It was during her travels amid the pandemic that Charlotte Dickinson—armed with a marketing degree, a lifetime of myopia, and a desire for stylish glasses—had the idea for an eyewear brand tailored specifically to people with high myopia. I spoke with Charlotte about her journey, her brand, and her aspirations for the future.

What is myopia?

Before diving into the world of Minus Eyewear, it's important to understand myopia. Also known as short-sightedness, myopia is a condition that causes blurred vision at a distance while maintaining clear vision up close. This common condition is easily corrected with glasses, but those with higher prescriptions often face unique challenges.

The Problem with High Myopia (and the Solution)

Myopia exists on a spectrum, and higher degrees of myopia require stronger prescriptions, resulting in thicker lenses. Unfortunately, thick lenses are often paired with unappealing, uninspired frames, leaving wearers to sacrifice style for functionality—a problem Charlotte knows all too well.

Historically, those with high prescriptions have been steered away from fashionable frames in an attempt to "hide" the thickness of their lenses. Charlotte sought to change this narrative by creating Minus Eyewear, a brand dedicated to stylish frames that "work and actually look good."

The Power Collection

The brand’s debut line, the Power Collection, features eight classic styles in a range of timeless colourways. Charlotte describes her designs as “intentional,” a sentiment reflected in the thoughtful details of each frame.

Among the collection, the Richmond frame stands out and is a personal favourite. It reimagines the classic wire metal design—often discouraged for high myopes—by reinforcing it with a thicker acetate for added durability and style. The result? Glasses that balance form and function beautifully.

Explore the full Power Collection here.

A Commitment to Sustainability

In today’s retail landscape, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Minus Eyewear is taking meaningful steps to reduce its environmental impact while encouraging customers to do the same.

Most of their frames are made from biodegradable cellulose acetate, and their glasses cases are crafted from recycled materials. Learn more about their sustainability efforts, and how you can play your part, here.

Looking Ahead

When asked about the future, Charlotte speaks of bold plans: partnering with major retailers to make her frames more accessible, introducing new frame styles and colours, and even launching pop-up stores—or mobile vans that bring eyewear directly to customers’ doors.

As for expanding into plus-prescription frames? “Maybe one day,” she hints.

Minus Eyewear is a small brand making a big impact. If you’re searching for stylish, well-designed eyewear—especially for high myopic prescriptions—check out their collection here.