Barner vs Ray-Ban — An Honest Comparison
Written by MODI
Barner and Ray-Ban are both respected eyewear brands, but they are built for different purposes. Ray-Ban is a heritage sunglasses icon with decades of cultural history behind models like the Aviator and the Wayfarer, while Barner is a modern Barcelona brand designed around blue-light protection, ultra-light frames and accessible prices. The honest answer to "which one should I choose?" depends on how and where you will actually wear your glasses.
Two brands, two philosophies
Ray-Ban is an Italian-origin brand owned by EssilorLuxottica and is, first and foremost, a sunglasses house. Its classic models have become part of popular culture, and for many people a pair of Ray-Bans is as much a statement as it is an accessory. In Georgia, Ray-Ban is sold through various optics retailers, and prices vary by retailer and model.
Barner was founded in Barcelona around a very modern problem: the hours we spend in front of screens. The brand makes screen (blue-light) glasses, sunglasses and reading glasses. Its TR-90 frames weigh around 15 grams, and the range also includes bio-acetate models. At MODI, the official Barner retailer in Georgia, adult frames start at 195 GEL.
Barner vs Ray-Ban at a glance
| Barner | Ray-Ban | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Barcelona, Spain | Italian-origin brand, owned by EssilorLuxottica |
| Specialty | Blue-light (screen) glasses, plus sun and reading glasses | Primarily sunglasses; iconic classics (Aviator, Wayfarer) |
| Weight and materials | TR-90 frames around 15 g; bio-acetate models | Varies by model and collection |
| Lens technology | Blue-light filtering; TAC polarized sun lenses with UV400 (100% UVA/UVB) protection | Lens options vary by model |
| Price | From 195 GEL at MODI (kids from 140 GEL) | Varies by retailer |
| Where to buy in Georgia | MODI — official Barner retailer (4 stores + online) | Various optics retailers |
If you sit at a screen all day
This is Barner's home turf: the brand was founded around blue-light protection. Its screen glasses filter blue light from monitors and phones, and at roughly 15 grams the frames are light enough to forget you are wearing them through a full working day. If you also need vision correction, MODI fits prescription blue-light lenses into any Barner frame for 105 GEL, in the range of -4 to +4. For a detailed guide, read our article on how to choose screen glasses.
If you want a status classic
Here the honest answer favours Ray-Ban. The Aviator and the Wayfarer are design icons that have stayed recognisable for decades, and no modern brand can replicate that heritage overnight. If what matters most to you is history and an instantly recognisable silhouette, Ray-Ban is a perfectly legitimate choice — you will find it in Georgia through various optics retailers. Keep in mind that MODI does not sell Ray-Ban.
Sun protection compared
Both brands offer UV protection. Barner sunglasses use TAC polarized lenses with UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays and cutting glare from water, roads and glass. For Ray-Ban, lens options vary by model, so it is worth checking the specifications of the specific pair you are considering. To understand what polarization actually does, read how polarized lenses work, and for a full buying guide see how to choose sunglasses.
Where to buy Barner in Georgia
MODI has been the official Barner retailer in Georgia since September 2024. Visit any of our four stores, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00: Vake (Axis Towers), East Point, Tbilisi Mall and Batumi Grand Mall. We deliver across Georgia and installment payment is available. Browse the sunglasses collection and the screen glasses collection.
Frequently asked questions
Does MODI sell Ray-Ban glasses?
No. MODI is the official Barner retailer in Georgia. Ray-Ban is sold in Georgia through various optics retailers.
How much do Barner glasses cost in Georgia?
At MODI, adult Barner frames start at 195 GEL (screen, sun and reading glasses), and kids models start at 140 GEL.
Can prescription lenses be fitted into a Barner frame?
Yes. MODI fits prescription lenses in the range of -4 to +4: blue-light lenses for 105 GEL, tinted lenses for 125 GEL and photochromic lenses for 135 GEL.
Do Barner sunglasses protect against UV rays?
Yes. Barner sunglasses use TAC polarized lenses with UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Which brand is better for computer work?
Barner was founded around blue-light protection and specialises in screen glasses, so it is the natural choice for long hours in front of a screen. Ray-Ban is primarily a sunglasses house.
