We began Tomato Glasses UK following our son’s diagnosis of a unilateral cataract at birth back in 2008. From here our glasses journey began in the West of England Eye unit on his 4th day with us. We were scheduled for surgery at four weeks old and issued with his first pair of glasses which were metal framed. 

The medical team were brilliant and the opticians really wanted to help but the availability of such tiny frames at short notice was really problematic. It was at that point that I decided that, as a mother of a child who needed a pair of well fitted glasses after such a great effort from the surgical team, I could help others going through the same situation.

In the first few years we tried all the children’s glasses on the UK market but felt that there should be a better fitting option and a greater choice for parents to choose from. Initially our research discovered colourful sample frames from China but after meeting with the optician based at our local hospital, who gave us her expert opinion, all these were abandoned and I started again.

I had already found Tomato Glasses in South Korea but at first, the price point was higher, compared with the samples from China.  However, the frames were exactly what I was looking for and I was very happy to use them for our son. I realised what many parents discover at this point, it was a case of paying a little more for the best outcome for their child.
 
From that first point of contact and a shared experience with our children and eyesight issues, we have developed a great business relationship with Mr and Mrs Kim and his team in South Korea. The brand made a great appearance in the UK when we entered a Tomato Glasses frame in the Optrafair children’s category in 2013 and it won 1st place!  After this I travelled out to South Korea to meet the team and visit the factories which was an invaluable experience.

​We have now been in business for over a decade and during this time have helped thousands of children find the right frame via our fantastic Tomato Glasses stockists. Each day we look forward to helping more babies and children who are at the start of their glasses wearing journey... we hope we can help you too...
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Sarah Gillingham
Director | Tomato Glasses UK