Experience the art of eyecare with a personalized examination, unique eyewear and FUNctional accessories at The Eye Shoppe, a full-service optometry practice and optical boutique located in the heart of historic St. Charles at 115 North Main St.
Julie Emming-Thomas, OD, a self-proclaimed accessory queen and eye-nerd with obsessive attention to detail, opened The Eye Shoppe during July 2012. She's a University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry 2003 graduate.
"We provide a welcoming, comfortable environment with high-quality care and fabulous eyewear, along with personalized, friendly service to each of our patients," Dr. Julie affirms.
Services span eco-friendly frames, quality lenses, comfortable contacts and functional sunglasses.
St. Charles County Lifestyle asked Dr. Julie for her insight into selecting perfect eyewear to match individual styles.
Face Shape
"The frame shape's more about the style and vibe a person's going for, not necessarily 'balancing your face shape.' So many frame shapes today don’t fit the traditional 'round/square/cat-eye' model. To be honest, I’m a firm believer most faces can wear any shape; it just depends on nuances of measurements as to what balances their features best."
She says she looks at head size and width between eyes, as well as width and type of nose bridge, because that will determine how well each frame sits on someone's face.
Fitting
"As with art, I prefer the frame follows the rule of one-third of lens space above the eye and about two-thirds of the lens under the eye. Poor-fitting frames will sit too high on the nose bridge, causing a visual imbalance of the lens.
Metal frames typically have nosepieces, making it easier to adjust and adapt the frame to the patient's bridge. Plastic or acetate frames have a molded bridge, which makes them really comfortable because it will evenly distribute the weight of glasses; however if it doesn't fit the patient's bridge, there's nothing I can do to fix it."
Lifestyles
"We have lots of different options when choosing glasses for lifestyle needs: progressives, computer or occupational glasses, reading glasses, prescription sunglasses. Today’s options allow us to customize just about everything.
I encourage people to think about what could make their life easier. Patients who've ordered computer glasses love them for the amazing vision they get without compromise. Likewise, my prescription sunglasses are awesome for driving or spending time on the water. We often do multiple pairs of glasses for patients, for both fun and functional purposes."
Personality
"Glasses are an extension of our personalities; they’re functional accessories. Make sure they represent who you are!
When choosing frames, it’s important to decide if you want something that makes a statement. Neutral doesn’t mean just black, brown and grey/gunmetal. It can also be navy, plum or olive. Blush, champagne, crystal are other modern neutrals. People worry that a red or purple frame won’t coordinate with everything, but if the color looks good on your face, it will look good with everything!"
Dr. Julie says she hand-selects each of the shop's frames. "We've focused our collection on fashion-forward pieces that are fun and unique. Because your style should be as sharp as your vision!" Dr. Julie asserts.
636.EYE.8888 (636.393.8888)
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