Reading Glasses for Australians: Essential Guide - ministry of sight

Reading Glasses for Australians: Essential Guide

Reading Glasses for Australians: Essential Guide

Avoid the squints, the smudges and the upside-down frames.

So, you've finally joined the world of reading glasses in 2025 - welcome! Whether you're rocking a chic tortoiseshell pair or borrowing your partner’s drugstore specs (don't do this, get your own cool pair!), reading glasses can truly change the game... as long as you know how to use them properly.

To make your journey smooth and stylish, we’ve put together a list of light-hearted dos and don’ts for getting the most out of your specs - without losing them in your couch cushions (don't do this, keep your reading glasses handy!).

DO: Clean Them Regularly

No, your shirt sleeve doesn’t count.
Smudges, fingerprints, and mystery gunk build up fast, and nothing ruins a good read like trying to see through a lens that looks like it's been dipped in olive oil. Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner, or grab one of those handy pre-moistened wipes. Lucky for you, Ministry of Sight reading glasses come with a fab microfibre cloth with every pair.

DON’T: Perch Them on Your Head All Day

Unless you’re going for the “I lost my glasses - oh wait, they’re on my head” look.
Sure, it’s convenient, but it stretches out the frames over time and messes with their shape. Plus, you’ll definitely forget where you left them.

DO: Choose the Right Magnification

Reading glasses aren’t one-size-fits-all (even if the cheap ones say they are).
Start with an eye exam or at least try a few magnifications at the store before committing. Guessing wrong means everything looks just blurry enough to be annoying. Here's a few guides to help you out: Choosing the Right Lens Power, Reading Glasses Age Guide.

DON’T: Walk Around in Them

Unless you want the world to look like a funhouse mirror.
Reading glasses are for just that - reading. Walking, driving, or navigating stairs in them can lead to tripping, dizziness or at least some very confused looks.

DO: Embrace Your Look

Reading glasses = instant personality.
Whether you're into bold colors, vintage vibes or minimalist frames, let them be an extension of your style. Trust us, confidence looks great on everyone.
Check out your style here: What Kind of Glasses Wearer Are You?, How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Reading Glasses for Your Face Shape, How to Pick a Cool Pair of Reading Glasses Online: A Guide.

DON’T: Buy Just One Pair

Unless you love playing “Where Are My Glasses?” five times a day.
Keep a pair in every reading zone - your desk, nightstand, bag, maybe even next to the coffee machine. Future You will thank you.
Ministry of Sight gives a 10% discount when you buys more than one pair!

DO: Keep a Case Handy

Glasses tossed in a bag without a case = scratched lenses and future regrets.
A slim hard case or soft pouch can make all the difference. Bonus points if it’s cute.
Lucky Ministry of Sight gives you a slimline glasses case with every purchase to keep your cool new frames safe!

DON’T: Pretend You Don’t Need Them

We get it - it’s an adjustment.
But squinting at a menu in a dim restaurant while pretending you're just thinking really hard isn’t fooling anyone. Reading glasses are here to help, not to cramp your style.
And according to the stats, EVERYONE pretty much needs them after 40.

In Focus

Reading glasses can be a total game-changer when used wisely (and maybe with a bit of humour). Embrace the quirks, avoid the common slip-ups, and enjoy seeing the world a little more clearly - whether you’re diving into a novel, decoding the fine print, WFH or just trying to read the ingredients on a soup can.

Now go on—specs up!

Shop our collection now :)

✔️ Free shipping Australia
✔️ Easy exchanges and returns
✔️ No prescription needed
✔️ Luxe acetate frames (no plastic!)

Back to blog
Australian woman wearing The Mod reading glasses - ministry of sight

About Ministry of Sight

When my sight started to blur, I wasn’t ready for old-fashioned or cheap-looking reading glasses. I went on a hunt for frames I’d be proud to wear - and came up empty.

That’s why Ministry of Sight exists: to help you see clearly while looking amazing. We believe reading glasses shouldn’t be boring or hidden away - they should be your new favourite accessory.

Ministry of Sight creates stylish, high-quality eyewear that’s chic, durable and designed to complement any outfit or lifestyle. We make it easy to find your perfect pair because our glasses aren’t just for seeing - they’re for seeing in style.

READ MORE

Collapsible content

Why Ministry of Sight reading glasses are really good. Green reading glasses. Premium scratch resistant lenses with anti-glare. Luxe acetate frames, no plastic. Free Australian shipping. Stylish on-trend frames for men and women

Free Shipping

Free Australia-wide shipping on all reading glasses via Australia Post. No minimum purchase required.

Express and world-wide shipping also available.

100% Love Guarantee

Love your new Ministry of Sight reading glasses or easily return or exchange them with our 30-day happiness guarantee.

Acetate Frames (NOT PLASTIC)

All our frames are thick acetate, which are luxe, durable, lightweight and comfy. Not plastic!

Unlike cheap plastic frames, acetate is strong, flexible, and less likely to break or warp over time. 💪

Being plant-based and biodegradable, acetate is a greener choice for your eyes — and the Earth. 🌎💚

No more headaches. No more squinting,

Reading glasses help stop headaches by reducing eye strain. When your eyes work too hard to focus on close-up tasks, it can cause tension around your eyes and forehead.

The right pair of glasses makes reading, phone use or computer work easier, easing eye fatigue and preventing headaches. They also improve posture, reducing neck and shoulder strain.

No more squinting at your phone, menus, food labels or books.

Our reading glasses are designed to bring clarity back to your everyday.

Read, work and relax without the strain. Say goodbye to squinting and hello to effortless vision in frames you’ll love to wear.

High-Quality Lenses

Our high-quality lenses are scratch-resistant and feature anti-glare protection for clear, comfortable vision.

Choosing your perfect pair

It's important you get the right fit for your glasses. Style. Fit. Function. We’ll show you the way.

Not sure what style to choose, or which frames will fit you best? Start with what you already love. Grab a pair of sunnies or glasses that fit you well - that’s your best reference point for shape and size.

Key Measurements

Every pair of our reading glasses comes with three key measurements to help you find the right fit, LW-BW-TL:

LW Lens Width The horizontal width of each lens (excluding the frame), measured at its widest point.
BW Bridge Width The distance between the lenses (across your nose).
TL Temple Length The length of the arms, from hinge to tip (including the bit that curves behind your ear)

Quick Tips

👀  Check the inside of the arm on your current glasses - most will have three numbers printed on the arm (eg 50-20-140, ie LW-BW-TL). These are your frame's measurements.
👀 Sunnies don’t usually include these, so you might need to break out the tape measure for those old-school stats.
📏 Use these numbers to match up with the fit guide on each of our product pages - and you’ll be looking sharp in no time.

 

Finding your lens power

It's important that you get the right lens power for your reading glasses. We’ll help you find your perfect pair.

Lens power (also called magnification strength) tells you how much help the lenses give your eyes to see things up close. It’s measured in dioptres (D) and for reading glasses comes in + (positive) numbers.

How It Works: 

+1.00 to +1.50  Great if you’re just starting to need a little help with small print.
+2.00 to +2.50 Ideal for more noticeable reading struggles or longer reading sessions.
+3.00 Best for strong magnification needs or serious close-up clarity.


If you're just starting out (you're getting headaches, you're squinting to see, you're holding text at arm's length to read it), try starting with a +0.5 or +1.00 or and adjust based on comfort.

💡 Pro tips

💡You can test different powers with printable reading diopter charts online - or try a few at a local retailer and see what feels best.

💡 You might be able to determine which strength of reading glasses you need by consulting a "lens power by age table" like this:

Age 40-44
Age 45-49
Age 50-54
Age 55-59
Age 61-65

Recommended power +0.5 to +1.0
Recommended power +1.0 to +1.5
Recommended power +1.5 to +2.0
Recommended power +2.0 to +2.5 
Recommended power +2.0 to +3.0 

 

💡If you’ve narrowed it down to two pairs of readers, it’s usually best to choose the one with less magnification.

💡 Non-prescription glasses are designed to work for reading or looking at other things up close, and if you are using them to see far away you should visit your local optometrist to discuss this.

💡 Note that a stronger lens is not always better, so reconsider a lens power that allows you to read something at a comfortable distance.

💡 You might find that you require different lenses for various tasks. If so, have a think about buying several pairs of reading glasses, each with a different strength of lens.

💡 If you're wearing reading glasses to see objects that are very close or very small, you will need stronger strength lenses with higher magnification than what the age-based reading glasses power chart might recommend.

💡 If you’re using reading glasses mainly while on the computer, perhaps choose a lower reading glass power. A lower reading glass power should be used when the viewing distance is longer. A lower strength of our reading glasses work great for computer readers. Keep a pair next to your screen. 

Our reading glasses

Ministry of Sight reading glasses are the perfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality. Our premium reading glasses for men and women have been designed for everyday life and feature high-quality acetate frames and anti-glare lenses, making them ideal for reading books, working on screens or handling any fine detail task. Lightweight yet durable, our glasses are built to stay comfortable even during long hours of wear, while giving you a sharp, clear view of everything that matters.

Our collection caters to every style and personality. Choose from classic tortoiseshell, sleek transparent acetate, bold coloured frames, or timeless neutral tones. Each pair is designed to flatter different face shapes, giving you a confident, stylish look. Whether you prefer subtle elegance or a statement frame, our reading glasses deliver the perfect mix of function and fashion.

Why Choose Our Reading Glasses?

  • Stylish acetate frames: lightweight, durable, and on-trend
  • High-quality anti-glare lenses: reduce eye strain and glare from screens and bright light
  • Multiple reading strengths: suitable for books, smartphones, tablets, and computer work
  • Practical accessories included: each pair comes with a free protective cases, pouch and lens cleaning cloth
  • Easy shopping experience: free Australia-wide shipping, world-wide shipping, helpful advice, simple returns, and hassle-free exchanges

Our reading glasses are more than just a tool for clearer vision - they are a stylish fashion accessory, a daily companion, and a practical solution to keeping your eyes comfortable and protected. With our range of accessories and storage options, you can organise your readers so they’re always where you need them, ready for any task.

Ideal for Every Situation

Whether you’re reading in bed, working at your desk, cooking in the kitchen, or fixing something in the garage, our reading glasses make life easier. Keep spare pairs handy in multiple locations — your office, your car, or even in a stylish eyewear organiser at home, so you never have to scramble to find your readers. Pair your favourite frames with glasses chains for added style and convenience, and tuck them safely into your free protective case when travelling.

Perfect Gift for Yourself or Loved Ones

Looking for a thoughtful and practical gift? Our reading glasses, combined with accessories and storage solutions, make the ideal present for family, friends, or colleagues. Give the gift of clear vision, stylish frames, and organised convenience - all in one complete package.

Shop with Confidence

We want you to love your new glasses. That’s why we offer free shipping across Australia, world-wide shipping, easy returns and exchanges, and a range of styles to suit every preference. Every pair of glasses is carefully selected for quality, comfort, and style, so you can enjoy the perfect reading experience without compromise.

Woman reading newspaper that says yes, i can read the fine print, and i look good doing it

Follow Us

For new drops, first access to sales and promotions and news, follow us on Instagram.

INSTAGRAM