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SPRING/SUMMER 2013
WELCOME Welcome to the Spring/ Summer issue of the Black & Lizars patient magazine. We’ve had a busy year so far and this issue is packed full of exciting new developments and features. We started the year on a very positive note, with Kilgour Optometrists joining the Black & Lizars family, taking us to a total number of 26 practices. Kilgour has two established practices in Ayr and Troon with a similar ethos to that of Black & Lizars; we are certain that this will strengthen and build upon our reputation for clinical excellence. We are also growing other areas of our business, with additional locations for our home visits services across Scotland (see page 17) as well as opening a new hearing centre in Aberdeen (see page 12). We are also delighted to be the official vision partner of the Great Scottish Run for 2013 and this year we are fundraising for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. Last year, so many of our patients were interested in our participation in the race so this year we would like to invite our patients to join our staff in running the 10k with us (page 13 will give you all the details). As ever, ensuring that our patients receive the highest levels of clinical care and service is our upmost priority, so in this issue you will also find information on specialist clinics including colourimetry and dry eye as well as the latest frame trends for Spring/Summer 2013. Once again, thank you for your continued support as we look forward to the future.
SPRING/SUMMER 2013
CONTENTS 04 Specs appeal
This season’s most wanted styles
06 Style file
Black & Lizars staff show us their eyewear
08 Contact care
Making the most of your contact lenses
11 See the difference Fantastic benefits with our contact lens direct debit membership
12 What’s New
Exciting developments across Black & Lizars
16 Colin Black
21st century eye care
17 Housebound?
Discover our home visit service
18 Reading clinics
Using colour to relieve visual stress
20 Modern Lives
Lenses for the digital age
22 Day in the life
Graham Freeman, Optometrist Mark Ross, Chief Executive Nikon Optical We are proud to use Nikon spectacle lenses to give you the highest optical quality and make the most of your vision.
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Contact us on 0141 445 8380 or find us at
www.blackandlizars.com 3
SPECS APPEAL This season’s most wanted styles Architectural. Clean. Sophisticated. Focusing on form and function, minimalist frames are popular this season. Featuring modern twists on timeless classics, Silhouette offer a range of lightweight titanium frames with clean lines in an elegant palette of pastels and neutrals. For men, Phillipe Starck frames use cutting edge technology with a range of lightweight, resistant and up-scale carbon fibre frames.
Oakley Big Taco
Starck PL1240
Silhouette Titan Impressions 7777
Power. Performance. Surfing; skiing; whatever your choice of sport, choose sunglasses with polarised lenses to cut out glare, enhance colours and provide better contrast and clarity.
The Difference is Clear It’s all about different materials and fabrics right now, frames in clear, tinted plastic, pastel colours, smooth metal or even leather, go as subtle or as extreme as you like. Cat’s eye frames have boomed in popularity recently, so for the ultimate look, try this style in a pretty pastel. Gucci 3566
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TREND ALERT All About Brows The bold brow-line style is in high demand this season. It’s a blend of sophistication and eccentricity to add a quirky finish to a classy look. For the finest take on this style, the Prada 17P from the Portrait collection has a distinctive intellectual-chic look. The black lightweight acetate is perfectly contrasted with a curvy tortoiseshell brow.
Available in selected practices
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STYLE FILE Black & Lizars staff from around the practices tell us about their favourite glasses.
Emma
Gillian
Fiona
Graham
Asim
Lynne
Optometrist, Haddington Wearing Gucci 3150 “This is the first time I’ve worn my new Gucci glasses, I really like the modern style of them. I also really like the unusual colouring, the brown and lilac makes for a nice contrast.”
Optometrist, Milngavie Wearing Oakley Jupiter Squared “These sunglasses are great because I can go running in them and they stay comfortable the whole time I’m wearing them, plus they offer great UV protection.”
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Clinical Assistant, Dalkeith Wearing Prada VPR230 “I’d been looking for a new pair of frames for a while, and I liked these Prada frames as soon as I saw them, I’ve had loads of lovely positive comments since I got them.”
Optometrist, Pollokshields Wearing Prodesign 7616 “Since I need to wear my glasses every day, I like to wear something that goes with everything. These frames are perfect because they’re comfortable and always look stylish.”
Supply Chain Assistant, Head Office Wearing Tom Ford 5142 “I chose these frames because I wanted a ‘geek chic’ style that wasn’t too big for my face. The purple is a nice change and isn’t too harsh on my face.”
Practice Manager, Union St Aberdeen Wearing Prada VPR 11O “I have a few Prada frames but I thought these were totally different from anything I’ve chosen before and I wanted a change from dark, heavy looking frames. The light colours are lovely and fresh for Spring/Summer 2013.” CLEAR VISION
SATISF GUARAACTION
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*Offer open to UK and Republic of Ireland residents only. Applies to 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® Brand Contact Lenses. Refund limited to a maximum of 1 year’s supply of contact lenses. Visit www.acuvue.co.uk/guarantee for full terms and conditions. ** All ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses have UV-blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed by your Eye Care Professional. 1. JJVC Data on file 2012. 2. JJVC Data on file 2010. Physiological response of neophytes with a daily disposable silicone hydrogel lens. 1-year prospective randomised, double-masked, parallel group study, results after 12 months, n=48. ACUVUE®, 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® and SEE WHAT COULD BE® are registered trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd. © Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd. 2013.
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CONTACT CARE
Making the most of your contact lenses he contact lens landscape is continuing to change at a rapid rate. Lenses that were once thought of as ‘pie in the sky’ or the stuff of dreams are now becoming a reality. For example, lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses (to assist with reading)
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are now available in single-use, daily disposable formats. In addition, lens materials are continuing to advance. Relatively new, ultra breathable silicone based materials are now also available for some patients as daily disposable lenses. Whilst these modern lens materials and
CONTACT LENS SOLUTIONS
designs offer the best for eye health, comfort and ease of use, this can only be true if the lenses are right for you. Having a lens that suits you goes further than the power; it also encompasses the fit, the care of the lens, the cleaning solution used and careful examination of the eye’s surface both with a contact lens, and without. A healthy cornea (the clear ‘window’ over which the lens sits) relies on oxygen supply and a constant supply of tears to wash away debris and protect the eye from infection. The advent of new, silicone hydrogel lens materials now allows oxygen to flow through the lens. The ‘fit’ of the contact lens will ensure enough tears wash over the eye’s surface. Like clothes, all lenses come in different sizes and it is essential that a lens is not too tight, or too loose! Too tight and tears cannot wash in under the lens, too loose and vision and comfort will be affected. A tight lens will leave you more prone to infections but can be comfortable so unless it is checked by an optometrist you are unlikely to realise. Having regular check-ups with your optometrist allows us to assess your vision and confirm that you are wearing the correct strength and fit of contact lens. It also allows us to check the health of your eyes by looking at the surface in great detail. We use a microscope to see all the
At your regular contact lens checks, we’ll check that you have the right solution and are making the best use of it. The solution used to clean your contact lenses can often be taken for granted. However, these cleaning solutions play a big part in not just keeping your lenses clean but also in keeping your lenses comfortable and your eyes free from irritation. Using an incorrect cleaning solution can significantly reduce the amount of time you can comfortably wear your contact lenses. A common misconception about cleaning solutions is that ‘they all do the same thing’ and to a certain extent that’s true, but on a microscopic level there are key differences. In keeping with Black & Lizars commitment to clinical excellence, all the solutions we offer are highly effective at killing bacteria, but also gentle enough to ensure comfort. We offer a range of solutions, and have preservative free options for sensitive eyes. Your contact lens storage case is also important. Having a dirty or old contact lens case can increase your chances of developing problems with contact lens wear. Cases should be cleaned regularly (with your contact lens solution) and changed every 4-6 weeks, which will ensure that your case remains as free from bacteria as possible.
continues overleaf CLEAR VISION
CONTACT CARE (Continued) tiny structures that make up the eye. We may also use a water soluble yellow dye which will mark any cells on the surface that are affected by dryness. An eye fighting an infection will show subtle changes not visible to the naked eye, and a cornea not receiving enough oxygen will also show signs. Our aim is to keep your eyes healthy and vision clear, it is only by looking for these subtle changes that we can ensure we are doing so. If you are a contact lens wearer it is useful to ask yourself some simple
questions each day. • • •
Is my vision clear? Are my lenses comfortable? Are my eyes white?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, you should contact your optometrist for a contact lens appointment. Morven Campbell, Clinical Services Manager E: enquiries@blackandlizars.com
See near. See far. See everything.
at e b l rs la a a i L iz av & w ck N o B la
CooperVision Proclear® 1 day multifocal lens
Multifocal contact lenses – now available with the convenience of a new, fresh lens every day. Try Proclear 1 day multifocal – ask the team at Black & Lizars for a FREE trial.*
*Terms and Conditions apply.
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CLEAR VISION
SEE THE DIFFERENCE S
ee the difference contact lenses can make to your life at Black & Lizars. Our contact lens memberships are an easy, convenient way of buying your contact lenses with fantastic all inclusive benefits for a monthly direct debit fee. Ask your Black & Lizars practice team for more details.
Our direct debit memberships include: 1.
A continuous supply of contact lenses Whether you choose monthly, fortnightly or daily contact lenses there is a membership for you.
2.
A continuous supply of solutions* We only use the best solutions on the market to ensure lens comfort and cleanliness.
3.
Free unlimited aftercare appointments Thorough six monthly checks are included, and if you need to see us in an emergency there will be no charge.
4.
20% discount on all purchases within Black & Lizars** At Black & Lizars, we want you to be able to choose from all of our fantastic ranges of frames which is why we don’t limit your membership discount to a selected range. This way you can be sure that not only are you saving money but that you can feel confident in the glasses you choose when you’re not wearing your contact lenses. Also included in your discount are sunglasses, eye drops, and accessories.
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5.
Free replacements of lost or damaged lenses*** We understand that from time to time you may lose or tear a contact lens so we provide our members with replacement lenses.
6.
Free contact lens trials of the latest products At Black & Lizars, we regularly trial new products so that we can offer our patients the most technically advanced contact lenses on the market. Our direct debit members can be the first to trial these new products.
Ask about our contact lens direct debit memberships at your local practice. Your optometrist will then carry out an initial consultation and recommend contact lenses to suit your individual needs and lifestyle. For more information visit www.blackandlizars.com
The Difference is Clear
*Where required **Excludes photographic ***Some limitations apply.
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WHAT’S NEW at
KILGOUR OPTOMETRISTS We are delighted to announce Kilgour Optometrists have recently joined the Black & Lizars family, taking our total number of practices to 26 across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Founded in 1961, Kilgour Optometrists have practices in Ayr and Troon and have a similar culture of clinical excellence as Black & Lizars.
Eyecare is always our priority and patients at Kilgour’s will continue to receive the highest standards of service that they are accustomed to with all existing professional staff still in place. You can find out more about Kilgour Optometrists at www.blackandlizars.com
opens in Aberdeen Following the positive response from our House of Hearing centres at our Milngavie and Giffnock practices, we will soon be opening a brand new hearing centre at our Belmont St practice in Aberdeen. This exciting new launch offers our patients a complimentary hearing assessment from our qualified audiologists, using the latest test equipment. To find out more visit our website www.blackandlizars.com or contact our Belmont Street practice on 01224 646143. 12
RUN WITH US
in the Great Scottish Run 2013 for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation
We are delighted that Black & Lizars will again be the ‘official vision sponsor’ for the Great Scottish Run this year, taking place in Glasgow on October 6th 2013 and will be using this opportunity to raise money for Yorkhill Children’s foundation. This year as well as our staff members running the 10k race, we would like to invite our patients to support our chosen charity and run alongside our staff members. If you are interested in getting fit and healthy whilst supporting a fantastic charity with the Black & Lizars team, please contact: enquiries@blackandlizars.com. About Yorkhill Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow has touched millions of lives since it first opened its doors. It exists to help children get better, yet it does so much more. As the largest children’s hospital in Scotland, it has a worldwide reputation for excellence, treating over
150,000 children from across Scotland every year. They fund patient and family support, entertainment and fun activities for children and other projects and service enhancements invaluable to the treatment, care, physical and mental wellbeing of sick children and babies, and their families, from throughout Scotland and beyond. Yorkhill Children’s Foundation is supporting the new 256 bed children’s hospital, currently under construction on the Southern General campus on the south side of Glasgow, due to open in June 2015. It will be a world class hospital, fully equipped and resourced for the 21st century. Funds raised by Black & Lizars over the coming years, will go direct to providing a dedicated play and dining room on the cardiac ward of the new children’s hospital. If you would like to support us by donating to Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, visit: www.justgiving.com/BlackandLizars
Join 23,000 runners for either a 10K or half marathon through the heart of Glasgow on Sunday 6 October. Be part of it and enjoy the beautiful city course by entering online at www.greatscottishrun.org
WINNER of our Dubai holiday with Congratulations to Sylvia Gill, a patient at our Giffnock practice, who is the winner of our competition to win a holiday to Dubai, courtesy of If only… Sylvia is delighted to have won and told us ‘I go to Black & Lizars because they always give great service. Mr Black has been my optometrist since I was a young child, I have trust in him as he was able to fix the vision problems I had when I was young, and I would never choose another optician.’
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Black & Lizars Advertorial
Eye.dryness How do drying environments affect your eyes? Your.eyes.have.a.natural. moisturising.shield.over.their. surface.called.the.tear.film.. This.lubricates.the.eye’s. surface.and.helps.maintain. clear.vision..It.helps.keep.the. eye.hydrated,.washes.out. dust.and.debris,.and.its..antimicrobial.properties.help.stop. any.bacteria.that.may.enter.the. eye.from.causing.infections. Your.eyes,.just.like.your.skin. or.hair.can.be.affected.by. harsh.drying.environments. and.loss.of.moisture.from.the. eye.can.disrupt.this.protective. shield.causing.your.eyes.to. feel.uncomfortable,.dry.and. irritated.
What are the factors that put you at risk from tired, dry feeling eyes?
•..Dry.air.conditioned. or.centrally.heated. environments.such.as. planes,.offices.and.cars •..Air.pollution.such.as.dust,. dirt.and.pollen
You.may.need.help.to. understand.the.sensations.you. experience.–.it.might.surprise. you.to.know.a.watery.eye.can. still.indicate.eye.dryness! •.Dry.feeling.eyes
•..The.natural.ageing.process. can.affect.the.amount.of. tears.produced
•.Temporary.blurry.vision
•..Hormonal.changes,.such. as.pregnancy.or.the. menopause
•.Itching
•..Certain.medications,.such. as.hormone.replacement. therapy,.antihistamines.and. birth.control.pills •..Late.nights.or.just.being. tired
•..Contact.lens.wear.–. including.the.use.of.daily. disposables.and.lenses.for. extended.wear
How do you experience moisture loss from your eyes?
•..Long.periods.of. concentration.at.a.computer. screen.or.reading
The.range.of.ocular.sensations. experienced.by.those.suffering. eye.dryness.can.be.very.varied.
•.Sandy/.gritty.eye.feeling
•.Burning •.Soreness •.Feeling.of.heavy.eyelids •.Irritations.(red.eyes) •..Increased.tear.flow. (watery.eye)
How dry, irritated eyes make you feel Your.dry.feeling,.sore.or. uncomfortable.eyes.can.affect. how.you.feel.overall,.leaving. you.feeling.less.than.at.your. best.
Black & Lizars Advertorial
The.blink.eye.drop.range blink.eye.drops.are.scientifically.formulated.to.work.with.our. eyes.natural.moisture.shield.to.help.replenish.what.modern. living.takes.out. The.blink.eye.drop.range.has.a.solution.to.suit.almost.all. your.needs: •..For.the.contact.lens.wearer.there.is.the.specifically. formulated.blink contacts.eye.drops.designed.to.keep. eyes.feeling.fresh.and.comfortable. •..Viscosity-enhanced.for.longer.lasting.relief.blink intensive tears.eye.drops.are.an.answer.to.everyday. feelings.of.eye.dryness.. •..New.to.the.range.is.blink intensive tears.PLUS.liquid.gel. for.those.who.find.their.dry.feeling,.tired.eye.sensations. are.more.persistent.and.need.a.longer.lasting.formulation.
Win an iPad mini FREE prize draw with blink eye drops Simply answer the question below, fill in your contact details and return to Black & Lizars - blink prize draw, 17 Robert Drive, Glasgow, G51 3HE. Alternatively enter online at www.blackandlizars.com
Which of the following can be the result of everyday eye dryness? Irritated feeling eyes
Sore feeling eyes
Sandy/gritty feeling eyes
All of these
Name:............................................................................................................................................................ Address:........................................................................................................................................................ Postcode:................................................ email:............................................................................................. Terms & Conditions: 1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To participate in the prize draw, either complete the above form and post to Black & Lizars at the above address, hand the form to a member of staff or enter online at www. blackandlizars.com . 2. Only one entry per house hold. 3. The prize is an Apple ipad mini Wi-Fi, 16GB in white and silver. No other prizes are offered and no cash alternative is available. 4. The promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize for one of similar value. 5. The competition closes at midnight on 30th September 2013 6. The winner is the first correct entry randomly drawn 7. The winner will be notified in writing within 14 days after the competition closing date 8. The promoter’s decision is final and binding upon all participants and any other person or persons having any interest in the matter or dispute. 9. The participant must be 16 years of age or older. 10. Promoter: AMO UK Ltd. Jupiter House, Mercury Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP10 0HH. 11. Entries are not accepted from Black & Lizars employees or their family members.
EYE MATTERS 21st century Eye Care s patients often comment, their eye examination has become more sophisticated every time they attend. The computer age and electronics now mean that we can look at eyes in far more detail and see within and behind layers that were previously invisible to us. This helps to allow early diagnosis of potentially sight threatening conditions and prompt referral for more effective treatment. These treatments allow patients valuable eyesight into their later years, avoiding dependence on others for vital tasks in daily living and affording them enjoyment in watching TV, reading and participating in everyday activities.
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So what has changed? Cataracts now no longer have to be ‘ready or ripe’ and when vision is compromised, our skilful surgical colleagues can remove them and insert implants that transform vision by means of a fifteen minute outpatient surgery. All surgery carries some risk but cataract surgery is now one of the most successful and effective procedures in medicine. Macular Degeneration are the words that no-one wants to hear, however in many cases good sight can be maintained with macular supplements, dietary and
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health advice for the ‘dry’ type and eye injections for the ‘wet’ type. I have several patients with the dry form of macular degeneration that are still legal to drive more than twenty years after diagnosis. Glaucoma is one of the world’s largest causes of sight impairment yet with early diagnosis and treatment this need not necessarily be a sentence of severe sight loss. It is usually a painless condition with few symptoms so diagnosis is often delayed until 50% of vision is lost and the patient notices the problem. We now have eye scanners (OCTs) that can pick up subtle nerve changes before the sight is damaged and even earlier than optometrists and ophthalmologists would previously have been able to detect it. Regular eye examinations are essential for us to accurately diagnose and manage these common eye problems so please do find the time for your eye exam, which is free and paid for by the NHS in Scotland. If you notice any symptoms such as flashing lights, floaters, sudden change in vision, double vision or distortion in your vision before your next scheduled check please do not hesitate to speak to us. Colin Black, Principal Optometrist E: enquiries@blackandlizars.com
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HOUSEBOUND? f you are housebound or have difficulty attending your opticians due to mobility or health problems, Black & Lizars can provide a home visit service which allows you to have your eyes examined by one of our experienced optometrists in the comfort of your own home. Our home visits team have all the necessary equipment to carry out a full sight test and carry a wide range of frames to help you choose glasses to suit your needs.
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What’s included in this service? • Home visit eye test • Full dispensing service including delivery and fitting of glasses • Aftercare service How often should I have an eye test? A regular eye test is a vital health check for your eyes and we recommend regular eye examinations for everyone at 1 to 2 year intervals or as advised by your optometrist. Conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes and macular degeneration can seriously affect your vision but in many cases early detection is best, with many treatments and management plans being most effective if the condition is caught early.
Glasgow area Ann Canavan 0141 445 8396 Edinburgh area Kate Gamley
0131 226 5485
How much does it cost? Eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland under the NHS. If you are unable to access your regular optician unaided on your own, you are entitled to a free home visit under the NHS.
New home visit locations available from May 2013:
Where is this service available? If you would like to find out more or book an appointment, simply call our home visit departments on the telephone numbers on the right.
Stirling area
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Aberdeen area Lynn Mann 01224 646143 or Paul Henry
Laura Pratt
01786 473661
Other locations coming soon! 17
SPECIALIST READING CLINIC
s part of our commitment to clinical excellence we continue to invest in specialist areas of eye care. Visual Stress is one such area, where we can help patients with the use of coloured tints. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and management of this condition.
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What is Visual Stress? Many children and adults suffer from visual discomfort when reading. This can affect reading fluency, concentration and comprehension and can cause rapid fatigue. We would describe these symptoms as ‘Visual Stress’ or ‘Meares-Irlen’ syndrome. What would I notice? The symptoms of visual stress can vary from person to person. They can also vary in type and severity and occur despite normal vision. Common symptoms of visual stress include: • • •
Movement of printed text Blurring of print Letters changing size or shape
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• • • • •
Patterns in the print (sometimes described as rivers or worms) Haloes of colour surrounding letters or words Tiring easily whilst reading Headaches or visual discomfort Red, sore or watery eyes
Who is likely to suffer from Visual Stress? Approximately 5% of the population are severely affected by Visual Stress and 20% to a lesser degree. Visual stress can affect anyone, at any age, but it is more common in conditions including: • • • • • •
Dyslexia Dyspraxia Photosensitive Migraine Photosensitive Epilepsy Autism ADHD
Visual Stress is not the same as dyslexia but is more common in those who are dyslexic. People who fail to read because of visual stress are frequently misdiagnosed as dyslexic. For this reason
plastic are placed over written text to change the colour of the background to see if there are any benefits.
it is important that the existence of visual stress is identified at an early stage. How can we help? For over 20 years now, we have known that using colour can help relieve symptoms of reading difficulty and visual stress. Colour is used (either in the form of a coloured overlay or tinted lenses) to change the appearance of print to improve reading comfort and speed. What tests are needed? 1.
2.
Eye Examination Anyone who experiences problems with reading should initially attend their optometrist for a full eye examination. If glasses are required these can eventually incorporate coloured lenses for visual stress if necessary. Overlay Assessment Following the eye examination, your optometrist may recommend an assessment with coloured overlays. These sheets of thin, transparent
3.
Colourimetry Assessment If overlays are beneficial, the optometrist may suggest Colourimetry as the next stage. This may result in the prescribing of glasses with coloured lenses.
Where can these tests be done? A full eye examination and Coloured Overlay Assessment can be done at any Black & Lizars practice. If a Colourimetry assessment is required, you may be referred to one of the following practices: • • • •
Gordon Street, Glasgow Milngavie, Glasgow Lothian Road, Edinburgh Union Street, Aberdeen
For more information, or to book an assessment, contact your local Black & Lizars practice. www.blackandlizars.com
CLEAR VISION
MODERN LIVES
Lenses for the digital age
e are now truly living in the digital age. The world is filled with computers, tablets and mobile phones and many of us spend long hours looking at a variety of electronic screens at varying distances. This can place a high demand on our eyes and our vision, so it is not surprising that in some cases this can lead to eyestrain and fatigue. Away from the digital world our eyes have other challenges to face. Many of us enjoy a wide range of common hobbies and interests which can vary from very detailed close vision such as sewing and reading to precise tasks at further distances such as playing musical instruments and cooking. The good news is that as a result of these changes in the way we live, lenses are changing too. For example, the traditional bifocal lens, designed to work only at distance and near, which was once so prevalent is now becoming almost extinct. In its place are varifocal or multifocal lenses designed to give flexible
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vision and the ability to work at a range of distances. Next to change are the humble reading glasses. Whereas single focus, reading lenses used to be the norm, our increased need to focus at arm’s length has led to a new generation of ‘office’ or ‘occupational’ lenses. These lenses work in a similar way to reading glasses but rather than being constrained to a single, close working distance, they offer the user a range of clear focal distances. This allows the same pair of glasses to be used for both near tasks (reading) and middle range (computer). Black & Lizars work in partnership with Nikon, who manufacture a range of lenses for modern lifestyles. Our highly trained clinical staff are well placed to discuss and advise on the best lenses for you. Within the Nikon e-Life series there are a variety of products to help improve your vision, visit the lens section of www.blackandlizars.com for more in-depth information on the different types of lenses available at your local practice.
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KIDS at ongratulations to Cara Gardiner, age 11, who won cinema tickets for her and her family, after she entered the colouring competition in our previous edition of CLEARVISION. She and her family are patients of our practice in Belmont St, Aberdeen, and her Mum, Dad and brother all wear glasses, but Cara has perfect eyesight!
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Cara Gardiner
We all loved her bright colours and creative style, well done Cara!
ew to Black & Lizars, a great new range for teens and young adults from ANIMAL. The new styles are perfect for our younger patients or those looking for a more petite frame with a surfer inspired theme. This fantastic new collection is full of the newest unique Animal graphics, combining gentle pastels to bold blues through to super swish neon and pretty checkerboard prints. Super-flattering supras or bold, geek-chic acetate full frames, there’s a piece to complete every look.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BLACK & LIZARS OPTOMETRIST Graham Freeman, Optometrist in Milngavie, Glasgow.
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raham is an optometrist in Milngavie and has worked for Black & Lizars for 10 years.
Why did you decide to become an optometrist? I wanted to work in healthcare, and whilst at school I did work experience in a local opticians. I enjoyed the customer service and healthcare aspects, and so originally trained as a dispensing optician before going back to university to become an optometrist. Tell us about a typical day in practice. The day is mostly sight tests and contact lens checks/fits, with occasional emergency cases. I also supervise a graduate optometrist, helping to train and prepare them for their exams and life as a fully qualified optometrist. What is your favourite part of your job? I enjoy it all; everything is so varied so I rarely find myself doing the same thing repeatedly. I’m interested in the constant changes in technology that we can use to help our patients. What is the greatest innovation in eyecare? 3D OCT scanners – they give us the ability to see what we couldn’t previously, and allow us to diagnose eye conditions more
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easily and treat them effectively. They can detect macular problems, glaucoma and occasionally problems with the front of the eye. What is the most common eye problem patients want advice on? A lot of patients come in with complaints about watery or gritty eyes which can be mistaken for an infection but in many cases is dry eyes. This can be caused by lots of different elements such as VDU overuse, their working environment or physical changes to the eyes. Can young children have their eyes tested? Children can be tested at any age, and we have great optometrists and equipment to test their eyes. We try to keep children entertained and keep them interested, and by using different techniques, and with encouragement from parents, they generally respond very well. How do you keep up to date with the latest research? Continued education and training is essential to keep on top of the latest advances in eyecare so we use professional websites, magazines and training events. The more knowledge we have, the more we can put this into practice which then helps our patients.
What specialist services are offered in your practice? We have an OCT scanner which we use regularly with patients in this practice and also for patients from other practices. We also offer a macular screening service, which determines a patient’s risk factor for developing macular degeneration. With further checks we can see if the advice we offer is helping to keep the macula healthy. We also run specialist colourimetry and overlay clinics which can help with reading problems, such as dyslexia, by prescribing coloured sheets or lenses. Why do people come to Black & Lizars for their eye test? Patients come to us for the high levels of service provided, excellent equipment, and the range of products we have to offer. We always try to go the extra mile for all our patients and try to explain things clearly so they fully understand what’s going on while they’re in practice. What glasses do you wear? I wear Oakley ‘Carbon Plate’ frames, because they’re lightweight, robust and comfortable (our Practice Manager helped me pick them). I also wear daily contact lenses for when I’m playing football or in the gym.
How do you relax in your spare time? I attend drawing classes once a week and I also play football with my Black & Lizars colleagues. On my day off, I supervise dispensing and optometry students at Glasgow Caledonian University. What if people are nervous about having their eyes tested? There’s nothing to be nervous about! We’re here to make sure your eyes are healthy, the problems that we find are few and far between. If we do find anything, we’ll make sure that you get the best possible treatment.
Black & Lizars offers patients the most advanced eyecare, including OCT scanning, specialist colourimetry clinics and macular screening throughout Scotland.
To read the full interview with Graham, go to www.blackandlizars.com
CLEAR VISION
Patrick Dempsey wears
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