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We’ve been hinting at it for months and it is finally here! The brand-new Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, or as I like to call it, Bright Eyes 2.0! Some of you may have stopped in the new space already. If so, you have seen some of the new things we have to show off, as I mentioned in this previous post. But for one special night we are pulling out all the stops for our biggest event ever.

Here are some of the highlights that we have lined up:

• Win FREE Glasses!
• Gucci and Kate Spade frame show with 25% OFF
• Sale on everything 10% to 50% OFF
• Special Maui Jim sale!
• LASIK screening with TLC Laser Center
• Challenge your visual skills with games and challenges
• Live music!
• Delicious foodstuffs and beverages!

Join us! – RSVP on Facebook or call at 813-792-0637.

We live in Florida and protection from the sun is essential. That is why I recommend quality UV-blocking sunglasses for every patient, young and old. Longtime patients at Bright Eyes will remember that we once carried Maui Jim sunglasses. Patients loved the superior clarity the lenses provided and the stylish, durable frames. In response to patient demand, we are pleased to announce that we now have them in stock again! We are very happy about this and we think you will be, too!

In fact, we are SO EXCITED about the new Maui Jim line that we are going to be offering two special sales:

• The first 5 patients to buy Maui Jim sunglasses (starting now) will receive their choice of additional Maui Jims FOR FREE. Yes, a true Buy One Get One Free Sale. The second pair can be for a friend or family member – or keep them for yourself! If you use contacts, this is a great time to get one prescription pair and one without prescription. Any second pair – equal or lesser value. But only the first 5 people. If they go in the first hour, then that is it for the BOGO, so come in quick! (Unfortunately, the deal will not apply to some vision plans.)
• For EVERY patient that buys a pair of Maui Jims between now, up to, and during our Grand Opening event on Wednesday, March 7th, save 30%! So even if you aren’t one of the first 5, you can still get a deal. (And this does include vision insurance plans.)

So come in! Check out the new office! And save on Maui Jims while you can!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Wow, with all the stress and confusion from moving our office to a BIGGER and BETTER location (here’s the skinny, more on that later!) the Bright Eyes staff and I sure would like to blow off some steam! And there is almost nothing better for a good night out than some laughter at live comedy. It has been one of my favorite night time outings for years – especially when we lived in Chicago.

But you don’t have to Chicago, NYC, or LA to see some wicked funny comedy. Thanks to our friends at Improv, you can get your laugh on right in Tampa, and in honor of National Eye Health Care Month (see related post), they’ve graciously given us FREE tickets to hand out! Free funny? What could be better?

January is officially Glaucoma Awareness Month. Educating ourselves on what glaucoma is and how it affects vision is the first step in preventing vision loss or blindness. This is because glaucoma does its damage in a slow and gradual manor often without showing signs or symptoms until permanent damage has already occurred. That is why routine vision exams are critical in catching this “silent sight killer.”

What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve at the back of the eye. This is the part of the eye that transmits image signals to the brain. The most common form is called primary open angle glaucoma, in which the pressure in the eye increases and the fluids inside the eye do not drain properly. All other forms arise from this increase in pressure.

There is no cure for glaucoma but early detection and proper medication can slow or prevent vision loss. Because there are virtually no symptoms in its most common form, an annual eye exam is needed to detect the warning signs early on.

Happy Friday everyone! Just a quick note to share that my friend Dr. Carrie Oleston of Oleston Chiropractic is holding a Chiropractic and Acupuncture Opportunity Week at her office! From Monday, January 16th through Friday, January 20th. Tuesday, January 17th.

See her flier above for more details. You can also visit Dr. Oleston online at http://www.olestonchiropractic.com.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

That is right, we are celebrating the holidays by giving away 12 bottles of Intensity Academy hot sauce!  Entering to win is easy! Just answer the question on this blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube! We’ll pick the winner each day and post the winning answer.

The question of the Day is:

1. Congrats to Steven!
2. Congrats to Lauren!
3. Congrats to Char-Lynn!
4. Congrats to Colin!
5. Congrats to Caroline!
6. Congrats to Lisa!
7. Congrats to Allie!
8. Congrats to Char-Lynn! (again)
9. Congrats to Tom!
10. Congrats to Lisa!
11. Congrats to John!
12. Congrats to Kim!

I can’t wait to see some of the great answers! And, yes, you CAN win more than once, so you can answer more than one question.

We just wanted to spread the word about a recall issued recently by Cooper Vision. The affected lenses appear to be limited to the Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere models. We do not fit these specific lenses frequently at our office but your eye doctor may. So if you wear contact lenses and are unsure of the brand you wear, please check your boxes or call your eye doctor to verify. Cooper’s recall page also has Lot Number verification function to see if your lenses are affected.

And as a reminder, remember to take proper care of your contacts by cleaning them daily, discarding them according to the wearing schedule your doctor prescribed, and replacing your lens case every couple of months. Your eyes will thank you!

All the best,

Justin Schoonover

Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Holy moly! Lots of news coverage today about Bright Eyes Family Vision Care and emPower, the new electronic eyewear.

Check it out:

• This morning  TBO.com featured a story about one of our patients who wears emPower, that includes a quote from me.
• WUSF called and wanted an interview about emPower for today’s 5:30 pm news show, Florida Focus.
• Then I find out that WFLA (channel 8 ) is also airing their story on emPower and Bright Eyes today during the 5:30 news.

So tune in and check it out. We have no idea what the segments will be like, but we’ve got our fingers crossed that they’ll be good!

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Also, If you still have vision benefits with your employer’s vision plan such as:

• Vision Service Plan- (VSP)
• CompBenefits- (VCP, HumanaVision)
• Eyemed
• SuperiorVision
• others

Your vision benefits for 2011 may go unused if you do not act now. Your vision insurance offers you quality healthcare at deep discounts.  We remind our patients each year so they may take advantage of the benefits before the end of the year. Your insurance entitles you to a comprehensive eye examination and either a pair of quality eyeglasses or a generous allowance towards contact lenses.  Co-pays do apply as well as upgrade options.

If you have questions, contact your employer’s HR department. You can also contact us to determine the last time you used your benefits. We look forward to seeing you soon.