FAQ
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About
When was Kite Eyewear founded?
2014 :)
Where is Kite Eyewear based?
We are based in Shoreditch, East London.
What makes Kite special?
Care. It's what we do best.
Beyond providing high quality eyewear, we believe everyone should have a good experience and more personal relationship with their optician. Whether it is glasses or just saying hi, our doors are always open.
Eyewear
Where are Kite glasses designed?
All of our frames are designed in-house at The Shoreditch Eyebar in East London.
Where are Kite glasses manufactured?
All Kite frames are manufactured by small independent factories located in Northern Italy.
What materials are our glasses made out of?
Acetate: High grade Mazzucchelli acetate
Metal: Surgical Stainless Steel
Leather: Vegan Faux Leather
Nose Pads: Silicone
How do I take care of my Kite glasses?
Avoid wearing your glasses on the top of your head, as it can stretch out the frames and cause them to lose their shape.
If your frames are made of metal, avoid exposing them to water or moisture for prolonged periods, as this can cause rusting.
If your frames are made of acetate or plastic, avoid exposing them to heat, as it can cause the frames to warp or lose their shape.
For more information, please visit our care guide.
Can I recycle or donate my frame?
Yes! If your frame is in good condition and you would to fit them with new lenses, then reglazing might be a great option.
If you would like to donate your frame please don't hesitate to bring them to Kite Shoreditch and we will pass them off to our charity partners. As a thank you, you will receive a £15 credit towards your next purchase.
What is our frame guarantee?
All Kite frames purchased directly through Kite Eyewear come with a 1 year manufacturing guarantee. This covers for any faults or damages that may have resulted during the manufacturing or lens fitting process. This guarantee does not cover any damages that should occur via misuse.
For more information, please visit our care guide.
What if I need an adjustment or repair?
All Kite frames purchased directly through Kite Eyewear receive complimentary adjustments and repairs.
Adjustments are carried out at Kite Shoreditch so please feel free to stop by during our open hours. If you can't visit us directly then we suggest going to the nearest opticians.
Request for repairs should be sent to support@kiteeyewear.com. In your email please include images of the product in question as long as any details. Some repairs such as arm replacements will be charged a nominal fee. In the instance that the item is unrepairable you will be notified.
Lenses
Who is our lens partner?
Our Premium Lens Portfolio is engineered by HOYA.
We partnered with HOYA as their lenses are some of the best in the world. With top in class clarity, unmatched value, and endless bespoke opportunities, our choice to partner with them exclusively is key in our mission to provide the best optical experience.
We suggest that everyone learn more about their lenses as they're some of the most important items we use on a daily basis. Learn more about HOYA.
Why are lenses a separate product?
At Kite, we believe that lenses are an integral part of your eyewear and deserve to be treated as such. By separating the cost of the frame and the lenses, we are able to provide a fully customizable and bespoke experience for each of our customers. Our lenses are individually tailored to meet your specific prescription, lifestyle, and daily activities, providing the highest level of comfort and visual performance.
Furthermore, by offering a separate cost for lenses, we ensure that you are only paying for what you need. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to lenses, as each person's visual needs and preferences are unique. This allows us to provide a range of lens options at various price points, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
We also believe in transparency when it comes to pricing, which is why we offer a clear breakdown of the cost of each component of your eyewear. Starting at only £95 for high-quality lenses with all the coatings included, we offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. We believe that your eyes deserve the best, and we're committed to providing it.
What type of lenses do we offer?
Single Vision
- HILUX by HOYA
- NULUX ID V+ by HOYA
Progressive (in-store only)
- Lifestyle 4.0 Varifocals by HOYA
- Myself Individual Varifocals by HOYA
- Workstyle Occupational Varifocals by HOYA
- SYNC III Digital Lifestyle Lenses by HOYA
Included Coatings (Kite HVL+)
- Anti-scratch
- Anti-glare
- UV400
- Hydrophobic
- Oleophobic
Additional Options
- Custom Tints
- Blue Protect
- Sensity by HOYA
- Polarisation
- Drive AR+ Coatings
- Flash Coatings
- Thinning
Can I just purchase lenses?
Got a frame your head over heels for, whether it's a Kite frame or not? No worries, we've got you covered. Our Japanese engineered lenses are top-notch and we're always up for fitting them into your fave frame with your updated prescription. Plus, when you lens with us, you'll get to enjoy complimentary Eye Tests. It's a win-win! For more information please check our reglazing guide.
What is lens thinning?
Lens thinning is a process that involves removing some of the material from the edges of a lens to make it thinner and lighter in weight. This process is especially beneficial for people with stronger prescriptions who may otherwise end up with lenses that are uncomfortably thick and heavy. With thinner lenses, the wearer can experience a more natural look and feel. Additionally, lens thinning can improve the aesthetics of the eyewear by reducing the magnification and distortion that can occur with thicker lenses. Thinner lenses can also provide better optical performance, such as reducing glare and improving visual acuity. At Kite, we offer lens thinning as part of our bespoke lens options to ensure our patients receive the best optical experience possible.
How long do bespoke lenses take?
As each set of lenses is bespoke and a non-stock product, please allow up to 2 weeks for them to be completed by the lab.
How do I take care of my lenses?
When cleaning your lenses with a cloth, make sure it is free of any dirt or debris that could scratch your lenses. It is recommended to wash your cleaning cloth regularly to avoid any dirt buildup.
Avoid using hot water to clean your lenses, as it can damage any protective coatings on your lenses.
Use only lens cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for eyewear, as other cleaning solutions can damage your lenses.
What is our lens guarantee?
All lenses are covered by our 2 year no fuss guarantee from the date of collection. If your lenses get scratched or have any other concerns, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss replacement options.
Services
What optical services does Kite offer?
Eye Tests: 25-30 min / £35 or complimentary*
Contact Lens Fittings: 2-3 Appointments / 10-25 min / £50 total
Dry Eye Assessments: 2-3 Appointments / 25-30 min / £70 total
Lens Consultation: complimentary
What non-optical Services does Kite offer?
Styling Appointment: complimentary
Adjustments: complimentary
Repairs: Please contact us
How do I qualify for a complimentary Eye Test?
At Kite, we value your vision. That's why, as a token of our appreciation, we offer complimentary Eye Tests to all our patients who have previously purchased glasses from us.
New clients are also welcome to experience our exceptional eye care services with a £35 Eye Test fee, which is waived with any same-day prescription eyewear or lens purchase. If you choose to purchase later, we are happy to keep the fee as a credit for you, valid for up to 30 days. Once part of the family you are entitled to yearly complimentary Eye Tests.
Please note that Kite Eyewear Opticians in Shoreditch is a private clinic and not based under the NHS.
Store
Where is Kite Shoreditch
Our address is 93 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DJ
Tues - Sat: 10am - 6pm
Nearby Stations: Shoreditch High Street Station (0.2mi), Liverpool Street Station (0.5mi), and Old Street Station (0.5mi)
Are exclusive styles available?
Maybe if you visit our store you find styles not available online :)
Can I collect my order in-store?
Of course! We recommend if possible collecting your order in-store to have them properly fitted and to asses and visual concerns.
Do we offer any discounts?
We offer £25 off any frame and lens order to students, NHS workers, and any service members active or retired. A valid form of identification required to be presented on purchase to qualify.
Please note this discount applies in-store only and not available online.
Shipping
How much is shipping within the UK?
All order purchased online are shipped free of charge. Any orders placed in-store may be subject to a £10 shipping charge if unable to collect in person. Shipping within the UK can take between 2-4 business days vis Royal Mail and their delivery partners.
For more details please visit our shipping policy.
Do you ship international?
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We run discounts and promotions all year, so stay tuned for exclusive deals.
For more details please visit our shipping policy.
How long will it take to get my orders?
All bespoke products such as lenses can take up to 2 weeks to be manufactured. Once completed they will be shipped to you. Within the UK, shipping take 2-4 business days. International shipments vary country by country.
Returns
What qualifies for a return?
All frame orders come with a 14 day money back guarantee. Product must be returned in an acceptable state and any damages caused after collection void return eligibility.
For more details please visit our returns policy.
How do I submit a return?
Can I return lenses?
As lenses are individually tailored products, they do not qualify for refunds under any circumstances.