Shopping for spectacles is no easy task. After all, you need to find something that suits your face shape, personal style AND makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Because glasses should do just that – rather than an accessory that hides who you are, they should be treated as another opportunity to highlight your personality and features.

The high street is awash with chains stocking exactly the same options in exactly the same colours, vying for your custom with promises of free eye tests and UV/anti-scratch/anti-glare/anti-everything coatings. But do you really want to look the same as everyone else? And does the optician telling you that those Tom Ford frames look fantastic, even though you’re not sure, really just want your commission?

Independent eyewear brands not only have a whole host of shapes and silhouettes that you won’t find on every optician’s racks, they are often also better made, using premium, hard wearing materials.

With that in mind, we have pulled together a list of our ten favourites, to point you in the right direction. New year, new glasses, new you.

1. Garrett Leight California Optical

We’ve had our eye (no pun intended) on this brand for a few years now, after noticing their collaboration with Erik Schedin.

Garrett Leight are great for classic styles with a modern twist – think the sort of thing David Hockney might wear. Bold, colourful and yet somehow timeless.

Garrett Leight California Optical has the full range available from the online store.

2. Gillian Caplan

These beautifully handmade frames in simple modern designs are an absolute treasure.

The range is sold exclusively through London’s Covent Garden Spex in the City store – currently vying for the FashionBeans best opticians name ever award – which was founded by Caplan.

Gillian Caplan are sold by Spex in the City.