Think Twice Before Purchasing Eyeglasses Online

When seven-year-old Julia was first examined by her Optometrist four years ago, she was diagnosed with amblyopia in her right eye. Amblyopia is a common condition in children that occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, and prevents the proper stimulation in the brain needed to develop clear vision.

If not treated early enough in childhood, it can lead to permanently blurred vision in the affected eye, inability to see in 3D, and difficulties in school.  Julia’s Optometrist prescribed glasses for her and instructed that she patch the better eye each day to strengthen the eye with amblyopia.  Julia followed these instructions carefully and attended many follow-up visits with her Optometrist to monitor her progress and ensure that improvement was being made.   Eventually, she improved from a poor 20/80 vision to almost 20/20 (perfect vision) in the weaker eye. 



Last year, Julia’s mother brought her to the Optometrist for an unscheduled appointment to check the accuracy of the glasses that she had just bought for Julia online.  She purchased two pairs on the internet for $50. After examining the glasses, Julia’s Optometrist discovered that the glasses were improperly manufactured and advised her mother not to allow Julia to wear either pair because they were a serious threat to her vision. The glasses were so far off from the correct prescription that Julia’s amblyopia was at risk of returning in the right eye. To make matters worse, the lenses of both eyes were not positioned correctly in front of her eyes.  

Julia’s Optometrist re-made the glasses with the correct prescription and took accurate measurements to ensure that the lenses were properly positioned in the frame.  He then adjusted the glasses so that they fit comfortably on her face and didn’t hurt her behind the ears.  The glasses were also re-made with polycarbonate lenses, a quality material that meets safety standards for breakage resistance.  


When glasses are purchased over the Internet, there is a significant risk that the glasses will not be made accurately or made according to the specified prescription. A recent study that showed nearly half of all glasses (44.8%) ordered online either had the incorrect prescription or did not meet physical parameters to provide enough protection to the wearer.  The lenses or frames may also not be suitable for the prescription or may not meet specific visual requirements. 


When purchasing frames and lenses, proper measurements should always be taken.  Your Optometrist should also inspect all frames and lenses at the time of dispensing so that they are custom fit for each person and the lenses have been evaluated for accuracy.  Only your Optometrist has the expertise to ensure that your eyewear is properly made and correct for your specific needs.  


Story courtesy of: The Ontario Association of Optometrists

If you do have any questions or concerns please contact Dr. Phil at Milton Optometry. 

Is An Eye Exam On Your “Back to School” List?

Backpack… ✔  Lunch bag… ✔  New running shoes… ✔   Don’t forget the most important tool you can give your children this year – healthy vision!

1 in 6 children have a vision problem significant enough to impair their ability to learn.  80% of learning is visual, so if a child cannot see properly, they will not learn properly.  Vision problems affect literacy, and a child’s ability to copy, print, read, and track objects.  It also affects their ability to participate in play, the development of good hand-eye coordination and their self-esteem.   

Undiagnosed vision problems are one of the major causes of learning difficulties in school-age children. Unresolved eye issues can lead children to exhibit a lack of attention, make them seem fidgety during the school day and can often be misinterpreted as behavioural issues or learning disabilities. Monitoring your children's vision will help them succeed in the classroom!

Can you ALWAYS tell if a child is not seeing well?  NO!  Some children exhibit obvious signs like squinting, holding reading objects close to their face and rubbing their eyes but others show absolutely no signs at all.  You may believe that your child sees well, but in fact, they may not. 

Why take a chance? Your Optometrist can tell you for sure. 

For Junior Kindergarten (JK) students in the Halton Region, the Eye See…Eye Learn Program provides OHIP insured eye examinations and a FREE pair of prescription glasses (if necessary).  The program is funded by the Ontario Government to raise awareness among parents of the importance of having their children’s eyes checked before they start school. Milton Optometry is a proud supporter and participant in the Eye See, Eye Learn Program! 

Milton Optometry recommends that children have a comprehensive eye exam annually starting at 6 months of age.  Early identification of a problem is the key to successfully correcting a child’s vision.  Set your child up for success in the classroom and have a comprehensive eye exam done by an Optometrist today!

We welcome infants, toddlers and children of all ages to our family-friendly office!   Visit www.miltonoptometry.ca or phone 905-636-9500 to reserve an appointment for your family.

 

Milton Optometry educates momstown Milton moms about Child Vision

How much do you know about your child's vision?

Parents, test your "Eye-Q"! 

As many as 1 in 6 children has a vision problem serious enough to impact their learning and development. TRUE! Often parents are totally unaware.  

My child will tell me if he or she has a vision problem. FALSE! Children under 9-10 years old do not know what normal vision is and assume they are seeing well.  

A vision screening performed in a school is the same as an eye exam done at an Optometry office. FALSE! School vision screenings can help identify children with vision problems but are very basic and are NOT the same as a comprehensive eye health exam. 

Conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) should be corrected by age 6 in order to have the best chance of correcting the problem. TRUE! If eye problems like lazy eye or turned eye (strabismus) are detected early, there is an excellent chance they can be fully corrected.

Rubbing eyes, squinting or tilting head to one side are all symptoms of a possible vision problem in your child. TRUE! These are noticeable problems. Other less obvious things such as avoiding close work, sitting close to the TV and hand-eye coordination problems are also signs.  

Babies are not able to have a full eye examination. Only children who can read letters are able to have one. FALSE! Babies as young as 6 months of age should be examined by an Optometrist. Children do not have to be able to read to have an eye exam.

Children should have their eye examined only when they say they are not seeing well. FALSE! It is recommended that children have their eyes examined annually by an Optometrist. 

After an eye examination, a parent should know if their child's eyes are coordinated, see colour and have good depth perception. TRUE! A comprehensive eye exam will tell you all of these things.

An optometrist, ophthalmologist and my family doctor all have different roles in helping my child's vision. TRUE! Family doctors are often one of the first professionals to see a child and recommend an eye exam with an Optometrist. Optometrists are primary eye care providers that perform full eye health examinations and prescribe medications when necessary. Ophthalmologists are eye surgeons.

As much as 80% of learning in the early years is visual. TRUE! Vision plays a HUGE role in the growth and development of a child's brain.

Bring your child into Milton Optometry today for a full comprehensive eye examination! It is full insured by OHIP for all children under 19 years.

www.miltonoptometry.ca

 

 

 

Dr Phil will be conducting an in-office tour for our momstown members on March 15th and July 9th. He will also be joining us as a guest speaker at our Baby Basics program on May 8th to educate our moms and to address any questions they might have.

 

momstown Milton offers a variety of info sessions and educational seminars throughout the year. If you are a business that would like to participate in our sessions please contact sam.kassam@momstown.ca. If you are not a member yet please click here to register for a 6 week FREE trial membership.