Our glasses have been to many places in the world but Everest Base Camp is a first. We were thrilled when Siobhan contacted us earlier in the year and told us of her challenge of a lifetime. What an incredible achievement – huge congratulations Siobhan from all at Optilabs!
“How many people are fortunate enough to do the number one thing on their bucket list?
It was April 2019 when I took on the challenge of trekking to Everest Base camp. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated this incredible mountain and have always dreamt that one day I would travel to Nepal, brave the scary flight into Lukla, ‘the world’s most dangerous airport’ (I was petrified!) and trek through Kathmandu Valley to catch my first glimpse of the highest peak on earth. All it took to make this happen was one very understanding husband, a couple of crazy friends and a year of training and preparation!
The physical training was demanding but so was ensuring we all had the correct kit list. The hours we all spent on research and pouring over packing lists for Everest Base Camp treks probably exceeded the hours we spent on training walks!
I knew from these walks that wearing glasses might an issue as I regularly suffered from misting and rain blurred vision. I gave contact lenses a go but soon realised they wouldn’t work for me. I needed to find prescription sunglasses but, more importantly, ones that would cope with the extreme conditions I was likely to experience on my challenge. After more research and I found Optilabs. I was immediately impressed and inspired by the stories of adventures and achievements told by their ambassadors. I also loved the ethos of the company and so I contacted them and told them what I was doing. I am so glad I did as they gave me invaluable advice on what type of lenses I would need to cope with the bright glare from glaciers and snow.
From a number of frame recommendations Optilabs sent me some samples to try on at home. This was really useful and the returns process was really easy too. What a great service! I selected the Orbit glasses. They looked great and have a gap on the side of the lens to increase airflow and prevent misting. Delivery was really quick and they came in a strong case and included a lanyard to hang them round my neck. The minute I wore them I could not have been happier.
From training walks in the peak district to my first very emotional sighting of Mt. Everest (the sunglasses were great at hiding those tears of joy!) and then those final exhausted steps through a blizzard into basecamp, this was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity. The Orbit glasses were incredibly comfortable and absolutely perfect for all the conditions I encountered, showing the expertise of Optilabs when they provided me their recommendations.
The trek was difficult and challenging and having the right kit undoubtedly helped with achieving my goal so a huge thanks to Optilabs. Now what’s number 2 on my bucket list…..”