Jake Burton: “Since making my own frames, I’ve decided to embrace bold”

His journey since then has seen him qualify as a dispensing optician and go on to study optometry while working full-time. Outside of the classroom and the practice, optics is never far from Burton’s mind, as he designs eyewear for his business Caprice Atelier.

OT learnt more about his love for design, personal eyewear wardrobe, and being part of the ‘Big Nose Society’.

How many pairs of spectacles or sunglasses do you own?

I have more than 10 pairs. Three I have made myself, and the rest I have purchased over time. I am not the most adventurous, but I do seek minimalist elegance. My go-to pair are made from Mazzuchelli acetate from Italy, secured with traditional pins and rivets, which (in my opinion) is the best way for a frame to be assembled. I am picky with my lenses, so I choose Hoya every time.

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

I’ve always struggled to find spectacles that suit or fit me. Previously, I always had thin, metal frames (I have a big nose) But since making my own frames, I’ve decided to embrace bold. I now have three pairs of chunky acetate frames. I usually choose earthy colours such as green, brown, and blue, which complement my style and features.

Can you describe your favourite pair?

My favourite has to be my first pair of handmade frames. I chose a semi-transparent Italian acetate from Mazzuchelli, with some inspiration from the 60s, a classic round style with riveted hinges. Not only do they fit me perfectly, they were made by me.

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

I started wearing specs at four, stopped at eight, then wore them full-time from when I was 18. It was in practice – I was peeking behind a door and noticed I couldn’t see until my left eye was also peaking. Turns out I’m not that sneaky. After my first eye exam, I realised my eyes didn’t want to work together without correction.

Jake Burton

Do you wear contact lenses?

Not anymore. Unfortunately, I struggle with dry eye – a massive topic at the moment. Despite this, I adore my glasses and even if I had the option, I would choose spectacles every time.

What does vision and eye health mean to you?

I am the person who wants to see the bottom line of the chart that no one can read. Vision to me means clarity, comfort, and allows me to see the world. Health is just as important. As a dispensing optician training as an optometrist, vision is in my blood. Whether it is via dispensing or examination, both play a vital part in client satisfaction and experience.

How important is eyewear to reflecting your personality?

Wearing spectacles make me feel like me. Everyone finds it weird ‘seeing me without specs.’ I can express my personality and my passion for optics through the specs I wear and the things I can see.

What prompted you to start designing frames yourself?

Being part of the ‘Big Nose Society’ often meant I struggled to find a frame that fits me and that I like. Imagine if I walked into Clarks and they only offered size seven shoes – that’s crazy right? So why is it so hard to find a frame that fits? I am all for personalisation and customisation. Imagination is the limit and I want everyone to feel comfortable and themselves wearing spectacles.

As well as this, at university I found it frustrating learning all this knowledge but not using it. My lecturer, Peter Black, told me to do go and do some homework. A couple of years later – I’m still working on it.

Caprice Atelier

Jake’s handmade frames

What are your goals for Caprice Atelier?

Currently I am focusing on repairs, modifications and refurbishment of spectacles. However, I want to focus on the bespoke frame service we offer. I have made a total of eight frames now, all completely unique to the client. In the future, I plan to expand on delivering a bespoke and semi-bespoke frame service with independent practices in mind, helping them provide a unique journey for each client.

Could you tell us about your journey in optics so far, and where you would like to go next?

At 16, I left school not knowing what my plan was, but I knew one thing: I did not want to sit in a classroom anymore. I applied for many apprenticeship opportunities, chose the first one that replied, and the rest is history.

Starting as a trainee optical assistant, progressing to a dispensing optician and currently on the new route for registering as an optometrist (Clinical Learning in Practice), I can honestly say I love this industry. I have met so many amazing people, who have been so supportive.

My next steps are to qualify as an optometrist and maybe release a few frames for independent opticians, but that’s a secret. Watch this space.

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

1. Do some research. Make a mood board, find some unique designers (independent ones too) and get an idea of what you want
2. If you can’t figure it out, let someone else do it for you. Dispensing opticians, frame stylists, optical advisers who are trained specifically in this field are your saviours. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with some amazing people who I can honestly say know how to make you feel great about choosing your spectacles
3. Finally, don’t feel restricted by one pair. Sometimes certain frames do not fit with certain outfits, moods or scenarios.