The Optical Gallery

16/06/2026

The PARASITE Astro 1 Chrome & Black already looked like it had landed from another planet, so the Lens Art needed to feel like part of the design rather than an afterthought.

We fitted these with a ZEISS Vision progressive lenses, paired with a Jade Flash Mirror and PhotoFusion Grey.

Indoors, the chrome, black and jade reflections blend together seamlessly.

Outside, the grey photochromic deepens, allowing the mirror to become even more dramatic. From one angle, the lenses fuse into the black of the frame. From another, the jade mirror melts into the chrome front.

A combination designed to feel less like lenses…

…and more like part of the spacecraft.

Lens Art™
Crafted, not manufactured.

12/06/2026

Can we all agree collectors do this? 😂

You look at a pair of glasses...and suddenly you're creating an entire backstory for them.

HARUF, HARUF, HARUF.
..Maybe I just described myself 😳

11/06/2026

Some lens combinations whisper.

This one kicks the door off the hinges.

The JACQUES MARIE MAGE Belvedere fitted with a custom Sunrise tint.

Indoors, you’re met with warm golden tones that enhance contrast, soften harsh light and give the frame a luxurious glow.

Then the UV arrives…

And everything changes.

The lenses transform into this vivid green that somehow feels both completely outrageous and completely wearable at the same time.

Warm.
Enhancing.
Showstopping.

Finished with a subtle gold sheen that adds just enough sparkle without stealing the spotlight.

One moment it’s understated sophistication.

The next…

it’s stealing attention from people who weren’t even looking.

03/06/2026

☀️ Did you know your eyes can suffer from sun damage too?

Most of us remember to apply sunscreen during the summer, but protecting our eyes from harmful UV rays is just as important. Long-term UV exposure can increase the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts and other vision problems, while children’s eyes are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

A few simple steps can make a big difference:

🕶️ Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection
👒 Choose a wide-brimmed hat for extra shade
🌳 Seek shade during the brightest part of the day
💧 Stay hydrated to help keep eyes comfortable

Whether you're heading to the beach, enjoying a family day out or simply spending more time outdoors, don't forget to protect your vision this summer.

Read our latest blog to learn more about UV protection for adults and children, and how to keep your eyes healthy all season long.

📍 Visit Optical Gallery in Chessington, Cheam or Twickenham for expert advice on sunglasses, prescription sunglasses and family eye care.

03/06/2026

Original Circa 1980s Tiffany Lunettes from our private vintage archive, finished in genuine 23kt gold plating and carrying all the elegance you' expect from a period when luxury was quietly confident.

For their next chapter, we fitted thin single vision lenses and paired them with something you rarelybhear spoken about anymore...

Transitions Style Mirrors.

A technology that seems to have been forgotten by many, but still creates such beautiful effects in eyewear.

Indoors, a subtle warm gold sheen.

Step outside, and the lenses transform into a rich brown sun lens with a luxurious gold flash mirror that feels completely at home on a frame like this.

26/05/2026

What does “be zin zin” actually mean?! 😅

No idea.

But Sabine Be somehow made a midnight blue oval metal frame with n**e pink target details look ridiculously sexy… so we stopped asking questions.

Fitted with:
✨ Bespoke Varifocals
✨ Custom Sunset Tint
✨ Dinamica Amaranth
✨ Crystal Elite coating

Indoors: warm sunset tones ☀️
Outdoors: rich ruby transformation ❤️

This is what we call Lens Art.
Crafted. Not manufactured.

Would you wear these? 👀👇

20/05/2026

New episode of RAW & UNCUT is now live. 🎬

This episode takes you deeper into the world of:
⚡ Lens Art™
👓 rare independent eyewear
🛠️ frame modifications
🌈 custom tinted photochromics
🎨 bespoke lens combinations
…and the real day-to-day culture inside The Optical Gallery.

Featuring:

* LA Eyeworks
* Kirk & Kirk
* Mad In Italy
* Parasite Eyewear
* Götti
* Theo Eyewear
* Leisure Society
…and more.

From the workshop…
to the dispensing table…
to custom lens transformations…

Full episode now live on YouTube.

Work with us: https://opticalgallery.co.uk/pages/discover-custom-lenses-niche-eyewear-designed-around-youWelcome back to Raw & Uncut, the series where we tak...

15/05/2026

Everyone shows you what photochromic lenses look like from the outside…

But almost nobody shows you what they actually feel like to wear.

So we compared:
🔴 Transitions Ruby
🍷 Zeiss PhotoFusion Burgundy
🌅 Dinamica Amaranth
💗 Dinamica Pink Rio

Not just cosmetically…
but through the lens itself.

Different atmospheres.
Different moods.
Different visual experiences.

And honestly?

Some of the boldest lenses from the outside…
feel surprisingly natural from the inside.

Full video now live on YouTube.

Which one would you wear? 👀

Work with us: https://opticalgallery.co.uk/pages/discover-custom-lenses-niche-eyewear-designed-around-youWhat do red photochromic lenses ACTUALLY look like t...

10/05/2026

The Native Sons Stillman deserved better lenses… so we fixed that. 👀

This Lens Art™ build completely transforms the frame, pairing bespoke custom lenses with one of the cleanest pieces of acetate and titanium work we’ve seen in a while.

The details on this frame are outrageous.
Full transformation now live on YouTube. 🎥

Work with us: https://opticalgallery.co.uk/pages/discover-custom-lenses-niche-eyewear-designed-around-youThe Native Sons Stillman is already a seriously impr...

05/05/2026

Thinking about switching from glasses to contact lenses? 👓➡️👁️

Contact lenses can offer clear, natural vision without frames, no fogging in cold weather, and more freedom for sports and daily life. But they do come with a bit of upkeep - and they’re not always ideal for everyone.

The good news? You don’t have to choose just one. Many people enjoy a mix of both glasses and lenses depending on their day.

If you’re curious about trying contact lenses, pop into The Optical Gallery in Cheam, Chessington or Twickenham for friendly advice and a personalised fitting.

Book your eye test and explore your options today.