Newsletter

I DON'T NEED ANOTHER EYE TEST! This is something I hear all the time. Even when the last examination was some years ago. I cannot, by law, make up a pair of specs from an out of date prescription. The eyes change slowly over time so even if you think you can see as well as previously, there may well be an improvement that can be made. More importantly everyone should have regular checks to ensure that there is no unsuspected condition starting which may need treatment. That is why I send out reminders! Even if you do not feel any change, I always advise a check-up before making new spectacles. It often saves money in the long run as well as improving your vision.
PENSIONERS FREE It was welcome news that those over 60 now have the right of eye examinations paid for by the NHS. As I said above, regular checks are necessary for everyone, I would say that double for people of pension age. They should at least have an annual check, even if they feel everything is fine. I keep getting told, especially by older patients, how precious their eyesight is. If you know of an elderly person who is struggling with TV or reading, encourage them to have a check-up. Failing sight is not a necessary part of getting older.(TOP)
FASHION IN SPECS The modern look in spectacle frames is small, rectangular and with a fairly broad side. Patterned sides are also popular. The lighter look with rimless or supra styles continues to be favoured by many. There are hundreds of different variations on the theme, from budget to designer. We have a wide selection which should please most people. The smaller frames are generally good news for wearers since their lenses are much thinner and the spectacles will be lighter and more comfortable. No-one likes having specs on their noses and most patients seem to appreciate smaller frames.(TOP)	Click on picture for more frames
COATINGS Whatever your prescription the cosmetic appearance of your spectacles can be enhanced, and your eyes protected, by incorporating one of the modern lens coatings available. The range seems to be getting larger every day. We now have Anti reflection, multi Anti Reflection, Scratch resistant, U-V absorbing, Anti soiling, and Water repellent coatings. They all have their uses and work very well, but it can get confusing. Most top quality lenses now come with one or more of these coatings as standard, but they can be used on most lens types.(TOP)	LENSES There is now a lot that can be done to improve the appearance and comfort of your spectacles by making lenses thinner and lighter. Using special computer generated surfaces, lenses can be made with a much flatter appearance, a big reduction in weight and improved peripheral image clarity. By also using the new high refractive index resin materials lenses can be made up to 50% thinner and lighter than older types.(TOP)
CONTACT LENSES You may have seen some advertising on TV about the "1 Day Acuvue" contact lens. I have been fitting them very successfully for some years. They have been particularly useful for people who want to wear lenses for the occasional evening or day out. Without the fuss and bother of storage, the "1Day" lens is very attractive. For about Ł1.00 per day they are very popular. There is still an offer on a trial of both Acuvue lenses. Come and make enquiries You may be surprised at how affordable they are.(TOP)	TORIC CONTACT LENSES In the past soft contact lenses for patients with astigmatism have been very difficult and expensive to fit. Things have changed. We now have a number of off-the-shelf, easy to fit, affordable, frequent replacement toric soft contact lenses. They do not yet have as wide a range as the older types, but with free trial-lens offers available, I can quickly find out if they are suitable for you. Call for more details.(TOP)
James Cook University Hospital Our local ophthalmic department. has been selected as one of only 2 "Cataract Exemplar Sites" around the country. They will be a site of excellence to show other departments how best to deal with the large number of cataract patients being treated. Cataracts come to everyone eventually and can now be dealt with within 4 hours as a day patient. Modern techniques mean that only a local anaesthetic is needed and there is usually no need for stitches. The success rate is very high indeed and most patients I see have what can only be described as remarkable vision, even when compared to that achieved only 5 years ago. This has also led to more patients being treated earlier with obvious improvements in quality of life.(TOP)