international orders.

For Varifocals please visit one of our stores with your frames.

 

How quickly can I have my lenses changed?

The lens replacement service takes 7-14 days to turnaround depending on the lens choice. It also depends on when you return your frame to us if sending in the post.

If you're London-based and can't be without your frames, we offer an appointment service for an extra £15. This takes around half an hour and is done in our King's Cross workshop whilst you wait.

This allows you to book in advance and bring your frame in when the lenses are ready. To arrange this service please get in touch with us here.

 

Can I have lenses replaced on non-Cubitts frames?

We can change the lenses in most non-Cubitts frames, excluding frames made from horn, wrap-around styles, rimless and any damaged frames.

If you're not sure and want to double-check before going ahead with your order, get in touch at info@cubitts.com with a photo and frame style.

 

Can I order varifocals or bifocals online?

Online we offer single-vision lenses only. The good news is that we do offer varifocals in all of our stores.

We can only offer varifocals in-store as precise measurements and adjustments must be made whilst you are wearing your chosen frame to fit varifocal lenses. There's no need to make an appointment, pop in whenever works for you. If our stores are not convenient for you, you can buy the frame without lenses and take it to your local optician to have the lenses fitted.

If you would like to repeat a previous varifocal order with the same frame, we will already have your height measurements on file and can replicate the order for you online.

 

How old do I have to be to order prescription spectacles?

As we are not NHS affiliated, the minimum age we can process a prescription order for is 16 years old. Anyone under the age of 16 can still place a non-prescription order online or in store.