ZEISS VISION
ZEISS Vision Ambassador Interview | A Photographer's Eye Care
Professor Hines sits down at ZEISS HQ to explain why he has chosen ZEISS optics for his new eyewear, what brought about him to becoming more cognizant to his eye care as a professional photographer and depending on ZEISS for his needs. He'll also discuss the ZEISS technologies suggested for his needs from his eyecare professional - Michael Alexander Optical Boutique in Larchmont, New York.
WHO IS ZEISS VISION AMBASSADOR KENNETH HINES, JR?
WHAT EYE CONDITION(S) DO I SUFFER FROM?
I have myopia, or nearsightedness with astigmatism. Things that are distant are blurry to me, which makes it difficult to read text or see people's faces that are not extremely close to me while things/people that are close look perfectly fine! My eyesight also suffers more at night than during the day because of this (night myopia: low light causes my eyes to have more difficulty in focusing). Without corrective measures I suffer from significant eye strain, headaches and the need to squint to clear my vision for distant viewing.
This is why I looked to ZEISS Vision for my corrective needs, through my optical professional. Below you'll find the technologies my eyecare professional recommended from ZEISS' vast portfolio, based on my specific needs in how my daily work and leisure life are.
WHAT ZEISS TECHNOLIGIES & FRAMES DO YOU UTILIZE?
ZEISS SmartLife Lenses
ZEISS SmartLife Lenses are available in Single Vision, Digital and Progressive options (I'm a Single Vision wearer).
For general everyday eyewear the ZEISS Digital SmartLife lenses was the solution recommended by my eyecare professional, to suit my extensive usage of digital devices from my mirrorless cameras to my mobile phone and tablet, while providing all day comfort.
I wanted a solution that included self-tinting technology to eliminate the need for me having to switch glasses while out photographing in the city streets (to eliminate the risk of me accidentally damaging my glasses in some way during switching). ZEISS PhotoFusion X photochromic lenses provide fast light adaptation from clear to dark. They get just as dark as sunglasses and provide sunglass-level UV protection (when both clear or dark) and provide protection from glare.
These are also made with ZEISS BlueGuard, which blocks up to 50% of blue light indoors and up to 94% outdoors when fully tinted. ZEISS BlueGuard also helps me in combatting digital eye strain and headaches I would have from prolonged viewing of digital devices.
ZEISS Polarized Lenses
Have you ever been out in bright sunlight and had to squint to view something, because the sunlight was reflecting off of a surface too harshly, such as a car or water? This is where Polarized Lenses benefit you.
If you're a photographer like me then you'll understand why such lenses for your eyes are essential! In photography you have polarizing filters to reduce the reflections off of bodies of water or windows for instance. They also benefit in making clouds in your composition have more rich, vibrant colors.
ZEISS Polarized lenses do exactly the same task, reducing reflected light that irritates your eyes. They can help you see better through your daily activities - whether you're driving, skiing, relaxing at the beach, or playing sports. ZEISS Polarized lenses come in a variety of colors to suit your style and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.
ZEISS Mirror Tints are included in one pair of my sunglasses (pictured above), allowing me to see out but people can't see my eyes (I love this, so people can't see my thoughts, ha!). I have the Diamond Mirror Tint, but you can choose tints with any color of your choosing! While being a great fashionable addition some tints are good for specific outdoor activities such as water sports and skiing.
Michael Alexander Optical
All of my frames are from Michael Alexander in Larchmont, New York (35 minutes from Grand Central on Metro North) and correspond to the image to the right/above:
CHOPARD SUNGLASSES // ZEISS Polarized Lenses: Worn for special outdoor, dressy events.
CHOPARD // ZEISS Digital SmartLife Lenses + ZEISS PhotoFusion X: Worn for any on camera recording productions, special + speaking events, and non-photography outings.
CUTLER AND GROSS SUNGLASSES // ZEISS Polarized Lenses + ZEISS Diamond Mirror Tint: Worn for any non-photography outings with majority of the day being spent outdoors.
ZERO G TITANIUM (Green Gloss) // ZEISS Digital SmartLife Lenses + ZEISS PhotoFusion X: Alternate general everyday frames that are utilized for majority of my day-to-day activities and when at home or office and for viewing any digital devices.
ZERO G TITANIUM (Matte Grey) // ZEISS Digital SmartLife Lenses + ZEISS PhotoFusion X: Primary general everyday frames that are utilized for majority of my day-to-day activities and when at home or office and for viewing any digital devices.
ARE PREMIUM LENSES RIGHT FOR YOU?
I can't answer this for you, unfortunately. Many consumers don't have the means to spend hundreds on premium optics for their glasses and can only afford what their insurance will cover, I get that.
From what I teach with photography with the differences in kit lenses to premium lenses the same can be said with eyeglasses. The lenses you're wearing today will indeed serve their purpose and be fine for most, but on the other hand there are better options out there, providing a better experience in how you see!
I've always made the effort to utilize the best lenses possible for my cameras, so that the images I capture are the best possible result I can obtain at that time. This is especially important should I never have the opportunity to visit a location a second time. The same I apply to my eyewear. I want the best possible optics for my eyes, because they're the only set I'll have and I want to take care of them as best as possible. I can tell you all of what ZEISS offers, but the best thing I can ever say to anyone is to try them for yourself. If you take a chance and try them then you'll see what I see and understand why I've been a loyal user of ZEISS for my photography and now my eyewear for over 15 years.
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