At Wazi Vision, each frame is a combination of thoughtful materials, skilled hands, and purposeful design. From the fronts that define your look, to the temples that hold your frame in place, and the hinges that bring it all together, we make sure every part of your eyewear tells a story.
Frame Fronts and Temples
The frame front is the main part of your eyeglasses that holds the lenses and defines the overall shape and style of your eyewear. It’s the most visible part when you look in the mirror or at someone wearing glasses. Key features are the lens rim, bridge, and nose pads.
Temples are the arms of your eyeglasses, the long pieces that extend from the sides of the frame front and rest over your ears. They’re also sometimes called sidepieces or legs. Temples provide support to keep your glasses securely on your face and also provide comfort by distributing weight and ensuring the frame fits snugly without slipping.
Materials we use in fronts and temples
1. Cellulose acetate
Often referred to as acetate, cellulose acetate is a plant-based alternative to petroleum-based plastic. Made from cotton and wood pulp, it is both biodegradable and extremely durable, making it an ideal material for sustainable eyewear.
At Wazi Vision, we use premium acetate sourced through trusted partners who work with leading European manufacturers, including suppliers of Mazzucchelli, a brand globally recognized for its innovation and excellence in acetate production
Why we love it:
- Lightweight and skin-friendly
- Durable and long-lasting
- Rich in color and pattern versatility. Black, white, pink, and so much more.
- Made from renewable plant sources
- Biodegradable over time
Acetate allows us to design bold, elegant frames that reflect our commitment to both style and sustainability, ensuring that our eyewear looks good, feels great, and honors the planet.
Explore our acetate frames here. Choose from our available styles or order a custom-made acetate frame tailored just for you.
2. Cow horn
We also repurpose cow horn, a natural byproduct of Uganda’s meat industry, transforming it into handcrafted eyewear. No two horn frames are ever the same; each piece carries its natural color variations, grain, and texture.
Why we love it:
- 100% natural, organic, and biodegradable
- Sourced locally, supporting the circular economy and job creation
- 70% handmade
- Culturally rich and visually striking
Cow horn tells a deeply African story of sustainability, heritage, and turning waste into beauty.
Coming soon:
Our limited-edition cow horn collection is in the works—each piece crafted in small batches and unlike any other.
✨ Watch this space!
3. Metallic frames
Some of our eyewear designs feature metallic elements, offering a clean, modern look and extra durability. We work with materials like titanium and nickel, and occasionally combine metal with acetate to create stylish, lightweight frames with a distinctive edge.
While we don’t manufacture metal components in-house, we partner with trusted manufacturers who meet our standards for quality, safety, and design integrity. These collaborations allow us to expand our offering and give you more variety, without compromising on our values.
We also combine materials for example, acetate with metal, acetate and cow horn and so on.
What’s Next: Innovating with Nature
We’re always exploring new materials to expand our sustainable collection and reduce our environmental impact. Other materials like bamboo and fabric are in development too.
Look out for these collections!!
Hinges
Hinges are the tiny but essential components that connect the frame front to the temples (arms) of your glasses. They allow the temples to open, close, and flex, making your eyewear easy to wear and remove.
Though small, hinges play a major role in comfort, fit, and durability, helping your glasses stay secure on your face and last through daily use.
Rivet Hinges
These are traditional, sturdy hinges held in place with small metal pins (rivets). You’ll often see them as tiny dots on the front of the frame or at the temples.
Why do we use them?
- Strong and secure
- Easy to adjust or repair
- Gives a classic handcrafted look
At Wazi, we use them mostly in acetate frames.
Flexible Hinges
Also known as spring/flex hinges, these allow for bending beyond 90 degrees.
Why do we use them?
- Allow temples to gently flex outward
- Improve comfort and fit
- Slim, clean finish for minimalist designs
Inlay Hinges
Inlay hinges are embedded within the frame rather than being visible on the surface. They’re designed to blend seamlessly into the material, offering both function and a sleek appearance.
Why do we use them?
- Discreet and refined
- Perfect for acetate frames
- Adds to a smooth, polished aesthetic
- Durable and low-maintenance
Inlay hinges allow us to keep the surface clean and uninterrupted, especially in elegant, color-rich designs.
Every Frame Tells a Story
At Wazi Vision, we believe the materials behind your eyewear should reflect more than just design; they should reflect purpose, culture, and care.
From plant-based acetate to handcrafted cow horn, each material is chosen with intention, each hinge fitted for comfort, and each frame built to last. Whether you’re drawn to bold colors or natural textures, there’s a Wazi frame that speaks to your style and values.
Explore our available frames under the shop icon and try them on at Frobel Bukoto or Sebbi Hospital, or talk to us about a custom pair made just for you.
Let your next pair of glasses say something meaningful.
