Silhouette Rimless - The Making

Season Greetings

Christmas

Christmas comes but once a year, and when it comes it brings good cheer.

With so much sad news this year - earthquakes, floods, mine disasters, drought, etc, etc, life can seem miserable. But Christmas gives us time to pause, reflect on the year that was and look forward to the year coming. Every year brings some goodbyes and some hellos, and some years one really outnumbers the other. Good health, good friends, loving family and security are things we all expect. When these don't occur, it is natural to feel upset and unhappy. But hope was the last imp out of Pandora's jar....and hope is one of the messages of Christmas.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Visique Kapiti Eyecare to you and yours, and may 2011 treat you well.

Examining at the University

Last week, I spent four days on the panel of external examiners of the final-year optometry students at the Department of Optometry and Visual Science at the Grafton campus of the Univesity of Auckland. I've done it several times before, and, each year, it never ceases to amaze me at the quality of the new entrants to our profession.

By the time that we see them - we being several internal examiners and about 7-9 external examiners (all clinicans, optometrists working as optometrists in various communities all around the country) - the students have completed their final written exams, presented their research results and have seen several hundred patients throughout the year. These patient exams are possibly more detailed than they would be in paid practice, as the students have to "pretend" that the patient has no history when he/she presents for an exam, as the clinical notes go to the supervisor only.

So, we watch 9 or 10 candidates over the four days, each seeing (hopefully) their last three patients as a student. They all see random people who have booked exams (as you would in practice) and there are young, old, and "in the middle". The idea is that we can see how the students can relate to patients of different ages and differing needs.

The students are all bright, friendly and approachable - all needed to put patients at their ease. And they are all clever enough to pass a very intense university programme, as well as being clinically adept at understanding each patient's individual needs and providing appropriate care for each one.

Very humbling, and each time I have returned from Auckland delighted with the opportunity to meet a great group of people, as well as have some of my clinical skills shown up. I learn new techniques from the students, and realise that this benefits both my patients and myself in my daily practice.

Implant Gives the Blind a Glimpse at Sight

A ground-breaking retinal implant has allowed three people to see shapes and objects for the first time since they lost their sight to an inherited an eye disease.

Visique Professional Standards

Our professional standards seal means that you can trust in Visique’s commitment to professionalism and quality.

PROFESSIONALISM: We offer the most comprehensive eye tests and advice tailored to your individual needs

EXCELLENCE: We invest in professional excellence, using the latest technology and the highest quality lenses

TRUST: Because we've been your kiwi owned and operated optometrist for 10 years you can trust that the health of kiwi eyes is our top priority

News and views!

A couple of links that we have been supplied this time -have a look!

www.newscientist.com/mobile/article/mg20827806.000-scratched-glasses-give-perfect-vision-for-any-eyesight.html

www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine/-11285011

I spent a few days in Paihia in the Bay of Islands two weeks ago for our NZAO conference - a beautiful venue and lovely weather for a break, as well as a lot of education, fellowship and socialising. One of the more unusal sessions we attended was a workshop on the Treaty of Waitangi, hosted by the staff of the treaty grounds. We learnt the history of the treaty as well as some marae protocols, and everyone was impressed and enthused enough to go over to the treaty grounds (free entry for NZ residents).

The Cornea and Contact Lens Society of NZ is having its bi-ennial conference in March 2011, in Queenstown. It focuses on the anterior surface of the eye (the clear surface of the eye is the cornea) as well as new designs and materials and care systems of contact lenses. Not all contact lenses are created equal, and your optometrist will prescribe - not suggest, sell or recommend - a lens material, design and care system that is the best for your eyes as well as your prescription. This is one of the reasons that most optometrists are happy for you to buy contacts over the internet as long as you are getting the exact same lens as has been prescribed - your optometrist can predict how it will work for you and ensure that the lens will not cause eye damage. Chopping and changing solutions and lens materials can interact badly leaving you wioth sore eyes, red eyes or (worst) a damaged cornea. I have had a patient recently who bought a lens "recommended" by an internet provider which was totally unsuited for her eyes - luckily she kept her routine exam with me a few months later and I said that I was surprised at how the lens was functioning on her eye...she them fessed up. Honesty - always the best policy! And she is back in the best lenses for her - prescribed by me, but bought over the net.

Exactly the same as buying your meds on-line...what are you actually using?

Vision for Children ( Recap )

World Sight Day – Vision for Children

Monday, 8 October 2007, 10:58 am
Press Release: New Zealand Association Of Optometrists

World Sight Day – Vision for Children

Health Minister, Pete Hodgson, has shown he has vision for children as he approves new funding for the children’s glasses subsidy up to age 15.

The move is welcomed by members of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists who are meeting in Auckland this week for their annual scientific conference as they celebrate World Sight Day on 11 October. The theme for World Sight Day 2007 is “vision for Children”.

“Recent research found that 60% of a sample of 2535 children tested had significant refractive error” says NZ Association of Optometrists president Annette Morgan. “Unless problems are detected and corrected children are at risk of failing at school because they can’t see clearly.”

Astigmatism affects one in four children, and one in eight will have myopia.

“An eye examination is one of the most important exams a child can pass and new funding for the children’s glasses subsidy makes it even easier for families on low incomes,” says Morgan.

Evan Brown, a behavioural optometrist who helped develop guidelines for examining children with the Association of Optometrists, agrees. “The literature continues to show the role that vision plays for many children struggling with learning. Optometrists do not treat children with learning difficulties directly; they treat the visual and perceptual problems that impair a child’s ability to be receptive to education. Complete, thorough visual examination of not only the eyesight but all visual skills is extremely important for children who fall behind at school.”

From 1 October 2007 the children’s vision subsidy provides $281.25 towards the cost of an eye examination and spectacles for children aged 15 and under with a community services card. The new funding is for children aged 8 – 15 years.

What's Tony Stark wearing ?

For those who are wondering about the shades worn by billionaire weapons inventor Tony Stark / Iron Man ( played by Robert Downey Jr. ) in the blockbuster Iron Man 2.

They are INITIUM ALL IN . Available in polished silver with grey gradient lenses as worn by Robert Downey in the film , also available in yellow gold with brown gradient lenses.

Size 58-15-140 Made in Italy

Samsung To Make Prescription 3D Glasses

As a full time spectacle wearer, I often complaint about using the 3D glasses over my existing frame when watching movie at Reading cinema. Luckily Samsung came up with the idea of offering 3D glasses in common prescription.

I personally don't thinks 3D TVs without the glasses won't be available for another decade but that isn't stopping Samsung from trying to convert spectacle users to today's 3D.

Samsung says that it will take about a week for the 3D glasses to be made. No price has been provided by Samsung, but seeing as how the average pair of 3D glasses ranges from about $70 to $100 — when you throw in the prescription and choice of your frame , it may cost more.

Via crunchgear.com and Akhibara news