“I realised I had the first stages of snow blindness”

How many pairs of spectacles/sunglasses do you own?

Quite a few!

What frame shapes, colours or styles do you usually go for?

Many of my frames are white, although I have a couple of darker pairs and green too. I like to have a selection for different sports.

My go-to pair are definitely the evil eye ‘Road Sense’. They have an excellent field of view and also protect my eyes from wind, sun, and debris while on adventures; whether it’s climbing, skiing, biking, on the jet ski, or just chilling out.

Tim Emmett

What benefit do your sunglasses provide when climbing or participating in an outdoor challenge?

Eyewear has many applications in climbing and extreme sports. UV rays can be particularly fierce when surrounded by snow and ice, especially at high altitude. In these environments, having sufficient protection is crucial to prevent becoming snow blind.

Once, on the way to camp one on Everest, I started climbing early in the morning in the dark. As it started to get light, it was snowing consistently. After a while, I noticed many of the sherpas putting on suncream and protective eyewear. I was trying to find a way through the ice fall and fix ropes for them, so I carried on climbing. I found a way through, fixed ropes, and noticed my eyes feeling sore so I put on my sunglasses. That evening, back at base camp, my eyes were bloodshot and painful. I realised I had the first stages of snow blindness and was shocked by how fast this had happened while being in cloud with no visible sun.

Protecting eyes from dirt, debris, and wind are other factors too. While ice climbing, every time you strike the pick, the ice shatters, sending shards into the air. Having eye protection for this alone is a smart move.

While ice climbing, every time you strike the pick, the ice shatters, sending shards into the air. Having eye protection for this alone is a smart move

What does vision and eye health mean to you?

The eyes receive significantly more sensory information than any other part of the body. Looking after them and keeping them in optimal condition is essential for high performance sports.

How important is eyewear in reflecting your personality?

Performing at your best requires careful attention to detail.

What are your top three tips for selecting the right pair of frames?

1. Ensure they fit well
2. Look for light frames
3. They need to stay secure when moving about.