Short answer: buying eyewear in Sri Lanka comes down to three decisions: sunglasses with UV400 protection for the sun, spectacle frames that fit your face and your lenses, and prescription lenses made to a current prescription and fitted by a trained practitioner. Buy from a brand or optician that gives you an invoice, a warranty and a way to check the product is genuine.
Sunglasses
Start with protection: UV400 (100% UVA/UVB). Add polarized lenses if you drive or spend time near water, then choose a lens colour and frame you like. Our best sunglasses in Sri Lanka guide covers the checks in detail.
Spectacle frames
A good frame sits level, doesn’t pinch your temples and keeps the lenses centred in front of your eyes. Look at the three numbers printed inside the arm (lens width, bridge and temple length) to compare sizes, and check that the frame is deep enough if you need progressive lenses. See how to choose spectacle frames.
Prescription lenses
- Single vision corrects one distance, far or near. Aspheric designs are slimmer, flatter and lighter, with clearer edges.
- Progressive lenses correct far, intermediate and near in one lens with no visible line, usually from your 40s. Read the progressive lenses guide.
- Children’s myopia-control lenses are spectacle lenses designed for children whose short-sightedness is progressing. An eye care professional should advise on whether they suit your child.
Prescription lenses should be made to a current prescription (ideally issued in the last 12 months) and measured, fitted and checked by a trained practitioner. An eye examination from a qualified professional comes first.
Where to buy eyewear in Sri Lanka
- Opticians and optical chains: eye tests, fitting and aftercare in one place.
- Brand stores online: convenient for sunglasses and frames, with island-wide delivery; prescription lenses are then fitted by a practitioner.
- Import marketplaces: foreign brands, but higher prices once shipping and duties are included, and slower returns.
What to check before you pay
- An invoice in your name, and how long the warranty runs.
- What the returns policy covers (most cover manufacturing faults, not change of mind).
- A way to check the product is genuine. See how to spot fake sunglasses.
SPINEL eyewear
SPINEL is a premium eyewear brand from Colombo. We make sunglasses, Sterling spectacle frames and prescription lenses (four progressive designs, aspheric single vision and MyoCare lenses for children), with island-wide delivery, cash on delivery and a 1-year warranty. About SPINEL →