“I developed a great passion for independent designs”

Eyewear with Miguel: an inherited love for optics

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

Oversized rectangular shapes, double bridges, or even round shapes combined with bright colours.

Can you describe your favourite pair?

The truth is that Nuria and I couldn't tell you one in particular – there are many glasses that we love in our collection. It would surely be some of our vintage jewelery or a Yazbukey design made in collaboration with Linda Farrow.

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

My mother is an optician-optometrist like me. She has had an optometry office in her independent opticians since 1972. Since I was little I have had regular check-ups. I have had a slight astigmatic correction since I was a little boy.

What does vision and eye health mean to you?

Being an optician-optometrist, being the primary agent of visual health is the basis of everything. In Spain, we practise optometry within optical establishments. A premium optometry service is usually associated with a distinctive optical service, offering independent collections and cutting-edge personalised optical solutions.

Could you tell us about your background in optics?

In my case it is clearly inherited. I have been an optician-optometrist for more than 20 years. I completed my diploma studies in optics-optometry at the University of Santiago de Compostela and a Master’s in advanced clinical optometry. A while later, the optics and optometry degree was created and so I returned to university for another year of study, as well as another year of Master’s degree in clinical optometry and research. In total, it is now a four-year degree in Spain with a minimum of one year of specialisation.


With this new qualification, the optometry aspect of the role is quite comparable to what is known in the UK as an optometrist. We carry out our clinical work in specialised consultations within our optical stores. We do the same as an optometrist in the UK in primary visual health, low vision etc, but cannot prescribe – this has to be done in collaboration with the ophthalmologist. The part of pure clinical optometry associated with hospitals and private clinics is under development in Spain but, little by little, it is converging with the UK model.

My family has an optical shop in our hometown of Ourense. I worked in the family business for more than 10 years. Thanks to this experience I developed a great passion for independent designs.

If you had one key message for other optical professionals about celebrating eyewear, what would you say?

I would say not to have prejudices, and to bet on collections from independent creators. Look for the emotional response when advising patients – once you experience that feeling there is no turning back.

---

Eyewear with Nuria: “It is a pleasure to see people on the street wearing incredible glasses with personal style”

How many pairs of spectacles and sunglasses do you own?

We have never counted them, to be honest, but surely more than 300 pairs of glasses between the two of us since we have been eyewear collectors for many years. Apart from contemporary models, we have many iconic vintage models that are our great weakness. We both have our favourites but with so many, sometimes it becomes difficult to choose on a daily basis.

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

I feel comfortable with many different shapes but currently I love strong geometric shapes and more organic shapes. As for colors, I like light colors for sunglasses and a little more pronounced for optical frames. The truth is that it depends on the day. I like to experiment by combining eyewear with an outfit.

Who would you pick as your style icon when it comes to eyewear?

Honestly, we are more fans of designs and designers than of celebrities. We love all those images from campaigns in the 60s and 70s, like Pierre Cardin, Oliver Goldsmith and Silhouette. Those images and designs marked the style of stars like Elton John or Audey Hepburn, who became style icons for any glasses lover.

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

I have been wearing glasses for approximately 15 years. I started to have headaches and fluctuating vision when studying and using the computer, so I went to the optician to have an eye exam. I was always a fashion enthusiast, but from the moment I was prescribed my first glasses, a new world opened up and I developed a passion for the stories behind each collection.

How important is eyewear to reflecting your personality?

We believe there is eyewear for all types of personalities and more and more people express their way of being through this accessory. It is a pleasure to see people on the street wearing incredible glasses with personal style. You can clearly see when someone is comfortable with the glasses they are wearing.

Why are you passionate about running a blog devoted to eyewear?

It all started more than 10 years ago. I loved fashion blogs and it was normal for me to perceive the independent glasses collections that I saw in Miguel's family optical shop as artistic objects. This mixture resulted in the blog La Espejuelos and we have created a community of people passionate about different eyewear. Being able to share with them new designs from young creators who are just starting out, or collaborate with iconic brands, is a true honor for us and that's what makes this worthwhile. 

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

1. Have a very open mind, leave your comfort zone and try glasses without any prejudice
2. Go to an establishment that focuses on independent brands and different collections. Let yourself be advised by professionals
3. Let yourself be carried away by the emotional aspect. You have to feel something special when trying on the right frame.