Wearing glasses can improve job prospects

According to the study, based on a survey carried out by the the College of Optometrists, a third of British adults think glasses make someone look more professional and 43 per cent think that glasses make people look more intelligent.

A staggering 40 per cent already wear or would consider wearing clear lenses they do not need just to look the part and improve their chances of getting a job,`The Daily Telegraph`reported.

Six per cent of people would wear plain glasses for fashion purposes and nine per cent to look more attractive, the study found.

Dr Susan Blakeney, Optometric Advisor to the College of Optometrists, said: "It`s great to see a shift in how we perceive glasses. However, it`s important to remember that regardless of fashion trends, wearing spectacles is about seeing clearly and comfortably - not just appearance.

"There is huge range of spectacles on the market today so it should be easy to find something to suit everyone."

Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University, said: "It`s not surprising that businesses want to employ intelligent staff but the idea that intelligent people wear glasses is an old stereotype that has not gone away.

"In fact, glasses are a poor indication of intelligence. It is possible that some people have more self confidence and change their behaviour when they put on glasses which could in itself improve chances at interview."

Isabelle Ratinaud, from job site Monster.CoUk, said: "It`s interesting to see that people believe glasses give off a more professional image.