The monocle drops out of sight

It was a symbol of English poise and style for prime ministers, noblemen and celebrities. But now the flamboyant monocle has finally faded from sight, owing to a lack of demand.

The end of two centuries of sartorial elegance was confirmed when a leading firm of opticians stopped stocking monocles. Brian Dowling, a retired scriptwriter who had worn one for 30 years, recently sought to renew his prescription at the Bromley branch of Dollond & Aitchinson.

But Mr Dowling, 76, was told "we don't do them any more". Neil Handley, curator of the British Optical Association, said he did not know of any optician still selling them.

Monocles started to fall out of fashion during the 1940s due to an association with the German military.

However, the monocle has not become completely extinct. TV astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and boxer Chris Eubank rely on monocles for their sight and style.