Business Details
30 Years
experience
Premium Eyewear & Eyecare Services
Founded in 1996, Kite Eyewear has established itself as a trusted provider of fashion-forward eyewear and exceptional eyecare services. Our journey began in Bethnal Green, London, and has expanded to 13 stores across London and Kent, serving over 500,000 customers. We pride ourselves on combining innovative design with affordability, offering handmade Italian frames and premium Japanese-engineered lenses tailored to modern lifestyles. Our acquisition of the KITE brand in 2014 reinforced our commitment to accessible, design-led eyewear, with iconic collections like Dean and Charlotte becoming staples for discerning customers. Sustainability drives our future plans, including our pursuit of B-Corp certification. Every frame is crafted using high-quality materials such as Mazzuchelli acetate and surgical-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability and style.Our expert team provides personalized services, including complimentary lens consultations and reglazing, at our Shoreditch Eyebar location. We stand behind our products with a 2-year scratch guarantee on lenses, reflecting our confidence in craftsmanship. By blending British design sensibilities with global manufacturing excellence, we deliver eyewear that complements both individual style and visual needs. Our dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in our transparent pricing, extensive colour options, and commitment to fitting lenses into beloved frames. As industry leaders, we continue to innovate while maintaining the community-focused values that have defined us for decades.
Services
Prescription Eyewear
Lens Reglazing
Styling Consultations
Sunglasses Customisation
Eye Health Services
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined eyewear expertise across 13 London & Kent locations
- Our frames feature premium Mazzuchelli acetate and surgical-grade stainless steel construction
- We provide free lens consultations and reglazing services at our Shoreditch Eyebar
- All lenses come with a 2-year scratch damage and manufacturing guarantee
- We're committed to sustainability through our B-Corp certification journey
Services
Prescription Eyewear
Our prescription eyewear combines Italian craftsmanship with advanced lens technology. Each frame is handmade using premium materials like Mazzuchelli acetate and surgical-grade stainless steel. Lenses are engineered by HOYA to provide edge-to-edge clarity with built-in anti-scratch, anti-glare, and UV protection coatings.
Lens Reglazing
Revive your favourite frames with our reglazing service. We fit new prescription lenses into existing Kite or other brand frames using precision Japanese-engineered optics. The process takes 10-14 days and costs 50 plus lens price, with options up to 1.74 index thinning available.
Styling Consultations
Expert stylists help you find frames that complement your facial structure and personal style. Services include face shape analysis, colour matching, and virtual try-on assistance. Available exclusively at our Shoreditch Eyebar location with complimentary eye tests for qualified purchases.
Sunglasses Customisation
Create unique sunglasses with our custom tinting service. Choose from multiple colour combinations starting at 50. Options include polarised tints, transition lenses, and gradient effects. Pre-designed sunglasses are available in-store with over 14 colour variations.
Progressive Lenses
Advanced progressive lenses offer seamless vision transitions for multifocal needs. Available from 375, these lenses are custom-measured for precise visual correction. Occupational and digital lens options cater to specific work environments, with free consultations at our specialist Shoreditch location.
People
Salim Juma
Founder
Co-founded Eye Emporium in 1996, growing it to 13 London and Kent stores. Championed KITE's acquisition in 2014 to expand accessible eyewear options. Leads sustainability initiatives and product design from the Shoreditch Eyebar.
Questions
What eyewear price ranges do you offer?
Our frames start at £99, with lenses from £95. Progressive options begin at £375, and custom tints start from £50. Reglazing services cost £50 plus lens price.
Do you provide eye tests?
Complimentary eye tests are available at our Shoreditch location with qualified lens purchases, including reglazing services. Appointments can be booked online for your convenience.
Can you fit lenses into old frames?
Yes, we reglaze both Kite and other brand frames. Frames undergo inspection to ensure suitability. The process takes 10-14 days and includes a £50 service fee plus new lens costs.
What lens technology do you use?
We use HOYA's premium Japanese-engineered lenses with anti-scratch, anti-glare, UV protection, and hydrophobic coatings. Options include blue light filtering, transitions, and thinning up to 1.74 index for stronger prescriptions.
How do your sustainability initiatives work?
We're pursuing B-Corp certification through ethical sourcing and production practices. Our frames use durable materials for longevity, and we encourage reuse through our reglazing services to reduce waste.
What guarantees apply to purchases?
All prescription lenses include a 2-year scratch damage and manufacturing guarantee. Frames have standard warranties, with specific terms available through our customer service team during business hours.