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At Bright Eyes, many of our patients spend a lot of time at the computer. We try to educate these patients about Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) so that they can be as productive as possible.

As a recent guest writer for the tech website Mashable, Dr. Nate discussed in the article here, tips on how to protect your eyes in an increasingly digital world. An important example is the 20-20-20 rule, which advises that every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.

The response received is a further testament to the number of people who are affected by the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. The article has garnered over  2,000 “likes” through Facebook and over 2,300 tweets in Twitterville. With more and more information becoming available in tiny font at our fingertips, it is important that we are aware of the risks from both computers and handheld devices, and take the proper steps to protect our eyes.

If you find your eyes feeling tired or fatigued, your vision blurry or double or get headaches when working on the computer, be sure to have a thorough eye exam by your optometrist. If you would like a recommendation for an eye doctor in your area, feel free to ask us.

Justin Schoonover, CPO

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

If you’re like me or countless others who work at a computer for many hours a day, you’d be interested to learn that there is a term for the eye fatigue and strain you get after a long days work. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) was highlighted in this article today in The Wall Street Journal. The reason for this problem is because most of us who wear corrective lenses, and even those who don’t need glasses at all,  are not being corrected for the proper focal length at which our computer monitors are sitting. Our eyes stay in this focused state for long periods at a time, usually without breaks to help our eyes relax.

There are options listed in the article to treat the symptoms of CVS, including a dedicated pair of computer glasses made to focus at your monitor, multifocal contacts, and even corrective surgery. Some are obviously more conservative than others, but one thing that most doctors will agree upon is that short, frequent breaks are always recommended for anyone who works extensively at a computer. Dr. Nate was even quoted!

The Wall Street Journal: How Technology Tries Our Eyesight

All The Best!

Justin Schoonover, CPO

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

At Bright Eyes, we try to stay current in the opportunities given to our patients. As contact lens companies go, it’s usually in the form of rebates and annual supply savings. Recently however, one company has gone above and beyond the product savings to offer an opportunity in an activity many of us and our kids participate in but usually don’t associate with wearing contacts: athletics. Contact lenses are a necessary piece of “equipment” in many athletes’ gear bags. Because glasses are cumbersome and can even be dangerous in certain sports, contacts are a comfortable and healthy alternative that give athletes a crisp and complete field of vision.

CooperVision, a company that manufactures, among others, the Proclear, Biofinity, Biomedics, and Frequency line of contacts, is holding a contest in which it will award ten prizes of $2,500 to athletic teams, athletes, or even community sporting organizations. They want to make sure teams and individuals have the proper “gear” to help them compete. Plus any member of the team who currently wears contacts or glasses will also have the chance to be fitted with CooperVision contact lenses for an entire year.

To enter you must complete the online form and create a short video or series of photos introducing your team and why you think you should win. What could you use the grant for? Whatever you think your team needs to succeed: new jerseys or uniforms, new equipment, transportation funds to your next away game.  You must hurry though, because the deadline to submit is June 25th.

Visit the link below for additional information and to submit your video and application.

http://www.mycontactsports.com/

All the best,

Justin Schoonover

If you take a look at the June issue of World of Westchase, on page 22, you’ll find a feature story on Dr. Nate. The article discusses his involvement with social media, Foursquare Day, as well as Dr. Nate’s passion for children’s vision. The article refers to him as an optician. Although Dr. Nate is an optometrist, he is actually a certified optician, too. Click here to find out the difference.

If you do not have copy of WOW handy, you can also read the article online titled as  A Social Media Visionary (PDF, pg 4).

Thanks, WOW!

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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!

All the best,

Justin Schoonover, CPO
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
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Justin Schoonover, the Production Manager at Bright Eyes will be contributing some entries to Bright Eyes News. This post concerns our new Feature of the Month, Linea Roma.  I look forward to more of his writing. – Dr. B

Here at Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, we are excited to introduce a new addition of frames to our selection, Linea Roma!

Linea Roma was created in 1988 by a french eye-wear designer living in Florida.  Inspired by the multicultural styles of  Miami Beach, these frames shine with uniqueness. Each frame is manufactured exclusively in the Cadore region of Italy where over 200 models are produced each year, thus creating a large and constantly new selection of attractive frames.

Our new line consists of charming designs suitable for business and everyday wear.  They include elegant and sophisticated plastic, metal, and semi-rimless frames, some of which have leather temples, or sides.  Although the majority of our other frame selections are predominantly male or female, Linea Roma provides a great collection for both men and women.  In addition, we are proud to be one of only ten locations  in Florida to offer this line.

I personally am very excited about showing these frames to our customers!  We even sold a pair before we put them on display. I am confident that our customers will share the excitement!

All the best,

Justin Schoonver
Production Manager
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Westchase, Tampa, FL
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