Archive for the ‘Bright Eyes News’ Category

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.

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.

For the holiday season I thought I’d share this timely eye and vision gift list, written by my friend and colleague, Dr. K.W. Scarbrough. She practices in Woodinville, WA. Feel free to substitute ”beach” for “ferry” and “the gulf” for “Puget Sound”.  :)  You can find more about her at www.eevisioncare.com.

Small things can make life more enjoyable. Here are ten things for happier living.

• Backup glasses Even a few hours without good vision are frustrating. For instance, try driving off the ferry without glasses because they fell into Puget Sound. Your dog chews them. A presentation goes badly because a painful eye prohibits contact lens wear. Having current and comfortable spare glasses is such a relief. However, in case of emergency keep them in the glovebox—your car is usually where you are.
• Children’s eye examination Ninety-three percent of all learning comes through a child’s vision. An annual eye examination ensures the child is learning easily and at grade level. Once a child lags behind it is very hard to catch up. The examination also increases the child’s awareness of his body and comfort with the medical process.
• Contact lens case The number one point of contamination of contact lenses is the storage case. A clean case can save money, time, and pain from an eye infection. Rinse and allow to air dry.
• Prescription sunglasses Reading on the beach is so pleasant with polarized prescription lenses. Watch the children play, read a book, and protect your eyes all at once. Prescription suns are covered by most insurance plans.
• Silicone or Bohemian crystal nosepads Thicker frames are the height of fashion but they can weigh on sensitive skin. Silicone nosepads cushion frames and help them stay in place. Crystal nosepads are great for those allergic to plastic and silicone.
• Computer glasses Most of us spend hours each day on the computer, often resulting in eye, neck, and shoulder pain. Dedicated computer glasses with a wide viewing area relieve strain and increase productivity.
• Preservative-free liquids Multi-use eye drops and contact lens cleaners must contain preservatives to protect against bacterial contamination. Preservatives can sting and irritate chemically-sensitive eyes. Preservative-free liquids bring soothing relief. Contact lens wearers using preservative-free cleaners often attain longer wear times.
• One-use contact lenses There is no more convenient or safer contact lens than the one-use. Put them in, take them out, and toss them. Their liquid is chemical-free. Lenses are available in single, bifocal, and astigmatism styles.
• Reading lamp While reading in dim lighting is not bad for your eyes it does require a lot more effort. A good reading lamp, set over the shoulder, will make reading easier.
• Belly laugh The best medicine, a belly laugh in the company of good friends is free and available 24 hours a day. One each day will make life much more enjoyable.

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

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.

For the announcement you’ve all been waiting for….

Bright Eyes is Moving! (but not far!)

In January 2012, Bright Eyes will be moving around the corner to a larger office space! As many of you know, we are a tiny office with just one exam room, which means it can be difficult to get an appointment sometimes. There is so much we want to do, but just didn’t have the space to do it. We love Westchase and didn’t want to go far!  So, we are staying in West Park Village – in the same “L-shaped” building – but moving to the Linebaugh Avenue side. The new address will be 9912 West Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33626.  We will be in between the Sylvan Learning Center and West Park Dental Associates, just around the corner from the Starbucks.  Here is the foursquare venue.

Our new office will have 2 exam rooms and a much larger Vision Therapy room. We will have a greater variety of eyeglasses and sunglasses (including some new frame lines!), and we will have more places to sit comfortably. Our goal has always been to provide quality eye care and excellent customer service, but wait time for appointments can get long, especially if we have any eye care emergencies. I think this change will help us serve more patients with less wait time!

It is not much to look at now….

But the new Bright Eyes office will be bigger, bigger, and more organized than ever before. Stay tuned for pictures of our progress, and look for our Grand Opening in 2012!!

- Cristina Bonilla-Warford, Office Manager

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

We want to thank and remember all of our nation’s veterans today. Thanks to my dad,
cousin, uncle, grandfathers, great uncles and others who have served
our country over the years. We appreciate your sacrifices and the
continued sacrifices of veterans all over the country.

Since it’s also a cool date – 11-11-11 – we have a special
announcement we’ll be making at 11:11 a.m. about Bright Eyes Family
Vision Care! (If you already know, don’t ruin the surprise!)

- Cristina Bonilla-Warford, Office Manager

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