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