Nadine Coyle

How many pairs of spectacles and sunglasses do you own?

I am relatively new to glasses and currently just have two pairs. One pair is more of a daytime frame that goes with any look, and the other is a fancier pair that were a little bit more expensive.  

When it comes to sunglasses, I lost count about 10 years ago of how many pairs I own – I find them everywhere. I am wearing a pair right now and as I look around I can see at least another two pairs in the car around me.

Do you have a favourite pair?

I don’t have a favourite pair, but I really can’t get enough of sunglasses. I have one or two pricey pairs and the rest I’ve just picked up on my travels and on the High Street. While I have a lot of pairs, I also tend to lose them quite easily, leaving them in places or finding them in bags years later.

Who would you pick as your style icon and why?

That’s a difficult question as there are so many potential icons when it comes to clothing and eyewear. However, someone I really love in terms of how she carries herself as a person is Salma Hayek, as well as Penelope Cruz – they exude a very glamorous persona, but are also very fun.

"I understand how important it is for children to have their sight tested – it can be a huge disadvantage to their learning and education when kids can't see properly"

Do you wear contact lenses? 

No, I don’t. I’ve tried colour contact lenses in the past, but not since I was prescribed glasses.  But who knows, I’ll let you know if and when I do try them out. 

How long have you worn spectacles for and what prompted you to go for your first eye test?

I’ve worn spectacles for just over a year now. I was starting to lose my confidence driving and I didn’t really know why – I just didn’t feel comfortable behind the wheel and I was tired. Initially I put it down to being a new mum. However, my mum encouraged me to go for an eye test and when I did I was told that, yes, I needed glasses.

Following the eye test, I picked a pair of glasses and since then I have felt so much better and more comfortable on the road.

How has wearing spectacles changed your outlook on eye care?

I have always had a lot of friends who wear glasses, and my mum wears glasses, so I’ve always been around glasses and felt they were a great way to create a new and exciting look without having to do much – now I’m part of that club and I’m very pleased about it.

While I haven’t taken my daughter for her first eye test yet, it will definitely become part of her healthcare routine going forward. I understand how important it is for children to have their sight tested – it can be a huge disadvantage on their learning and education when kids can’t see properly.

Why did you become the official ambassador of Specsavers’ Spectacle Wear of the Year (SWOTY) Awards?

I love the fact that it’s such a positive initiative and has a big focus on children and anti-bullying. There is money going towards a charity that has been set up to make sure that kids are looked after and to limit bullying as much as possible, and I think that’s great.

Is the charity element of the awards important to you?

Yes, that is the most important part of it for me, especially as a mother too. I am very happy to be part of SWOTY.