Is there any way to disguise modern eyeglasses?

[ferrissteve1]

  I like the leather idea   Right now its contacts, however as my eyes get older I like the idea of wire rimmed antique frames and getting the correct prescription put in. I did that with a pair of frames I bought in Europe this summer.  The shop here did it just right. hmmmm? Now you've got me thinking...

[RumbaRue]

My partner got some of the glasses from Jas Townsend, the ones with the folding earpieces...then he took them to an optomitrist and had his prescription and even small bi-focals done on them, so he can wear them at events. No it wasn't cheap (I think he spent about $300.00 doing it), but in the long run it has worked well for him.

[groomporter]

Just showing off my new 18th C. glasses, inspired by a pair of sunglasses Geo. Washington supposedly had. These have a second set of green lenses that folded out protect your peripheral vision as well as your vision forward. I'm gonna replace the main lenses with my prescription, and if it's sunny I can fold the inner green lenses forward to use them as sunglasses..


I found these for $65 at reenactment event this weekend in Indiana, don't know the vendor's name since I just met him on the street at the event. I've Googled around looking for an online source for these, but the only thing I've found was something in tortoise shell frames supposedly directly based on Washington's glasses, but I can't tell if they have two sets of lenses like the ones I bought
http://www.mountvernon.org/store/shopping/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewitem/pid/575/

[Kate XXXXXX]

How nifty are those!  Good find...

[BLAKDUKE]

I tried one time many years ago with an old pair of glasses that I had, by removing the lenses and gluing them to a mardi-gras type of mask with a plastic daggar screwed to the end.  I would only use them if I needed to see something far away.  That's the only reason I have glasses is just to see with.   However the overall effect was not up to par.  Now with more varied materials to work with and a better idea of how I would use it, maybe I could come up with a better set up. 

[gypsylakat]

You know, if someone made the molded leather masks with lenses in them... they could very well make a small fortune...

[groomporter]

Poo!
The Pearl Vision tech said they couldn't put my prescription in my new 18th C. frames because the current lenses are just flat glass with no curve. A little frustrating since the same store had put my script in a pair of 1860's style frames a few years ago.

They guy I bought them from had his prescription in his pair so I know it can be done the question is will it be someone covered by one of the new vision plans offered by the wife's day job...

[Taffy Saltwater]

Well, poo is about right!  You might want to check w/other optometrists.  Good luck w/the ins coverage thing - you'll need it.

[groomporter]

Yeah there's three different vision care options she's now being offered and all have just a $15 co-pay on new lenses, so I'm shopping around the work to help decide which plan we go for.

[captmarga]

I went out and googled Eyeglass frames.  Found rounds on anypair.com.  Even Wal-Mart had round ones and some hex shapes the last time I was there.  I told the assistant I needed "reenactor" shapes, and they brought out three pairs of frames.  Turns out I can't wear glasses at all due to my script (queasy does NOT begin to describe it) but they did have several choices.

http://www.anypair.com/metals.html

Dig the Windsors...

Also found these:
http://cwsutler.hypermart.net/Glasses.jpg


Even found a couple of round lenses (use keyword Lennon) on ebay - one that would do prescription lenses, too).

Lots of options, just making it work with your insurance and budget.  That's the worst part!

Good luck!

Capt. Marga

[Auryn]

Very cool frames groomporter.
If I were you, I would go back to the same lense place when the guy you spoke with isn't there, and ask someone else.
I have found many times that if you ask 3 different employees the same question, you will often get at least 2 different answers. Especially if you know that they've done it before.

Thats a great idea about the lenses in the leather mask, I hate having to wear my sunglasses or sometimes my vision glasses at faire, totally kills the mood.
I will have to work on one before January, if I come up with anything I will post it.

[captmarga]

I wear my glasses as they are. I am blind without them, especially the one eye that is working.

If I get harassased, I flick the person off politely.

If anyone tells you your glasses are "too modern" or "not period" you can always respond - "Modern, why thank you! I am so glad someone FINALLY noticed my new lenses.  I simply paid a FORTUNE to have them brought over from Italy last month.  Why, that pirate of a captain charged me ....."

Capt Marga

[Prof. John Bull]

The glasses I wear on an everyday basis are a modern replica of a 19th century design.  They have what were then called "riding temples" (a stiff but flexible cable that goes around the ear) which means that they don't fall off or slip down the nose.

Going back earlier than that the frame designs weren't practical for all-day wear, and with a few exceptions were used only for reading, so in most contexts at a fair would not be h/c.