BZ Optics – unique eyewear was developed by Scott Birdsall -an avid cyclist, canoeist, sailor and triathlete and Kevin Barr a surfer and sailor with 40 years experience in the action sport and sunglass business, in conjunction with one of the world’s most advanced sunglass design teams and manufacturers.

Scott needed a sunglass that he could train in at all hours of the day. A lens that would be clear before dawn or in very low light conditions but would darken as the day progressed and UV intensified. This sunglass should also enable Scott (who wears reading glasses) to read his digital computer on his handlebars and small print on his watch while running  without the need to switch to reading glasses.

The idea came to Scott and Kevin after Kevin’s company Barz Optics  enjoyed great success in the marine industry with their  specialized polarised sunglasses with small bi focal readers in the base of the lens. But the early morning athlete required a more complex photochromic lens with more applications.

Sourcing a photochromic lens with optional bi focal inserts involved a 12 month, world wide search. This world first lens was sent to Kevin’s frame manufacturer to develop a super light weight cycling frame adaptable for all face shapes and sizes and for wearer comfort under even gruelling conditions.

The resulting BZ sports glass features:

• Lightweight flexible frame with dual moulded non slip temples.
• Adjustable non slip nose piece for comfort and fit making them ideal for a wide range of face shapes and sizes.
• Small clips which make changing lenses effortless.

BZ’s Pho model is a world first action sport sunglass fitted with Photochromic bi focal reader lenses. The lens is available clear, Cat 0 in no light and darkens to Cat 2 grey in full sun. Lens magnification options are +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50.

The resulting BZ sports glass features:

• Lightweight flexible frame with dual moulded non slip temples.
• Adjustable non slip nose piece for comfort and fit making them ideal for a wide range of face shapes and sizes.
• Small clips which make changing lenses effortless.

We have added a high definition photochromic lens which changes from light amber, Cat 1 in no light and darkens to Cat 3 amber in full sun. Lens magnification options are +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50.

The Pho is also available fitted with blue mirror or red mirror standard lenses. Photochromic grey or amber lenses (without the bi focal) Blue mirror bifocal readers in a +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50.

Frame options are :

White with blue nose piece, lens clips and dual moulded temples.

White with red nose piece, lens clips and dual moulded temples.

Graphite with grey nose piece, lens clips and dual moulded temples.

Fluoro Yellow with grey nose piece, lens clips and dual moulded temples.

While the glasses were originally developed for cycling they are ideal for many other applications and sports.

These include:

• Driving – being able to view a  Speedo, GPS, map, the radio, clock or other instrumentation night or day.
• Motorcycling – the glasses fit comfortably under a full face or open face helmet and allow the rider to read all instruments night or day.
• Running – reading GPS and HRM.
• Orienteering – reading maps, a compass or GPS.
• Trekking or walking – reading maps or a GPS.
• Building or construction ideal for inside or outside reading plans and measuring, viewing fine work.
• Sailing – while the glasses are not polarised they are ideal for those who wear glasses to read while competing in overnight ocean racing etc.
• Shooting and Archery.
• And after training – reading the cafe menu.

All while providing full eye protection from UV and maximum comfort.