The View

questiontime

view issue 12 spring/summer 2006

askarchie

CHURCHILL OPTICIANS YOU’LL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE

Cover: featured frame by Vogue

ARCHIE TOPPIN BSc FCOptom Dip. CLP

If you have a question for Archie email him at archie@churchillopticians.com

Q

My 70 year old Mother has started complaining that people’s faces seem fuzzy and she’s seeing wavy lines on her TV screen. She won’t go to the doctor, what do you suggest?

A

This sounds like age related macular degeneration (ARMD), the most common cause of blindness in the over 65’s. There are some simple tests we can carry out to confirm a diagnosis and investigate possible treatment options.

Q

From time to time for no apparent reason I see floaters in front of my eyes. Is this serious and what can I do to prevent this happening?

A

It depends on your age, health and family history. In older people floaters and flashes are signs of a vitreous detachment, which, if not„ detected and treated at an early stage, could lead to the more serious retinal detachment. The sooner we see you the better!

eyetests

A

There are two types of glare, one is disability glare, which can be caused by reflection, and the other is discomfort glare, which can be caused by strong sunlight in day driving or bright headlights in night driving. Churchill Opticians provide lenses with an Anti Glare coating which combat both types of glare, however there are still some common sense measures to employ which will reduce the problem. First use your sun visor and adjust your seat in order that your eyes are in shade, its also a good idea to keep your windscreen spotless

are back page 6

high flying

moreloyaltyrewards

Presbyopia can be treated with monthly bifocal contact lenses which help you see clearly again at distance and near.

It’s been our experience over the years, that if people are happy with the quality of service and the value for money of their glasses and contact lenses, they will probably tell their friends about it.

This sounds like the normal ageing process called Presbyopia which causes our near vision to become weaker any time after the age of 40! We now have the new daily and monthly bifocal contact lenses to help you see clearly again at distance and near, so make an appointment for a check-up or ask for a free trial next time you visit the practice.

free NHS

I frequently drive long distances with my job, sometimes 4-5 hours stretches, and constant glare often leaves me with a headache at the end of the day. Can you suggest an alternative to aspirin.

Most of Churchill Opticians’ new customers come from you!

A

They say ‘word of mouth’ is the best form of marketing for any •business, and at Churchill Opticians we’re bound to agree.

page 7

win a super

And due to popular demand we are re-launching our valued customer reward scheme at Churchill Opticians, giving you another chance to claim rewards of upto £100 worth of M&S vouchers, why not freephone us now on 0800 387 059 and order your friends and family loyalty vouchers.

iPod

issue 12 competition

3 must be won

page 8

3 iPod mp3 players must be won!

8

Name ......................................................................................... Address...................................................................................... ................................................................................................... ................................................................................................... Postcode ..................................................................................... Daytime Tel no: ..........................................................................

Don’t miss this great chance to win a Who wrote and recorded the fabulous iPod, and look forward to a world hit record ‘Brown Eyed Girl’? of music on the move with this must have gadget. Churchill Opticians have 3 pocket A MICK JAGGER sized iPods to give away to the lucky B VAN MORRISON winners of this issue’s competition. To have a chance of winning, simply C ROD STEWART answer our multiple choice movie question below and send your entry to: Churchill View Competition Entries, 73 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 1LP.

frames page 3

safety first

#

o o o

LATEST NEWS, REVIEWS & ADVANCES

Q

I’m short sighted and wear contact lenses. Recently I’ve been having problems reading my newspaper in certain light. Does this mean I need reading glasses also? Help! I’m only 42, what’s going on and what should I do?

view the

Clearvue2direct

®

convenient, cost-effective monthly contacts page 4

Freephone 0800 387 059 for your appointment now!

styleandtechnology

view issue 12 spring/summer 2006

Peggy MacDonald shows us that your latest designer frames really are rocket science.

Some of the facts about Corneal re-shaping technically known as Orthokeratology

Peggy MacDonald

Carolyn Meek BSc(Hons) MCOptom

OCA ODA Optical Advisor

Ophthalmic Optician

highflyingframes orthokeratology? Is corneal re-shaping really the answer for vision correction?

A

t Churchill we like to keep our patients abreast of recent developments and technological advances in the field of eyecare, with news and issues which many of you may find relevant.

Not many people outside the industry have heard of Orthokeratology, another one of those long-winded words from Ophthalmics. Quite simply, it means vision correction done overnight using contact lenses you wear while sleeping which ‘reshape your eyeball’ and ‘in theory’, correct myopic or short-sighted people with the result that they no longer require glasses or contact lenses during the day. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it.

Corneal re-shaping of your eye, while you sleep?

the theory and practice of orthokeratology Here's how it is supposed to work: When you sleep, you wear special contact lenses that gently re-shape the surface of your eye, so you can see clearly even after you remove the lenses. The effect is temporary, generally enough to get you through a day or so, but you must wear the special lenses each night. The treatment begins by measuring the curvatures of your corneas using an instrument called a corneal topographer - a painless procedure that takes about a minute and produces a topographical map of your eye's surface.

is it a short term or permanent solution? What do specs have in common with space travel?

I

f you haven’t looked at the latest frames this season at Churchill’s, there are now even more reasons to get your hands on that cutting edge pair of designer specs than ever before.

Many of you may have noticed already over the last few years that spectacle frames have become much lighter, but at the same time much stronger and more durable than ever before. So what is the big secret behind these 21st century super-light, indestructable specs? Well, quite simply the watch word here is titanium, because this versatile alloy has revolutionised the manufacture of spectacle frames. The fact is that titanium it is one of the most exciting new frame materials to hit the optical business in years. As more patients increasingly ask for lightweight, durable frames, almost every major frame manufacturer has responded by adding new lines in titanium. But what makes this silvery- gray metallic element, that resembles iron, the object of our desire?

We’re in good company! Titanium has long been the material of choice of high-tech industries essential for rocket, airplane, submarine, high-speed train, ship, and race-car parts, as well as medical and surgical instruments. A few years ago, the eyewear industry noticed the increased usage of titanium in these markets and acknowledged its superiority to other metals. We then began utilising the material for frame manufacture. In Europe and the United States titanium is set to become the premier frame material of the future. As patients demand lighter weight, more durable frames, the use of titanium seems sure to expand. The same qualities that make titanium ideal for the aerospace industry make it perfect for spectacle frames. Its features and benefits make titanium the unique choice. 2

Myopia (nearsightedness) is caused by light coming into the eye in such a way that it doesn't focus properly on the retina. Typically, this problem is corrected by using eyeglasses or regular contact lenses to re-focus light. Orthokeratology contact lenses attempt to flatten your cornea without surgery, with the aim of enabling light to focus properly on your retina, ‘temporarily’ resulting in improved vision. Practitioners of corneal re-shaping seek to offer the treatment as an alternative to laser surgery, which is irreversible.

are there any side effects to this treatment? Although corneal re-shaping is becoming a popular alternative to laser surgery or corrective lenses in the US, this could be in part the result of slick marketing by practitioners. We are not convinced by the treatment, and here’s why. There are some concerns about corneal infections in young people who have used orthokeratology. Aside from this, glare and halos are among the side effects which may be experienced, but are reported to reduce with time. However, patients with large pupils are especially susceptible to these side effects, and some have found that they never completely go away. Once your eyes reach the desired prescription, you will still need to wear lenses when you sleep or during part of the day to maintain your prescription. Discontinuing lens wear altogether allows your corneas to gradually regress to their original shape or close to it, resulting in the need again for corrective lenses. As with most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Corneal re-shaping certainly produces results, but at what cost? We at Churchill Opticians feel that Orthokeratology is not the way forward in permanent or semi-permanent vision correction. Actually what the process does is re-shape the eye, by moulding it into the shape required to produce a corrective prescription. To some extent this is similar in many ways to the way in which Japanese women had their feet bound to keep them small, as this was seen, at the time, to be fashionable. We feel that our patients are best served with quality, easy to handle disposable lenses. However, if you are interested in a permanent solution to your myopia, we would be happy to provide information on Laser Surgery. email: eyecare@churchill-opticians.com with any questions you may have.

Wake up and smell the coffee! Corneal re-shaping…is it all about making the shoe fit?

LondonLecture

The Royal Society of Medicine learn about some ‘Smart Working Practices’ from Archie Toppin Archie delivers his ‘Smart Working Practices Lecture’ recently at the Royal Society of medicine during last November in London.

Voted Best Workshop Lecture

7

hotnews Good news as Optometry Scotland and the Scottish Executive announce the re-introduction of state funded free eyetests for everyone by 2006!

Ophthalmicfactfile

Top of the list in our eyetest… Our Tonometer tests the pressure in your eyes to check for Glaucoma

glaucoma Morag D. Barrie BSc(Hons) MCOptom Ophthalmic Optician

Morag Barrie talks about a condition affecting around 65 million people around the world.

A

greement has been reached with Optometry Scotland and the Scottish Executive to provide free eye examinations for all by 2006. The new eye examination will allow patients to receive, free of charge, an appropriate health assessment of their whole visual system. People will benefit, free of charge, from a full assessment, not just a basic sight test. The free test will not only ascertain whether or not the patient needs to wear or use an optical appliance) but will also examine the patient’s broader health aspects. Under the new service everyone will be entitled to a free eye examination, with the new eye examination including an eye health assessment.

Why wait, at Churchill’s, we already provide a free eyetest with every new purchase of complete glasses or contact lenses?

factfile

After your test, if your optician tells you that you have emmetropia, don’t panic! emmetropia is a refractive condition in •which no refractive error is present. In

layman’s language, this means that you have perfect 20/ 20 vision. Distant images are focused sharply on the retina without the need for corrective lenses, so its great news!

6

view issue 12 spring/summer 2006

G

laucoma is a condition, affecting around 1.5% of people in every hundred over the age of 35 - that’s 65 million people worldwide! It is a chronic condition where the pressure in the eyeball increases, eventually damaging the optic nerve. This increase in pressure can result either from too much fluid being produced in the eye or, more commonly from too little fluid draining away. There are many different strains of this disease, the most common being chronic simple glaucoma, also known as primary open angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma develops slowly, and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years.

how is it detected?

We usually discover the onset of glaucoma during a routine eye health examination in the Churchill’s practice - so early detection really is the key. We perform a simple and painless test to check the level of pressure in the eye using a tonometer. At the same time, we can determine the health of the optic nerve by examining the inside of the eye, and we also check fields of vision which can instantly detect blind spots or shrinkage in the peripheral field of vision which you may not even be aware of.

Unfortunately optic nerve damage is irreversible, however if diagnosed early, the progress of the disease can be controlled with medication, or in some cases surgery, to preserve the highest possible level of vision. If you’d like more information on the various types of glaucoma, pick up a leaflet in our practice, or have a chat with one of our highly qualified ophthalmic practitioners in the Churchill’s team.

insummary An increase in pressure resulting, either from too much fluid being produced in the eye or, more commonly from too little fluid draining away. Causing damage to the optic nerve.

Enlarged optic nerve head

Nicola Ross OCA ODA Optical Advisor

Rayban

Colouring techniques such as electroplating or anodising bring even more versatility and allow for a spectrum of attractive colours and varied textures. Gold plating also works very well on pure titanium, while maintaining its corrosionresistant and hypoallergenic qualities. Many of you will have by now come across a friend who has a pair of what seems like indestructible titanium frames, that can be bent or crushed and which simply spring back into their original shape undamaged. This remarkable type of Titanium frame uses what is known as memory titanium or titanium (NT) which is basically an alloy of 40-50% titanium in combination with nickel. ‘Flexon’ frames are a terrific example of memory titanium, and as the name suggests, they are extremely flexible and offer incredible durability. Combine these achievements with the strides that have been made in lens technology over recent years and it would be true to say that many of the frames on offer in Churchill Opticians today are indeed pioneering and offer our increasingly sophisticated customers a fusion of the the very best in ophthalmic technology and cutting edge design.

All frames include standard single vision lenses plus a free eyetest.

congratulations Nicola Ross becomes a mum for the first time

Thinlite® up to 50% thinner and lighter lenses from only £79

is it treatable?

Glaucoma

Most people have no symptoms whatsoever and no early warning signs, however we do know that the disease has a tendency to run in families. Also more at risk from developing glaucoma are people over the age of 60, those of African origin, or if you suffer from diabetes, anaemia, hardening of the arteries or are severely nearsighted.

Oakley

Staff and customers at Churchill Opticians greeted some happy news recently in the shape of Nicola Ross’s first child. Nicola and husband David have been married two years past in August and are both delighted at the arrival of their first born, Aili. So, for a time it looks as though Nicola and David will be doing a night shift to compliment their day jobs. ‘Good luck from everyone

And if your prescription is a little heavier than most, you could look at our Thinlite® range of super lite super thin lenses which can be up to 50% thinner than standard single vision lenses. On the other hand, you may need help with distance and near vision, in this case, check out our Varilite® range of invisible bifocal lenses which provide crisp vision for both far and near in a seamless lens, so no-one will every know you’re wearing them. Whatever your eyecare needs, why not pop in again and check out the next generation in eyewear at Churchill’s. Maybe then you really could claim to be a high flyer, sporting your new pair of high-tech titanium frames from Churchill Opticians. And with a free eyetest when you purchase any complete glasses there’s never been a better time to upgrade your frames.

Privilege card holders can enjoy 20% off the total cost of complete glasses.

easypayoptions

Why wait, get that great new look now! Spread the cost of designer glasses with easypay at Churchill Opticians. There’s nothing like a new look to buck up your confidence and impress your friends and admirers, but sometimes the best opportunities come up when your finances are a little more stretched than normal. At Churchill Opticians, we are sensitive to the need for flexibility in offering our customers different ways to pay. Ask instore for details of our easypay spectacle plan next time you get into the frame.

3

tvdocumentary

contacttheexperts Sharper vision, increased comfort and easier ® handling with Clearvue2direct Monthly Disposable contact lenses at only £14.95*

convenient,cost effective! ®

Clearvue2direct monthly lenses, solutions, aftercare and free postage only £14.95* Lesley McKinnon OCA ODA Optical Advisor

M

ost people who require vision correction these days enjoy wearing both spectacles and contact lenses. A stylish pair of designer glasses can give you that intelligent, studious look at work during the day, while the latest contact lenses can offer the youthful look that you’re after when out on the town enjoying a vibrant social life. Contact lenses at Churchill Opticians have never been so convenient. Our new ® improved Clearvue2 monthly disposables are our most popular yet. Employing liquid edge technology for improved comfort, these easy to handle lenses are the the fuss free alternative to your glasses. However, it’s not just their quality, comfort, ease of use and value for money which ® make our Clearvue2 contact lenses a firm favourite, it’s the liberation and increased feeling of freedom expressed by many customers who are now enjoying a new lease of life in the form of sporting activities and an enhanced social life as ® a result of the cosmetic advantages of Clearvue2 contacts

convenient, cost effective comfort - Clearvue® We appreciate that meeting the demands of a busy work schedule and an increasingly hectic lifestyle generally, is becoming more and more of an issue these days. Listening to many of our customers who are professional people and responding to your needs, Churchill Opticians now provide a hassle free, all inclusive Clearvue2direct® easy payment plan. It’s never been easier to enjoy high quality monthly disposable contact lenses plus all your solutions and aftercare with free delivery direct to your door for only £14.95*. Perhaps you’d like to benefit from a contact lens plan that is hassle free, convenient and provides excellent value for money. If so, Clearvue2direct® monthly disposables at Churchill Opticians is the plan for you. Take advantage of our free trial. Why not pop in or call 0800 387 059 to make an appointment. After your consultation or following your free trial, you can sign ® up for your supply of Clearvue2 Monthly Disposables from as little as £12.95* per month by direct debit, or opt for the hassle free approach with Clearvue2direct® for only £14.95*. And that’s not all, each customer who buys new contact lenses from Churchill Opticians will get their full fifteen point eyetest absolutely free. * payment by direct debit based on a six month supply. 4

TV documentary film crew pay a visit to Churchill Opticians to Ask Archie.

Clearvue2 monthlies ®

•

HIGHER OXYGEN PERMEABILITY FOR IMPROVED CORNEAL HEALTH LIQUID EDGE TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES COMFORT VISIBILITY TINT MAKES LENSES EASIER TO SEE LENTICULATED FOR EASIER HANDLING ASPHERIC DESIGN ELIMINATES DISTORTION

• • • •

All inclusive monthly disposable lenses only £14.95* including 4 all lenses 4 solutions 4 aftercare 4 free postage

Enjoy wearing our new improved monthly contact lenses… and get a Clearvue® of the talent!

One girl’s quest for the alternative therapy for myopia correction. Popular with the party set… The cosmetic appeal of Clearvue2 contact lenses

C

hurchill’s practice at Renfield street in the City Centre of Glasgow recently played host to a documentary camera crew supported by Channel 4. The young Director Anne Claire is herself shortsighted. Her Documentary ‘Speccy’ examines her personal quest as a shortsighted person to discover alternative ways of treating and correcting her myopia. Archie was asked for his professional opinion during the filming of the documentary, some of which took place in our Renfield Street Practice.

churchillwinners •

In issue 11 of The View, our super prizes were the combined Portable TV & DVD players. Among the lucky winners were Danny McCann and Christie Semple. Pictured Danny and Christie collecting their prizes.

churchillbrands ®

®

©

®

Thinlite and Clearvue are registered trade names •belonging to Churchill Opticians Ltd. All copying of brand names or unauthorised use of all or any intellectual property contained in the Churchill View magazines is prohibited. ©Copyright 2006.

5

tvdocumentary

contacttheexperts Sharper vision, increased comfort and easier ® handling with Clearvue2direct Monthly Disposable contact lenses at only £14.95*

convenient,cost effective! ®

Clearvue2direct monthly lenses, solutions, aftercare and free postage only £14.95* Lesley McKinnon OCA ODA Optical Advisor

M

ost people who require vision correction these days enjoy wearing both spectacles and contact lenses. A stylish pair of designer glasses can give you that intelligent, studious look at work during the day, while the latest contact lenses can offer the youthful look that you’re after when out on the town enjoying a vibrant social life. Contact lenses at Churchill Opticians have never been so convenient. Our new ® improved Clearvue2 monthly disposables are our most popular yet. Employing liquid edge technology for improved comfort, these easy to handle lenses are the the fuss free alternative to your glasses. However, it’s not just their quality, comfort, ease of use and value for money which ® make our Clearvue2 contact lenses a firm favourite, it’s the liberation and increased feeling of freedom expressed by many customers who are now enjoying a new lease of life in the form of sporting activities and an enhanced social life as ® a result of the cosmetic advantages of Clearvue2 contacts

convenient, cost effective comfort - Clearvue® We appreciate that meeting the demands of a busy work schedule and an increasingly hectic lifestyle generally, is becoming more and more of an issue these days. Listening to many of our customers who are professional people and responding to your needs, Churchill Opticians now provide a hassle free, all inclusive Clearvue2direct® easy payment plan. It’s never been easier to enjoy high quality monthly disposable contact lenses plus all your solutions and aftercare with free delivery direct to your door for only £14.95*. Perhaps you’d like to benefit from a contact lens plan that is hassle free, convenient and provides excellent value for money. If so, Clearvue2direct® monthly disposables at Churchill Opticians is the plan for you. Take advantage of our free trial. Why not pop in or call 0800 387 059 to make an appointment. After your consultation or following your free trial, you can sign ® up for your supply of Clearvue2 Monthly Disposables from as little as £12.95* per month by direct debit, or opt for the hassle free approach with Clearvue2direct® for only £14.95*. And that’s not all, each customer who buys new contact lenses from Churchill Opticians will get their full fifteen point eyetest absolutely free. * payment by direct debit based on a six month supply. 4

TV documentary film crew pay a visit to Churchill Opticians to Ask Archie.

Clearvue2 monthlies ®

•

HIGHER OXYGEN PERMEABILITY FOR IMPROVED CORNEAL HEALTH LIQUID EDGE TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES COMFORT VISIBILITY TINT MAKES LENSES EASIER TO SEE LENTICULATED FOR EASIER HANDLING ASPHERIC DESIGN ELIMINATES DISTORTION

• • • •

All inclusive monthly disposable lenses only £14.95* including 4 all lenses 4 solutions 4 aftercare 4 free postage

Enjoy wearing our new improved monthly contact lenses… and get a Clearvue® of the talent!

One girl’s quest for the alternative therapy for myopia correction. Popular with the party set… The cosmetic appeal of Clearvue2 contact lenses

C

hurchill’s practice at Renfield street in the City Centre of Glasgow recently played host to a documentary camera crew supported by Channel 4. The young Director Anne Claire is herself shortsighted. Her Documentary ‘Speccy’ examines her personal quest as a shortsighted person to discover alternative ways of treating and correcting her myopia. Archie was asked for his professional opinion during the filming of the documentary, some of which took place in our Renfield Street Practice.

churchillwinners •

In issue 11 of The View, our super prizes were the combined Portable TV & DVD players. Among the lucky winners were Danny McCann and Christie Semple. Pictured Danny and Christie collecting their prizes.

churchillbrands ®

®

©

®

Thinlite and Clearvue are registered trade names •belonging to Churchill Opticians Ltd. All copying of brand names or unauthorised use of all or any intellectual property contained in the Churchill View magazines is prohibited. ©Copyright 2006.

5

hotnews Good news as Optometry Scotland and the Scottish Executive announce the re-introduction of state funded free eyetests for everyone by 2006!

Ophthalmicfactfile

Top of the list in our eyetest… Our Tonometer tests the pressure in your eyes to check for Glaucoma

glaucoma Morag D. Barrie BSc(Hons) MCOptom Ophthalmic Optician

Morag Barrie talks about a condition affecting around 65 million people around the world.

A

greement has been reached with Optometry Scotland and the Scottish Executive to provide free eye examinations for all by 2006. The new eye examination will allow patients to receive, free of charge, an appropriate health assessment of their whole visual system. People will benefit, free of charge, from a full assessment, not just a basic sight test. The free test will not only ascertain whether or not the patient needs to wear or use an optical appliance) but will also examine the patient’s broader health aspects. Under the new service everyone will be entitled to a free eye examination, with the new eye examination including an eye health assessment.

Why wait, at Churchill’s, we already provide a free eyetest with every new purchase of complete glasses or contact lenses?

factfile

After your test, if your optician tells you that you have emmetropia, don’t panic! emmetropia is a refractive condition in •which no refractive error is present. In

layman’s language, this means that you have perfect 20/ 20 vision. Distant images are focused sharply on the retina without the need for corrective lenses, so its great news!

6

view issue 12 spring/summer 2006

G

laucoma is a condition, affecting around 1.5% of people in every hundred over the age of 35 - that’s 65 million people worldwide! It is a chronic condition where the pressure in the eyeball increases, eventually damaging the optic nerve. This increase in pressure can result either from too much fluid being produced in the eye or, more commonly from too little fluid draining away. There are many different strains of this disease, the most common being chronic simple glaucoma, also known as primary open angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma develops slowly, and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years.

how is it detected?

We usually discover the onset of glaucoma during a routine eye health examination in the Churchill’s practice - so early detection really is the key. We perform a simple and painless test to check the level of pressure in the eye using a tonometer. At the same time, we can determine the health of the optic nerve by examining the inside of the eye, and we also check fields of vision which can instantly detect blind spots or shrinkage in the peripheral field of vision which you may not even be aware of.

Unfortunately optic nerve damage is irreversible, however if diagnosed early, the progress of the disease can be controlled with medication, or in some cases surgery, to preserve the highest possible level of vision. If you’d like more information on the various types of glaucoma, pick up a leaflet in our practice, or have a chat with one of our highly qualified ophthalmic practitioners in the Churchill’s team.

insummary An increase in pressure resulting, either from too much fluid being produced in the eye or, more commonly from too little fluid draining away. Causing damage to the optic nerve.

Enlarged optic nerve head

Nicola Ross OCA ODA Optical Advisor

Rayban

Colouring techniques such as electroplating or anodising bring even more versatility and allow for a spectrum of attractive colours and varied textures. Gold plating also works very well on pure titanium, while maintaining its corrosionresistant and hypoallergenic qualities. Many of you will have by now come across a friend who has a pair of what seems like indestructible titanium frames, that can be bent or crushed and which simply spring back into their original shape undamaged. This remarkable type of Titanium frame uses what is known as memory titanium or titanium (NT) which is basically an alloy of 40-50% titanium in combination with nickel. ‘Flexon’ frames are a terrific example of memory titanium, and as the name suggests, they are extremely flexible and offer incredible durability. Combine these achievements with the strides that have been made in lens technology over recent years and it would be true to say that many of the frames on offer in Churchill Opticians today are indeed pioneering and offer our increasingly sophisticated customers a fusion of the the very best in ophthalmic technology and cutting edge design.

All frames include standard single vision lenses plus a free eyetest.

congratulations Nicola Ross becomes a mum for the first time

Thinlite® up to 50% thinner and lighter lenses from only £79

is it treatable?

Glaucoma

Most people have no symptoms whatsoever and no early warning signs, however we do know that the disease has a tendency to run in families. Also more at risk from developing glaucoma are people over the age of 60, those of African origin, or if you suffer from diabetes, anaemia, hardening of the arteries or are severely nearsighted.

Oakley

Staff and customers at Churchill Opticians greeted some happy news recently in the shape of Nicola Ross’s first child. Nicola and husband David have been married two years past in August and are both delighted at the arrival of their first born, Aili. So, for a time it looks as though Nicola and David will be doing a night shift to compliment their day jobs. ‘Good luck from everyone

And if your prescription is a little heavier than most, you could look at our Thinlite® range of super lite super thin lenses which can be up to 50% thinner than standard single vision lenses. On the other hand, you may need help with distance and near vision, in this case, check out our Varilite® range of invisible bifocal lenses which provide crisp vision for both far and near in a seamless lens, so no-one will every know you’re wearing them. Whatever your eyecare needs, why not pop in again and check out the next generation in eyewear at Churchill’s. Maybe then you really could claim to be a high flyer, sporting your new pair of high-tech titanium frames from Churchill Opticians. And with a free eyetest when you purchase any complete glasses there’s never been a better time to upgrade your frames.

Privilege card holders can enjoy 20% off the total cost of complete glasses.

easypayoptions

Why wait, get that great new look now! Spread the cost of designer glasses with easypay at Churchill Opticians. There’s nothing like a new look to buck up your confidence and impress your friends and admirers, but sometimes the best opportunities come up when your finances are a little more stretched than normal. At Churchill Opticians, we are sensitive to the need for flexibility in offering our customers different ways to pay. Ask instore for details of our easypay spectacle plan next time you get into the frame.

3

styleandtechnology

view issue 12 spring/summer 2006

Peggy MacDonald shows us that your latest designer frames really are rocket science.

Some of the facts about Corneal re-shaping technically known as Orthokeratology

Peggy MacDonald

Carolyn Meek BSc(Hons) MCOptom

OCA ODA Optical Advisor

Ophthalmic Optician

highflyingframes orthokeratology? Is corneal re-shaping really the answer for vision correction?

A

t Churchill we like to keep our patients abreast of recent developments and technological advances in the field of eyecare, with news and issues which many of you may find relevant.

Not many people outside the industry have heard of Orthokeratology, another one of those long-winded words from Ophthalmics. Quite simply, it means vision correction done overnight using contact lenses you wear while sleeping which ‘reshape your eyeball’ and ‘in theory’, correct myopic or short-sighted people with the result that they no longer require glasses or contact lenses during the day. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it.

Corneal re-shaping of your eye, while you sleep?

the theory and practice of orthokeratology Here's how it is supposed to work: When you sleep, you wear special contact lenses that gently re-shape the surface of your eye, so you can see clearly even after you remove the lenses. The effect is temporary, generally enough to get you through a day or so, but you must wear the special lenses each night. The treatment begins by measuring the curvatures of your corneas using an instrument called a corneal topographer - a painless procedure that takes about a minute and produces a topographical map of your eye's surface.

is it a short term or permanent solution? What do specs have in common with space travel?

I

f you haven’t looked at the latest frames this season at Churchill’s, there are now even more reasons to get your hands on that cutting edge pair of designer specs than ever before.

Many of you may have noticed already over the last few years that spectacle frames have become much lighter, but at the same time much stronger and more durable than ever before. So what is the big secret behind these 21st century super-light, indestructable specs? Well, quite simply the watch word here is titanium, because this versatile alloy has revolutionised the manufacture of spectacle frames. The fact is that titanium it is one of the most exciting new frame materials to hit the optical business in years. As more patients increasingly ask for lightweight, durable frames, almost every major frame manufacturer has responded by adding new lines in titanium. But what makes this silvery- gray metallic element, that resembles iron, the object of our desire?

We’re in good company! Titanium has long been the material of choice of high-tech industries essential for rocket, airplane, submarine, high-speed train, ship, and race-car parts, as well as medical and surgical instruments. A few years ago, the eyewear industry noticed the increased usage of titanium in these markets and acknowledged its superiority to other metals. We then began utilising the material for frame manufacture. In Europe and the United States titanium is set to become the premier frame material of the future. As patients demand lighter weight, more durable frames, the use of titanium seems sure to expand. The same qualities that make titanium ideal for the aerospace industry make it perfect for spectacle frames. Its features and benefits make titanium the unique choice. 2

Myopia (nearsightedness) is caused by light coming into the eye in such a way that it doesn't focus properly on the retina. Typically, this problem is corrected by using eyeglasses or regular contact lenses to re-focus light. Orthokeratology contact lenses attempt to flatten your cornea without surgery, with the aim of enabling light to focus properly on your retina, ‘temporarily’ resulting in improved vision. Practitioners of corneal re-shaping seek to offer the treatment as an alternative to laser surgery, which is irreversible.

are there any side effects to this treatment? Although corneal re-shaping is becoming a popular alternative to laser surgery or corrective lenses in the US, this could be in part the result of slick marketing by practitioners. We are not convinced by the treatment, and here’s why. There are some concerns about corneal infections in young people who have used orthokeratology. Aside from this, glare and halos are among the side effects which may be experienced, but are reported to reduce with time. However, patients with large pupils are especially susceptible to these side effects, and some have found that they never completely go away. Once your eyes reach the desired prescription, you will still need to wear lenses when you sleep or during part of the day to maintain your prescription. Discontinuing lens wear altogether allows your corneas to gradually regress to their original shape or close to it, resulting in the need again for corrective lenses. As with most things, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Corneal re-shaping certainly produces results, but at what cost? We at Churchill Opticians feel that Orthokeratology is not the way forward in permanent or semi-permanent vision correction. Actually what the process does is re-shape the eye, by moulding it into the shape required to produce a corrective prescription. To some extent this is similar in many ways to the way in which Japanese women had their feet bound to keep them small, as this was seen, at the time, to be fashionable. We feel that our patients are best served with quality, easy to handle disposable lenses. However, if you are interested in a permanent solution to your myopia, we would be happy to provide information on Laser Surgery. email: eyecare@churchill-opticians.com with any questions you may have.

Wake up and smell the coffee! Corneal re-shaping…is it all about making the shoe fit?

LondonLecture

The Royal Society of Medicine learn about some ‘Smart Working Practices’ from Archie Toppin Archie delivers his ‘Smart Working Practices Lecture’ recently at the Royal Society of medicine during last November in London.

Voted Best Workshop Lecture

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questiontime

view issue 12 spring/summer 2006

askarchie

CHURCHILL OPTICIANS YOU’LL NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE

Cover: featured frame by Vogue

ARCHIE TOPPIN BSc FCOptom Dip. CLP

If you have a question for Archie email him at archie@churchillopticians.com

Q

My 70 year old Mother has started complaining that people’s faces seem fuzzy and she’s seeing wavy lines on her TV screen. She won’t go to the doctor, what do you suggest?

A

This sounds like age related macular degeneration (ARMD), the most common cause of blindness in the over 65’s. There are some simple tests we can carry out to confirm a diagnosis and investigate possible treatment options.

Q

From time to time for no apparent reason I see floaters in front of my eyes. Is this serious and what can I do to prevent this happening?

A

It depends on your age, health and family history. In older people floaters and flashes are signs of a vitreous detachment, which, if not„ detected and treated at an early stage, could lead to the more serious retinal detachment. The sooner we see you the better!

eyetests

A

There are two types of glare, one is disability glare, which can be caused by reflection, and the other is discomfort glare, which can be caused by strong sunlight in day driving or bright headlights in night driving. Churchill Opticians provide lenses with an Anti Glare coating which combat both types of glare, however there are still some common sense measures to employ which will reduce the problem. First use your sun visor and adjust your seat in order that your eyes are in shade, its also a good idea to keep your windscreen spotless

are back page 6

high flying

moreloyaltyrewards

Presbyopia can be treated with monthly bifocal contact lenses which help you see clearly again at distance and near.

It’s been our experience over the years, that if people are happy with the quality of service and the value for money of their glasses and contact lenses, they will probably tell their friends about it.

This sounds like the normal ageing process called Presbyopia which causes our near vision to become weaker any time after the age of 40! We now have the new daily and monthly bifocal contact lenses to help you see clearly again at distance and near, so make an appointment for a check-up or ask for a free trial next time you visit the practice.

free NHS

I frequently drive long distances with my job, sometimes 4-5 hours stretches, and constant glare often leaves me with a headache at the end of the day. Can you suggest an alternative to aspirin.

Most of Churchill Opticians’ new customers come from you!

A

They say ‘word of mouth’ is the best form of marketing for any •business, and at Churchill Opticians we’re bound to agree.

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win a super

And due to popular demand we are re-launching our valued customer reward scheme at Churchill Opticians, giving you another chance to claim rewards of upto £100 worth of M&S vouchers, why not freephone us now on 0800 387 059 and order your friends and family loyalty vouchers.

iPod

issue 12 competition

3 must be won

page 8

3 iPod mp3 players must be won!

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Name ......................................................................................... Address...................................................................................... ................................................................................................... ................................................................................................... Postcode ..................................................................................... Daytime Tel no: ..........................................................................

Don’t miss this great chance to win a Who wrote and recorded the fabulous iPod, and look forward to a world hit record ‘Brown Eyed Girl’? of music on the move with this must have gadget. Churchill Opticians have 3 pocket A MICK JAGGER sized iPods to give away to the lucky B VAN MORRISON winners of this issue’s competition. To have a chance of winning, simply C ROD STEWART answer our multiple choice movie question below and send your entry to: Churchill View Competition Entries, 73 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 1LP.

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safety first

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