Sunglasses vs photochromic lenses: what to recommend to customers
In Indian summers almost everyone wants some protection from glare. Customers often ask whether they should buy sunglasses or photochromic ("photogray") lenses. The right answer depends on how they spend their day.
Terms to explain at the counter
- UV400: blocks ultraviolet light up to 400 nanometres, which covers UVA and UVB. Dark lenses without UV protection can be worse than none, because the pupils open wider.
- Polarised: cuts reflected glare from roads, water and car bonnets. Excellent for driving and outdoor work, but it can make some phone and car screens look dark or patchy.
- Photochromic: clear indoors, darkens in sunlight. Darkening depends on UV, so many photochromic lenses darken less behind a car windscreen.
- Tint: a fixed colour (grey, brown, green) at a chosen darkness.
Which to recommend
| Customer | Good choice |
|---|---|
| Drives a lot | Prescription sunglasses, often polarised, plus clear glasses |
| In and out of shops or offices all day | Photochromic lenses in one pair |
| Two-wheeler rider | Photochromic or sunglasses, plus a helmet visor |
| Outdoor worker or farmer | Polarised sunglasses with UV400 |
| No prescription | Good UV400 sunglasses |
A note on GST
Sunglasses and other non-corrective eyewear are taxed at a higher GST rate than corrective spectacles. Set them up as separate items in your billing. See our GST and HSN guide.
Selling the second pair
A customer who just bought prescription glasses is the best prospect for sunglasses. A "second pair within 30 days" offer, sent as a reminder, turns a one-time purchase into two. Opticdigit can send that offer under your shop's name.
Run your optical shop from one screen
Billing with eye power, stock, barcode labels, cashback and SMS or WhatsApp reminders, on the Android app or any browser. Plans from ₹2,500 a year.
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