Custom Prescription Sunglasses in Toronto

By Holly Eyewear · June 2026

Most people do not know how much is actually possible with prescription sunglasses. They assume it means picking one of three tint colours from a chart and hoping the lens does not distort the edge of their vision. That is not what we do.

At Holly Eyewear in Yorkville, custom prescription sunglasses means something different. It means choosing a designer frame — from the full collection, not a limited Rx subset — pairing it with a lens built to your prescription, selecting a tint from a range that includes fashion gradients, mirror coatings, and colour options most opticians do not carry, and leaving with something that actually functions as eyewear rather than a compromise.

This guide covers what to know before you come in — the lens options, the tint categories, the process, and the questions worth asking.

What Are Prescription Sunglasses, and Why Do Most People Settle for Less

Prescription sunglasses are sunglasses with corrective lenses built in — so you can see clearly and protect your eyes from UV without switching between glasses and sunglasses throughout the day. For anyone who wears glasses full-time, prescription sunglasses are one of the most practical investments they can make.

The reality: almost any frame in our collection can be made with prescription lenses. The process takes longer than an off-the-shelf purchase, but the result is a pair of sunglasses that work the way sunglasses are supposed to work — protecting your eyes, correcting your vision, and looking exactly as they should.

Fashion Tints: What They Are and Why They Matter

A fashion tint is a lens colour applied to prescription or non-prescription lenses for aesthetic effect rather than purely functional darkening. The category covers gradients, mirror coatings in rose gold, blue, and green, and deep solid colours.

The Tint Categories We Work With

Solid tints: A single colour at consistent density across the lens. Common in grey, brown, and green, but available across a much wider range for fashion applications.

Gradient tints: Darker at the top of the lens, fading to lighter or clear at the bottom. For outdoor fashion wear, gradients add visual depth and photograph exceptionally well.

Mirror coatings: A reflective coating applied over a base tint. Rose gold and silver are the most requested.

Photochromic tints: Lenses that darken in UV light and return to clear indoors. Available in most prescription ranges.

Polarised tints: Reduces reflected glare from water, pavement, car hoods, and chrome. The most requested lens option for outdoor summer wear.

The Custom Order Process at Holly Eyewear

Step 1: Frame Selection

You choose from the full frame collection — not a separate Rx subset. If you can see it on the floor, we can generally put a prescription lens in it.

Step 2: Prescription Confirmation

You will need a current prescription — issued within the last two years. If you do not have one, eye exams are available at Holly Eyewear on Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment.

Step 3: Lens and Tint Selection

We go through lens index options, tint categories, coating options (anti-reflection, UV400, polarised lenses), and functional requirements. We keep physical tint samples in-store.

Step 4: Collection and Fitting

Most custom orders are ready within 10 to 14 business days. We fit every frame to your face before it leaves the store.

Which Designer Frames Work Best for Prescription Sunglasses

Saint Laurent: Oversized acetate silhouettes with lens sizes that accommodate most prescriptions comfortably.

Linda Farrow: Pilot and rectangular silhouettes with generous lens areas built for prescription work.

Krewe: Acetate and titanium frames engineered with a close, precise fit — important for prescription lens placement.

Masunaga: Ultra-thin titanium construction — the most accommodating frame for higher prescriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any prescription be made into sunglasses?

Most prescriptions can be accommodated. Very strong prescriptions may require specific frame geometries to manage lens edge thickness. We assess every prescription individually.

How long do custom prescription sunglasses take?

Most custom orders are ready within 10 to 14 business days. We give you a specific timeline at the time of order.

What is a fashion tint on prescription sunglasses?

A fashion tint is a lens colour applied for aesthetic effect — gradient colours, mirror coatings, and custom tint densities beyond standard grey, brown, and green. We keep physical tint samples in-store.

Do prescription sunglasses need to be UV-protective?

Yes. UV400 protection should be specified on any prescription sunglass lens. We specify UV400 on all prescription sunglass lenses as standard.

Can I add polarisation to prescription sunglasses?

Yes. Polarised lenses are available in most tint colours and compatible with most prescription ranges. Most requested for outdoor summer wear, driving, and near water.

Visit Holly Eyewear in Yorkville

Holly Eyewear is an independent optical boutique at 130 Cumberland Street, Yorkville — one block north of Bloor Street. Custom prescription sunglasses and fashion tint orders are available across the full frame collection. Eye exams available Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment.

Holly Eyewear
130 Cumberland Street, Yorkville, Toronto
(416) 700-2391
Monday–Saturday 11–6 PM · Sundays 12–5 PM
hollyeyewear.com