It can sometimes be tough being young today.  But whilst young people\'s lives can be more pressurised than ever, there are a lot more choices available to them, especially when it comes to vision care, prescription eyewear and in particular, contact lenses.

National research has shown that nearly one in five of young people do not wear their prescribed glasses. Many parents do not appreciate that children as young as eight can successfully wear contact lenses.

Keith Little, owner optometrist of The Big Optician Newcastle said: Research has shown that about 52% of young people who require vision correction are interested in trying contact lenses, yet only 3% have gone on to wear them.  Some parents do not realise that, depending upon their motivation and maturity, children as young as eight can become successful contact lens wearers.

Keith said: at The Big Optician Newcastle we have found that contact lenses go further than just meeting young people\'s vision needs, as they help them improve self confidence about their appearance, as well as making it easier for them to participate in sports.

Staff at The Big Optician Newcastle will be delighted to discuss the various options that are available for contact lenses for young people with parents.  This will include the opportunity to touch and feel contact lenses as most people are amazed just how soft and light contact lenses actually are.

To make an appointment for an eye examination and a discussion regarding a potential contact lens trial for your child, please ring The Big Optician Newcastle Superstore on 0191 2244555 or The Big Optician Newcastle city centre store on 0191 2603111.

Ray Ban continues to be one of the worlds most recognised and coolest eye wear brands.

Ray Ban is the top selling collection of sunglasses in the UK and at The Big Optician Newcastle.  As an official Ray Ban stockist, The Big Optician boasts one of the largest collections of Ray Ban sunglasses and ophthalmic frames in the North East.

To celebrate the success of Ray Ban at The Big Optician Newcastle, those talented Ray Ban designers have been working overtime to create us something special!

Firstly they have installed a bespoke Ray Ban Festival window into our Market Street practice. Complete with deck chair and a ubiquitous pair of wellies, the Festival window brings a little piece of Glastonbury right to the heart of Newcastle city centre. Pop down to 21 Market Street, Newcastle, NE1 6JE to take a look at the window and pop in to the practice to see the Ray Ban collection for yourself.

Ray Ban have customised a Fiat 500 in partnership with The Big Optician Newcastle, so look out for the stunning little head turner when you are out and about!

Keith Little owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: We are delighted at the support Ray Ban have given to our business.  They recognise we are the main North East supplier of Ray Ban sunglasses and spectacle frames. The Ray Ban Festival window and the Fiat 500 are totally unique designs and they have quickly become a great talking point and are attracting new people into our stores who are looking for the latest RayBan products.

An ingredient found in red wine, grapes, blueberries and peanuts could help prevent eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, a new study claims.

Keith Little owner of The Big Optician in Newcastle said: Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have discovered that Resveratrol, found in the above foods, could help halt out-of-control blood vessel growth in the eye. The full report can be read in the July 2010 issue of the American Journal of Pathology.

Keith went on to say: A comprehensive eye examination is the most convenient and effective way of identifying any changes to the blood vessels within the eye.  Some people do not realise that if the blood vessels within an individuals eye are changing, this can indicate that the blood vessels within other parts of their body are changing too, due to the onset of disease processes.

The eye is the only part of the human body where the blood vessels can be directly examined so a COMPREHENSIVE eye examination not only tests your vision, it is a good general health check too.  That is why the NHS recommends having an eye examination at least every two years. Changes within the eye can indicate the existence of other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, well before the client is aware of any symptoms. The client can then be referred on for treatment while their health problem is still in the early stages thus improving chances of fast and effective treatment. 

Keith said: At The Big Optician Newcastle our optometrists are fully qualified and use the latest technology (Digital Retinal Photography - please see articles below) to assist them to identify any changes in the clients retina and blood vessels no matter how subtle and refer the client on for early diagnosis and treatment.

To make an appointment for your next eye examination and digital retinal photography please call: The Big Optician Newcastle City Centre, NE1 6JE on 0191 2603111 or, The Big Optician Newcastle Superstore, NE6 1JX on 0191 2244555

Rowe Eyecare has ceased trading and for former Rowe clients looking for an alternative provider The Big Optician Newcastle is proving to be a very popular choice. As a welcome gesture, The Big Optician Newcastle is offering FREE eye tests to Rowe clients who purchase their spectacles or contact lenses here. Clients are finding that the eye examination provided at The Big Optician Newcastle is more comprehensive than that at Rowe Eyecare.  One of the reasons is because Digital Retinal Photography is included, at no extra charge, as part of The Big Optician eye examination.

Digital Retinal Photography allows the optometrist a much more detailed examination of the retinas within your eyes.  Please see image to the right and the earlier news item below, which explains the benefits of Digital Retinal Photography in more detail.

Keith Little, owner optometrist of The Big Optician Newcastle said: We are finding that many people are looking for a family-owned and operated optical practice rather than a franchise or chain optical practice.  I believe we are the only independent optical practice in Newcastle who provides complimentary Digital Retinal Photography. Many optical practices have yet to invest in the technology required for Digital retinal photography.

The mission statement for The Big Optician Newcastle is FIRST CLASS EYECARE & EXCEPTIONAL VALUE.  I believe it is an important part of providing a first class eye examination and we have provided 30 minute eye examinations inclusive of retinal photography to our clients for the last 5 years.  

Keith went on to say: Rowe Eyecare clients seem to be particularly impressed with the very wide choice, the excellent value for money, the personal service and the convenience of coming to a practice such as ours.  The Big Optician out of town superstore which offers unlimited free parking and is open 7 days per week is proving exceptionally popular.

Call into The Big Optician Newcastle at anytime to see what we offer. We will be delighted to undertake any adjustments to spectacles purchased from Rowe Eyecare, and in most cases we can do this for you while you wait.

Rowe Eyecare has ceased trading, as previously reported. The Big Optician Newcastle has already welcomed many former Rowe Eyecare clients who are now looking for an alternative optician in Newcastle.

The Big Optician Newcastle is a family-owned, independent optician that is not part of any optical chain or franchise.  The Big Optician Newcastle has a reputation for offering high quality eye care, value for money and prides itself on catering for everyone across the generations. 

Owner of The Big Optician, Keith Little said: I was particularly sad to hear of the demise of Rowe Eyecare as the owner, Mark Tomlinson, was a junior colleague of mine when I was Senior Optometrist at the Newcastle Eye Clinic. Rowe Eyecare had very similar values in terms of good eyecare, good products and fair pricing to The Big Optician and for that reason, The Big Optician is a perfect alternative for former Rowe Eyecare clients.

The Big Optician Newcastle has already welcomed many Rowe Eyecare clients who are looking for a family-owned, local optician as opposed to a franchised or national-chain opticians. 

One of the franchised opticians in Newcastle has purchased the database of Rowe Eyecare clients, and has sent letters to Rowe Eyecare clients.  Unfortunately, some people seem to have misunderstood the franchisee\'s letter and think that the responsibility for their eyecare has been passed to the franchise operator.  This is not so.  It is important that Rowe Eyecare clients understand that they have the right to go to any optician of their choosing.

Keith Little goes on to say: We are delighted that so many clients of Rowe Eyecare are choosing The Big Optician Newcastle as they see that we cater for all generations and offer the same family-friendly service as Rowe Eyecare did.  Our product range and therefore our choice is more extensive to Rowe Eyecare.  The prices of our spectacles, which start at £49 complete with lenses, and our contact lenses which start at £5 per month, guarantee great value for money. For people looking for designer glasses we have a significantly bigger choice too with many more designer collections and over 1000 frames on display.

Former Rowe Eyecare clients who require adjustments or repairs to their spectacles are invited to call into either of The Big Optician branches where our friendly staff will be delighted to look after you.

As a welcome incentive, The Big Optician Newcastle is offering FREE eye examinations to Rowe Eyecare clients who purchase their spectacles at our City Centre practice. Please mention this offer when you book your appointment on 0101 2603111.

The Big Optician Newcastle was sad to hear that Rowe Eyecare has ceased trading.

The Big Optician Newcastle has already welcomed a number of Rowe Eyecare clients who are now required to find another optician in Newcastle to meet their eyecare needs. We would be delighted if you could make The Big Optician Newcastle your first choice, as many people already have.

Contact lens clients will be pleased to know that The Big Optician Newcastle will honour the same prices, if not better, for the same products as Rowe Eyecare.  The Big Optician direct debit contact lens scheme means that you can pay for your lenses by Direct Debit and collect them from which ever of our stores is most convenient to you.

Joining The Big Optician Newcastle direct debit contact lens programme also entitles you complimentary contact lens checks and a free eye examination every two years.  You will also be eligible to 20% discount off spectacles and sunglass prices and with such a world-class range from which to choose, we are sure you will find a selection of frames to delight you. 

The Big Optician Newcastle offers you comprehensive eye tests, the largest and most exciting range of spectacle frames in Newcastle and a very warm welcome.  With our complete glasses starting from £49, and with The Big Opticians reputation for giving first-class eyecare and excellent value, we are certain that we can surpass the good service you have previously received from Rowe Eyecare.

Make The Big Optician Newcastle your first choice too.

The Big Optician Newcastle has taken delivery of the new range of PRADA Linea Rossa frames.  Prada has specifically designed Linea Rossa to portray a sporty lifestyle image and it is arguably more distinctive than the rest of the Prada mens collection, which tends to be rather understated in its choice of muted colours and design.

Keith Little owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: The Prada Linea Rossa eyewear is distinctive with its unequivocal Prada red line branding and very sporty styles. Many of the Prada Linea Rossa frames include some very neat features to ensure they perform particularly well during exercise such as air vents on the brow and silicone pads on the nose and side arms to ensure comfort and fit.

Keith said: At both Big Optician Newcastle stores we are finding that the Linea Rossa is very popular with a wide range of men, and some of the smaller styles are perfect for women too.

The Big Optician Newcastle city centre branch (21, Market Street, Newcastle, NE1 6JE) was the first to stock Prada Linea Rossa where they soon sold out.  Now both Big Optician practices in Newcastle have the Prada Linea Rossa collection in stock.

Call into your nearest branch of The Big Optician Newcastle, where our friendly staff will be more than happy to help.

The Big Optician Newcastle is the main North East stockist of PERSOL sunglasses as currently worn by A Lister George Clooney.

Keith Little, owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: Not wishing to name drop, but when we bumped into George Clooney in Villa D\'Este, Lake Como he was wearing the distinctive PERSOL sunglasses, which perfectly complimented his distinguished good looks.

PERSOL frames are hand made in Italy by experienced craftsmen.  The iconic supreme arrow that makes these frames instantly recognisable is inspired by Roman gladiators swords.

The Big Optician Newcastle has PERSOL spectacle frames and sunglasses.  PERSOL appeals to the cosmopolitan, affluent male who appreciates quality and the finer things in life.

The Big Optician Newcastle staff are trained to ensure your PERSOL frame is custom fitted to ensure your optimal comfort and visual performance.

At The Big Optician Newcastle we have recently taken delivery of the 2010 Tiffany & Co eyewear collection.  It is an exciting range of spectacle frames from the world\'s best known jeweler with its key pieces of jewelery interpreted into its eyewear collection. Examples such as the famous \'Return to Tiffany\' and \'Tiffany bubbles\' designs have been incorporated into the spectacle styles.

Keith Little, owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: Tiffany & Co spectacle frames are  ideal for the discerning woman who has a classic yet contemporary sense of style.  Tiffany & Co epitomises style, quality and craftsmanship and these qualities are clearly evident in each Tiffany eyewear piece.

Tiffany & Co is recognised the world-over by its blue packaging.  All Tiffany & Co spectacles and sunglasses purchased from The Big Optician Newcastle come with Tiffany & Co authenticity certificate, Tiffany cleaning cloth, Tiffany spectacle case and Tiffany & Co gift box.

The Big Optician Newcastle is the only independent optician in Newcastle to stock Tiffany & Co spectacle frames and sunglasses.

Available now at The Big Optician Newcastle, Transitions VI lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight.  They are clear indoors and at night.  Outdoors they automatically darken as light conditions change.  They provide visual comfort and enhance visual quality, helping you see better today. And, like sunblock protects your skin, Transitions lenses block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays helping to protect the health and wellness of the eyes so you can see better tomorrow too.

Keith Little, owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: The incidence of cataract is increasing within the UK population and I am certainly seeing this trend in my consulting rooms. Protecting your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun that cause cataract, is equally as important as protecting your skin.  Many people do not realise that damaging UV light is around year-round even in our North East sky.  Sun protection for the eyes should not be something we only use when abroad or in the summer. Transitions lenses are very popular because people only need one pair of spectacles and do not need to carry around prescription sunglasses.

Transitions lenses are compatible with virtually all frames and are available at The Big Optician Newcastle in a wide range of lens materials and prescriptions.

The Big Optician Newcastle has taken delivery of the results of over seventy years of Ray-Ban innovation.  Carbon Fibre Ray-Ban Tech frames have been created with the most advanced materials and techniques available and, according to Ray-Ban, are the most advanced Ray-Ban sunglasses to date.

LIGHTER AND STRONGER The new carbon fibre Ray-Ban Tech features one of the most advanced performance materials available. Carbon fibre Ray-Ban frames consist of 7 layers of carbon fibres, which boasts one of the greatest strength to weight ratios of any material. While light and strong, these Ray-Ban frames are also flexible and highly resistant. The mono block hinges include no welding so they can survive a lifetime of opening and closing. The lenses can withstand the Drop Ball test - a 5/8 inch steel ball dropped onto the lens from a height of 50 inches.  From the frame to the lenses, the Ray-Ban Tech Carbon Fibre sunglasses can cope with all the drops, squashes and wear you will put them through.

CLEARER SIGHT.  What sits in the Ray-Ban Tech frames are just as advanced as the frames themselves.  The Carbon Fibre Ray-Ban Tech features the most advanced Ray-Ban lens technology with unrivaled vision and complete UV protection. Lenses are available in polarized and non polarized options.

COMPREHENSIVE COMFORT. Ray-Ban Tech Carbon Fibre sunglasses keep comfortable even when you put them through the most intensive use.  The end pieces are rubber-injected, along with an embossed Ray-Ban logo on the inside, creating a grip that ensures they only shift or part with your face when you want them to.

STYLE. Ray-Ban Tech Carbon Fibre sunglasses feature Ray-Ban slimmest wrap temples, created from a water-cut 7 layer carbon sheet.    The Ray-Ban Tech Collection comes in a number of different colours and styles, along with the carbon fibre black original and aluminum grey styles.

Keith Little owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: We are Newcastle\'s main stockist of Ray-Ban.  The Big Optician Newcastle has stocked Ray-Ban sunglasses and spectacle frames for many years and Ray-Ban is one of our most popular brands.  Some people mistakenly think Ray-Ban appeals mainly to younger, trendy clients.  However, whilst this is true for sunglasses such as the iconic Ray-ban Wayfarer and Ray-Ban Clubmaster in reality Ray-Ban is also a big producer of spectacle frames that appeal to men of all ages as many of them are made from lightweight titanium and are minimalistic in appearance.   

The Big Optician Newcastle boasts a wide range of Ray-Ban products including sunglasses and spectacle frames.  This includes Limited Edition pieces such as Ray-Ban Wayfarer Rare.

Keith said: Whilst some department stores sell Ray-Ban, the staff there are unable to custom fit the sunglasses for the buyer.  It always amazes me why someone would choose to buy their sunglasses from a retailer who are unable to provide a custom fitting service.  That is why you see many people in ill-fitting sunglasses that are just not comfortable to wear.  At The Big Optician Newcastle we not only custom-fit the sunglasses to our client at no charge but we also provide a complimentary after-sales service. 

The staff at The Big Optician Newcastle have been specially trained by Ray-Ban and are experts at custom-fitting and adjusting Ray-Ban sunglasses and Ray-Ban spectacle frames. This will ensure your Ray-Ban sunglasses feel as great on your face as they look.

Call into The Big Optician Newcastle soon to view Ray-Ban.  Our friendly staff will be delighted to help. 

The Big Optician - The main stockist of Ray-Ban in Newcastle.

The Big Optician Newcastle has launched the latest range of Adidas Eyewear.  The Vision Concept by Adidas eyewear optimizes sport vision performance.  Cutting-edge technological developments and innovative design ensure clear vision even under the most difficult conditions, such as the rapid interplay of light and shadow, strong UV light, dust and insects.  This enhances the athletes concentration and performance.  Adidas eyewear encompasses the four key concepts demanded by all sportsmen and women: optimal vision, eye protection, excellent comfort and fit, and finally durability.

Keith Little of The Big Optician Newcastle said: Professional sportsmen and women have long understood how crucial their vision is to their performance.  That is why many of them choose Adidas eyewear as they find it performs to their exacting needs whether it be for cycling, running, golf, cricket, climbing or skiing. 

Adidas eyewear have worked in partnership with many professional athletes to develop eyewear and lenses to enhance the visual performance for specifically sports.  For example, the recently launched Retego frame was designed in close collaboration with professional golfer, Justin Rose. The lenses optimise the contrasting effect and works particularly well on green landscapes enabling the wearer to better see the lie of the greens.  The Retego frame design ensures comfort when worn with or without a cap.

The England cricket team were so impressed with the enhanced visual performance they experienced from the Adidas LST Bluefilter lenses that the players choose to wear Adidas eyewear.

Keith said: At The Big Optician Newcastle we have noticed an increasing number of amateur sportsmen who demand the same high quality products as the professionals.  That is why we have decided to become a main stockists of Adidas eyewear.

Adidas eyewear is perfect for people who require prescription eyewear as well as for people who purely require their sports glasses for eye protection. Keith said: At The Big Optician Newcastle we have seen a number of eye injuries resulting from sport.  It is vitally important to think EYE PROTECTION whenever you participate in sport.  Eyes can be damaged from UV light under sunny and cloudy skies.  UV light is invisible so you may not even be aware of it.  Other common hazards to the eyes are impact, wind and foreign bodies such as dust, grit and flies especially during sports such as cycling. Adidas eyewear, with their polycarbonate lenses and other design features, is a very practical way of protecting your eyes.

Staff at The Big Optician Newcastle are all Adidas eyewear-trained.  It is a technical product that is also incredibly user-friendly.  Call into The Big Optician Newcastle out-of-town superstore where staff will be delighted to demonstrate the products to you.

The over-riding objective of The Big Optician Newcastle is to keep the eyesight of our clients in the best possible condition.   Keith Little, owner optometrist of The Big Optician Newcastle said: Your eyes might look great and you may feel that your eyesight is fine, but that doesn\'t necessarily mean your eyes are healthy.  Some sight-threatening conditions have no symptoms and could cause you to loose up to 40% of your sight before you notice a difference.   An eye test could pick up on these conditions and save your sight.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) recommends you have an eye test at least once every two years.  Annual eye tests are recommended for children, people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and those aged over 70.

The Big Optician Newcastle provides private and NHS eye tests.  Many people including children, the over 60\'s, and those on certain benefits are entitled to a free eye test on the NHS.  Keith said: Many people are uncertain if they are eligible for an NHS eye test and we urge them to call The Big Optician Newcastle where our staff can advise on eligibility criteria.

The Big Optician Newcastle offers one of the most comprehensive eye examinations available in Newcastle.  Eye examinations at The Big Optician Newcastle include digital retinal photography at no extra cost to the client. 

Keith said: Most other optical practices will charge extra for digital retinal photography and certainly do not include this as part of the NHS eye examination as the government do not fund opticians for this.  However I feel this procedure is significantly beneficial to our clients to ensure a comprehensive examination of their eyes.  Therefore at The Big Optician Newcastle we continue to provide digital retinal photography as part of all of our eye examinations both private and NHS at no extra charge to the client.

Your eyesight is priceless, so it makes sense to look after it as much as you can.

CALL THE BIG OPTICIAN NEWCASTLE TODAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR EYE TEST.

The over-riding objective of The Big Optician Newcastle is to keep the eyesight of our clients in the best possible condition. That is why The Big Optician Newcastle offers the highest standards of professional eye care and one of the most comprehensive eye examinations available in Newcastle.

Keith Little, owner-optometrist of The Big Optician Newcastle said:

In addition to attending The Big Optician for regular, comprehensive eye examinations, there is much you can do to look after your vision. Welcome to our short series of key ways in which you can enjoy better eyesight.

GREEN TEA MAY PROTECT EYES!

Green tea could help prevent glaucoma according to a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.  The study indicated that antioxidants found in green tea could help protect against eye diseases such as glaucoma.  Researchers at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Hong Kong Eye Hospital found that active constituents of green tea called catechins, which are absorbed by the eye, had protective qualities against the oxidation that causes eye ailments.

Your eyesight is priceless, so it makes sense to look after it as much as you can.

As well as boasting one of the largest ranges of glasses in Newcastle, keeping your eyesight in the best possible condition is the over-riding objective of The Big Optician Newcastle. 

Welcome to The Big Optician Newcastle short series of ways in which you can help yourself enjoy better vision.

EAT HEALTHILY and WATCH YOUR WEIGHT!

Keith Little, owner of The Big Optician Newcastle said: A healthy diet could make a big difference to your sight.  A diet low in saturated fats, but high in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, appears to offer protection against eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Be sure to also include fruit such as oranges and kiwis, nuts, seeds and oily fish in your diet as these are also great for your eyes.

Research also suggests that some anti-oxidant vitamin supplements are helpful, although these should not be a substitute for a healthy diet.  Avoiding obesity is important because being overweight can lead to blindness caused by diabetes.

Keith said:  The optometrists at The Big optician Newcastle  will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your eye health and vision during your eye examination, including giving you advice on keeping your eyes healthy and happy. 

The Big Optician Newcastle offers eye examinations 7 days per week.  Call one of our practices today to make an appointment for your next eye test.

Your eyesight is priceless, so it makes sense to look after it as much as you can.

Keeping the eyesight of our clients in the best possible condition is the over-riding objective of everyone at The Big Optician Newcastle.  Welcome to the third in our short series of key ways to enjoy better eyesight.

WEAR UV LIGHT-BLOCKING LENSES

Keith Little director of The Big Optician Newcastle said, Sunglasses are highly regarded as a fashion accessory but it is important not to forget another important function is eye protection. Too much UV light can affect the lens inside of your eye, lead to cataracts and damage your vision by prematurely ageing the retina. 

Prescription sunglasses from The Big Optician Newcastle are produced with the same high quality lenses as our spectacle lenses and can include fast reacting photo chromatic lenses that adapt themselves to different light conditions.  We also have sunglasses with lenses specifically designed for driving and sports where glare can cause problems such as skiing and fishing.

Keith said,  The staff at The Big Optician Newcastle are happy to explain the different types of UV blocking sunglass lenses to ensure you are provided with the optimal type of lens to meet your needs. High quality protective sunglasses are particularly important for children and unfortunately this is something that we have found many parents seem to overlook.  

Several brands of contact lenses now incorporate UV blockers into the contact lens material.  Staff at The Big Optician Newcastle will be delighted to advise you about the availability of these contact lenses. 

The Big Optician Newcastle is stockists of the major top end designer sunglasses such as Chanel, Tag Heuer, RayBan, Fendi and Maui Jim.  We sell sunglasses with or without prescription lenses and offer a full aftercare service to keep your sunglasses in tip top condition.

Your eyesight is priceless so it makes sense to look after it as much as you can. 

The overriding objective of everyone at The Big Optician Newcastle is keeping the eyesight of our clients in the best possible condition.  That is why The Big Optician Newcastle offers the highest standards of professional eyecare and one of the most comprehensive eye tests in Newcastle.

Welcome to the second in our short series of key ways for you to enjoy better eyesight.

USE PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR!

Accidents that can threaten your sight can happen easily at work. Keith Little of The Big Optician Newcastle said, \'Whether you are a keen gardener or participate in sports, always think about the potential risks to your sight and take the necessary precautions.  For example, eye injuries can occur when playing racquet  sports such as squash, so I recommend that you wear eye protectors. These can be made with prescription lenses if required.

If you love nothing more than a spot of DIY, do not forget to wear safety goggles.  Every year there are over 20,000 eye accidents due to DIY, often resulting in permanent damage and even blindness.  It is easy for large particles to enter the eye and cause serious damage. Fine particles of dust and debris can also cause problems as can tarantula hairs!  Spider owners - please see our recent health alert!

Keith said, Wearing normal glasses will not give you sufficient protection, especially against flying bits of metal and splinters.  The Big Optician Newcastle stocks a wide selection of safety glasses and the staff here will be delighted to discuss the various types of safety glasses available.  The Big Optician Newcastle provides safety glasses with single vision, bifocal and varifocal prescription lenses.

Your eyesight is priceless, so it makes sense to look after it as much as you can.

Keith Little, of The Big Optician Newcastle says one of the key ways to enjoy better eyesight is NOT TO SMOKE!

Everyone knows smoking causes cancer and heart problems.  But fewer people realise that smoking can also lead to blindness.  Research by the Royal National Institute for the Blind has found that you are twice as likely to loose your sight in later life if you smoke.

The RNIB discovered that there is a strong link between smoking and a disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness in the UK.

Everyone at The Big Optician Newcastle is committed to helping you keep your eyesight in the best possible condition, said Keith, which is why we feel it is important to raise the issue of the harm that smoking can cause to your vision.  Your eyesight is priceless, so it makes sense to look after it as much as you can.

Keeping your eyesight in the best possible condition is the over-riding objective of everyone at The Big Optician, Newcastle.

That is why The Big Optician Newcastle is committed to offering you the highest standards of professional eye care and one of the most comprehensive eye examinations available in Newcastle. This applies whether you are looking for an NHS Eye test or a private eye examination.

All of the optometrists at The Big Optician Newcastle are FULLY QUALIFIED and EXPERIENCED. Clients are provided with 30 minute appointments and our optometrists take the time to ensure your eyes are thoroughly examined and you have the opportunity to ask any questions about your vision that you may have.  Our opticians will provide you with an exceptionally good eye examination, using state-of-the-art equipment, in a relaxed unhurried environment.

The Big Optician Newcastle eye examination includes RETINAL PHOTOGRAPHY, at no extra charge, as well as the detection of glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic changes.

There is a lot that you can do to look after your vision.  Over the next week on this website The Big Optician Newcastle will publish five key ways to enjoy better eyesight.

The BIG Optician Newcastle is offering £50 off Designer sunglasses in the run up to Valentine\'s Day.  Forget the chocolates, forget the wine, buy that special person in your life a Valentine\'s gift that will make them feel totally loved, truly glamorous and that they will enjoy year-round. 

The Big Optician Newcastle stocks one of the best selections of designer sunglasses in the city.  With designer sunglasses from Chanel, Bulgari, Tiffany and Fendi all at £50 off during this promotion, you can save yourself a cool £50 while delighting him or her with something truly hot!

The Big Optician Newcastle is running this special Valentine\'s Designer sunglasses promotion from Thursday 11 February to 5pm on Saturday 13 February 2010, while stocks last. 

Terms and conditions apply - ask in store for details.

The Big Optician Newcastle is alerting anyone keeping spiders to wear eye protection after a patient was discovered to have hair from his pet spider lodged in his eye tissue. 

Keith Little of The Big Optician Newcastle said \'This risk to eye health has recently been highlighted in the Lancet.  The patient had a red, watery and light sensitive eye after his pet tarantula had released a mist of hairs which hit his eyes when cleaning his tank.  The owner suffered painful surface irritation from the barbed hairs which had migrated through the surface layers of the eyes and were impossible to remove\'.  The Chilean Grammostala rosea spider dislodges tiny hairs from its abdomen into the air as a defence mechanism. 

Keith said \'In my Newcastle opticians we regularly give advice to patients on the use of eye protection to avoid damaging UV light from the sun.  We also advise use of eye protection when undertaking DIY and sports such as squash. It is important that people who keep spiders are also made aware of the need to protect their eyes\'.

RAY BAN remains the world\'s best selling brand of sunglasses, setting the standards for excellence in fashion and style.  RAY BAN Wayfarers are still bang on trend for 2010.

Never resting on their laurels, those clever guys at RAY BAN have launched an exciting new Special Series range of Wayfarers for 2010 called RARE PRINTS. The BIG Optician has just taken delivery of the full collection and these are available at both branches.

These Wayfarers are aptly named RARE PRINTS: \'Prints\' because of the exclusive new flowers and subway patterns which have been individually screen printed onto each frame, and \'Rare\' because these limited edition prints won\'t last long before they are snapped up!  Destined to become true vintage pieces of the future, these very special Ray Ban Wayfarers are rapidly becoming popular with \'A\' listers and fashionistas on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ray Ban continue making new versions of the iconic Wayfarer, like this series of Rare Prints.  This Limited Edition \'Rare\' Series features either Flowers or a section of the New York City Subway, granted to Ray Ban from the MTA (Metropolitan Transport Authority) for this one off original release.

Both versions of Rare Prints come in a number of bold colours, such as red, orange and blue as well as the more classic black and white.  These Wayfarers  come supplied with a fine red Limited Edition Ray Ban case and box, as well as a certificate of authenticity. 

Be one of the first people in the North East to be seen sporting a pair of Ray Ban \'Rare Prints\'!

To expand our range of mens designer glasses we are delighted to announce the imminent arrival of the 2010 POLO RALPH LAUREN eye wear collection for men.  Polo Ralph Lauren is synonymous with timeless, classic designs and the exciting new spectacle collection for men is due to arrive at The Big Optician soon.

We have chosen the POLO RALPH LAUREN designer eye wear collection after looking at a wide range of men\'s designer frames.  We firmly believe that by including POLO alongside our other mens designer glasses such as PRADA, TAG HEUER, PERSOL and RAYBAN, we provide a wide and exciting choice for men looking for quality, designer glasses and sunglasses.

POLO is well known for its classic pedigree and easy chic.  It portrays a rugged romance and timeless elegance and presents the image of a wealthy, adventurous lifestyle. 

Ralph Lauren says his designs are for people \'more concerned with a fulfilling lifestyle than fashion itself\'.  He goes on to describe his collections as \'well-bred sportswear that doesn\'t arrive before you do\'.  According to Ralph Lauren \'The secret to looking a million bucks is choosing understated but well crafted, luxurious pieces that complement rather than overpower your looks\'.

The new POLO eye wear collection for men meets all of the above criteria.  It is stylish, classical and understated. For affordable, designer glasses and well-made stylish spectacle frames that will stand the test of time, look no further than the new POLO RALPH LAUREN eye wear collection at THE BIG OPTICIAN, NEWCASTLE

The BIG Optician has several fantastic special offers during November 2009........

With all designer spectacles purchased* you can choose from one the following options:

• FREE second pair of specs (worth up to £69.95) complete with single vision lenses, or
• FREE upgrade to \'thin & lite\' lenses, or
• £50 discount off a second pair of designer specs or designer sunglasses

The BIG optician continues to offer Designer glasses at unbeatable prices, and with these extra special November offers, you really have no excuse not to treat yourself to a fabulous new look right now!

*Terms and conditions apply. Offer lasts while stocks last

The BIG Optician, during November, is supplying all of its designer frames with FREE thin and light, 1.6 index anti glare lenses.  The normal cost of these lenses at The BIG Optician is £60.  However these are even more costly at the High Street Optical Chain stores such as Vision Express who quote £145, and Optical Express who quote £149 for these lenses.

In addition, at The Big Optician Digital Retinal Photography is included at no extra charge thereby ensuring your BIG eye examination is one of the most comprehensive eye tests available.

The BIG Optician, keeping its promise of \'First Class Eyecare and Exceptional Value\'

Lindberg\'s goal chimes with that of The Big Optician: to make life light and beautiful for spectacle wearers worldwide.  The keywords are function and style, comfort and design.  A frame must have a beautiful design but it should also be comfortable to wear. Lindberg frames are lightweight with a visual appearance that accentuates personal style of the wearer.

Favoured by such prominent figures such as Eric Clapton, Tommy Lee Jones and Bill Gates, Lindberg has proved itself as a strong favourite with The Big Optician customers for its comfort, unique style and design.

With its patented build system, Lindberg creates frames which are unique and personal whilst also providing a superbly comfortable fit with contemporary style.  Titanium is used to create Lindberg\'s light and flexible frames, which means they also benefit from the strength that the material provides.

We are delighted to announce the arrival in store of Lindberg\'s newest innovation: Lindberg Strip Titanium.  A product with all the benefits and comfort of rimless spectacles for people who prefer rimmed glasses.  We hope you will be as excited about the collection as we are.  Call in soon to try them for yourself.

SPEEDO is the number 1 brand for swim, and The BIG Optician are now stocking SPEEDO prescription swim goggles. The swimming goggles are manufactured to the highest specification with your vision and eye protection top of mind. 

SPEEDO prescription swim goggles come in lens powers from -1.50 to -8.00, depending upon your prescription. They are made with polycarbonate anti-fog lenses with UV protection, hypo-allergenic silicone eyeseals and headstrap, and an adjustable bridge that ensures a secure fit to all face shapes.

Look ultra cool and see clearly with this innovative swimming product, from SPEEDO.

The Big Optician continues to offer COMPREHENSIVE eye examinations to everyone.  All of our eye exams, including NHS eye tests, include FREE Digital Retinal Photography - unlike many other opticians WE DO NOT CHARGE for this extra test as we believe it should be available to everyone.  We have included Digital Retinal Photography, at no extra charge, in our eye examinations for several years.  One of the High Street optical chains in running a high-profile campaign to advertise that they have only JUST introduced Retinal Photography -and they do this at an extra charge!

The Big Optician practices are equipped with state-of-the art technology and employ only FULLY qualified, experienced opticians  who will you give you one of the most thorough eye tests available.  Your optician will give you a full explanation of their findings, talking you through the results of the Retinal Photography and explaining the results to you in a relaxed, unhurried environment. You will not be disappointed in choosing The Big Optician.

The Big Optician is delighted to announce the launch of the latest eye wear and sunglass collections from Chanel.  As the only independent optician in Newcastle licensed to sell Chanel eye wear, The Big Optician has taken a wide range of the sunglasses and spectacle frames from the Denim collection.  Chanel has also introduced the Denim range through all their collections: handbags, shoes, belts and clothing.  The Chanel Denim sunglasses and spec frames make use of high quality acetate in very wearable colours combined with Denim sides which have the famous Chanel double C logo featured very prominently on the temples. It is a refreshing addition to the Chanel eye wear collections.

Due to popular demand, during August (while stocks last) we are continuing our FREE PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES offer. Anyone purchasing a pair of designer specs (£159 or above) can have a pair of prescription sunglasses absolutely FREE!  Alternatively, they can have £50 OFF a second pair of designer specs or sunglasses.  Terms & Conditions apply- please ask in store for details.