Revolutionizing Reading with Glens Backup Glasses

Andrei Astapenko's Innovative Solution for On-the-Go Reading

Andrei Astapenko's Glens Backup Reading Glasses are a game-changer in the world of eyewear. Born out of a personal need for a portable pair of reading glasses, Astapenko's creation is a testament to innovative design and practicality.

Glens Backup Reading Glasses are not just another pair of spectacles. They are a solution for those who often find themselves without their regular glasses. Whether tucked into a wallet, stored as a bookmark, or slipped into a back pocket, these glasses are always ready for use. Their design is inspired by Astapenko's own active lifestyle and frequent travels, proving that necessity truly is the mother of invention.

What sets Glens apart from other reading glasses is their unique properties. Made from high-quality co-polyester, these glasses weigh less than a gram and measure a mere 78mm x 21mm x 1mm. Their packaging is as thin as a credit card, making them easy to store even in the smallest of spaces. Despite their lightweight design, they sit perfectly on almost every nose type, thanks to their innovative design that allows them to be worn on any part of the nose.

The creation of these glasses was no easy feat. They are produced through injection or hot-moulding from copolyester, a process that required extensive research and multiple prototypes. The biggest challenge was finding a design that would suit all nose types. After collecting data from people with different nose shapes and sizes, the team finally found the average number that led to the creation of the perfect mold.

Glens are more than just a pair of glasses; they are a testament to the power of innovative design. They are prefabricated, easy to carry, and lie well on the nose in almost any position. Special pads protect from unpleasant pressure or slipping, and three small knobs on the bridge of the nose assure good grip and provide easy position adjustment.

Andrei Astapenko's Glens Backup Reading Glasses are not just a personal solution, but a universal one. They have been recognized for their innovative design and practicality, winning the Golden A' Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Award in 2018. This award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Glens
Image Credits: Image #1: Glens private limited company, Reading Glasses, 2017. Image #2: Photographer Liisi Leht, Reading Glasses, 2017. Image #3: Glens private limited company, Reading Glasses, 2017. Image #4: Glens private limited company, Reading Glasses, 2017. Image #5: Glens private limited company, Reading Glasses, 2017. Video Credits: SK Production/Sofja Kostenkova
Project Team Members: second designer who made 3-d visualisation Karl Annus
Project Name: Glens
Project Client: Glens


Glens IMG #2
Glens IMG #3
Glens IMG #4
Glens IMG #5
Glens IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant