» glasses

EmPower is now at Bright Eyes!

schoonover — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:38:27 +0000

It’s finally here! We’ve been waiting impatiently here at Bright Eyes for these revolutionary glasses to arrive and we are very excited! We are one of only a few offices in the entire state of Florida to bring this amazing eyewear technology to our patients.

This state-of-the-art frame and lens design will dramatically change how we correct multifocal vision needs. No longer will you have to accept the disadvantages that come with wearing progressives, bifocals, or trifocals such as small optical zones, blurred peripheral vision, and disorienting “swim.” Most of the time, 70-80% actually, patients don’t require near-focus vision. Yet with all other multifocal lens designs the reading zone is present 100% of the time. EmPower changes this by using liquid crystal technology embedded within the lens that instantly adjusts and provides you with reading correction whenever you need it!

All you need to do to activate this reading zone is touch the side of the frame. One touch turns empower on for reading. Another touch turns it off when it is not needed. Swiping the side of the temple activates the automatic mode which senses when you tilt your head down to read and automatically turns the reading area on and off. Just another example of technology making life simpler!

The emPower frame collection offers many shapes and styles to choose from. Stop by our office today to see the new display and to view the liquid crystal demonstration! We are very impressed with this new technology and we know you’ll be as well!

All the best,

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

Neat Infographic About the History of Glasses

Dr. Nate — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:21:14 +0000

We found this infographic on the history of glass on The Optical Vision Site recently. Check it out. It’s cool!

Eyecatching EmPower Eyewear

schoonover — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:56:10 +0000

If you haven’t heard yet, Bright Eyes Family Vision Care will be one of a few select offices in Tampa to carry the latest in eyewear technology: emPower Eyewear. These state-of-the-art glasses utilize a layer of liquid crystals that are activated electronically with just a touch or swipe of the finger to the temple, to create a near-focus zone. If you already wear progressives, you know of their shortcomings, such as peripheral blur, small computer and reading zones, and dizzying “swim” that is naturally created when blending the different zones together. Now, you don’t have to settle for these drawbacks.

The emPower lens will do just that; empower you with the latest technology to see clearly in all distances and in all situations. To help you understand the technology a bit and to see just how these lenses can benefit you and your lifestyle, the folks at emPower have launched a new interactive website at empowereyewear.com. There you will find out what life-activated really means. Under the How It Works tab, you will learn that tapping the temple once will manually turn the near-zone on and tapping a second time will turn it off, while swiping that same temple will activate the automatic mode which uses an accelerometer to turn the near zone on and off in response to head tilt. You can also see examples of the clarity of vision you can achieve in tricky circumstances like walking down stairs and playing golf under the Advantages tab.

The entire Bright Eyes staff is very excited to be able to offer this type of cutting edge vision in the near future. Stay tuned for announcements of when these glasses will go live here at Bright Eyes!

All the best,

Justin Schoonover, CPO

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

Looking in the Mirror

schoonover — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:18:45 +0000

Well, summer is officially here and the sun isn’t letting up. Most of our patients are already aware of the necessity of sunglasses for comfort and protection against harmful UV rays. Polarized lenses are the perfect way to achieve both of these along with clarity of vision and glare reduction. However, most people are unaware of an additional lens treatment that can assist in all of these areas.

Mirror coatings are lens treatments that have long been viewed as cosmetic only. Indeed they are a perfect way to customize your lenses to either make a statement or to show style and individuality. Mirror coatings are made up of either a thin layer of metal or several alternating layers of dielectric material. This causes intense light rays to reflect off the surface of the lens reducing glare and lowering light transmission. The end result is less eye fatigue and clearer vision.

There are many options for the sunglass wearer who wants to incorporate a mirror into their sunwear. Flash mirrors have just a hint of reflectivity for those that want the benefits of a mirror without the look of a Texas police officer! Full mirrors are much more reflective and tend to block the view of the wearer’s eyes. Solid mirrors offer the most glare reduction, while gradient and double-gradient offer protection from glare above and below for activities such as biking, hiking, and boating. They also come in a variety of colors so that you can customize your lenses to match your style or personality.

If you’re unsure if mirror lenses are right for you, just stop by Bright Eyes to try a few on! And stay tuned for the announcement of the upcoming Sunglass Sale!!

All the best,

Justin Schoonover, CPO
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.

Foursquare Day Sale at Bright Eyes!

Dr. Nate — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:14:17 +0000

It is that time of year again….. yes, my friends, April 15th, tax day. Yay!

But even better, the day after that is FOURSQUARE DAY! And here at Bright Eyes that means SALE! That’s right, we are pulling out all the stops and doing something we almost never do – for a very limited time.

BUY ONE,

GET ONE FREE

SALE

Seriously, all you have to do is show up and check in at Bright Eyes on foursquare. You’ll get an entire pair of glasses and lenses of equal or lesser value. (Please note – this sale is so awesome that it cannot be combined with insurance or other discounts. Patients must check in prior to ordering the glasses. If you have questions, please ask us.)

If you don’t know what Foursquare Day is, it is a day to celebrate social media, and foursquare, the geolocation application. Because 4^2 equals 16, April 16 is the day! And you may not know that Foursquare Day started right here at Bright Eyes last year. You can read more about that on our blog here and TampaBay.com here.

And don’t forget to support the local foursquare scene by RSVP’ing here!

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

Join us For the LightecEyewear show!

Dr. Nate — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:41:47 +0000

You are invited to Bright Eyes Family Vision Care’s

February Eyewear Show

Saturday, February 12

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Featuring Lightec Eyewear by Morel of France.

Lightweight and durable, with an innovative high-tech hinge.

For Men & Women in a variety of styles and colors, including fully rimless.

25% OFF Lightec Frames, including lenses

50% OFF Any 2^nd Pair

And Bring a Friend for an additional $25 off your purchase.

For more information about the show and Lightec frames, click here.

25% discount may not apply with some vision plans. Please call for details.

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

Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Computer Vision Syndrome

Dr. Nate — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:13:38 +0000

If 2010 has taught me anything, it is that our lives are becoming increasingly digital. Not only is more of our work performed on computers and online, but much of our leisure time, too. This is illustrated by the fact that Amazon has recently announced that it has sold more Kindles than any other book or product. But all of this time in front of screens can take its toll on our eyes. They may become irritated and red. Your vision may become blurry or double. And all this may make you less productive at work or reduce your gaming performance. All of these symptoms are elements of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Fortunately, there are things that you can do limit the effects of CVS.

Every new year I provide the Bright Eyes Family Vision Care Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions. In past years, I’ve covered eye health, children’s vision, and saving money. So for 2011, to help you keep your eyes in optimum condition at the computer or digital device, this year’s resolutions list will help you combat Computer Vision Syndrome.

1. Take Breaks – Your eyes work hard when using the computer, e-readers, and phones. Give them some time to relax. Use the “20-20-20 rule.” Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away. Every hour or so, talk a longer break. I use and recommend a free application called Workrave that is fully customizable to help you remember to give your eyes (and hands) a rest.

2. Monitor Settings – Today most people have LCD screens. Generally, the larger the screen the better. Increase the font size if it helps.

3. Monitor Position – Position your monitor at least 22 inches away and at an angle that you don’t have to look up most of the time. Making it a natural, comfortable position can help limit eyestrain and neck problems.

4. Blink! – Research studies show that people blink less when using the computer, up to 1/3 less. Blinking washes your eyes in naturally therapeutic tears, so be sure to blink on a regular basis.

5. Glasses - Make sure you have proper lenses for the computer. Specially prescribed computer glasses may help significantly reduce the symptoms of CVS. Often these are different from glasses for driving and general activities like shopping. Ask your optometrist if you would benefit from computer lenses.

6. Lighting – Keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum. Keep your desk lamp or window light shining on your desk, not on your monitor. Try to keep window light off to the side, rather than in front or behind you.

7. Position your chair - Your body position effects your eye position – and vice versa. Make sure you are sitting in a chair with adequate lower-back support. Position your chair so that you are comfortable. Each person has a preference for his or her chair, so take some time to find what’s best for you.

8. Eye exams – Be sure to discuss CVS with your optometrist at your annual eye exam. He or she will discuss your computer use and can perform specific tests to determine if you would benefit from computer glasses, eye drops or medical treatment.

9. Gadgets – iPads, Kindles, Blackberries and other mobile devices are hugely useful, but have tiny screens and can cause even more symptoms than a desktop computer. Be aware of issues like glare and be sure and take frequent breaks.

10. Don’t forget the kids! – Keep in mind that children can experience CVS, too. And they are less self-aware and are less likely to tell parents if they are having problems. So set limits ahead of time and watch them for any signs of visual problems. This applies to hand-held games, too – especially soon to be released Nintendo 3DS.

If you didn’t have a thorough eye exam in 2010, don’t put it off any longer. Give us a call at 813-792-0637 to schedule your appointment. We’ll make sure your eyes are working their best at the computer! You can also read more about Computer Vision Syndrome on our blog.

A special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Anshel of Corporate Vision Consulting for providing input for this list.

See Well!

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

Holiday Tiffany and Co. Giveaway!

Dr. Nate — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:01:21 +0000

The Christmas decorations are up and the music is full of cheer! And since the holidays are a season a of giving, we are giving away a pair of Tiffany and Co. sunglasses!

The Tiffany and Co. line from Luxottica has many lovely (and affordable) new styles and we want you to come try them on in our office. Once you find your favorite new sunglasses (under $300), write down your name and frame on the official entry form. We’ll hold a drawing – at random – on December 23rd and announce the winner.

PS: When you stop in at Bright Eyes, check out the $99 Sale! We have a wide variety of designer frames – including scratch- and shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses – for just $99.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! We hope to see you soon!

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

Guest Post: Your Child’s First Glasses

Edna — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:28:57 +0000

Today we have a guest post from a friend of mine, Dr. Janet Carter. I’ve known her online since I was in optometry school and have always enjoyed her insight and humor. I am glad she took me up on the offer to write a guest post and hope she considers blog herself. – Dr. Nate

OK, it’s happened. Your child came home from school with a note from the nurse saying she had difficulties with the vision screening. Or perhaps she is complaining of trouble seeing the blackboard or headaches reading. Or maybe a previously undiagnosed condition was discovered during her yearly eye examination. Regardless of the scenario, you have to face the fact that your child will soon be wearing glasses. Her success in doing so will greatly depend on your attitude towards this development.

The importance of your attitude in making sure your child has the proper vision correction begins before you even visit the optometrist. Tell your child what to expect during the visit, but don’t dwell on anything unpleasant. She may have her eyes dilated, but this needn’t be a cause for concern. The dilation drops that most optometrists use today are much gentler and not nearly as long-lasting in their effects as ones you may have experienced as a child. Let her know that her vision may be a little blurry afterwards, but it won’t be too bad. Try and schedule the visit on a day when there isn’t an important homework assignment or sporting event.

During the actual examination, relax and let your optometrist do his job. If you are nervous about the examination, your child will be too. Remember that the equipment and configuration of the examination is such that your child may actually see something different than you do from your “sidelines” position. Don’t be upset if your child misses a letter or two (most people do during an eye examination), and please don’t try and help or coach your child. Let your child know that this isn’t a test like you take in school, and there is no right or wrong answer to any of the questions. Most children find an eye examination to be an interesting and fun experience if they are relaxed and rested. (Don’t forget to make sure she IS well-rested and well fed when she goes in for the visit, and encourage her to visit the restroom first as well. A hungry, tired child or one who has to go to the bathroom can’t concentrate properly).

Once the examination is over, it will be time for the fun part: choosing your child’s first pair of glasses! Make sure that she understands that this IS fun! Glasses are a fashion statement these days. Your attitude will make all the difference in how your child enjoys her new eyewear, so keep it positive. Let your child know how proud you are of them, and how glad you are that they soon will be seeing properly.

Setting guidelines and limits ahead of time will make the frame selection easier for both you AND your child. If money is a concern, let the frame stylist know in private before you begin. He or she should be happy to show only options that meet your budget. Let the frame stylist give tips on the proper frames for your child and her prescription; certain frame styles aren’t appropriate for all prescriptions. The stylist should have a good idea of which frames will best work for your child. Let her show examples of these, and let your child choose from among them. She is the one who will wear them; make sure that she likes the style and color. You might consider taking a cell phone picture of the favorite “candidates” and sending it to your friends and family for their input. Above all, keep it fun! Remember to keep praising your child and telling her how great she looks in her new eyewear!

There are several important things to remember when it is time to pick up your child’s new glasses. The first is to be sure to bring your child with you. The glasses need to be adjusted to her face to insure that they are fitting properly. The dispenser should instruct your child on how to take care of the glasses, and when to wear them. Your optometrist may want your child to wear them constantly or perhaps just for specific tasks such as reading. Make sure you understand the instructions and that your child does too. Remember that new eyeglasses DO take some getting used to, and it is possible that your child might feel a little “funny” when they first put them on, and may even report blurred vision. These sensations are totally normal, and should pass quickly if she continues to wear the glasses. Any difficulty seeing or other problems that persist after a week or two should be reported to your optometrist.

You will want to contact your child’s teacher(s) and explain about the new eyeglasses to them as well. Be sure that the teachers understand the wearing schedule. Ask the teacher to say something positive about your child’s new glasses when he first sees her wearing them. This will help your child get over that first day embarrassment, especially if the comment is made in front of her classmates.

Your child must understand that eyeglasses are a valuable accessory and are to be treated accordingly. I have a rule that I tell all children who get eyeglasses from my office: “If it’s not on your face, it’s in the case!” Check the eyeglasses from time to time and make sure that they are clean, well-cared for, and adjusted properly to your child’s face. It’s a good idea to bring your child in for eyeglass “tune-ups” every few months. The optical staff can adjust the glasses, make sure that they continue to fit properly, and check for loose screws and other problems. Eyeglasses are like automobiles; a little preventative maintenance protects your investment!

If you approach your child’s new eyeglasses in a sensible, positive manner, she will too. Soon she will be enjoying the benefits of good vision, and will be wearing the eyeglasses proudly and appropriately. She will come to appreciate the positive difference that seeing properly can make in her life. She will be happier and probably will do better in school. You can make sure that her good vision continues for a lifetime by following your doctors recommended eye care schedule. Just don’t be too surprised when one day she asks “Mom, Dad, when can I get contact lenses?”

(But that’s the subject for another article….)

Janet Carter has practiced optometry in Nevada for over 30 years. She is now a member of the EyeCare Center group in Las Vegas. She enjoys seeing children of all ages in her practice!

-Dr. Nate
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Connect:

Can Tampa Handle our HUGE Coach Give-Away !?!

Dr. Nate — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:00:55 +0000

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!

2) Become our Facebook fan and/or follower on Twitter. Then post a comment on Facebook Wall or mention @BrightEyesTampa in a tweet. UPDATE: You can enter via Twitter with our one-click contest entry!

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), the more likely you are to win. You could win by entering many times or one exquisitely-crafted entry.

If you really want to get our attention, write a blog entry about why you want – or need – these Coach frames. The bigger and better your campaign, the more likely you are to take home some shades or have some nice frames for the next time you need to update your glasses!

And although it will not be counted towards your entry for the Coach eyewear, keep in mind, we are looking for more Yelp reviews, too!

So, go nuts! And let the games begin!!

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

Fine Print:

Contest ends at 12:00 a.m. on 02/27/2010. The winner will be able to pick from the selection of Coach frames we have available, but you must physically come to the office in person by 03/31/2010. The prizes are transferable, so guys, you can bring your special woman down to pick out some frames if you like. @DolceDebbie is not eligible to win because she has already won some fab Tiffany Frames. No purchase necessary. Prescription lenses cost extra, but need not be purchased to win. A valid glasses prescription is needed if you would like to have prescription sunglasses or glasses. Text messaging service is provided by SUMOtext, and you may be charged for texts depending on your cell phone plan. You can opt-out of the service at any time. If you have any questions, contact doc@brighteyestampa.com.