Blackwell

Blackwell Prescription Glasses

A cat-eye is one of the most flattering shapes you can wear. The Blackwell is a women’s full-rim cat-eye frame, sized 51-16-140, in Red, Teal or Tort. You can order it with single vision, progressive or bifocal lenses made to your prescription. You will find it in our Walter & Herbert range.

Choosing your Blackwell colour

Red. Red is a confident red. It looks great with neutral outfits and a bold lip.

Teal. Teal is a blue-green teal. It pairs well with neutrals, denim and earthy colours.

Tort. The Tort version is tortoiseshell. It flatters warm and olive skin and works with almost any outfit.

If you are stuck between two, choose the one closest to the colours you wear most. You can always add a second pair later.

Shape and style

The upswept outer corners suit round, oval and square faces especially well, giving the face a gentle lift. The fine metal arms keep the weight down and look neat from the side.

If you want a frame you can put on in the morning and forget about, the Blackwell is a strong choice.

How to wear it

Pair it with simple gold or silver earrings and let the frame do the rest. If you wear your hair up, a frame like this can act as your main accessory.

Frame size and fit

The 51mm lenses make this a medium frame that suits most faces. The 16mm bridge is on the narrow side. The 140mm arms are a standard length. Across the lenses and bridge it measures about 118mm.

The easiest way to check is against glasses you already love. Most frames show their size inside the arm; if yours are close to these, you are in safe territory.

Lens options for the Blackwell

Choose the lens type that suits how you use your glasses:

• Single vision: one prescription for distance, reading or the computer.
• Progressive: near, middle and far in one lens with no line. (In the UK they call them varifocals.)
• Bifocal: a defined reading area at the bottom of the lens.
• Ready readers: simple magnification for close work.

Prefer to keep things slim? Choose a high-index lens, which is thinner and lighter than standard. Then add an anti-reflective coating to cut glare from headlights and screens.

Ordering online is easier than you think

All you need is a current prescription from your optometrist and your pupillary distance (PD), the distance between your pupils. Your PD is often written on your prescription; if it is not, ask your optometrist for it. Pick your colour, choose your lens type, enter your details and add any lens upgrades. If you are not sure about sizing, compare the measurements above with a pair you already own. It only takes a minute and saves any guesswork.

Made for you in our UK lab

Every pair is made to order. Our UK optical lab cuts your lenses to your prescription, fits them into your Blackwell and then sends your glasses to you in Australia.

Keep them looking new

Rinse off dust before wiping, dry the lenses with a clean microfibre cloth, and take your glasses off with both hands so the arms stay straight. For more tips, see our lens care guide.

Your questions, answered

What size is it?

It is size 51-16-140: 51mm lens width, 16mm bridge and 140mm arms, a medium fit.

Is the Blackwell comfortable for all-day wear?

Yes. It is a lightweight frame, and a thinner lens for a stronger prescription keeps the weight down even further.

Will it suit a narrow nose?

Yes. The 16mm bridge is designed for slimmer noses.

What is havana or tortoiseshell?

A mottled pattern of browns and ambers, a classic eyewear finish.

Do you make the lenses yourselves?

Yes. Every pair is made to order in our UK optical lab, where your lenses are cut to your prescription and fitted into your frame.

Still deciding on the Blackwell? Browse more women’s glasses and prescription glasses.