CHRIS SAVAGE has been taking optical dispensers, optometrists, and support staff back to the roots of eyewear production, in an experience he hopes will permanently influence their careers.
Having been an optical dispenser for 20 years, I had always noticed how little many in our industry knew about the manufacturing of spectacle frames. For the past 10 years I have rented a studio where I handcraft eyewear in a mixed creative arts space and saw the willingness of other creatives to share their craft and knowledge.
I thought it would be great to develop a workshop where optical industry figures could come and spend the day making their own pair. I also realised it would be an invaluable learning experience for optical dispensers to lean on when talking to their clients about the difference between mass-produced frames and handmade frames.
The latest workshop was held in collaboration with Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) in Melbourne, directly after the organisation’s gala event in March. The collaboration came about after conversations with CEO Ms April Petrusma when ODA first launched in January 2022. I thought it would be a wonderful and unique workshop to support their mission, offering a one-of-a-kind experience, along with a great way for dispensers, optometrists, and support staff to bond and learn.
The latest workshop saw a diverse group of attendees, from optical dispensers working in and running independent practices to corporate training managers and graduating Cert IV students. I was thrilled to teach the art of frame making to such an enthusiastic group of budding frame makers, which would not have been possible without the support of ODA and Tokai Optical.
Attendees were guided through a comprehensive, yet simplified, process of making a frame from start to finish. The day began with choosing from eight classic frame shapes and a plethora of colourful acetates. After the fun of selecting their style and colours, I guided them through the process of cutting out their selected shape using traditional artisan skills and a jeweller’s saw to rough out the shape of their frame.
Following this, the students refined their shape by cutting them on a special acetate trimming machine designed to take off any excess left from the jeweller’s saw and to match the shape of their template. They then took turns using a mini router to create the groove in the frame to hold their lenses in place.
After some filing and sanding, everybody then got to fit metal nose pad arms along with their metal temples on to their acetate frame fronts before gently heating and curving the front to create the face form.
The workshop is a very hands-on day where, regardless of your experience, everybody can make a frame from start to finish.
No set of frames would be complete without a set of lenses in them. The team at Tokai Optical was gracious to offer everyone the choice of single vision, occupational, and EasyOne progressive lenses, in their choice of clear or tinted.
Ms Kylie Sargent from Tokai helped attendees to select their complimentary pair of Tokai lenses. I loved helping people select the colours for their sunglasses.
I am always excited to see the wide range of tint colours available and how well they complement some of the bold acetate colours included in the workshop.
For some, this was a chance to try Tokai’s 1.76 double aspheric high index material, described as the world’s thinnest lens.
The feedback from the workshop was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the hands-on approach and the opportunity to learn about eyewear design and production from industry experts. Many expressed satisfaction with their custom frames, highlighting the uniqueness and personal connection to their creations. One attendee commented: “I was in my element. Making your own frames, understanding what goes into making a frame – what’s not to love?”
I believe this workshop sets a precedent for more interactive and educational experiences in the eyewear industry. Not only is it a step towards demystifying the process of eyewear creation and making it more personal and accessible, but it’s a valuable learning and team bonding experience. With such good feedback we are already scheduling future workshops for 2024 and 2025 so keep an eye on the ODA events page.
About the author: Chris Savage has been an optical dispenser for 22 years, with 17 of those spent crafting bespoke frames for his brand, By Chris Savage. He then started his Make Your Own Glasses Workshops.
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