Hello! I'd like you to meet my friend Dr. Kate Kinney. She is an optometrist. We were just talking about frames, eyes and fashion. I thought it would be fun to do an interview with her, so here it is...

B: What are the first things you need to think about when choosing a frame?
K: The things I think you should consider are:

• a) How you will be using the frame when you wear it? For example -
     1. Is it for full time wear?
     2. Is it for reading or distance only?
     3. In a professional setting - is it conservative or casual?
     4. For sports or a specific occupation?
• b) How strong is the prescription going to be?
• c) Decide on plastic or metal
• d) Shape
• e) Color Comfort

B: How important is color when looking for a frame?
K: Very important. You want to choose a color that brings out your natural skin color. Try not to think about the colors you wear too much. If a frame looks good on your skin then it should go with almost everything you wear if you wear colors that look good on you. Also, don't be swayed by fancy lighting. If you can get near a window with a hand mirror you will have better chance of knowing if color really looks good on you.

B: How can you use frame shape to balance face shape?
K: It isn't just the shape of the face, so there isn't an easy answer to this question. However there are a few guidelines that are helpful.

• 1. Round: Try straight/angular or geometric shapes to help play up bone structure. Avoid round or oval frames.
• 2. Square: Go for oval/rounded or cat's eye freames to draw attention up and away from a square jawline. Avoid square or rectangular shapes.
• 3. Heart: Butterfly or aviator shapes work well. Frames with a straight top and rounded sides are good.
• 4. Oval: Pretty much anything goes as long as it's in proportion to the face. Smaller scale is better than oversized. Note: The oval shape is the most pleasing to the human eye. Choosing a frame that balances your features into an oval will be more aesthetically pleasing than not. It is also important to center the eyes horizontally within the rim. This is so that the eyes don't appear crossed if close set, or walleyed if wide-set.

B: If a person has a strong prescription, what should they consider when making a selection?
K: 1. It is important to center the eyes in the frame.
2. Choosing a smaller frame will help reduce the edge thickness.
3. Plastic frames help hide edges.
4. Thin or super thin lenses (1.67 or 1.71 high index). Aspheric lenses help to flatten the edges.
5. Anti-reflective coat reduces glrare and allows the wearers' eyes to be seen.
6. Polish the edges to reduce the appearance from the front of a white halo just inside the rim. Edges can be rolled as well to soften the sharp edge of the lens.
7. Edge tinting or painting to help the lens blend into the frame.

B: Is it important to have colored contacts to change your look?
K: Colored contacts are very much an individual choice and not a necessity when wanting various looks. The more extreme the color one chooses, the more obvious it is that it is an artificial device. The current trend in color contacts is "color blends", which provide a more natural look while still changing eye color.

Dr. Kathleen Kinney is in private practcie in downtown Seattle. In addition to offering eye exams and contact lenses, she has a wide variety of glasses frames at affordable prices to fit any personality. Visit her website at: www.drkathleenkinney.com