Thanks to Allegro Optical the everything is really “sharp”
Except for the sound that is!
“I really struggle to focus on the music and the conductor.” said Adrian. It’s a common complaint and one we frequently hear at Allegro Optical. Tuba player Adrian Davis’s story was a familiar one and thankfully one we have had plenty of experience with. In fact, we’ve had a bit of a run on tuba players of late.
The problem Tuba players have is that they are unable to move their heads when playing as the mouthpiece envelopes the embouchure. Moving their heads changes the pitch and many presbyopic players find this extremely frustrating. Adrian was no exception.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a form of long-sightedness, caused by the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens, beginning typically in middle age. This can have a devastating impact on a musicians ability to function. Namely the ability to read music at varying distances, watch the conductor, and be involved with what’s going on around them.
Adrian was experiencing all these issues and they were hampering his enjoyment when playing his E flat bass with Burbage brass band from Buxton in Derbyshire. Adrian tried to find a solution to his vision problems and discovered Allegro Optical via the brass band website 4BarsRest. In addition to playing with Burbage brass band and Adrian is an avid modeller and was struggling with his modelling hobby too. Having tried a combination of glasses none of them were really working for him.
Adrian Visited Allegro Optical, bringing his E flat bass with him allowing us to take some very detailed measurements. As he is unable to move his head when playing any kind of varifocal or occupational lens design was completely out of the question. For this reason, we produced a monocular lens combination based on our uniques lens designs. We accurately plotted the field and depth of view Adrian needed when playing. We designed the new lens combination to correct his vision at every point. This solution allows Adrain to see clearly at all the distances his craft requires. Giving him a crystal clear view of the music, the conductor and his fellow players.
Adrian contacted us a few weeks after he collected his new glasses and said; “I did my first band gig with the new glasses on Saturday, the glasses worked perfectly, most of the time it was like I wasn’t wearing any, fantastic! Many thanks for your efforts, 10/10.”
Why Allegro?
This case study illustrates how frustrating presbyopia can become for the musician. Making focusing at the many different distances very problematic. As was Adrian’s case many musicians find they struggle with the varying focal distances required. Some musicians even suffer from postural problems which are often caused by their deteriorating vision as they try to compensate for this reduced visual acuity.
With an understanding of the playing and seating positions of professional musicians, this can be overcome and the musicians working and playing life can easily be improved. Many Musicians who experience focusing problems at different distances are unaware that there is a solution to their vision problems.
Most Optometrists and Opticians either prescribe and dispense single vision lenses for the music stand. Some will dispense Computer or Occupational lenses which don’t give enough depth of field. Some even claim these occupational lenses to be specialist music lenses! To be honest a good specialist sports lens will be able to provide a better solution for some musicians than any occupational or vocational lens. Musicians use their eyes in a very similar way to sporting professionals. All our musicians’ lenses are designed and made to our own unique design. In fact, they have been shortlisted for a product innovation award by the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards. So watch this space and see how we get on at the end of the month in York.
Always check that the lenses you are prescribed are designed for the intended purpose and please be aware that leading lens manufacturers DO NOT make lenses designed for musicians. If it’s musicians’ lenses you need call Allegro Optical in Meltham, Holmfirth on 01484 907090. Or Allegro Optical in Greenfield on 01457 353100
