Guardian's Ben Jacobs gets new glasses after assault by Montana congressman | US news | The Guardian

Ben Jacobs with his new glasses. Photograph: Lucia Graves for the Guardian

Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs replaced his glasses on Tuesday, after they were broken when he was assaulted by Republican congressional candidate Greg Gianforte.

Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault after attacking Jacobs when the reporter asked him a question about healthcare last week. The Republican went on to win the special election in Montana the next day.

Bruising by Jacobs’ right eye did not alter the outcome of a normal eye exam performed by ophthalmologist and surgeon Andrew F Kolker.

Jacobs was fitted for a new pair of glasses by optician Russell Byron, settling on a pair of black frames from Banana Republic. The glasses will be ready for pickup next week and the cost will be covered by the Guardian and his company health insurance.

At the request of the Washington DC media museum the Newseum, Jacobs has agreed to donate his broken glasses to the museum for display in their collection.

Ben Jacobs being fitted for new glasses with optician Russell Byron. Photograph: Lucia Graves for the Guardian

Ben Jacobs at the optician’s. Photograph: Lucia Graves for the Guardian