Our Lenses

Choosing lenses can feel a bit overwhelming. There are lots of options, plenty of technical terms, and no two pairs of eyes are quite the same. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re buying your first pair of glasses, updating an old prescription, or simply curious about your options, this guide is here to help.

From single vision and varifocals to light reactive lenses, tints and blue light filters, we’ll walk you through what’s available and what might suit you best.

We also offer comprehensive eye examinations in our stores, carried out by qualified optometrists, so you can feel confident you’re starting with the right prescription. If you’d rather talk it all through in person, our store teams are always on hand to guide you.No pressure, no jargon, just straightforward advice.

Cubitts spectacles include ZEISS ClearView lenses as standard. These are some of the highest quality lenses available, up to 49% flatter, and 16% thinner than a standard lens (see here for more).

We won’t charge you extra for the necessities. All ZEISS lenses include DuraVision® coatings as standard, up to 35% harder than standard coatings.

Fig 1. Zeiss ClearView lens with point-by-point lens optimisation using 700 free parameters for clearer vision

Fig 2. ZEISS DuraVision® premium lens coatings, with high Bayer ratio of >10*, guaranteeing the hardest, most scratch-resistant ZEISS lenses

Fig 3. Super hydrophobic coating with minimum contact angle of 110° to repel oil and water for an  easy-cleaning

Fig 4.  Patented anti-static layer preventing dust and lint build up for a longer lasting clean surface

Fig 5. Anti-reflective coating consisting of densely packed layers using ion-assisted deposition. Reducing distracting reflections by 20% and increasing light transmittance

Fig 6.  Full ultraviolet (UV) protection, to 400 nm, blocking out all UVA and UVB light up to the top end of the spectrum to ensure that your eyes are fully protected from sun damage.

These are guidelines only. You can choose any index with any prescription. They’re designed to maximise comfort and value — we will never upsell you a thinner lens you don’t need.

• 1.5 - Included with your spectacles or sunglasses.
 Recommended for prescriptions ±3.00 or below.
• 1.59 - Included with Rimless spectacles or sunglasses (rimless only). 
As rimless lenses are structural, we use a slightly thinner and denser lens as standard.
• 1.6 - A thinner lens recommended for prescriptions ±5.00 or below.
• 1.67 - A thinner lens recommended for prescriptions ±6.50 or below.
• 1.74 - Our thinnest lens, recommended for prescriptions over ±6.50.

s Blue Light Bad for Me?

There is no evidence that blue light is harmful to your eyes. However, reducing blue light exposure may help some people who experience headaches or disrupted sleep when working in screen-heavy environments.

Filtering blue light is not harmful, it may help some people, but it may not make a noticeable difference for everyone.

Can I Add Blue Light?

Yes. All single vision lenses can include a blue light filter. This reduces exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted by digital screens, LED lighting and electronic devices, particularly in the 380–500 nanometre range.

We offer ready to wear readers from +1 to +4 on 0.5 increments. Blue light filter is optional.

Light reactive lenses combine spectacles and sunglasses by darkening in sunlight. They contain photochromic dyes that change colour when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

We use ZEISS PhotoFusion X, the latest generation of photochromic lenses. Faster than previous light reactive lenses, they are clear indoors and dark outdoors, providing sunglass-level UV protection. Available in Green, Grey and Brown.

Frames can be ordered without a prescription. If you’d like to have your frames glazed locally or simply want to wear them without vision correction, this is the option for you.

If you choose non-prescription lenses at checkout, they will include the standard ZEISS ClearView coatings for everyday wear. Optional blue light filter and light reactive upgrades are available.

Selecting “Frame Only” sends your frames with placeholder dummy lenses that aren’t optical. Ideal for glazing locally.

Varifocal lenses are a remarkable piece of optical technology that combine three prescriptions in a single lens — distance, intermediate and near. This allows you to change focus simply by moving your eyes.
Unlike bifocals, varifocals have no visible line. The transition between prescription zones is smooth and gradual from top (distance) to bottom (near).

Varifocals require precise measurements and are therefore available in store only.

The natural lens in our eye is flexible and adjusts focus at different distances. As we age, it stiffens and becomes less able to change focus. This makes near vision more difficult — a condition known as presbyopia.

Single vision reading lenses offer excellent near vision but can’t be used for distance tasks such as driving. Many people also struggle to see intermediate distances (like computer screens) with standard readers.
Varifocals combine distance, intermediate and near prescriptions in one lens, meaning you don’t need multiple pairs of glasses.

Our most popular option. Provides excellent clarity at distance and near, with an optimised corridor for comfortable sustained reading and everyday use.

A fully personalised lens tailored to your visual habits and lifestyle. Designed to meet the needs of people with presbyopia who live connected, on-the-move lives.
All varifocals include DuraVision® coatings as standard.

Adapting to varifocals takes patience. Some people adjust within a few days; for others, it can take up to a month.
Wearing them consistently helps speed up adaptation. The lower portion of the lens can make objects appear magnified, so take care on stairs or uneven surfaces during this period. Move your head — not just your eyes — to look directly at what you’re focusing on. For reading, look through the bottom of the lens. If you’re struggling, visit any Cubitts store and our team will help.

Occupational lenses are specialised lenses designed for clear vision at intermediate distances (typically arm’s length). They’re ideal for computer use, office work and hobbies requiring close focus — such as music, painting or sewing.

Recommended for add powers of +1.00 and above, typically age 40+

Digital lenses feature a large distance zone with a small near-vision boost at the bottom of the lens. They’re ideal for customers who frequently use digital devices and are beginning to experience near-vision discomfort.

The near boost helps relax the eyes during close work and may reduce digital eye strain.

Typically recommended for customers in their late 20s to 40s with an add power up to +1.00.

Sunglasses shouldn’t just block light, they should elevate it. A tinted lens is more than sun protection. It’s mood. It’s mystery. It’s how you see the world, and how the world sees you.

We offer a carefully curated spectrum of lens tints. 15 non-prescription and 6 prescription colours, all crafted by ZEISS. Choose from sun lenses, gradient fades, or subtle tints, each combining style, performance and full UV400 protection to block UVA and UVB rays.

Our three core colours are available in 1.5 and 1.67. Prescription lens tints are available in 1.5.

Optional polarisation is available for Green, Brown and Grey lenses. Polarised lenses have a built-in filter to reduce glare caused by horizontal light reflection.

They’re ideal for activities around water, such as fishing, surfing, sailing, or simply reducing glare while driving. Polarised lenses can sometimes affect viewing LCD screens and phone displays, which is worth bearing in mind.

Different tints offer different advantages:

• Red and orange filter out blue light and may reduce eye strain.
• Green improves depth perception and works well for sport and driving.
• Yellow improves contrast, particularly in hazy conditions.

A tinted lens transforms how you see the world and how the world sees you. Below you’ll find all available colours, with the percentage of light blocked indicated.