IN JUST A FEW SHORT DAYS WE WILL HAVE THE NEWEST HIGH END OPTICAL FRAME LINE IN TAMPA (South Tampa, Palma Ceia, Davis Islands, Macdill AFB, Central Tampa, West Tampa, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Riverview)
TUMI BRAND.
This brand is known for its high quality luggage, travel accessories, and brief cases. Now they are the premier Frame to be released this year. Check back for the date we will have a trunk show showcasing this line.
AS OF JANUARY 1, 2012, WE WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTING HUMANA GOLD HMO, WELLCARE MEDICARE, AND AV MED. DUE TO POOR PAYMENT POLICIES BY THESE PLANS WE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO STOP TAKING THEM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
Medscape (11/2, Lowry) reports, "HIV-positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have a prevalence of cataracts that is well above that of the general population and a plethora of other ocular diseases," according to a study presented at an ophthalmology meeting. Researchers "identified 44 different diagnoses among HIV patients receiving HAART. The most common was refractive error (58 patients), followed by nuclear cataracts (42 patients), suspected glaucoma (13 patients), and dry eye syndrome (10 patients)," while "other diagnoses included punctate epithelial erosion, blepharitis, hypertension retinopathy, posterior subcapsular cataract, primary open-angle glaucoma, exotropia, herpes zoster, superficial punctate keratopathy, myopic degeneration, chronic retinal detachment, HIV retinopathy, corneal abrasion, and central retinal vein occlusion."
The New York Times (11/1, D6, Bakalar, Subscription Publication) reports in "Vital Signs" that "chronic insomnia may increase the risk of heart attack, according to a large new study" published in the journal Circulation. Investigators found, "after adjusting for numerous health and lifestyle factors, they found that compared with people who never had sleep problems, those who had trouble falling asleep had a 45 percent increased relative risk of heart attack." Participants "with problems staying asleep had a 30 percent increased risk, and those who woke up tired a 27 percent increase."
HealthDay (10/29, Goodwin) reported, "Contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)," and "it is illegal to sell them without a prescription in the United States." However, "Halloween is a time when sales of 'special effects,' 'theatrical' and 'decorative' contact lenses spike." Although "there's nothing wrong with buying decorative contacts from an optometrist...who will make sure the lens fits your eye properly, buying cheap contacts from flea markets, street vendors or beauty supply shops is dangerous, experts warn." If the contacts don't fit or are not cared for in the proper manner, those who wear them may be injured or develop an infection that could possibly lead to blindness.
Why You Shouldn't Buy Your Glasses from a Vision Outlet Chain: Top 3 Reasons
Have you ever heard the adage "you get what you pay for?"
It usually holds true in most every avenue of life, and is certainly no exception when it comes time for your eye exam and vision care needs.
If you're in the market for eyewear, think twice before heading to chain retail stores like Costco, Target, Sears or Walmart or major optical outlets including LensCrafters, Optical Outlets and PearleVision.
Why?
1. Cheap Materials on Eyewear
Optical outlets may feature lower-cost eyeglass frames or "buy-one-get-one" promos for good reason. The chain's unit cost per frame tends to be very low due to cheap materials, mass-manufactured for low cost. Style secondary to function, your child's cute chunky plastic frame won't stand a chance on the playground. So that's why you're getting a second pair, free of charge!
The same can be extended to its stock lenses - often more easily scratched, broken, and with less strength to qualify for their low-cost promotions.
Your vision is nothing to be neglected, as its proper correction is required for critical daily functions. From seeing images to process thought to driving, reading, working - your healthy vision is not negotiable, and shouldn't be left in doubt with questionable-quality eyewear.
Warranties - Or lack thereof!
2. Chances are, little if any warranty will be given on your eyewear when purchased from these establishments.
Your better bet? Visit your local eye care professional to ask about the durability and manufacturer's warranty on each frame sold. Not only will you notice a difference in the assortment of quality eyewear, but most practices will be glad to share all warranty details per frame collection, or point you in the direction of your insurance provider to let you know your eligibility for replacements, should the need arise.
Family Physician is to Family Optometrist as Health Clinic is to Optical Outlet 3. Many people prefer to have a family doctor over visiting local health clinics - why not? It's nice to have a person and place to turn to, keeping a record of your health ailments and concerns over time, getting to know you on a personal level. That's not to say that health clinics cannot provide a quality of care, especially in a pinch, but the level of personalization, service, and understanding tends not to be there. You might feel the same way about your Big Box Optical Outlets, as well. What if good old Dr. Jones opened up a little primary care practice in Wally World- would you trust a family physician that serves in your local Walmart? Would you feel strange about it? What about your eyesight? Why treat it any differently?
Think carefully and let us know your thoughts. We'd like to know your opinion!
Back to School Vision Tips! Top Things to Know About Kids' Vision Screens
1. Vision Screening Should Start Early - Before Pre-School!
It's a good idea to schedule a first optometric exam for infants, usually around 6 months of age. Babies of about 3 months' age should be able to focus and follow an object with his or her eyes, and by 6 months, color, pattern, and depth perception is about as developed as that of an adult. Testing these acuities is very important, especially if your child has a history of prematurity, received oxygen at birth (or anytime there after), blinks or rubs eyes frequently (excluding when sleepy), fails to follow objects with eyes, or seems to have delayed motor development. Vision correction may be required.
At the very least, by the time a child is 3 years old, and again before kindergarten, are critical times for vision screens.
2. As Many as 10% of Infants & Toddlers Require Vision Correction, and About 25% of School-Age Kids Need Glasses
Hard as it may be to believe, A LOT of kids need glasses by kindergarten - this is the reason the first in-school vision screens usually begin with 5 and 6 year olds. Mom & Dad should take charge of their child's health by having his or her eyes examined, and certainly, if they fail their exam, follow-up with a check-up. It might be time for glasses!
*Source: American Optometric Assoc.
3. Inattentiveness May Equal Poor Vision
As much as 80% of classroom learning comes comes from visual observation and comprehension. Imagine how much more difficult it would be to learn if that were impaired? An estimated 25% of High School Students fail a vision screen for even 20/40 vision - that sort of impairment makes driving illegal in most states! Case in point - prepare your kids for school in the right way by getting their eyes examined and purchasing quality corrective eyewear from a trusted professional. Giving them all the tools, starting with good optical health, will help them succeed!
*Sources: American Optometric Assoc., Moorpark Optometric Eyecare
Dr's, parents, students with glasses - we'd like your opinion! What are some of the other things you think are most important to keep in mind about vision screens and checking childrens' vision early?
Send us a comment or suggestion to kick off the forum discussion on this topic!
Many residents in the Tampa area may have Health Savings Accounts, (HSA's), or some other form of flexible spending acccounts. You and your family may use your benefits in our offices for your eye health examinations, glasses, lenses, contacts, or vitamin supplements. Use your benefits before December 31, 2011, or you may lose the advantages of saving your money pre-tax.
Posted by: Infinity EYE Care Center AT 03:50 pm
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