I am an Optical Dispenser living and working in Manly.

Manly must be one of the nicest suburbs of Sydney. Surrounded on three sides by water.  To the east and north east it is South and North Steyne beaches and on the southern, harbour side by Manly Cove and Little Manly cove.

Not many people know what Optical Dispensers do for living.

When you need glasses, you have your eyes examined by a professional: by Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. You then take your prescription to a Optical Dispenser to have the spectacles made up.

I read and interpret your prescription, help you select the frame, make sure the frame fits you, will be comfortable and make you look good.

• Today's spectacle frames are very important part of your personality, they are designed to enhance your personal image, they are part of forever progressing and changing fashion. The times when we had a dozen models of frames on our shelves are long gone.

• Then you and I discuss the lenses.  Your professional typically recommends the type of lens  for your need, but then as in any technical discipline there is great range of lens types and even greater range of prices.  Optics has progressed in last ten to fifteen years.  New designs and new materials are appearing almost every few months.  What is very good news for all, that the new lenses are better, lighter, thinner and not necessarily more expensive.
• I then order the lenses from a laboratory. There are several labs in Sydney area. I try to pick the best for quality and speed.
• The important job is now to assemble the spectacles, i.e. measure, edge and fit the lenses into the frame, which I do on the premises.  That way I have the best control over the quality and the outcome.
• The most important day.  You have come to collect your spectacles. I will tell you how to use them, and how to look after them. Also I will fit and adjust them on your face so they feel comfortable and secure.  I think it is one of the most important parts of the job.  If the specs are not comfortable your will not enjoy wearing them (I would not enjoy wearing mine without comfortable adjustment. That's why I, for ever, fiddle with my own specs).
• Most people are happy to take their car for service at required intervals.  Your spectacles need periodical readjustment and maintenance (the grease and oil change).