Help Centre · blacksheep.io
Glasses from 6.65 £.
We explain everything.
What the optical industry hides — we expose it. We're dismantling the archaic optical supply chain. Direct from factory. Zero middlemen.
01How to Choose Your Frames
Filters · Sizes · Virtual Try-On
Which frame shape suits my face?
Good news — there's a simple rule that works for almost everyone. Match the frame shape to the opposite of your face shape:
| Face Shape | Recommended Frames |
|---|---|
| Round | Square, rectangular or angular frames to add definition |
| Square / Angular | Round, oval or softly curved frames to soften the features |
| Oval | Almost anything — you have the most flexibility |
| Heart | Wider at the bottom — aviators, light cat-eyes |
| Oblong | Taller frames with decorative detail to add width |
How do I use the filters to find the right pair?
Our filter panel is designed to narrow things down fast. Here's what each filter does:
No need to tick everything. Start with shape and colour — those two filters do most of the work. Remove a filter if results feel too narrow.
How do I find my frame size?
Every frame has three measurements engraved inside the temple arm — for example 52–18–145. Here's what they mean:
| Number | What It Is | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | Lens width (mm) | Width of each lens. Smaller = narrower frame. |
| 18 | Bridge width (mm) | Gap between the two lenses, across your nose. |
| 145 | Temple length (mm) | Length of the arm resting over your ear. |
We also offer an easy size guide based on total frame width:
| Size | Total Frame Width |
|---|---|
| XS | Under 125 mm |
| S | 125–135 mm |
| M | 135–145 mm |
| L | 145–155 mm |
Can I try on frames before buying?
Yes — Virtual Try-On is available on selected frames. The easiest way to find them is the Try-On filter in the catalogue — it instantly shows only compatible frames.
It's not a try-at-home service — but you'd be surprised how accurate it is. Most customers find their pair in just a few minutes.
At most opticians, the frame represents less than 15% of the total cost. The rest is rent, distribution margin and middlemen. At Blacksheep, there are none — that's why a frame costs 2.20 £.
02How to Order
Fast · Simple · Under 5 minutes
How do I place an order — step by step?
The whole process takes under five minutes. Here's exactly how it works:
After ordering, here's what happens:
Do I need an account to order?
No account is needed — just add your address and pay. That's it, every time.
Creating an account saves your prescription securely and makes reordering faster. But it's entirely optional.
What happens after I place my order?
We send you a confirmation email straight away. From there:
03How to Choose Your Lenses
Single Vision · Progressive · Degressive
What type of lenses do I need?
It depends on your prescription and how you use your glasses:
| Lens Type | Who It's For |
|---|---|
| Single Vision | One correction for one distance. The most common. Covers myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. How to tell: your prescription has SPH and possibly CYL — but no ADD value. |
| Progressive or Degressive | Multiple distances in one lens. How to tell: your prescription includes an ADD value (usually between +0.75 and +3.50). If ADD appears, you need a multifocal lens. |
| Non-prescription | No vision correction. Clear lenses for style — or add a specific option like blue light or custom tint. |
What's the difference between progressive and degressive options?
We offer four multifocal options — each designed for a different lifestyle. Here's how to choose:
I'm getting progressives for the first time. What should I expect?
A few important things to know before your first pair arrives:
If after 2 weeks something still feels uncomfortable, contact us immediately — we are here to help you get it right.
04How to Read Your Prescription
Understanding every field
What do all the values on my prescription mean?
Your prescription is a precise set of values that define what your eyes need. Here's each field explained clearly:
| Field | What It Means |
|---|---|
| OD | Right eye — from the Latin Oculus Dexter |
| OS | Left eye — from the Latin Oculus Sinister |
| SPH (Sphere) | Primary correction power. Minus (–) = myopia (nearsightedness). Plus (+) = hyperopia (farsightedness). Example: –2.50 |
| CYL (Cylinder) | Corrects astigmatism. May be positive or negative. Leave blank if absent from your prescription. |
| Axis | Present only with astigmatism. A number between 0 and 180 indicating the angle of correction. |
| ADD (Addition) | For multifocal lenses only. The supplementary power for near vision — usually between +0.75 and +3.50. If this appears, you need progressive or degressive lenses. |
| PD (Pupillary Distance) | The distance in mm between your pupils. Essential for centring the lenses correctly. May appear as a single value (e.g. 63) or split (e.g. 32/31 for each eye). |
OD: SPH –2.50 / CYL –0.75 / Axis 180 / ADD +2.00
OS: SPH –3.00 / CYL –0.50 / Axis 175 / ADD +2.00
PD: 32 / 31
My prescription doesn't include a PD. What should I do?
This is very common — PD is often not included on standard prescriptions. Several options are available:
Once we have your PD, we process your order immediately.
How recent does my prescription need to be?
Prescriptions are generally valid for 2 years. If yours is older, we recommend an updated eye test before ordering — your vision may have changed, and a current prescription ensures the best possible result.
If you're unsure whether your prescription is still valid, your optician can verify it quickly during a brief appointment.
What if I'm not sure about a value on my prescription?
Simply upload a photo of your prescription at checkout — our optical team reviews every order manually and will contact you if anything needs confirming before production begins.
You're never left to navigate this alone. We'd rather take an extra hour to confirm a detail than produce a pair that doesn't serve you perfectly.
05How to Measure Your PD
Two simple methods — under 2 minutes
What is PD and why do you need it?
PD stands for Pupillary Distance — the measurement in millimetres between the centre of your two pupils. It's how we make sure your lenses sit perfectly aligned in front of your eyes.
Without an accurate PD, even a perfect prescription can feel slightly off. It's one of the most critical measurements in the whole process — and fortunately, one of the simplest to get.
| Reference | Typical PD |
|---|---|
| Average Adult Range | 54–74 mm |
| Average Female | ~62 mm |
| Average Male | ~64 mm |
A variation of 1 mm between measurements is completely normal — no need to aim for decimal precision.
How do I measure my PD at home — with a mirror?
All you need is a printable PD ruler and good light. The process takes about 2 minutes.
↓ Download PD RulerCan someone help me measure it? (More accurate)
Yes — and this method is actually more accurate. All you need is someone to assist and a PD ruler.
Measure 2–3 times to confirm — small variations of 1 mm are normal.
Can I measure my PD online?
Absolutely — and it's even faster. We recommend these two free online tools. All you need is your phone camera or webcam — results in under 20 seconds, no ruler needed.
06Our Lens Options
Always included · Optional upgrades
What coatings are included on every lens?
Every Blacksheep lens comes with all three of these coatings — no extra charge, no boxes to tick:
Anti-UV, anti-scratch, anti-reflection — at most opticians, these treatments are charged at 50–100 £ each. At Blacksheep, they're included on every lens, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Not because we do less — because we refuse to charge for things that should be standard.
What optional upgrades are available?
Four optional upgrades are available for all lens types — single vision, progressive and degressive:
Which lens option is right for me?
| Your Lifestyle | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Screen-heavy work day | Blue Light Protection (+9.95 £) |
| Want colour or sun protection | Tinted & Gradient (+11.95 £) |
| Frequent in-and-out — commuter, mixed routine | Photochromic (+18.95 £) |
| Driving, cycling, outdoor sports, strong sun | Polarised (+25.95 £) |
| No specific need beyond everyday use | Standard (included — already great) |
07How to Adjust Your Frames
At home · No special tools needed
My glasses keep sliding down my nose. How do I fix that?
This is the most common fit issue and usually a simple, quick fix:
Metal frames with adjustable nose pads:
Acetate frames (no separate nose pads):
My glasses sit crooked — one side is higher. What do I do?
The temples press too tight (or feel too loose) behind my ears.
The temple should curve gently just behind the ear — not pressing too hard into it, and not lifting away.
If they press too firmly:
If they feel too loose:
When should I go to an optician rather than adjusting at home?
Most adjustments are easy and safe to do at home. In these cases however, see a professional:
Almost any optician will adjust your frames for free — it takes about 2 minutes and is a standard industry service. And if your Blacksheep glasses arrive with any issue, contact us first — we'll sort it out.
08Quality & Our Guarantee
15+ years of optical expertise · We stand behind every pair
What is the quality of Blacksheep glasses?
We've been in the optical industry for over 15 years — producing lenses and sourcing frames at the highest level. Here's what that means in practice:
Great glasses at an honest price — that's the whole idea.
A pair of progressives at an optician averages 350–600 £. The frame rarely costs more than 30 £ to make. The rest is the distribution system — not quality. Our lenses are made with the same equipment. Our margin just doesn't include four middlemen.
What is your return and guarantee policy?
Our glasses are custom-made to your prescription and specifications — so they don't follow a standard retail return policy. But we fully stand behind every single pair we produce.
| Situation | What We Do |
|---|---|
| Our mistake — wrong prescription, defective lens, damaged frame on arrival | We replace your glasses completely, free of charge. No questions asked. |
| Your choice — you selected the wrong frame, lens type or option | We relaunch your order with the correct specifications. We only ask for a small handling fee — the rest is on us, as a mark of our commitment. |
09Delivery
Production time · Shipping · Tracking
How long does delivery take?
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard production | 1–3 business days |
| Shipping | Varies by destination |
| Total estimated delivery | 8–10 business days from order confirmation |
You'll receive a tracking link by email the moment your glasses ship — so you can follow every step of the way.
Will I be able to track my order?
Yes — we'll send you a tracking link by email as soon as your glasses leave our optical lab. You'll be able to follow the progress in real time.
If you have a question about your order status before that, just reach out — we respond in under 2 hours and will give you a full update.
A complete pair from 6.65 £
Optics without compromise.
Frames 2.20 £ · Single vision +4.45 £ · Progressive lenses +22.45 £.
