This year it will be three years that we’ve had this blog up and running and we’ve had over 50,000 page views. And to celebrate those three years, we are giving away 3 Coach frames! You could win FREE Coach sunglasses or Coach frames!
There are three ways you can enter, and no purchase is necessary. There will be one winner from each category.
1) Write a comment here on this post and tell us what you think of this blog. All comments welcome!
3) Text the word “BrightEyes” to 74700. This will sign you up to receive occasional special announcements and deals from Bright Eyes and enter you to win the Coach eyewear.
On February 28, 2010, we will announce the winners on this blog. There will be one winner from each of the categories above and you can enter by any and all of the methods as many times as you want.
But take note. We are not going to pick the winners at random. From each group above, we will pick a winner that is compelling. The funnier or more interesting, the better. The more attention you draw to yourself (and Bright Eyes), themore likely you are to win. You could win by entering many times or one exquisitely-crafted entry. Read the rest of this entry »
When asked by the doctor to write a blog post about passing the Paraoptometric examination and becoming certified, I procrastinated thinking he would forget about it. That obviously didn’t work. So here it is, short and sweet.
I’ll start off by saying that I can officially add more letters to my already ridiculously long last name. I’m giving Dr. Bonilla-Warford, OD a run for his money. I am now a certified paraoptometric, meaning that I have demonstrated the proficiency and knowledge in basic science, clinical principals and procedures, ophthalmic optics and dispensing, and professional issues.
I take pride in this not only for my own personal academic satisfaction, but also because it is an indicator of the amount of knowledge and skill that the doctor and staff at Bright Eyes possess. I’ll explain. I did not take optometric classes or other courses in preparation for this exam. To be honest, the preparatory workbook provided was not necessary. It all came from hands-on, on-the-job training. Dr. Bonilla-Warford creates an environment conducive for learning for both staff and patients. I usually wouldn’t admit this outright because I’m not really a big fan of blogging, but I read every blog post he puts up on the Bright Eyes website. A lot of it is actually interesting! All of it contains information that is pertinent and knowledgeable.
I’m also constantly learning new things from my coworkers. Whether it’s ways to properly document in our electronic charting system, or tips on how to repair a frame that has obviously been chewed on by some creature then driven over by a WWII Sherman tank, something new comes up everyday.
So in a nutshell, although I am very proud of my new certification, I am more thankful for the skills and knowledge I’ve picked up while working here at Bright Eyes!
Just a brief note. If you live in the Tampa Bay area are interested in social media, check out Social Fresh. On January February 8th, there will be day packet with interactive discussion and lectures on social media.
As my friend @missdestructo says, “This will probably be the biggest social media event in Tampa Bay this year.”
If you want to go, there are still some tickets left. You can get them here.
While certainly most young children do not need to use contact lenses, a few do. When I tell people this, they usually think it is impossible to put contacts in their kid’s eyes. Well, this video shows how easy it can be!
We at Bright Eyes want to be the best we can possibly be. Not only because a job well done feels good, but because the happier you are, the more likely you are to tell you friends, and the better it is for us.
So we need a favor. Nothing big. Really. We don’t want to borrow your SUV or have you baby-sit. It doesn’t involve money. We just need one minute ( 60 seconds) of your time to tell us what we are doing great and in what ways we are kind of slacking.
So go ahead. Click on this link: —–> 1-Minute Survey. Tell us what you really think. Don’t hold back. We want to hear the good, the bad, and the strange. No, there won’t be an opportunity to win a $10 gift card or a free taco. But you can feel good knowing that you’ve helped a small, local, independent business improve and grow so that next time, your time with us will be even better.
At the recent Hillsborough Society of Optometry meeting held at Ocean Prime at International Plaza, Dr. B. was presented with token of appreciation for his service to the local optometric community. He was given a very handsome plaque to hang on the wall at Bright Eyes and received a round of applause. The current officers, Drs. Luckey, Hair, and Fazio, commented on Dr. B’s passion and dedication as society president in ensuring the monthly continuing education meetings went well and for chairing the Fall Classic Committee, which was a huge success.
Dr. B. is pleased with his term as local society president, and is now turning his attention to children’s vision issues on the state and national level.
The last new book that really got me excited was Susan Barry’s, “Fixing My Gaze.” It is a unique book about the how and why vision therapy works. I was even fortunate enough to interview Dr. Barry about her book.
Well, now there is another book out that I am equally excited about. It is called, “See It. Say It. Do It!” and is written by my friend and colleague, Dr. Lynn F. Hellerstein. I know that the subject, developing visualization ability to improve overall performance and quality of life, was a long-time interest of Dr. Hellerstein, and I was interested to see how this would be treated in a book format.
Like “Fixing My Gaze,” this new book is very easy to read and is accessible to anyone with interest. I have given away several copies to patients and friends, and they have agreed that this is useful to anyone who wants to improve their life and abilities. You can read what Edna, our Vision Therapist, had to say about it here.
So, I am thankful that Dr. Hellerstein took some time from her very busy schedule to answer some questions about, ” See It. Say It. Do It!” Read the rest of this entry »
Bright Eyes News is BACK on Technorati! A long time ago it, was listed, then it was dropped. Now there are so many blogs that the confirmation/evaluation period takes weeks to complete. Now we are back as one of the few eye doctors with blog, we have an authority of 116!
Are your eyes tired after working on the computer for several hours? Do you get an “afternoon headache” during the week? Do you feel that your vision is blurrier when you drive home from work? Computer use can take its toll on your eyes and vision. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) affects millions of people around the country, but there are some simple solutions. Read the rest of this entry »
Nathan Bonilla-Warford, better known as “Dr. Nate” among patients, friends … and Twitterbuddies (but more on that in just a bit) opened his business, Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, in 2006 in Westchase. The family-friendly neighborhood in Tampa is ideal for Bright Eyes, which focuses on family vision care, with a big emphasis on eye care for children and even infants.
Now, about the Twitter stuff, business people especially should listen up. Dr. Nate is a great role model for business owners on how to effectively use social media to market their business. On Facebook and Twitter, Dr. Nate has established himself as THE vision care expert among the Tampa Bay social media world. More than 1,000 people follow him on Twitter@BrightEyesTampa; on Facebook, Bright Eyes Tampa has almost 150 fans. Dr. Nate has even been known to help quite a few neighboring businesses get on board in the social media world. “Get involved with social media as early as possible,” Dr. Nate tells other entrepreneurs. “We have really made connections and strengthened Bright Eyes via the Bright Eyes News blog, Facebook, and Twitter.”
The piece then goes on to interview me about the good and bad of small business owner, advice for other entrepreneurs and my opinions on the recession. Check out the whole thing here.
Thanks to Localshops1.com for making this possible! And remember, you can pick up a 1Card at Bright Eyes and use your 1 card for a Bright Eyes discount! You can see our Ls1 listing here.
This is a blog for Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, an Optometric practice in Tampa, FL that is owned by Nathan Bonilla-Warford, O.D., F.A.A.O. Most of my patients know that I like to share information. This will be an additional way for me to share news about events and changes at Bright Eyes and discuss new developments about vision care. I like feedback, so feel free to leave comments!
View Comments | 
Bright Eyes Events, Sunglasses, glasses | 
Permalink
Posted by Dr. Nate
