I am writing this article because I constantly see designer eyewear advertised for ridiculously cheap prices especially on the Internet. The increase of designer eyeglasses has lead to an increase in criminals trying to sell fake designer eyewear. This costs you the taxpayer money, leads to higher frame prices and cost the economy billions of dollars a year. A study in Brazil said that 48 percent of eyeglasses were counterfeit!
According to the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), counterfeit sunglasses can shatter easily. But the other danger is buying fake eyewear that claims to provide protection from UV and Polarized light. The truth is 100 percent of all polarized replica eyewear have no polarization protection at all, most do not even protect against UV light. Also, these glasses have not passed any sort of safety standard.
Helpful tips to help you determine the authenticity of designer eyeglasses:
1. Most designer eyeglasses normally cost $200 and more. If it seems too good
to be true, it probably is.
2. Examine the eyeglasses. Check the brand name for misspellings and
weird graphics.
3. Check the workmanship: Frame material, hinges and screws.
4. Examine the packaging holding the eyeglasses. Look for a barcode,
model name, frame and lens description.
5. Designer eyeglasses should come with a warranty or warranty
registration booklet.
6. Most designers will come with a product information sheet or small card.
There should also be a company’s contact information if one has any questions
about the eyeglasses.
7. Check for the “CE” on each frame, which designates the country of origin.
8. Temple markings should have some if not all the information, style,
model, color, eye size.
9. If there are any “inspired by” or replica written—they are fake.
10. If they have a peel off sticker—they are fake.
The bottom line is to make sure you purchase your eyeglasses from an
Optometrist, Ophthalmologist or a reputable Optician. These are the only
places that you can guarantee that you will be purchasing the real thing.
For more information, please call Dr. Joshua Corben at 661-259-2168 or visit www.corbenoptometry.com .