News this week from the World of Prescription Sports Eyewear & Contact Lenses in Sydney CBD
Contact lens induced dry eye
Contact lenses are a great convenience for many spectacle wearers for sport, social and general wear situations. Unfortunately, some spectacle wearers find contact lens wear just plain uncomfortable. This can be due to a number of factors e.g. environmental conditions, but can be just as likely due to contact lens and/or lens solution unsuitability.
It is important to be fitted with the correct contact lens and use solutions that are equally suitable. Comfortable contact lens wear can be a delicate balance between lenses and solutions and indeed environment. When this combination has been found it is important to stick to it. Switching solutions because you have seen an alternate brand or run out on a Sunday night, and so hastily buy another available, can have undesirous consequences in comfort. (posted 6 Feruary, 2012)
Carrots and eyesight
A question patients often ask is "if eating carrots can really improve eyesight"?
The short answer, at least in Australia, is NO. Whilst, it is true that our eyes require vitamin A to function properly (and our bodies can make vitamin A from carotenes which are found in carrots) carrots would aid sight only if our bodies were depleted of vitamin A - an unusual situation for anyone with a balanced diet.
Oddly though, a study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Dec 2010, suggests the potential for the spice - Saffron - to induce a short term improvement in vision in eyes where sight is affected by early macular degeneration. More work needs to be done to establish a definite benefit in this area, but both points raised here highlight the importance of variety and balance in our diets. (posted 30 January, 2012)
Extended wear multifocal contact lenses available Sydney CBD
Coopervision's Biofinity Multifocal is a high performance, monthly silicon hydrogel lens for contact lens wearers who need to wear readers in conjunction with their contact lenses. The silicon material holds water within the lens making it naturally wet whilst the Balanced Progressive Technology lens design delivers vision at any distance - near, far and intermediate. The benefit of contact lenses you can read with, and now, with the added convenience of overnight wear and minimal handling! Contact us for further information. (posted 23 January,2012)
Dilem eyewear
We have now received new arrivals from Dilem eyewear, France. If your confused about what colour frames you wear today then DILEM may have a solution. Choose from a huge array of interchangable colour and designed temple arms to suit your mood. (posted 16th Jan,2012)
New Year, New Health benefits
The New Year signals the start of the new health benefits period for most health funds. So, if you have been waiting till your health fund cycle rolls around to get new spectacles, prescription sunglasses or a supply of contact lenses, your time has come. (posted 9 January, 2012)
Happy New Year
So we start another year - 2012 - with all its challenges, high points and low, delights and surprises still ahead! To all our past patients, and our future "new" patients, we at EyecarePlus-Wynyard are here to help and advise you on your vision and eyecare needs and look forward to being of service to you in this New Year 2012. (posted 3 Januray, 2012)
EyecarePlus Wynyard - Christmas Trading Hours
Please note: EyecarePlus Wynyard will be closed between Christmas and New Year and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd of January 2012. For our existing patients, in an emergency, please ring Chris Burgess Optometrist on 0410363394 or attend the emergency department of Sydney Eye Hospital in Macquarie Street Sydney (ph: 9382 7111).
We take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for your loyalty and support and wish you and your families a safe and happy festive season . We look forward to being of service to you in 2012. (posted 12 Dec, 2011)
Health funds Sydney
The end of year is rapidly approaching, with only four weeks remaining to make claims on health fund benefits. We take this opportunity to remind you that if you haven't already claimed your health fund optical rebate this year and you wish to then you need to act fast; you could be about to lose a benefit you have already paid for. (posted 28 November, 2011)
Eyecare and Christmas in Sydney 
The Festive Season will soon be upon us and while this is a "Fun" season to some it is the "Silly" season for others! Too much Christmas cheer of the liquid variety can loosen lips leading to dust-ups, cause falls and other mishaps that sadly can involve eye trauma. While our eyes are well protected by the boney orbit surrounding them, they are easily damaged by punches, gouging or "glassing". Regretfully, world wide, many an eye has lost vision oweing to some mindless act brought on by alcohol. So if things around you get heated...moove away....loss of pride is cheaper than loss of sight! ( posted 21 November, 2011)
Round glasses 
John Lennon, Gandhi or Harry Potter are some iconic names that spring up in your head when it comes to that certain look of round eyewear. EyecarePlus Wynyard carry almost 2 dozen of this shape that many other optical outlets don't tend to bother with, so if your searching for that groovy look then swing by and see what we have to offer.(posted 14 November, 2011)
Internet spectacle accuracy?
A sign of the times in retailing is we are more frequently being asked by new clients to adjust spectacles and sunglasses bought on the internet because they are unhappy with the fit - or the frame selection - and these people have nowhere else to seek remedy short of returning the product. This often takes considerable time and risk and we are now charging for this service or advising that it is not possible to rectify short of a partial remake. Talking to colleagues in the Optical industry, as well as other forms of retailing competing with online sales, this is becoming the prevailing retailer's attitude. As a rule the adopters of internet optical transactions are first time spectacle wearers rather than people with a history of seeking eyecare by traditional avenues. When faced with the need of spectacles, for the first time, the internet is one new option available to the novice purchaser these days. But is it a viable and reliable option? Research conducted recently by Pacific University in the US showed that nearly half of prescription spectacles delivered by online vendors did not meet prescription or safety standards. Dr Karl Citek, the author of the study, noted that "people who purchase eyewear without the assistance of a trained professional may not receive a product of equal performance, value or safety. They also do not receive the benefit of ensuring an accurate prescription and a proper fit". If you would prefer to select a pair of spectacles from an online site rather than experience trying on the actual product and being advised if the fit is suitable - that is your choice. But if you do descide on this approach be sure you have money back guarantees (from those companies concerned in case the product supplied is not performing) because traditional optical (and other) retailers are increasingly taking the view that they are here to service those products purchased through their establisments and to those that buy elsewhere - let the buyer beware. (posted 7 November, 2011 Pacific University report see: http:www.ncbi.nim.gov/pubmed/21871395)
Prescription Eyewear and Uv protection
Despite 60 per cent of Australian adults being concerned about ultraviolet (UV) damage to their eyes, nearly half fail to always wear sunglasses or UV protective lenses on sunny days. Australians are encouraged to do 'whatever it takes' to protect their eyes from UV damage using protection as advised by their optometrist. Exposure to UV radiation adds up in the longer term. Accumulated UV exposure to your eyes can lead to- cataracts macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness); cancer pterygium (a fleshy growth on the cornea). Even short bursts of unprotected UV exposure can lead to pain, irritation and sensitivity to light. To prevent UV damage to your eyes: Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm; Make UV protection, including sunglasses or Transitions® lenses, part of your everyday routine; Ensure your eye protection meets Australian Standards; Wear a hat. This can reduce the amount of UV reaching your eyes by 40 per cent; Choose sunglasses with side protection and a bridge setting as close to your eyes as possible without touching your eyelashes; For sport, consider more durable, glare-reduction sunglasses or UV protective contact lenses. Transitions® lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions provide convenient UV and glare protection for prescription lens wearers. If you have an existing lens prescription, check that your sunglasses prescription is also current. (posted 31st October 2011)
Optical benefits
Did you know that most health benefits expire at the end of each calender year? If you haven't already claimed your health fund optical rebate this year, you could be about to lose a benefit you have already paid for. Have you considered a spare pair for the computer, bedside table or for your favourite hobby?
(posted 24th Oct 2011)
Prescription sunglasses
With the arrival of Spring, EyecarePlus Wynyard have just received this seasons collection of sunglasses. Keeping in with the retro styles of current eyewear design, this seasons sunglass range carry through with similar " bygone designs". All our sunglasses are prescription friendly, from sports to casual wear, as that's what we do best! Get ready for this Summer and view our extensive range. (posted 10th sept 11')
TAG Heuer eyewear Sydney
Eyecare Plus Wynyard are very excited to announce the arrival of the new TAG Heuer eyewear collection in store now. Launched in 2002, TAG Heuer synonomous with motor racing and luxury time pieces have expanded there technology know how to include Avant-Garde eyewear and sunglasses. Made from Titanium, Carbon fibre, elastomer-coated temples and finished with a ceramic coating on the metals allowing for long lasting resistance against scratching just like there time pieces. If your looking for something of a sporty modern look, then come in and try our latest addition to our extraordinary eyewear in the Sydney CBD. (posted 4th Oct)
Serious internet sight danger
Chris Burgess Optometrist at EyecarePlus Wynyard warns that the public needs to be aware of the dangers of buying complicated medical products like contact lenses from the internet. A study* conducted by Australian optometrists in 2008 found that people purchasing contact lenses over the internet had nearly five times the risk of developing serious eye infections. These infections could seriously damage sight. People who wear contact lenses should buy from authorised optometrists or suppliers so that the quality of contact lenses is assured. Wearers should maintain the highest standards of hygiene and visit their optometrist regularly for checkups.
We all like to get a bargain but sometimes you need to ask "is price always the most important factor?". Showing your support by purchasing lenses through your optometrist continues a relationship between you and your optometrist that assures they are available to support and assist you should you have problems with your contact lens wear. Worth thinking about! (posted 26 September, 2011)
*The incidence of contact lens related microbial keratitis in Australia. Stapleton F et al. Opthalmology. 2008 Oct; 115(10):1655-62. Epub 2008 Jun 5
Customer satisfaction
EyecarePlus is a collection of independent optometrists working co-operatively to improve the standard of eyecare they offer to their patients. Indeed, at EyecarePlus-Wynyard we pride ourselves in the services and products we offer you and expect, if you were not happy with your experience with us, you would let us know. To this end we sample the satisfaction of a random selection of our clients every 6 months using an Eyecare Service Satisfaction Survey. We have just received our latest report and I am
pleased to say we performed very, very well with over 95% satisfaction rating on each question.
If you have not had one of these surveys arrive in the post to you, they simply contain ten broad questions that allow you to anonymously rate your time spent in our practice. Your reply to the survey goes back to our EyecarePlus head office where your response, together with others, allows a profile to be made of goods and services supplied from our practice and a report to be compiled. The report is sent back to us here at EyecarePlus-Wynyard and assists us to constantly improve our services to you. We thank all of you who have responded in past surveys, your time given ultimately helps us - help you. (posted 19 September, 2011)
Spectacle frames and GST
Under the existing Commonwealth Government Goods and Services tax system (GST) spectacle frames and sunglasses attract 10% GST while prescription lenses do not. You can be exempted this GST payment for spectacle frames or sunglasses if you are from or travelling overseas. This is done through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). This scheme allows Australians and overseas visitors to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia.
To claim a refund travellers must:
- Spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice
- Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure
- Wear or carry the goods on board the ship or aircraft and present them along with the original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility
- Claims at airports are available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight
- Claims at seaports should be made no earlier than 4 hours and no later than 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time of the vessel.
Ask instore at EyecarePlus - Wynyard for more details. (posted 12 September, 2011)
It seems - We are what we eat
Well I think I have seen it all if a recent report in Insight magazine is true. Referring to a report publised in Clinical Optometry, Insight reports and I quote:
" Energy drinks produce a significant reduction in intraocular pressure but have no effect on blood pressure, according to research at the Department of optometry, University of Cape Coast, Ghana."
In a controlled group study involving 30 healthy university students it was found that consuming a 250ml of energy drink had the effect of lowering inta ocular pressure in the study group over the control group. Too high an intraocular pressure causes structural change to the optic nerve of the eye - a condition termed Glaucoma. Whether energy drinks become a future treatment for glaucoma remains to be seen! (posted 5th September, 2011)
Eye changes in diabetes
Eye tests are an important part in the management of individuals who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and should be performed, at least, on an annual basis.
The picture to the right shows the retina of a person with diabetes seen by our optometrist. The photo details the internal structure of the back half of the eye. The whitish circular area is the optic nerve and from it can be seen the retinal arteries and veins emanating. In this particular photo the retina is displaying a patch of blood from a retinal bleed and white spots residual from previous bleeds - called diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes can affect the blood vessel walls and make them leak, and because we can see naked blood vessels in the eye, leaking retinal vessels can be used as a guide to the condition of blood vessels elsewhere in the body, in particular the brain. By monitoring the retinas of known diabetics for the signs of retinal bleeds the eyetest provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of therapies, diet/exercise or otherwise, undertaken by the individual. Our optometrist, Chris Burgess, is actively involved in the monitoring of persons with diabetes and reports his retinal observations back to the individuals GP or Endocrinologist which helps them to implement the most effective treatment options. (posted 29 August, 2011)
Eye tests and Medicare
Judging by phone inquiries we get about eyetests in Sydney CBD there seems to be some confusion with what Medicare covers. At EyecarePlus Wynyard your eye test is fully covered by Medicare if we have seen you as a patient previously or you have not been seen by another optometrist for any reason in the last two years - otherwise a co-payment applies.
The fact is our Federal government (through its agency Medicare) encourages us to be proactive about eye health and have one eyetest every two years - for which Medicare pays a rebate. You can have additional eyetests in that period but, unless these are for new signs and symptoms and orderred by your current Optometrist, they attract a much lesser rebate. In particular, if you go from one optometrist to another it is difficult for Medicare to prevent over and unnecessary servicing and Medicare consequently discourages this practice by paying a lesser rebate.
In short, to ensure your eyetests are covered by Medicare, the Federal government by its level of consultation rebate, encourages you to to use the same Optometrical practice each time for your eyecare. If this becomes inconvenient because you have moved or you require a second opinion on your eye complaints then ask your Optometrist for a referal to another practitioner. (posted 22 August, 2011)
Glaucoma
National Glaucoma week starts today and is a reminder of the importance of regular visits for eye tests.
Although everyone is potentially in danger of developing Glaucoma, those aged over 40 years or have a family history or suffer from Diabetes or high blood pressure are more at risk.
Chris Burgess, Optometrist at EyecarePlus Wynyard warns " That it is possible to have Glaucoma and not be aware something is wrong untill vision loss occurs. Regular eye examinations are vital to detect Glaucoma in its early stages and start treatment". (posted 15th August, 2011)
Eye banking
Many vision difficulties can be easily alleviated with quality, well fitting spectacles and contact lenses. Some conditions however require surgical intervention to correct visual ailments resulting from accident trauma, birth defects and genetically determined malformations. In these later cases the training of our doctors and organ/tissue donations are an important issue and indeed the aquiring of tissue for repairs is a very critical issue.
According to the website www.donatelife.gov.au: while Australia has a reputation for successful transplant outcomes Australians are among the most reluctant peoples to donate! Yet donating seems easy; as easy as having a discussion and letting our families know our personal wishes about donating. It's an important discussion when you consider that in 2008, 1096 people donated their corneas which allowed 1696 pople to have their sight restored. Worth thinking about. (posted 8th August, 2011)
Discount frames
At EyecarePlus Wynyard we price our frames and contact lenses at recommended retail price or below. We don't discount our product, but rather have a reasonable price given the quality of the specific frame or lenses. If you prefer a low cost product, then ask us about our high quality clearance models sold at $125-$139. These frames are older styles sold at over 70% below market price and are a fixed cost to you plus lenses, great for a 2nd pair. Come into our store and view these quality, low cost frames as we think you'll be pleasantly surprised. (posted 25th July, 2011)
MARTIN&MARTIN eyewear
This week we have the new designs from MARTIN&MARTIN eyewear from Germany.
If your looking for that "bold" look, come and view the amazing acetate colours that this range offers.
(posted 18th July 11)
Vision Loss Crisis
The 10 – 16 July is Diabetes Awareness Week. Type 2 diabetes continues to be the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia.
Many Australians do not realise the seriousness of developing Type 2 diabetes, and the ongoing health and lifestyle complications including blindness, before it is too late.
Chris Burgess at EyecarePlus Wynyard says that “Diabetic eye disease or retinopathy is a significant cause of vision loss and blindness in adult Australians. About one in six people with diabetes are affected by retinopathy.”
“Australia faces an epidemic of type 2 diabetes. One million people have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Australia. And it is estimated that for every person diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is another who has it but doesn’t know.”
Up to 80% of people with diabetes can develop problems with vision including blindness. Happily, research shows that at least 90% of these new cases could be reduced if there was proper treatment and regular checking of the eyes.
Chris Burgess says diabetic retinopathy often has no early warning signs. Avoiding smoking and high blood pressure are also important to prevent further loss of vision. But there is good news. Even people with advanced retinopathy have a 90% chance of keeping their vision when they get treatment before the retina is severely damaged. (Posted 10th July 2011)
Macula Degeneration
A recent report in Insight optical magazine provides further hope for sufferers of forms of macular degeneration. It was reported:
Bayer AG’s HealthCare unit on 7 June submitted its ‘VEGF TrapEye’ drug for marketing authorization in the European Union for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, which, if approved, will add to the two AMD drugs already on the market here – ‘Lucentis’ and ‘Avastin’.
Bayer and its partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals are collaborating on the global development of the drug for ‘wet’ AMD, central vein occlusion, diabetic macular oedema and myopic choroidal neovascularization.
The drug is claimed to require less-frequent injections once treatment is established – once every two months versus every month, following three loading doses. (posted 4 July, 2011)
School holiday driving - eyes need servicing too!
With school holidays coming up - here are a few eye tips to stay safe on the roads.
Firstly, avoid eye strain - using eyes intently for hours without rest causes eyestrain and increased sensitivity to glare. Concentrated vision reduces eye movements and increases fatigue, so try moving your head around slowly from time to time while looking straight ahead. This will allow you to change your eye posture without taking your eyes off the road. Secondly, set realistic travel goals and avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping or resting. Naturally, before driving long distances, make sure you are well rested. Allow plenty of time for rest stops to give your eyes a break. Additionally, wear sunglasses to reduce glare and squinting while driving and to help protect your eyes from sun damage. Finally, if you are experiencing difficulty with your vision or have not had them checked in the last couple of years, perhaps it would be wise to see us for an eye test at EyecarePlus Wynyard in Sydney CBD before you set off on your travels. (posted 28 June 2011)
Stock sale continues
Our stock take SALE continues this week and through to June 30. We still have a range of frames and sunglasses available at our run out price of $125. These are good quality, fashionable frames suitable for many purposes but only available while stocks last. Get in quick. (posted 20 June 2011)
Frame stock liquidation
Stocktake time is coming up and we have decided to clear some frame lines in both optical and sunglass, to make way for new stock. The frames are all first quality, bits and pieces of ranges, but colours and styles are limited. All frames are the one price of $125 and represent excellent value but are only floor stock and until sold. If you are in the market for a quality frame or non prescription sunglass then get in quick before June 30 to grab a bargain. (posted 6 June 2011)
Health Fund glasses Sydney
We are now into June and it is an important month if you belong to health funds which have membership that runs Fiscal year, i.e. from July 1 till June 30. If you were considering purchasing new spectacles or contact lenses, and belong to such a fund, and have not made a claim for optical aids this year you do need to get in this month and place your order.
We remind you that at EyecarePlus - Wynyard, apart from an extensive range of eyewear to cater for all tastes and budgets, we also have a large selection of quality frames and single vision lenses that are covered by the rebate of most funds. Call in and see us or ring 9251-1802 for further details. (posted 30 May 2011)
Nike sports prescription 
This week we announce the arrival instore of the new Nike sports optical range.
These well priced frames come in assorted sporty colours and shapes. Ideal for those with a prescription that is over the advised power range for wrap sunglasses and yet giving that desired contoured appearance for sports frames. (posted 23rd May 11')
Retro eyewear
So you'd like to be just as cool as Austin Powers? Well wait no longer; come view the latest and most extensive range of Retro eyewear in the CBD at EyecarePlus Wynyard. Frame styles have taken a full swing back to the 60's with bold black / tortoise shell with a twist of additional colour, on the inside of some frames, if you wish to lose some of the boldness.
Some of our collections include TOM FORD - Martin+Martin - Christian Dior - Anne et Valentin (posted 17 May 2011)
Rudy Project price reduction
News just in. Rudy Project sunglasses from Italy have just had a price drop across the entire range of non prescription sunglasses due to the strong Australian dollar and price competition by web based retail outlets. Come into our store to view the latest range and deals we have on offer each month. Currently, we are offering 3 extra pair of lenses for different light conditions for popular models. (posted 11th May, 2011)
Dilem
Today consumers are looking for products that reflect their personality, with which they can interact to co-create their look. Dilem frames fully answer consumers wishes: they can be personalized to suit their whims, taste or even various situations....
Dilem is a revolut
