12 Regent Street, Nottingham, NG1 5BQ
29 New Cavendish St, London, W1G 9TU
Handmade glass & acrylic bespoke prosthetic eyes made in the UK.
About John Pacey-Lowrie: Specialist in Ocular Prosthetics
We can’t bring your human eye back but we will do our best to replicate your existing eye and restore some of that confidence you may have lost.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Meet Our Team and History at John Pacey-Lowrie Limited: Leaders in Ocular Prosthetics
John Pacey-Lowrie Limited was founded by John Lowrie and Karen Pacey in 2007 after many years of working in both the public and private sectors of the artificial eye industry.
Introduction and Founding of John Pacey-Lowrie Limited:
At the age of 16, John worked and trained as a dental technician with the National Artificial Eye Service. After this, he and Karen opened their own private artificial eye clinic in Nottingham in the hope that they could offer a quicker and more personal service than the alternative.
They certainly achieved this as 15 years later we are still offering a 3-day service and do our very best to make all of our patients feel comfortable and informed about the processes taking place.
Sean Sohn: Continuation of John's Work:
At the end of 2015, Sean Sohn joined the JPL team and trained with John in order to continue John’s work after his eventual retirement. After many years of training, Sean now treats the majority of our patients and is a very skilled and talented Ocularist.
Valdis Valters: Expansion and New Opportunities
In 2019, Glass Eye maker Valdis Valters of
Valters' Prosthetic Eye Laboratory became the owner of John Pacey-Lowrie Limited. With this, we are now able to offer our world-renowned PMMA prosthetic eyes as well as beautiful Cryolite Glass Eyes.
Sean Sohn
Senior Ocularist
Laura Butkevica
Admin, Office Manager
John Pacey-Lowrie
Founder,
Consultant Ocularist
Valdis Valters
Owner, Ocularist
Understanding Artificial Eye Terminology
OCULARIST
An ocularist is an expert and skilled artificial eye maker, specializing in the precision fitting, meticulous painting, and crafting of tailor-made ocular prostheses. They work closely with individuals who have lost an eye to provide them with a natural-looking and comfortable replacement. Ocularists evaluate the socket, customize the prosthesis to match the remaining eye, ensure proper fitting and alignment, and educate patients on care and maintenance. They collaborate with ophthalmologists for comprehensive eye care
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in eye care. They have completed extensive education and training in all aspects of eye health, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye conditions and diseases. Ophthalmologists are licensed to perform eye surgeries, ranging from medically necessary procedures like cataract surgery and corneal transplants to cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid procedures. They provide comprehensive eye examinations, prescribe medications, and fit corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists are the primary eye care providers for individuals with complex eye conditions or those in need of surgical interventions.
OPTOMETRIST
An optometrist is a healthcare professional who specializes in primary eye care. They have completed a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and are licensed to diagnose and treat various eye conditions. Optometrists are trained to perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses (glasses and contact lenses), and provide treatments for common eye problems such as dry eye or eye infections. They can also detect and manage certain eye diseases like glaucoma and refer patients to ophthalmologists for specialized care or surgical interventions. Optometrists play a crucial role in routine eye care, vision correction, and early detection of eye conditions.
SCLERA
The sclera refers to the white outer layer of the eyeball that surrounds the iris and pupil. It is composed of tough connective tissue and provides structural support and protection to the delicate inner components of the eye. When ocularists talk about "sclera color," they are referring to the color of the white part of the eye, which can vary from person to person. The sclera may have a slight red or yellow tint or stain visible in some individuals. During the process of creating an artificial eye or ocular prosthesis, the sclera color is carefully matched to the natural eye to achieve a realistic appearance. This involves the application of color and the addition of veins to mimic the natural appearance of the sclera.
IRIS
The iris is the coloured part of the eye that surrounds the pupil, which is the circular black spot in the centre of the iris. It is responsible for controlling the amount of light that enters the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil. The iris contains pigments that give it various colours, such as blue, green, brown, or hazel. The pattern and colour of the iris are unique to each individual, contributing to the overall appearance of the eye. When creating an artificial eye or ocular prosthesis, the iris is carefully painted to match the colour and characteristics of the natural iris, providing a realistic and personalized appearance.
COLLARETTE
The collarette is the middle portion of the iris, located around the pupil. It is a distinct ring or border that separates the pupil from the outer portion of the iris. The collarette can vary in thickness and colour, adding to the individuality of the eye's appearance. When designing an artificial eye or ocular prosthesis, the collarette is considered and replicated to ensure accuracy and naturalness in the overall look of the prosthesis. Attention to detail in capturing the characteristics of the collarette helps to create a realistic and aesthetically pleasing artificial eye.
LIMBUS
The limbus is the border or junction between the cornea and the sclera of the eye. It appears as a dark circle or line that separates the transparent cornea from the white sclera. The limbus plays an important role in the overall appearance and structure of the eye.
In the context of ocular prosthetics, the limbus is considered during the customization and painting of artificial eyes. The colour and placement of the limbal area are carefully replicated to achieve a natural and realistic look. By accurately capturing the characteristics of the limbus, an ocularist can create a prosthesis that closely resembles the appearance of a real eye, enhancing the overall aesthetic result for the wearer.
CORNEA
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outermost layer of the eye that covers the front part of the eye's surface. It acts as a protective barrier and plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The cornea is responsible for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total focusing power.
In terms of ocular prosthetics, the cornea is typically represented in artificial eyes to achieve a realistic appearance. The transparent nature of the cornea allows for the replication of its curvature and characteristics in prosthetic eyes. Ocularists pay attention to the shape, clarity, and positioning of the cornea when customizing and painting the artificial eye, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the surrounding structures.
While the cornea itself is not present in a prosthetic eye, its representation in the artificial eye contributes to the overall natural look and alignment of the prosthesis with the remaining eye. The careful attention to detail in replicating the cornea helps to create a visually appealing and lifelike appearance for individuals wearing ocular prosthetics.
How to clean your eye prosthesis
IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL CLEANING: While it's ideal to have your prosthetic eye professionally cleaned by an Ocularist, there are situations where immediate cleaning is necessary and professional assistance is unavailable. In such cases, please follow these general guidelines:
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Cleaning your ocular prosthesis (artificial eye) is an essential part of maintaining its hygiene and ensuring your comfort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your prosthesis:
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the prosthesis to prevent the transfer of dirt or bacteria.
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Prepare a clean, shallow container or bowl filled with a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution. You can use a specialized cleaning solution designed for ocular prostheses or a mixture of warm water and gentle liquid soap.
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Gently remove the prosthesis from your eye socket. Be careful not to drop or damage it.
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Place the prosthesis in the container with the cleaning solution. Make sure it is fully submerged.
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Use your fingers to gently rub the prosthesis in the cleaning solution. This helps to remove any debris or buildup on its surface. Avoid using excessive force or abrasive materials that could scratch the prosthesis.
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After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the prosthesis under running lukewarm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
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Inspect the prosthesis for any visible dirt or residue. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process to ensure it is completely clean.
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Once clean, carefully dry the prosthesis using a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. Pat it gently to remove excess moisture. Avoid using tissues or rough materials that may scratch the surface.
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Before reinserting the prosthesis, make sure it is completely dry to prevent discomfort or irritation.
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If you wear contact lenses in conjunction with your prosthesis, clean and disinfect the lenses according to the instructions provided by your eye care professional.
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It's important to follow any specific cleaning instructions given to you by your ocularist or eye care specialist. They may provide you with additional guidance or recommend specific cleaning products suitable for your prosthesis. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your prosthesis in good condition and ensure a comfortable fit.
Likewise, you can purchase a hard contact lens solution which will clean the eye and add some light lubrication. Always follow the instructions and be sure to read the health and safety notice they provide with the solution.