» General Information

End of Year Benefits

Dr. Nate — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:40:44 +0000

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.

AOA School Readiness Summit: Focus on Vision

schoonover — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:06:35 +0000

The American Optometric Association recently held a School Readiness Summit: Focus on Vision in which doctors, nurses, educators and advocates for children’s health gathered to examine learning-related vision issues that are keeping children from achieving in the classroom. This summit was created to address the concerns that our current system is flawed and a policy shift is needed. The problem is that currently, the U.S. educational system and some health care providers rely heavily on vision screenings to discover the kids that need comprehensive exams. These screenings do catch some types of vision problems but they can miss about 75% of those children that have learning-related vision problems. Detecting these vision problems is very important as “studies show that much of what children learn comes though vision, and undetected and untreated eye and vision disorders in children, such as amblyopia and strabismus, can result in vision loss, additional costly treatments, delayed reading and poorer outcomes in school.”

The take-home statement that the summit produced is that comprehensive eye exams must serve as the foundation to determine school readiness in school-aged children. Another important point established at this meeting is the establishment of the link between healthy vision and classroom learning.

This historic summit is an important step in ensuring that children receive the proper detection and treatment of vision problems before they become detrimental to their learning. Here at Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, we are excited to see these changes being made, since it has been our goal from the beginning to not only catch vision problems at an early stage, evidenced by the InfantSEE program that we offer that provides free eye exams to infants between the age of 6 months and 1 year of age, but to also treat certain types of problems through our extensive one-on-one vision therapy program.

If you have any questions regarding the InfantSEE program, vision therapy program, or would like to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child before they start school, give our office a call or come in to schedule.

All the best,

Justin Schoonover, CPO

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

An Optometrist’s Review of the Nintendo 3DS

Dr. Nate — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:59:01 +0000

For months, I’ve been reading, writing, and speaking about the Nintendo 3DS, all without actually seeing or using it. I was finally able to change that yesterday. After helping put the kids to bed, I slipped off to Best Buy and purchased a shiny black 3DS. I brought it home and Cristina and I spent a few hours setting it up and using it. We’ve had a Nintendo DS at Bright Eyes for years that we use as a reward activity during vision therapy, so it was immediately very familiar.

3D Effects

One of the biggest selling points of the 3DS is that the user does not need to wear special glasses to see the 3D effects. This is called autostereoscopic 3D and is definitely where 3D technology is going. It works surprisingly well, considering the small screen. You do have hold the screen flat relative to your head. If you angle the screen, you will either see double or lose the 3D effect. The 3D does work from positions other than dead-center. This means that, while not ideal, it is possible for more than one person to see the 3D effect at one time.

I was particularly interested to see how well the “3D volume” slider worked. This allows users to adjust the amount of 3D shown to suit their tastes and the particular game. It works amazingly, seamlessly well. I was able to adjust the 3D anywhere from none, to just-noticeable, to full with just a flick of my thumb.

Augmented reality

One of the most intriguing aspects of the 3DS is its use of AR (augmented reality) as part of the game. This allows the viewer to play the game within the room or area that they are really in. (See picture to the right). Not only is this extremely fun, there are some potential visual benefits to this. If the game is getting further away, it is more likely that the user will hold the game further away and look further away, potentially reducing some strain on the eyes. (I should note that I don’t have any research on this, but it occurred to me while playing.)

3DS vs. DS

One of the biggest visual concerns with 2D game systems such as the original Nintendo DS is that children tend to hold the screens incredibly close – as close as 3 or 4 inches. A person of any age should not hold a book or game closer than their Harmon Distance (or the distance from the knuckle to the elbow). With the 3DS, the 3D effect is better when the game is held a foot or so away from the eyes, so this will naturally encourage users to stay within their Harmon distance.

Safety

Much has been made, appropriately, of the potential adverse effects of using 3D technology, due to the differences of 3DS and real-life 3D. Nintendo’s official warning of “vision damage” occurring for those six and under has gotten a lot of attention. While I haven’t seen any proof of this, I think it is reasonable because a person has to pretty visual sophisticated to use the 3DS. So I do recommend keeping it away from the young kids. They should be building with blocks and playing outside anyway,

For the older kids and adults (like Justin, on the left) who use the 3DS, eyestrain is possible. Already, I’ve talked to patients who have experienced headaches, nausea, and blurred vision from the 3DS. I’m happy to report that after an hour neither Cristina nor I experienced any of these symptoms. However, we routinely do activities during vision therapy that require visual skill and flexibility. For that reason we are much more accustomed to the visual demands required by the 3DS.

The #1 thing to remember: moderation. Take frequent breaks, even if you feel OK. Use the 20/20/20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Even Nintendo recommends that players take a 10 minute break every hour.

If you or your children do experience symptoms, or don’t see the 3D even with the 3D on “full” be sure to get a through eye exam to look for vision or eye coordination problems. And remember that eye exams are recommended at age six months, three years, and before kindergarten.

For more on potential health effects of the Nintendo 3DS, see my interview with PCWorld. See also the American Optometric Association’s press release on the subject

Overall

In summary, the Nintendo 3DS easy to use and fun. The 3D effects are effective and being glasses-free is very nice. The augmented reality really works well. When used in moderation for the appropriate ages, I do not see any harm. If you do have concerns, schedule an appointment at Bright Eyes either on our webpage or calling 813-792-0637.

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

Dr. Nate, A Social Media Visionary, Featured in June Issue of World of Westchase

schoonover — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:21:34 +0000

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!

Connect:

Vodka Eyeballing – DO NOT DO THIS!

Dr. Nate — Sun, 23 May 2010 01:55:26 +0000

We all know that sometimes smart people do dumb things. This can be especially true for college students who have a lot of time and new-found freedom.

I recently read about a trend in the US and England among college students: putting a corrosive solvent in their eye. Why? To get drunk? What is the solvent? Alcohol, specifically vodka. This is called Vodka Eyeballing and is more common than you might think.

image via Flickr

I can understand why college students want to find a way to get drunk even faster than doing shots. I can understand that exposing the tissues of your eye to vodka can allow this by absorbing the alcohol straight into your you bloodstream, bypassing the stomach.

But I also know the lethal effect that alcohol has on human cells and that the eye is among the most delicate and IMPORTANT parts of the body.

Do not put Vodka in your eye. It is just as stupid as it sounds.

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

Vision Therapy Online Resources

Dr. Nate — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:13:46 +0000

To help educate patients and parents about visual problems and treatments, we have been giving out online references for the last few years. Well, I was looking at it the other day while handing it to a patient and I was shocked at how out of date it was! I am happy to report that the amount of information on children’s vision and vision therapy has absolutely EXPLODED on line.

I hope that you find the references below useful in learning about vision and finding others with similar questions and experiences. And, of course, do not hesitate to Ask Dr. Nate. You may also want to share your experience online via one of the below, or email me at doc@brighteyestampa.com.

I am intentionally leaving in the full links so that if you want to print and share this information with a friend or a family member you can do so without having to Google or Bing any of them.

Also, understand that this is not a comprehensive list. I have not included every possible online resource – the list would be too long! If I have left any out that you think should belong, please let me know!

See well!

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

Websites

Bright Eyes Family Vision Care:

http://BrightEyesTampa.com
Website for the office of Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD, with information on staff, location, appointment making, and more.

College of Optometrists in Vision Development:
http://covd.org
Official website for COVD, the College of Optometrists in Vision Development which is a non-profitassociation of eye care professionals including optometrists, optometry students, and vision therapists.

The Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF)
http://oepf.org/
The Optometric Extension Program Foundation is an international organization dedicated to the advancement of the discipline of optometry through the gathering and dissemination of information on vision and the visual process.

Optometrists Network
http://optometrists.org/
Tremendous amount of information for professionals, parents, and teachers about many types of vision problems and treatments.

Vision Therapy Success Stories
http://www.visionstories.com/
100s of Vision Therapy Success Stories from real people struggling with many different types of visual problems.

Parents Active for Vision Education (P.A.V.E.)
http://pavevision.org/
P.A.V.E. is a national non-profit education, resource and support organization whose mission is to raise public awareness of the crucial relationship between vision and achievement.

Blogs

Bright Eyes News:
BrightEyesNews.com
Written By Bright Eyes Family Vision Care, with information on office events, children’s vision, vision therapy, orthokeratology, and vision news.

COVD Blog
http://covdblog.wordpress.com/
Official blog for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

Maino’s Memo’s:
http://mainosmemos.blogspot.com/
Written by Dominick Maino, OD and contains the latest research and information about eye and vision care of children, developmental disabilities, Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injury

Eyes on the Brain
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/eyes-the-brain
Susan R. Barry, Ph.D. a neurobiologist and author of “Fixing My Gaze” explores the amazing capacity of the brain to rewire itself at any age. Fascinating.

Little Four Eyes
http://littlefoureyes.com/
Not really a vision therapy site, but a blog written by a team of mom’s about babies, toddlers, and young kids in glasses. Tons of great references!

Adventures in Amblyopia
http://www.amblyopiakids.com/
Written by a mother with an amblyopic daughter. Tons of resources, including info on patches, pictures, and activities.

EXCELerated Vision
http://wowvision.typepad.com/the_wow_vision_blog/
Written by Dr. Dan Fortenbacher, A blog for patients, parents and Teachers to gain tools and insights about vision development.

Eye Can Too! Read
http://eyecantooread.blogspot.com/
Vision therapist Lesley Barker gives short tips, research summaries, and ideas to help teachers and parents understand what could be going on.

ONE EYED GIRL – My Life With Strabismus
http://seeing3d.blogspot.com/
Written by a strabismic woman who recently has undergone surgery and now is learning through Vision Therapy to use both eyes

Facebook

Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
http://www.facebook.com/BrightEyesTampa
Our Facebook page, with information on vision news and office events.

COVD
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74321220306&
The Facebook page for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development

Vision Therapy Changed My Life
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=74321220306&ref=ts
For anyone who has gone through Vision Therapy themselves, had a friend or family member go though vision therapy, works in the field of vision therapy or just wants to cast their personal support.

Amblyopia Kids
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Amblyopia-Kids/45192314977
Great online support group for parents with children with amblopia.

Little Four Eyes
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=33422177467
Facebook page for Little Four Eyes with lots of information, sharing and great pictures of little kids with glasses!

Twitter

BrightEyesTampa - Our Twitter account
http://twitter.com/BrightEyesTampa

COVD - College of Optometrists in Vision Development
http://twitter.com/COVD

VTStories - Links to success stories and experiences with Vision Therapy
http://twitter.com/VTStories

LittleFourEyes - Little Four Eyes
http://twitter.com/LittleFourEyes

AmblyopiaKids - Amblyopia Kids
http://twitter.com/amblyopiakids

Justin Schoonover, CPO

schoonover — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:21:03 +0000

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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Take the Bright Eyes 1-Minute Survey!

Dr. Nate — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:47:36 +0000

Dear patients,

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.

Your friend,

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

Dr. B. Recognized by Hillsborough Society of Optometry

Edna — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:30:39 +0000

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.

So if you stop by, say congrats to our Dr. B!

Edna Moore
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care

(located in Westchase community)
10108 Montague St.
Tampa, FL 33626
(ph) 813-792-0637 (fx) 813-792-0657

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Bright Eyes News listed on Technorati (again)

Dr. Nate — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:26:46 +0000

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!

Here is the full link:

http://technorati.com/blogs/brighteyesnews.com

So next time you are on Technorati, drop us a comment or make us your favorite!
Be Well!

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