Recently we closed the office and took the entire staff of Bright Eyes downtown to participate in  a day-long class on a new lens. We learned all about the features of the new electronic eyewear called emPower by Pixeloptix! I did know from seeing them at optometry meetings and reading about them in the news that this was an amazing breakthrough in bifocal lenses technology. But I did not know how exactly they work or try it myself.

Basically here is the just of it: You can put the glasses on and are able to see in the distance clearly without the same type of side distortion as with a lot of progressive multifocal lenses. Then you can touch the right temple of the frame and turn on the lens for reading. Tiny LCD areas in the lens change to bring whatever you are reading into focus. Just like that. See a demonstration here.

10 years ago, when I was an optician before becoming an optometrist, I remember having a patient tell me that they were not happy with their progressive multifocal glasses. She was annoyed that she had to move her head so much and that there was a small area where she could read it clearly. She said, “I wish there was just a button right here that I could press and change the glasses it from distance to reading.” At the time I thought that would be amazing but would probably never happen in my lifetime. Well, it has!

Another thing I learned about at this meeting  that I think is amazingly exciting is that Florida will be the one of the first places in the entire world that is going to be able to sell these new electronic lenses. Even more exciting is that we here at Bright eyes will be one of the first accounts in Florida to offer them! I’ll tell you… between treatment for macular degeneration,  electronic medical records, the Nintendo 3DS, and now these LCD electronic bifocal glasses,  I really do feel like we are living in the future!!

We will keep you up to date about how soon we will be able to offer the emPower glasses. It should be in the next few weeks. If you are interested in being among the first patients to try these lenses…. let us know!!

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

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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Get ready for the most exciting Bright Eyes event of the year! We will have a Coach representative on-site.  All Coach frames, in every style and color, will be on sale. Not only that, this is the biggest sale we have ever had. 50% off on all Coach sunglasses, just in time for summer.

This one-time event will be on Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Discounts may not apply with vision plan and insurance plans. Stop by the office to learn more.

Hope to see you there!

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

OK, Tampa Bay. Just a brief note to say that we finally have the Specs4us frames in stock, in a variety of models and colors. In fact, we are one of four places in Florida and the only one in Westchase or Tampa to carry them.  I am excited to have them.

We had a patient come in today to check them out and they work as advertised. They fit beautifully and her mother was excited to have  them.

The Specs4us line was created specifically for patients with Down Syndrome. These patients have specific facial features that make it difficult to find glasses that fit. You can read an interview with the creator, Maria Dellapine  here.

Update: 7/5/09: These frames now come in larger sizes and have sunglass clips.

Be Well!

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

Laura

I am proud to announce that one of our Frame and Lens Specialists, Laura Huffman, has been honored this summer by receiving two national awards.

First, Laura can be seen in the Vision Monday magazine issue about Influential Women in the Optical Business under the article, Opticianry Students: The Next Generation of Female Leaders. She was the only one chosen from her entire class to be featured in this article.

Second, Laura won the Digital Corneal Reflection Pupilometer Award from Essilor of America for being the most outstanding student in her class. The award is given yearly out to one graduating student at each opticianry and optometry school. I am especially proud of Laura because I myself won this award while attending the Illinois College of Optometry.

So next time you are in the office, be sure to congratulate Laura!

Be Well!

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