“We want people to feel amazing in their specs, and that starts if you love your own”

The optometrist and co-director at Holland Opticians, a Hakim Group independent practice, told OT that when it comes to choosing spectacles: “I love that some days you can be loud and proud, bright and bold, and other days you might be more curl-up-with-a-cuppa-quiet and want something subtle.”

As well as providing eye care and a unique array of eyewear to patients in Malvern, Litherland runs the successful, light-hearted social media page @Optomlovesglasses, which recognises the silly, strange, and common experiences of optometrists in practice.

OT asked Litherland to talk through her personal eyewear wardrobe. 

How many pairs of spectacles and sunglasses do you own?

I think I have nine optical and five sunglasses. And, like a proud parent, I have two more babies on the way (including my first clip-on). I’m not obsessed, really, I’m not…

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

I’m generally drawn to a brighter, bolder, quirky style, though I do have some understated pieces for when I’m in my ‘chic’ era. I like it when someone compliments my specs. To me, they’re a little style statement and it’s really nice to have that appreciated. We want people to feel amazing in their specs, and that starts if you love your own. 

Can you describe your favourite pair?

Tricky. I have two current favourites. One is a bright yellow by Bevel – they are sunshine in a pair of spectacles and always make it look like I’ve made an effort. The other is a quirky, almost cat’s eye style by Roger Eye Design. The colour is a much more muted beige, but the neon pink stripe and the shape makes them stand out. 

Kirsty Litherland

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

I don’t have a specific speccy style icon, I just love it when people own their look. Wear whatever makes you happy!

I’ve worn glasses since the age of about 10 after I read an article about sight tests in one of my nan’s magazines and realised that maybe I couldn’t actually see very well. I got my parents to take me for a test, then panicked them slightly when I couldn’t even read the ‘big’ letters, and so my first pair of glasses was born. Orange plastic with brown and grey polka dots – real tasteful.

I don’t do handbags – I accessorise my face instead

I don’t – my wonderful prismatic correction coupled with my Sahara Desert-dry eyeballs mean I don’t do contacts well. But, to be honest, I love wearing spectacles. I don’t do handbags – I accessorise my face instead. 

Read more from Kirsty on connections inside and outside the testing room

Less one or two, more about you

Optometrist, Kirsty Litherland, discusses the importance of connections inside and outside of the testing room

Pretty much everything. It’s freedom, it’s independence, it’s being able to enjoy everything around you. What more could we want?

Can you tell us about the approach Holland Opticians takes to the range of eyewear offered?

We prefer to offer styles and ranges that you can’t easily or readily get just anywhere on the High Street. We like to stock excellent quality, and pieces that make someone feel a bit special.

How important is eyewear to reflecting your personality?

Hugely. It’s one of the first things people notice about you. I love that you can vary it up so much and have different pairs for different looks. Feeling good about yourself is so important for confidence, and the right pair of specs can make you feel amazing, and most importantly: make you feel like you. I love that some days you can be loud and proud, bright and bold, and other days you might be more curl-up-with-a-cuppa-quiet and want something subtle.

Feeling good about yourself is so important for confidence, and the right pair of specs can make you feel amazing, and most importantly: make you feel like you

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

1. Choose something that makes you happy. Face shapes and colours are important of course, but if your frames don’t bring you a little bit of joy and make you feel great, then what’s the point?
2. Don’t choose when you’re hungry (my top tip for everything in life), or thirsty, or in a rush. Make sure you take the time to look properly and be looked after properly whilst you are in a good frame of mind. It’s too big a purchase to choose when you’re hangry and just want it over and done with
3. Take a risk – it’s free to try, so why not try on a colour or shape you wouldn’t normally lean towards. You might just surprise yourself with how fabulous they look.