Summer hours at Aridrie Eyecare Centre

Summer is officially here and so are summer hours.

We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4 pm to serve you.  Wednesday and Thursday evening hours will return in late August.

Welcome Dr Shae Morrison

Airdrie Eyecare Centre is excited to welcome Dr Shae Morrison to the team. Here is a little background about her.

Originally from the small northern town of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Dr. Shae Morrison completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta followed by her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Morrison realized her passion for optometry and eye health at a young age and, in 2015, was thrilled to join the Airdrie and Innisfail Eyecare teams and provide the exceptional eyecare she always envisioned.

During her final year of study, Dr. Morrison participated in clinical externships in primary eyecare and ocular disease as well as a volunteer eyecare mission to Romania where she gained vast experience in conditions ranging from glaucoma and uveitis to strabismus (eye turn) and learning-related vision problems. Dr. Morrison was awarded with the L.M. Newell Clinical Optometry prize for excellence in clinical care, as well as the Canadian Contact Lens Society award for excellence in contact lens care upon graduation.

She has a special interest in pediatric vision care, dry eye and contact lenses and enjoys providing continuing care to patients of all ages.

Away from the office, Dr. Morrison enjoys cooking, curling up with a good book and spending time with her husband and labradoodle, Penny.

Checking off the "back to school" list. What about your children's eyes?

Did you know 1 in 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem? And that 80 per cent of learning is visual? Watch this video to find out more about how the Eye See…Eye Learn® program is providing a solution to this problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bXOOvMwZXU&feature=youtu.be

You have your sunscreen, but are you protecting your eyes from UV?

UV exposure can not only damage the tissues around your eyes, but can increase your risk of developing Cataracts and Age Related Macular Degeneration.  We have both prescription and non prescription options that will give you the protection you need, in a style that complements you.  Stop in today and talk to our team about all your options.

Ask about the Perfect Pair Promo, which can get you a free set of prescription sunglass lenses.  Stop by to get all the details.

Summer Hours are here

Summer is upon us, and we all need to make the most of it.  Our hours at Airdrie Eyecare Centre will be 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm Saturday until the end of August.

August is often busy with the back to school rush, so book your appointments today and enjoy the summer.

Got Autofluorescence?

What is Autofluorescence(AF)? Why does it matter to me? Digital images of the back of your eye, the retina, are becoming standard practice in Optometry. These images help determine changes that can help in the detection of many types of eye disease including glaucoma, age related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Now what AF offers us is an image of the retina that shows metabolic changes deep in the retinal tissues, basically sick cells below the surface. This gives us information about early eye disease that does not show up on regular photos or Optomap images. AF along with OCT images (CT/MRI like image) of the retina allow your Optometrist to show you areas of concern and track them closely so that problems are caught early. Call in today to book your appointment, get your AF images and see for yourself what AF is all about.

Call (403) 912-0999 to get AF.

20/20 Isn’t Everything

Many children and adults have 20/20 vision but still suffer visual symptoms due to binocular vision problems. A binocular vision problem in general defines the inability for the eyes to work together in a coordinated manner. This can lead to symptoms of eye strain/fatigue, double vision, headaches and blurred vision with near tasks. 

At the Airdrie Eyecare Centre, our doctors can diagnose and treat most binocular vision problems. We offer our patients a computer-based vision therapy program that allows our patients the ability to complete their vision training exercises in the comfort of their own home during their free time. Upon successful completion of the program, your eyes will function comfortably as a team and your symptoms will be eliminated or significantly reduced. 

Here is a interesting video of how these binocular vision problems can affect the learning process.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRfCfnZFNo

If you suffer from any of the mentioned symptoms you may have a binocular vision condition. Please contact the office to book an appointment with one of our doctors for more information to see if this program is right for you. (403) 912-0999.

Malawi Eyecare Mission 2013

Just over a week before I, Dr Jared Long, start my journey to Malawi.  Our team’s goals for our time in Malawi are two fold; 1. To provide eyecare to those that are not able to access or afford it. 2. To work with some local Optometrists, which have recently graduated from the newly established school in Mzuzu. 

Included in our group is Dr Allan Jones who has been to the area before and was instrumental in helping to get the Optometry School established, along with Optometry Giving Sight.  OGS has been a cause Airdrie and Innsifail Eyecare Centre has supported for several years.  Our group is working under CanadianVision Care includes 3 Optometrist, 1 Optician and 1 teacher.  The hope is that there will be some knowledge transfer, which will help improve the delivery of eye care in the region long after our group leaves.  

We will be arriving to Lilongwe and will be supported by members of the local Lions clubs, to help with logistics in conducting clinics in Lilongwe and Mangochi for the week.

Stay tuned for further details.

What is Acanthamoeba and how we can avoid it?

What is Acanthamoeba?

Pronounced A·can·tha·moe·ba, acanthamoeba is a microbe that is very common in the environment, including in tap water. It has two forms: the trophozoite and the cyst. The infective form is the trophozoite, which can change into a cyst and survive a long time. These trophozoites and cysts can stick to the surface of your contact lenses and then infect your eye.

Normal to diseased to progressed stage

As you can see above the cornea goes from transparent to a pasty white scar which will not allow light through to the retina and thus reduces vision.  Often this is permanent as cornea transplants can be difficult with extensive damage to the tissue. Very important that contact lens handling and cleaning is done properly to reduce your risks of this infection.

How can I prevent an Acanthamoeba eye infection?

• Practice good personal hygiene when handling your contact lenses.
• Remind young contact lens wearers about proper lens handling.
• Clean, rinse, and disinfect lenses with commercially made sterile solutions before placing them in the eyes.
• Clean lens cases with commercially made sterile solutions.
• Don't use tap water, homemade solutions, and other non-sterile solutions to disinfect and store contacts.
• Don't wet lenses with saliva.
• Follow manufacturer instructions in rinsing and storing contact lenses.
• Don't swim while wearing your contacts.
• Don't trade, share, or borrow another person's lenses.
• Replace lenses and lens cases as often as possible.
• Only wear contact lenses prescribed by an eye care professional.

http://water.epa.gov/action/advisories/acanthamoeba/index.cfm

and the winner is......

Congratulations to Ray Mason, our smiling winner!!!!  Ray just won back the purchase of his new glasses. Thanks for helping us celebrate 30 years of taking care of the community's eyes.

We would also like to thank all those that were able to stop by and help us celebrate on the 19th, along with all our patients that have supported us over the past 30 years.  This was truly a day to reflect on successes, but also inspire us for the next 30 years to protect your most precious sense; Your Sight.

30th Anniversary Celebration

Come in to Airdrie Eyecare Centre today from 9-9 and help us celebrates 30 years of caring for the community's eyes. There will be beef on a bun at lunch, cake and coffee during the day, lots of door prizes, win your purchase for the month of June, 30% off complete set of glasses and annual supply of contacts with solution.

Come help us celebrate and let us take care of your eyes.

Win your purchase for the month of June

We think 30 years in business is reason to celebrate and are offering an opportunity for you to win your purchase back at Airdrie Eyecare Centre. 

Entry ballot will be given for purchase of complete frame and lenses, annual contact lens supply with two professional packs of solution or annual supply of dailies contact lenses.  Orders must be made in the month of June 2013 and do not include any professional fees.  Come in to see us for complete details and let us help you see clearly.

Drop in on June 19^th to help us celebrate and learn about more specials.

In the Airdrie Echo today

One big bad hair day to raise money for cancer

By Tessa Clayton, Airdrie Echo

Wednesday, March 6, 2013 11:19:38 MST AM

Staff from the Airdrie Eyecare Centre show off the toupees they’ll be wearing on March 6 during their Toupee for a Day event at the clinic benefitting the Wellspring Clinic.

Employees of the Airdrie Eyecare Centre will be donning colourful toupees on Wednesday, to help raise funds for a cause close to many of their hearts.

Toupee For A Day is a fundraiser for Wellspring Calgary, an organization that provides support and information services and resources for cancer patients and their families during what can be one of the most difficult times of their lives.

“It definitely hits close to home for us,” said Lynsey Walker, an employee of the eyecare centre. “A bunch of our team members have had close family either fall ill with cancer or pass away from cancer so it hits close to home.”

The centre participated in the event last year as well, and is hoping to raise $2,000 this time around. Employees will wear the toupee throughout the day as they go about their normal lives.
Walker said Wellspring is different because the money raised doesn’t go towards research but towards providing resources, support and information for patients and their families.

“There are tons of foundations out there raising money for awareness as well as research but this is more support in their daily lives,” Walker explained.

Ten different colours of hair for the toupees will be worn, each one representing a different cancer. A formal parade will be taking place in Calgary on Stephen Avenue at noon on March 6, and the Airdrie Eyecare Centre will be accepting donations until the end of the business day.

For more information, visit wellspringcalgary.com

TOUPEE FOR A DAY

TOUPEE FOR A DAY

SUPPORT OUR RETINAL TEARERS!

The Optometrists, Opticians and Optometric Assistants at Airdrie Eyecare Centre participated in raising awareness and funds for Wellspring Calgary last March and raised $662.00.  On March 6, 2013 we are hope that with your help over the next few weeks we can surpass this number for such a worthy cause. Toupee For A Day is an one day, all day event so anyone, any age, anywhere, with any ability, can wear a toupee in support of someone living with cancer.  For more information and to find out how you can help us in supporting our community, stop in today or visit our team fundraising page. 

OCT imaging; what is that??

Normal scan

Airdrie Eyecare Centre is pleased to announce that we have added a new instrument to our practice, the Topcon 3D OCT-2000 (OCT-2000) optical coherence tomographer.  Using the latest technology available we can now create three-dimensional color images of your retina and its various layers.  This can help your Optometrist with the identification of retinal health issues at an early stage.

Wet age related macular degeneration

 The OCT-2000 uses a high-speed light source and 16.2 megapixel color camera to document the back of your eye.  This simple test is done in our office and takes less than three seconds per eye.  Information captured with the OCT-2000 creates a 3D model of the scanned area providing the doctor with detailed information normally invisible from view.  This new technology will aide the doctor in the treatment, diagnosis, and monitoring of a variety of eye health issues today.  These include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.  

Macular Hole

The Airdrie Eyecare Centre (AEC) has been serving the community of Airdrie since 1983 when it founded by Dr Larry Kanters.  Our team is excited to be the first clinic in Airdrie to offer this technology that allows early detection and monitoring of many eye disease.  Dr Kanters, Dr Long, Dr Lautenschlager, Dr Forrest and Dr Panylyk look forward to answering any questions and interpret your retinal scans.

Edema in Diabetic retinopathy

To schedule an appointment or for more information contact us today at (403) 912-0999

airdrieeyecare.com

Our professionals assess your vision concerns and will provide you with custom vision solutions to match your unique lifestyle and ultimately protect your most precious sense; Your Sight.

Introducing Eye See... Eye Learn & Fribbit

The Optometrists at Airdrie and Innisfail Eyecare Centres would like introduce you to Eye See... Eye Learn and Fribbit.  25% of grade school children have vision problems that limit their potential and up to 60% of children with learning difficulties have undetected vision problems.  The EyeSee… Eye Learn program sends out information in the fall to patents with children in Kindergarten, recommending that they have their eyes checked by an Optometrist.  Routine eye exams are covered up to their 19^th birthday and all medically necessary visits are covered for all ages.  Should the child in Kindergarten require glasses, several industry partners have made it possible to provide a pair of glasses at no charge.

Book an appointment for your child today:  

Airdrie (403) 912-0999  

Innisfail (403) 227-3366

Savings on Clear Care and Systane

Two ways to save at Airdrie and Innisfail Eyecare Centres.
1.  SAVE $4.00 when you buy a twin pack of CLEAR CARE cleaning and disinfecting solution! (Expires March 31, 2013)  Also purchase any solution at the same time as your Contact lenses and don’t pay the GST.

2.  SAVE $2.00 on any Systane Brand of Dry Eye Products in office until the end of 2012!  We Carry Systane Ultra, Systane Balance, Systane Gel Drops and Systane Ultra Preserved-Free.  

Who likes foggy lenses?

The team at Airdrie Eyecare Centre would like to tell you about new lens coating which can help your lenses be fog free.  Optifog is system that includes a special coating on your new lenses along with an activating solution.

 

Don't be like the butcher in this video.....

For more information and a demonstration, come in and see us today.

Welcome Dr Amy Forrest and Dr Christy Panylyk

Airdrie and Innisfail Eyecare Centres are excited to welcome Optometrists Dr Amy Forrest and Dr Christy Panylyk to the community. 

Dr Amy Forrest comes to us from Taber, AB where she has served that community since 2003.  She studied Optometry at the University of Waterloo and during her final year of study, Dr. Forrest participated in clinical externships in Regina, Saskatchewan, and in Fort Myers, Florida.  In 2012, Amy and her family moved to Airdrie, Alberta.  She is enjoying the transition and meeting new patients at the Airdrie and Innisfail Eyecare Centers.

For the last two years, Dr Forrest has been the Director of Conferences and Special Events for the Alberta Association of Optometrists. Outside of the office, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, 1 year old son, and their two dogs.

Dr Christy Panylyk was raised in rural Alberta and moved to Calgary in 2003. She majored in Biological Sciences with 2 years at Dalhousie University and 1 year at the University of Calgary before being accepted into the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry. Dr Panylyk graduated with honours in June 2012.

While at Dalhousie University, she assisted with a glaucoma research project. In her final year of school Christy spent time interning with a Cataract and Refractive Ophthalmologist in Maryland; she also interned with Optometrists in both New Zealand and Calgary. Christy has a passion for volunteering and recently returned from an eye care mission trip in Ecuador with VOSH International; she has the intentions of participating in other eye care mission trips in the near future.

In her spare time Christy enjoys being in the mountains, traveling and spending time out at the lake with her family and friends. She is looking forward to beginning her career with the Airdrie and Innisfail Eyecare Centre.



Both Optometrists are accepting new patients and appointments can be arranged by calling (403) 912-0999.

Toupee for a day 2012

The Optometrists, Opticians and Optometric Assistants at Airdrie Eyecare Centre participated in raising awareness and funds for Wellspring Calgary on March 7, 2012.  To date we have raised $662 and hope that continues to grow over the next week for this worthy cause.  Stop in today for more information and to donate.