Kayla Heersink: “Eyewear is the perfect way to show who you are without saying a word”

Heersink is an optician certified by the American Board of Opticianry, combining both her technical knowledge with her flair for fashion. From neon and colourful styles, to vintage inspiration, and quirky designs that bring high-end artistry to acetate and metal frames, Heersink’s social media reflects her passion for eyewear design.

This year, Heersink joined the panel of judges at the Love Eyewear Awards – celebrating the very best in design at 100% Optical 2026. OT asked Heersink to share her own style inspirations.

How many pairs of spectacles or sunglasses do you own?

Oh, a lady never tells. Seriously, I’m a glasses hoarder who won’t count.

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

I love a cat’s eye of any kind because they are so flattering and give me that instant lift. I also love round and oval shapes because they are classic, but can be interpreted in new and interesting ways. Somehow, I’m always attracted to bright pink frames, because I love something playful.

Can you describe your favourite pair?

My current favourite is a vintage pair of May Eyewear frames called ‘Sheer Delight.’ It’s a gold metal frame with delicate petals all around the rim and down the temples. The brand is now defunct, but it did many of the wildest frames that Elton John wore during his concerts. I am obsessed with the brand and am always watching for these frames to pop up on second-hand sites.

May Eyewear

Kayla is always on the lookout for second-hand May Eyewear frames

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

My style icon is Emmanuelle Morgan, who goes by @thedesignerist on Instagram. She is expert at using bold, colourful frames to enhance her looks. I’m endlessly inspired by her outfit and glasses pairings.

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

My dad is an optometrist, and I got my first pair of glasses in pre-school. I have been wearing glasses for around 40 years.

What does vision and eye health mean to you?

It means annual eye health exams. Eye health is not merely your refraction, but an examination of the whole eye. Though the glasses part of the examination is the most fun, it’s only one part of keeping the eyes healthy. Your optometrist is also monitoring for degenerative diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

How important is eyewear to reflecting your personality?

It is the perfect way to show who you are without saying a word. You can be fun, smart, practical, fancy, or artistic. Our face is the first thing we present to people. It answers the question of: who do you want to be today?

Kayla Heersink

Kayla sees eyewear as a way to express herself

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

1. Number one is fit, fit, fit
2. Comfort is also key, and that goes hand-in-hand with the proper fit. If a frame fits properly, then it will be more comfortable
3. Then, of course, there is the style. I recommend letting your optician show you a wide assortment of styles that fit well, but try a bunch of frames that you would not necessarily choose for yourself. People are often pleasantly surprised by a shape or colour that is new to them.

What makes an eyewear brand special?

I think the thing that makes any brand special is a unique story. The story can be about the process, the brand, the designer, the frame inspiration. All these things are compelling to the final wearer, if relayed properly.