If the city of Portland were a pair of glasses, what would they look like? EyeHealth Northwest answers this question with Bridge City Spex, its collection of fashion eyewear inspired by Portlandia herself.

Since 1954, EyeHealth Northwest had already been curating collections of frames to serve the Portland area market. Staff took note of what customers loved in frames and studied what locals were wearing around the city. The logical next step was to begin designing original frames based on this market research and optical expertise. 

“In Portland, we see lots of color in eyewear,” said Cira Collins, optical manager at EyeHealth Northwest. “We’re also seeing trends of extremes — ultra lightweight, super chunky and clear plastics .” As a local, independently designed line, Bridge City Spex is a response to these trends, serving the style of this unique city. 

Bill MacGillivray, director of optical operations at EyeHealth Northwest, Master Optician and  certified glasses geek, worked with the optical team at the Northwest location to design eight different frame styles, released in October 2016 as the Bridge City Spex collection. 

“We’ve created a line of frames that tells the story of what we do,” Collins said. From local doctors to local inspiration to local design, “it’s a local story. We built this collection from our own backyard.” Even the frames themselves are named after doctors at EyeHealth Northwest. The William, the Sonal, the David -- each pair has a personal story behind it, about a doctor who has had an impact on the company and its patients.

“In the collection, you’ll find traditional colors that work for a lot of people, but with elements of interest,” Collins said. Think blacks and browns with accents of coral-pink, light blue or olive green. The frames reflect the line’s heritage while adding a modern twist. 

Perhaps the best part about Bridge City Spex is the knowledge and expertise behind it. In a company with more than 60 years of experience in Portland, designers of this collection know the importance of fashion, functionality and quality; they know which prescriptions work well in each frame and which frames will best fit your face shape. But they also take into account the type of life you lead -- how much time you spend on a computer, how active you are, or how often you drive in a car, for example. To ensure quality, the frames have sturdy hinges and adhere to high manufacturing standards, making sure they are well-made and durable through all of life’s experiences. And, as they’ve continued to expand the collection to meet customer needs, they’ve partnered with high-quality vendors to uphold these standards. 

Bridge City Spex can be found exclusively in any of the eleven EyeHealth Northwest stores in the Portland Metro area. Before helping you find the perfect set of frames, doctors and specialists offer complete eye care from start to finish. This begins with a comprehensive eye exam and the creation of lenses that fit your lifestyle needs. Finally, they’ll help you find that frame that complements your prescription, your face shape and your style. 

Find an EyeHealth Northwest in your area:

Westside: 503.227.2020

Eastside: 503.255.2291

Clackamas: 503.656.4221

Or visit online at eyehealthnorthwest.com