Vision issues

Ok. I admit it. I am middle aged and this means that my vision has been more than a little frustrating lately. I have worn glasses for vision since I was about 10 and moved to contact lenses when I was 13. In my 20s I mostly dabbled around making jewellery wearing my contact lenses no problem. In my 30s I had babies and found my glasses a comfort for my utterly exhausted eyes accompanied by my trusty Donegan Optivisors in number 3. or 4. Then as I rounded the 40’s hurdle I found I needed number 7 which I still use most. My optician is always taking the piss while trying to realign my optical reality with my youthful expectation.

I am now becoming that person who puts my glasses on the end of my nose more often than not. It is frustrating to go between my plain old eyeballs, optivisiors ,glasses and the rest. I know many of you out there have had similar issues.

Regardless of age, perscription or skills we all need to see. And a 10x jewellers loupe is the VERY first port of call and only about £10-40 depending on brand and quality. Everyone making jewellery should use 10X loupe constantly during thier day for checking workmanship. If you are young and just starting off that is no excuse - you need a loupe get one!

If you have a loupe and are not sure what can help next it will be an optivisor. They range in price from £20-60 depending on brand and quality. Great at home for emoving splinters and rouge eyelashes! Here is a Donegan reference on focal distance in relation to magnification.

NUMBER 3 14 INCH (1 3/4X POWER)

NUMBER 4 10 INCH (2X POWER)

NUMBER 5 8 INCH (2 1/2X POWER)

NUMBER 7 6 INCH (2 3/4X POWER)

If you are a student you can always try our various types in the workshop to see what you like for your eyes best.

And if you are going to be doing alot of gemstone setting, engraving or very fine detailed work you might break the bank and go get a stereo microscope. I love my Leica!