When you order prescription lenses for your new glasses, we’ll ask you to upload a photo of yourself wearing them. Whilst it's nice to put your face to your name, this photo also helps us align your lenses to your eyes which is especially important if you have a strong or multifocal prescription.
How so?
By analysing the position of your pupils within your new frame, we can tailor your lens alignment both horizontally and vertically — the same precision you’d expect from an in-person fitting, but done remotely. It’s a simple, efficient method that ensures your lenses perform exactly as they should.
How to get the best image
To help us align your lenses accurately, please follow the steps below:
- Wear your new glasses frame.
- Keep your head level — not tilted up, down or to the side.
- Look directly forwards through the centre of your lenses.
- Avoid side angles or overhead shots.
- If possible, ask someone else to take your photo so it’s square and level.
We’ll then use this image to determine both the horizontal and vertical alignment of your pupils behind your frame’s lenses.
How is the image used?
Once we receive your image, we use your frame’s known dimensions as a reference to scale the photo to the correct size. This gives us a digital template to measure two important things:
Your pupillary distance (PD) – the horizontal distance between your pupils.
Your ocular height (OC) – the vertical distance from the bottom edge of each lens to the centre of your pupils.
Your PD tends to stay the same throughout adulthood, but your OC will vary with every pair of glasses you own. That’s because each frame has a different shape, bridge width and lens height, which all influence how it sits on your face.
No two frames fit in exactly the same way, so this image helps us capture your unique measurements for that particular pair — ensuring optimal comfort and clarity for your prescription lenses.
What is my pupillary distance?
Your pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement between the centres of your pupils. It tells us exactly where to position the optical centres of your lenses, so that you’re looking through the most accurate point of your prescription.
To learn more about PD and how it’s measured, you can read our full guide: How to measure your PD
What is my ocular height?
Your ocular height (OC) measures how high your pupils sit within the lens area of your glasses. It’s the distance from the lowest point of the lens to the centre of your pupil.
Unlike PD, your OC will change between different frame styles because of variations in shape, lens width, bridge size and how the frame fits your face.
For a more detailed explanation, visit our guide: How to measure your OC
Summary
Using a simple 'selfie' photo allows us to ensure your lenses are positioned exactly where they need to be for the best visual comfort and optical performance.
Hopefully this article has explained everything.
Thanks for stopping by.