This new video from VSP is great! Not only is it pretty fun and entertaining, but it also makes a great point about the importance of vision and activities like sports. I’ll be honest I don’t know who  Tyreke Evans is, because I don’t follow basketball, but I do know that vision is very important for sports! Not only do you need to see clearly, you and have to have  good peripheral vision and good visual reaction time; all of these things are necessary to win. The great thing is that if there are problems with any of these things, they can be fixed with corrective lenses or vision therapy!

This video shows that protecting your eyes on the court or on the field is very important. Regular glasses are not designed for sports and are actually less safe than sports glasses. And don ‘t worry,  the modern sports glasses are way cooler than the ones I had when I was a kid! Stop by Bright Eyes to check out some of the new models.

The VSP video also does a great job of highlighting the American Optometric Association’s recommendation that the  first eye exam should occur at six months, then three years, then before kindergarten, assuming nothing is wrong.

If you have any questions about your little one’s vision,  have concerns that vision may be interfering with sports, or whether or not they are protecting their eyes sufficiently during sports, ask us!

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

We have had an amazing few weeks at Bright Eyes Family Vision Care in the Vision Therapy department and I just want to share! There have been several patients who have graduated with flying colors and it is so wonderful to see them so proud of their accomplishments  – and so happy with the results!

One young patient is very bright but has a variety of different problems including difficulty with eye movement control and visual attention. During the course of vision therapy not only has his visual skill improved but his parents have noted a dramatic difference in his awareness of the world around him. They say that he is better able to work with groups of people and get his behavior at school on has improved dramatically!

Another young patient had amblyopia (which means a lazy eye) as well as a few other related visual processing problems. Her therapy was primarily for the amblyopia to improve the vision in her eye and to improve the way the eyes work together. Then at one point a few weeks ago her mother reported that her reading had really taken off. She had her nose in a book almost all the time! Needless to say her mother is thrilled.

I am also excited because we have several new patients starting therapy program. One young man has had ongoing problems with double vision that have interfered with reading and school work. He is excited to get started and I am too because I know he is going to do very well. Another one is a typical case where the family came in with concerns about having to see blurry in the distance and only after we did the evaluation did we find out that there were focusing problems that may also be contributing to avoidance of homework and their close activities. Once I explained how and an underlying focusing problem can actually cause vision in the distance to be blurry, it made a lot of sense to them and they were excited to sign up.

Although vision therapy is the most time consuming and most complicated part of my career, it is also the most rewarding to being out the potential of these patients and their joy when they themselves realize it! If you have any questions about vision therapy and and whether or not you or someone else is a candidate, please feel free to give our office a call, e-mail us, or stop by.

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

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.

Recently the Star Tribune of Minneapolis-St.Paul ran a story on Tampa Bay Lightning goalie, Dwayne Roloson. Part of the story explains how he uses sports-vision, to keep him at the top of game at age 41.

Says Dr. Mark Gordon, Roloson’s optometrist:

“We take a look at eye-hand coordination, reaction time, processing speeds, peripheral awareness,” Gordon said. “Do we know where our teammates are? Do we know where the opponents are? Do we know where the puck is? Do we know how fast the puck is moving? Can we make sense of not only where the puck is at this moment but where it’s going to be a half-second from now?”

Sports vision is a type of vision therapy. Sometimes vision therapy is used to help someone develop skills they did not develop on their own. For example, vision therapy could be used to help a patient with autism develop control of their eye movements. Sometimes vision therapy is used to help people cope with visual stress, like the high-school student who gets double vision while studying. In sports vision, the goal is to help people who already have average or better than average visual skills have even better skills so that they perform at their maximum potential.

This exemplifies a great point. Vision therapy isn’t “a procedure.” It is the application of any of a number of procedures and concepts to increase a patient’s visual skill. And this in turn can help them reach their goals, whether they are passing the FCAT or blocking the next hockey goal.

If you have questions about vision therapy, please do not hesitate to come in or contact us!

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

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.

More and more regularly there are stories in the local and national media about vision therapy. This is great because not everyone is aware that vision problems can be responsible for a child having trouble learning to read. Or parents may not know that difficulties with vision can keep a good reader from completing assignments. The more research that is done, books are that published, and news stories are produced, the more likely it is that these patients can get the help they needed.

Just this week there is an article in the AOL Health section called, Could Your Child Have a Learning-Related Vision Problem? It is a story about the problems that Andrew had with reading that were related to vision problems even though he could see 20/20.  He was on the verge as being classified as having a “learning disability.” That could be a devastating label for a bright young child to have.

Fortunately, Andrew’s eye coordination problem was discovered and treated by Optometrist Kimberly Walker. He had a “learning-related vision problem,” a problem with eyes and vision that make school harder than it should be.  The process for treating these kinds of problems often involves glasses and a series of therapeutic activities called “vision therapy.” Essentially, the goal is to help the patient learn to use their eyes as effectively as they can. This allows them to develop needed life-skills like reading and writing.

If you’d like more information about learning-related vision problems, or to find a doctor who can evaluate for  learning-related vision problems, visit COVD. Or feel free to call our office at 813-792-0637.

Greetings everyone!

It has been an incredible year here at Bright Eyes! We want to thank all of you for being our patients. We would not be able to do the work we love without the support of each individual patient that comes through our doors.

As the year comes to a close, I’d like to share a few of the exciting things that are going on. But there is just too much to write out in paragraphs, or this email would be way too long.

So here are some quick highlights:

• Dr. Nate was named one of the “Young Guns” of Optometry by Review of Optometry.
• Major research shows that nearsightedness is increasing. Find out what you can do about it.
• We are celebrating the new Tiffany and Co. frames by giving away some sunglasses! Find out how to win!
• Our eye-catching $99 sale! That is right. Complete frame and lenses from brands like Nike, Bevel, and Michael Kors.
• We’ve had Precise Corneal Reshaping patients age 7 to 55 free themselves from glasses and daytime contacts.
• Some Vision Plans expire at the end of the year. If you are not sure about yours, call your HR department or call us.
• And don’t forget – everything counts towards FSA/flex accounts. If you have money left, don’t let it go to waste!

Thank you again for allowing us to care for you and your family. If you ever have any eye or vision related questions do not hesitate to contact us! In an eyecare emergency, you can reach me by cell phone at (813)469-2366, email at Doc@BrightEyesTampa.com, or @BrightEyesTampa

When a book comes out that helps people understand vision and vision therapy I write about it so my patients can find out about it. When an amazing book comes out, I try to interview the authors to not only spread the word, but because I am genuinely interested in their background and the process of writing. Like Fixing My Gaze, Jillian’s Story is one of those books that does a better job of explaining vision therapy than I can. So I am thrilled to be able to present an interview with its authors Robin Benoit and Jillian Benoit. -Dr. Nate

Dr. Nate: Robin,  what made you decide that you wanted to take the time and effort to write the “Jillian’s Story”? Was there one moment, or a gradual realization?

I don’t think a week went by after Jillian started vision therapy that I didn’t say, “Somebody needs to do something to raise awareness about vision therapy.”  My husband would always reply, “You should write a book.”  But, I didn’t really consider it and sort of laughed at the idea.  Then, one day after school as we were driving home in the car, Jillian told me that she suspected a girl in her class needed vision therapy because she had noticed her friend covering one eye with her hand as she read a book.  I mentioned it the next day to Jillian’s teacher.  She said, “You know, Robin, you and Jillian really need to write a book.  I think Jillian’s story could help so many people.”  That night, I started writing “Jillian’s Story.”  I had searched for books to read about vision therapy and couldn’t find very much.  I really wanted to read personal accounts from other parents about how vision therapy had worked for their child.  When faced with the fact that our pediatrician didn’t refer us to vision therapy, our ophthalmologist discredited it and insurance wouldn’t cover it, we went on faith and hope that vision therapy would prove to be helpful to Jillian.  We are so grateful that vision therapy exceeded all of our hopes and expectations.  We hope “Jillian’s Story” will inspire, encourage and lend confidence to others considering vision therapy for themselves or their child.

(Laughing)  Am I famous?  I haven’t noticed!  At first I was kind of nervous, but then I realized how many people, especially kids, I could help just because I have vision problems like they do.  Vision Therapy has made such a huge difference for me.  I love 3D movies now because I can see stuff come out of the screen instead of a bunch of blurry junk.  3D movies used to make me feel sick.  Now they are really fun!  I used to get so frustrated at school.  Now I love it.  It’s so much easier to learn when you can see.  I don’t get frustrated with homework anymore.  Homework that would have taken me an hour to do before vision therapy now takes me just 5 or 10 minutes.  I even love math now and I never thought I’d say that.  I can read any book I want, even a thick one like “Harry Potter.”    Vision therapy really changed my world and I’m so happy to share my story.   I hope our book will help anyone with vision problems to have a happier life.

Robin,  how long it it take to write and get printed?

I wrote the first draft about Jillian’s younger years very quickly, probably in just a few days.  I started the chapters on her vision therapy experience about half way through her 15-month program and wrapped it up a little at a time as she completed vision therapy.  Jillian read what I wrote throughout the writing process and added her suggestions and quotes for each chapter.  It all came together quickly and easily.  I had no idea how to get a book published.  I did a little research on the Internet and bought a very thick book called the Writer’s Market. I went through it page by page and highlighted publishers I thought might be interested in her story.  But, I just didn’t think that mailing in manuscripts and waiting months for a reply (not to mention rejection letters) was the right way to go.  So, before I mailed a single manuscript, I decided to call an old friend for advice.  He had written a book several years ago and I hoped he could give me some tips to follow.  He did more than that!  He suggested I contact a friend of his who owns a publishing company in Dallas and gave me her phone number.  That was in July of 2010.  I signed with Brown Books Publishing Group on August 11th and the book was released on November 12th.  It was a whirlwind and I loved the entire experience!

Jillian: Vision therapy involves a lot different activities. I asked Dr. Barry which was her favorite and she said “Brock String.” Which was your favorite VT activity?

There is more than one.  When I worked with Lindsey in her office, I loved the balance beam and wearing the “googly glasses.”  I looked so silly in those glasses, like a mad scientist from one of those movies.  It made me laugh.  I also liked the big rotator and putting the golf tees in the holes.  At home I liked the ball on the string and, like Dr. Barry, the “Brock String.”

(Robin):  We are really pleased with it.  The cover had to be redesigned rather late in the process.  Our publisher ran across a book published in 1985 that looked too similar in font and coloring.  We actually like the second design and colors even better, so it was a blessing in disguise.  The eye chart is so iconic and the response has been that the second you see the book, you know it is about vision.  We wanted our book to be like sitting down with a friend to talk about a problem.  It’s wonderful to know that anyone looking for an answer or solution to their concerns can read our book in one evening, go to bed and wake up the next morning feeling much better about their situation.  And, that is the response we’re getting.  We’ve received emails from all across the country from people who feel we’ve been living the same life.

(Jillian):  I love the book!  One of the things I like best about it is that it’s quick and easy to read.  Lindsey told us about a family that read it — grandmother, mom and daughter — and they raved about how it answered questions and helped all of them understand vision problems better.  Friends at school have read it and come up to hug me!  That’s awesome!

Have you had any interesting people contact you because of “Jillian’s Story”?

(Jillian):  I had the chance to write a note to a girl in Iowa that just started vision therapy.  I really hope vision therapy helps her like it did me.

(Robin):  Dr. Horning suggested that I contact an optometrist that he admires named Dr. Paul Harris.  Dr. Harris so graciously agreed to read the manuscript early in the process.  He not only endorsed “Jillian’s Story”, but introduced me to many wonderful people including Dr. Sue Barry, who so kindly mentioned “Jillian’s Story” while speaking at the COVD Annual Meeting.  We are finding so many great people willing to lend their support to Jillian’s goal of spreading the word that vision therapy really works.

(Jillian):  Thank you, Dr. Nate, for sharing my story!

(Robin):  Yes, thank you so much.  We hope “Jillian’s Story” will be a strong advocate for vision therapy.  Orders can be made at www.JilliansStory.com.  Please email us your thoughts and comments at robin@jilliansstory.com or jillian@jilliansstory.com.  Anyone wishing to receive a volume discount can have information sent to them on the 50 pack (20% discount) and 100 pack (30% discount) specials by emailing us for the special website ordering link.  You will receive an email response with the link to a PayPal discount pack ordering page.

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.

We love Localshops1!!

Not only did LS1Girl grace our presence recently, but today we were named the Ls1 Member of the Day! Check it out and learn how you can enter to win a $50 prize by commenting on the Bright Eyes LS1 listing!

And don’t forget SHOPALOOZA on Nov 20th!!

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