857 Chesterfield Road
Woodseats, Sheffield, S8 0SQ
Tel 0114 274 8582
4 Crookes Road
Broomhill, Sheffield, S10 5BB
Tel 0114 266 7066
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857 Chesterfield Road |
4 Crookes Road |
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alex gage optometrist news
Money worries leave people living in Sheffield at risk of sight loss A shocking new survey1 released to coincide with the launch of National Eye Week (24 – 30 November 2008) reveals how people living in South Yorkshire and the Midlands are putting their sight at risk because of concerns about the cost of eyecare.
The ‘State of the Nation’s Eyes’ survey conducted by the sight charity Eyecare Trust in association with Boots Opticians, reveals how 85 per cent of people in South Yorkshire and the Midlands admit to having problems with their sight, yet an astonishing 40 per cent of us don’t have sight tests every two years, as recommended. Worse still, one in ten of us have never had an eye examination.
Alarmingly, cost was cited as a major barrier to having regular eye examinations – despite the fact that more than 30 million Brits are entitled to sight tests paid for by the NHS and many more are entitled to have tests paid for by their employers2.
Unlike most dental treatment, NHS eyecare is FREE for the patient however, most people living in the South Yorkshire and the Midlands thought they would be charged for NHS sight tests with almost half (48%) thinking it would cost them £20 or more.
Awareness of exactly who is entitled to NHS eyecare – free sight tests and optical vouchers to pay for any vision correction that may be required – was also low. Two thirds of those surveyed (66%) said they didn’t know who was entitled to NHS eyecare. A full list of those entitled to eyecare paid for by the NHS can be found on the National Eye Week website: www.nationaleyeweek.co.uk.
Alex Gage is a Family Optometrist with practices in the Woodseats and Broomhill areas of Sheffield and comments: “Regular sight tests are vital to ensure the early detection of a range of common eye conditions that could, if left untreated, lead to total sight loss. Recent figures released by Imperial College, London3 reveal that as many as 300,000 people living in South Yorkshire and the Midlands are walking around with undiagnosed glaucoma – a potentially sight threatening condition that, if caught early enough, can be easily treated.”
Eye examinations can also help uncover a number of underlying health conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and an increased risk of stroke.
Those groups of people most likely to skip regular sight tests include men in their 30s; pensioners (who have all been entitled to free NHS sight tests since April 1999) and busy parents who fail to take their children for eye examinations.
Alex Gage comments further: “As a child’s eyesight is usually fully developed by the age of eight, it is crucial that eye tests are carried out at least once a year from the age of three. Sight tests for all children in Britain are free on the NHS – the only investment parents have to make is time.”
Alex continues: “Conditions such as squint or Amblyopia (lazy eye) can lead to lifelong problems so it really is a case of ‘After Eight is too Late’. If detected early, many problems can be easily corrected, usually with glasses. Poor eyesight is not always obvious, especially with bright children, to parents, or even teachers, and can severely restrict a child's ability to learn, read, write and spell.”
Sight saving tips
1) Eat well Eating a balanced diet can help keep your eyes healthy and reduce your risk of developing common eye conditions. Eye friendly nutrients found in many fruits and vegetables can help minimise damage caused by UV light and protect against conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the UK’s leading cause of blindness.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish such as mackerel and tuna are also vital for maintaining healthy vision.
2) Stop smoking Smokers are twice as likely to lose their sight than non-smokers. Tobacco chemicals damage the blood vessels behind your eyes, which can lead to the onset of conditions such as glaucoma and AMD. Smoking has also been linked to other eye diseases such as cataracts.
3) Watch your weight More than half of all British adults weigh more than their recommended weight. This can lead to eye health problems. Damage to blood vessels in the eye caused by excess body weight has been linked to the onset of glaucoma and diabetes whilst studies in the US have shown people with a high body mass index (BMI) tend to have low macula pigment density and are therefore at greater risk of suffering AMD.
4) Be screen smart We spend an average of 35 hours in front of our computers every week and although it won’t do your eyes any permanent harm your eyes may be affected by ‘screen fatigue’ – sore, itchy irritated eyes or temporary blurring of your vision.
To minimise symptoms of screen fatigue I recommend giving your eyes a rest every 20 minutes or so by focusing on something in the distance and customising your screen settings so that your monitor is approximately 50 centimetres away from your eyes and the centre of your screen is positioned about 12 centimetres below your natural eye level. You should also set your font size default to 12pts or more.
Reflections, bright lighting and a dirty screen can also make your eyes feel uncomfortable. Also, don’t forget to blink – when you concentrate on your screen your blink rate slows which can dry your eyes.
5) Get tested An eye examination is an essential health check. As well as testing for any problems with your vision such as myopia (short sight) or hyperopia (long sight) it can also uncover a number of underlying health problems. You should have an eye examination every two years unless advised otherwise by your optometrist.
Log on to www.nationaleyeweek.co.uk for more information about caring for your eyes.
1. The State of the Nation’s Eyes survey was conducted by One Poll between 4 – 11 April 2008. 2. European legislation states that employees who regularly use VDUs as part of their work are entitled to an eye examination when they commence work, tests at regular intervals thereafter and, at any time if they begin to experience visual problems which may be due to working at a computer screen. All paid for by the employer. Self employed people can claim tax relief on their eyecare. 3. Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST) at Imperial College, London.
Local optometrist’s advice to beat ‘The Silent Assassin’ As World Diabetes Day approaches (14th November), the leading UK diabetes charity warns that the total diabetes population has reached an unprecedented high. Diabetes UK reveals that, in England, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has broken two million for the first time - an increase of 6.4% in the last year alone - and has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the disease dubbed ‘The Silent Assassin’. Sheffield Optometrist Alex Gage is lending his support to the campaign by raising awareness of the vital role that regular eye examinations play in the early detection of diabetes. Alex, who has practices at Broomhill and Woodseats, comments; “Diabetes is a huge health issue that can cause heart disease, stroke and blindness if left undetected.” Alex Gage uses a state of the art camera to take a picture of the back of the eye and creates a digital image of it. Alex said “ There are few symptoms in the early stages of the more prevalent, lifestyle- related type 2 diabetes, but by taking a picture of the back of the eye we are able to measure any deterioration that may be symptomatic of diabetes.” Alex Gage conducts the diabetic screening at the Woodseats practice that he runs with his wife, Sarah, also an optometrist. World Diabetes Day is the global awareness campaign of the diabetes world that is co-ordinated in the UK by Diabetes UK. The 2008 theme is Diabetes, Children & Adolescents. For more information about World Diabetes Day or Diabetes UK Silent Assassin campaign, please visit www.diabetes.org.uk
Local Optometrist applauds RNIB advice A Sheffield optometrist is backing a campaign by the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) that encourages people to have an eye examination at least every two years. This year’s RNIB eye health campaign (6th - 12th October) has changed from a day to a week long event to reinforce the importance that regular testing has on both eye and general health with a message that is being broadcast both to the general public and to Government. Alex Gage has practices in Woodseats and Broomhill and has worked tirelessly over the last ten years to raise awareness of the importance of regular tests. Commenting on the RNIB campaign, Alex says “It’s good news for the public and for the optometrists who care for them that the RNIB’s campaign is bigger and better than ever this year. Regular eye tests are vital in detecting eye conditions, which are often treatable if caught early. In addition, people tend not to be aware that eye examinations can help detect problems other than vision-related ones, diabetes, for example.” In a bid to encourage people to safeguard their sight with regular eye examinations, Alex Gage held a Family Eye Week at his Broomhill practice in August and visits local schools to talk about eye health. Alex urges people to pop into either of his practices in Woodsests and Broomhill for more information about eye conditions and how to keep them healthy.
Local Optometrist helps Young Owls to fly Young footballers in Sheffield have their sights set on success as local optometrist, Alex Gage sponsors a Young Owls team for a second season It seems to be a winning formula too. Last year, the Sheffield Owls Under 13s won their league, as well as winning the regional cup and finishing runners-up in another competition. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to play a part in helping to develop the sports stars of tomorrow” said Alex Gage, who has practices in Woodseats and Broomhill. “This is also about raising awareness. Sports people work hard to keep fit and they eat the right things but often they overlook things as important as regular eye testing. “We go the dentist regularly and we go to the doctor too, but many of us don’t realise how important eye check-ups are. This is especially true for footballers, for who good eye-foot co-ordination is essential.” Young Owls chairman said Darren Fairest said: “Support like this is essential for our day-to-day running. Costs are actually very high for running youth football, we try to provide very best facilities we can and this extra support is very beneficial to us” This latest move is part of Alex Gage’s commitment to his Sports Vision business, 2012 Vision, which aims to raise awareness of ocular health and the link to enhanced performance for amateurs and professional sportsmen and women 2012 Vision offers vision screening and testing, prescription sunglasses, protective eyewear and the management of eye injuries from Alex Gage’s Crookes Road, Broomhill practice. For friendly advice about sports vision please call Alex at Broomhill on 0114 266 7066 or Woodseats on 0114 2748582
Sheffield Optometrist's 2012 vision As Americans raise awareness of eye safety during Eye Safety Month (01-30 September), closer to home a Sheffield optometrist is establishing a business to provide eyecare and eyewear for sportsmen and women. Alex Gage, one of only a handful of Yorkshire optometrists with a diploma in sports vision, has established 2012 vision at his Broomhill practice to serve the vision needs of Yorkshire athletes from all disciplines. Alex, 39, shares the significance of the name, “The name of the new business is 2012 Vision (Yorkshire) Ltd. 20/20 vision is normal, 20/12 is exceptional. With the 2012 Olympics coming to London and the regions, the spotlight on Sheffield and sport is going to be greater than ever before. I want to develop this unique area of sports optometry by sharing my knowledge, expertise and the best products on the market with sportsmen and women as they prepare for this and other sporting challenges.” Among the services that 2012 Vision will offer is vision screening and testing, prescription sunglasses, protective eyewear and the management of eye injuries. Alex continues; “We cater for everyone from elite golfers to recreational skiers.” For friendly advice about sports vision please call Alex Gage at Woodseats on 0114 2748582 or Broomhill on 0114 266 7066.
Latest varifocal technology available from Alex Gage, Woodseats A Sheffield Optometrist is inviting patients old and new to be measured up for the latest in Varifocal lens design technology. Alex Gage has borrowed the Visioffice Universal Measuring System to measure up for the revolutionary Varilux Physio f-360 for one week only at his Woodseats practice at the end of August. Alex Gage is delighted to be one of few local optometrists to offer this service. He explains “For high resolution vision at near, far and in-between distances, the new Varilux Physio f-360 maximises your quality of vision according to your own prescription and the unique way you wear your spectacles. Research comparing previous lenses with High Resolution Vision suggests that the Physio f-360 offers over 30% better visual performance and contrast, over 30% wider area of clear vision and 30% more natural vision due to the personalisation.” For more information or to book an appointment, please telephone Cara or Rachel on 0114 274 8582 to make an appointment.or just call in at 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats between Thursday 21st and Wednesday 27th August. As an added incentive, everyone who orders spectacles with the new Physio f-360 lenses will be entered into a draw to win a free pair of lenses, worth £300. Alex Gage also has a practice at 4 Crookes Road in Broomhill.
Sheffield optometrist launches ultimate sunglasses A Sheffield Optometrist is launching a range of exclusive sports sunglasses at his Broomhill practice. Alex Gage has enhanced his sports vision offering at his Crookes Road practice with an extensive range of Rudy Project sunglasses, the technically cool eyewear that has been made in Italy since 1985. Alex Conceived initially for athletes, Rudy Project glasses rapidly became widespread amongst a wider audience due to the combination of aesthetic features and the exceptional visual comfort and protection that they offer. All of the glasses are distinguished by the care given to detail, both in the frames and design as well as the quality of the lenses and materials used. The glasses cost between £59.99 and £219.99 and can be fitted with prescription lenses and inserts. Please call Alex Gage on 0114 266 7066 for more information.
Local optometrist initiates Family Eye Week (25-30th August) A Sheffield Optometrist is launching an initiative to promote family eye tests. Alex Gage will hold a Family Eye Week at his Broomhill practice in August to encourage families to safeguard their sight with regular eye examinations. He is offering 10% of an adult eye test when they are tested at the same time as a child between 25th and 30th August. Commenting on the initiative, Alex said, “People tend not to be aware that eye examinations can help detect problems other than vision-related ones, and this is particularly true for the younger generation. Children’s progress at school may be hindered if they are struggling with their vision, so it’s vital that they are checked at least once a year . The idea behind the promotion is to get Mum and Dad to set a good example by being tested too. We are a family business and like to look after the interests of the families in our local community.” To benefit from the promotion, simply ring Cathy or Jo on 0114 266 7066 or pop in to at Alex Gage’s Broomhill practice at 4 Crookes Road, Sheffield.
Optometrist’s diabetic vision for Diabetes Week (8-14 June) In the week that Diabetes UK raises awareness of its work and campaigns for people with diabetes, Sheffield Optometrist Alex Gage continues to offer a vital screening service for local diabetics. Diabetes is a common condition. More than two million people in the UK have been diagnosed and it is estimated that a further one million people remain undiagnosed, as there are few symptoms in the early stages of type 2 diabetes. There are two forms of diabetes: type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, which usually begins in childhood (early onset) and is an auto-immune condition; and type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, which occurs in later life (late onset). Without treatment, the patient may go blind and this is why early detection is crucial. Alex Gage uses digital photography to take a picture of the eye and this information is used to measure any deterioration that may be symptomatic of diabetes. Alex said ‘We can take a picture of the back of the eye and have a digital record of it, rather than having to rely on notes taken at the time of examination.’ Alex Gage conducts the diabetic screening at the Woodseats practice that he runs with his wife, Sarah, also an optometrist.
Press Release May 08 Latest varifocal technology from Alex Gage A Sheffield Optometrist is inviting patients old and new to be measured up for the latest in Varifocal lens design technology. Alex Gage has borrowed the Visioffice Universal Measuring System to measure up for the revolutionary Varilux Physio f-360 for one week only – 29th May to 4th June. Alex Gage is delighted to be one of few local optometrists to offer this service. He explains “For high resolution vision at near, far and in-between distances, the new Varilux Physio f-360 maximises your quality of vision according to your own prescription and the unique way you wear your spectacles. Research comparing previous lenses with High Resolution Vision suggests that the Physio f-360 offers over 30% better visual performance and contrast, over 30% wider area of clear vision and 30% more natural vision due to the personalisation.” For more information or to book an appointment, please telephone Cath or Jo on 0114 266 7066 or just call in at 4 Crookes Road, Broomhill between Thursday 29th May and Wednesday 4th June. As an added incentive, everyone who orders spectacles with the new Physio f-360 lenses will be entered into a draw to win a free pair of lenses, worth £300. Alex Gage also has a practice at 857 Chesterfield Road in Woodseats. STOP PRESS For those who missed the Visioffice at Broomhill, it will be at Woodseats between 21st and 28th August. Please call 0114 274 8582 to make an appointment.
Press Release May 08 As the weather warms up and the gardening season is upon us in earnest, Alex Gage, who practices in Woodseats and Broomhill, advises; “There are thousands of garden related eye injuries every year and many can be avoided by following a few simple precautions and protecting your eyes with safety goggles.” Alex’s advice includes;
Alex continues, “Safety goggles are inexpensive and widely available from DIY shops – it’s a small price to pay to safeguard your sight.” For friendly advice about any eye care issues, please call Alex Gage at Woodseats on 0114 2748582 or Broomhill on 0114 266 7066.
Press Release March 08 Local sports vision specialist sponsors football’s U13 County Cup winners As Sheffield’s Young Owls Under 13s team celebrate its first cup win of the season, local optometrist Alex Gage is delighted with his sponsorship of the successful football team. Alex, one of only a handful of Yorkshire optometrists with a diploma in sports vision, had been looking for an opportunity to support a youth team since he decided to practice in this field. He is in the process of establishing a sports vision business, 20/12 Vision and explains “Eye-foot and hand co-ordination involves the central nervous system integrating and processing visual and tactile information so that an activity can be carried out. It was once thought that eye-foot and hand co-ordination was a function of natural ability, but recent studies have scientifically proven that it is trainable and can improve athletic performance. The Young Owls Under 13 team has been established for 5 years and boasts a squad of 16. It plays in the Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League and beat North Gawber Colliery Junior 3-2 to take the Tesco Youth Challenge Cup (U13) recently. Alex is hoping that, with his name on their training tops and sweatshirts, the team will go from strength to strength.
Press Release March 08 Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity benefits from Sight Care conference When Sheffield optometrist Alex Gage was invited to speak at the national Sight Care conference in Birmingham, he could not have foreseen that a local charity would benefit from the experience. Whilst addressing the 500 delegates about the power of marketing and pr, he mentioned his fundraising efforts for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. A fellow speaker was so impressed by Alex’s benevolence that he pledged to donate some of the proceeds from the sales of his book, 'Transforming Business in a Knowledge World'. Tim Kidson is a top business author, coach and international speaker and pledged Alex £350 for the charity of his choice. Alex Gage and his associates have now raised over £2600 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity since they began fundraising in 2006. Alex runs practices in Woodseats and Broomhill with his optometrist wife, Sarah.
Press Release March 08 Olympic hopefuls have their eyes on the top prize with help from Alex and Sarah Gage Local Sheffield optometrists and husband and wife team, Alex and Sarah Gage have both been trained by Johnson & Johnson, the Official Vision Care Product Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, to perform Sports Specific Eye Exams (SSEE) as part of a programme designed to help British athletes going for gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to “Be The Best They Can Be.” All UK optometrists have been given the chance to undertake SSEE training. The SSEE goes one step further than a normal eye exam. In addition to the standard eye exam, a SSEE involves measuring your eye movements, peripheral awareness, flexibility of focus, glare recovery, 3-dimensional vision and should vision correction be required this will be customised to the sport’s specific needs. In sport, the difference between winning and losing can be measured in hundredths of a second or fractions of a centimetre. Therefore, no area of training should be overlooked, especially an athlete’s vision as corrected vision and vision training can have a measurable effect on sporting ability. 80% of all stimuli comes from the information you receive through your eyes. Eyes are controlled by seven muscles, so it makes sense to train these muscles along with the rest in the body. “An athlete with good visual memory always seems to be in the right place at the right time and nothing happens in sport until the eye tells the body what to do. Vision coaching is just as important as every other aspect of coaching to achieve elite performance.” said Sir Clive Woodward, director of Elite Performance at the British Olympic Association. Alex and Sarah will be helping to train potential Team GB athletes by assessing their vision and identifying any opportunity to improve their visual quality and efficiency. Where appropriate, they will put together a personalised vision training programme related to the athlete’s sport. Alex is justifiably excited by their new role. “It’s a great opportunity to be involved with the UK’s future athletic stars” he said. The SSEE from Johnson & Johnson is also available for non Team GB athletes. Visit www.acuvue.co.uk/sports/ for more information.
Press Release February 08 Optometrist’s advice for World Glaucoma Day As the inaugural World Glaucoma Day approaches (6th March), Sheffield optometrist Alex Gage reiterates the importance of regular eye examinations in the early detection of glaucoma. Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye and it is thought to affect 2% of the population over the age of 40. Alex Gage, who has invested in the most advanced equipment at both his Woodseats and Broomhill practices, explains “The Humphrey Field Analyzer is the gold standard in glaucoma diagnosis and management and has significantly enhanced the services that we offer at both practices.” In addition, Alex uses sophisticated fundus camera equipment to measure year on year changes to the back of the eye. He explains “We can offer a service of detailed field examination and dilated fundus examination where we use drops to dilate the pupil and get a binocular view. It could be compared to opening a door to look into a room rather than peering through the keyhole and gives very good results”. The awareness day is a joint international initiative between the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA). Alex Gage applauds the work of the Glaucoma Association “It’s great that the Association is raising awareness about Glaucoma and reinforces the message that regular eye examinations are so important, especially for the over 40’s. An eye examination plus the three glaucoma tests should be repeated every two years, or every year for those who have an immediate relative with Glaucoma. The tests don’t hurt, are very straightforward and can be done by most optometrists.”
Press Release February 08 Alex Gage invited to address national Sight Care conference Sheffield optometrist Alex Gage has been invited to speak at the forthcoming Sight Care conference in Birmingham. A member of Sheffield’s Chamber of Commerce, Alex was invited to address the 500 delegates at the annual conference at the Hilton Metropole at the NEC on March 3rd after he was featured in in a national magazine for optometrists. Last September, Optometry Today championed Alex for being “a rare breed of independent who believes in the power of publicity and acts on it.” Conference delegates will learn how Alex uses PR and innovative marketing to keep his business fit in the face of increasing competition from the high street. Sight Care is a national support group for independents in the optical field and helps its members by focussing on issues that are at the heart of running a successful independent practice. Alex runs practices in Woodseats and Broomhill with his optometrist wife, Sarah.
Press Release January 08 Broomhill optometrist invests in visual imaging equipment Broomhill optometrist Alex Gage has invested in sophisticated equipment that will help patients to decide which glasses suit them best. Alex decided to invest in the visual imaging equipment at Broomhill after seeing how successful it was at his Woodseats practice. Alex explains how it benefits patients: “Comparing different frames, side-by-side, on screen as opposed to using a mirror is so much easier, even if you do have good eyesight.” Research undertaken by the manufacturers Vision Control UK Ltd reveals that over 90% of patients who have used their visual imaging systems prefer this method to using a mirror and have found that patients with poor eyesight have begun to enjoy choosing glasses again as the images are so clear. Jo Sawyer and Cath Taylor agree with the research findings “Patients really enjoy being able to compare photographs of them wearing different frames side by side. They find it much easier and quicker to choose the glasses that really suit them.” Alex Gage’s Woodseats practice is at 857 Chesterfield Road.
Press Release October 07 Optometrist’s new role on optometric committee Local optometrist Alex Gage has been elected as Secretary to the Sheffield Local Optometric Committee (S.L.O.C.). The SLOC exists to advise the Sheffield Primary Care Trust on matters which affect general Ophthalmic Services in the Sheffield area. Alex, who has practices in Broomhill and Woodseats, is delighted at the appointment; “The S.L.O.C. provides a great service in that it enables optometrists in the area to formulate collective views on the administration of the services and in particular to make suggestions for their improvement and to transmit them to the Primary Care Trust”. Alex is well placed to make a valuable contribution to the committee as he is a founder member of the Ophthalmic Joint Planning Group that aims to improve patient care and until recently was a member of the Sheffield South West Primary Care Executive. He has also run a practice with his wife Sarah for 11 years.
Press Release July 07 Minimise back to school eye strain A local optometrist is advising pupils to keep reading during the long summer holidays to minimise eye strain when they return to school. Respected local optometrist, Alex Gage, who has practices in Broomhill and Woodseats explains “Some children experience eye strain when they go back to school and start reading again after the Summer holidays. In order to minimise this, I advocate that children spend as little as 15 minutes every day reading their favourite book. In addition, it is important for children to have regular eye examinations and the school holidays are an ideal time to fit them in.” To encourage children to read, Alex Gage is running a competition to find the best answer to the question “What do I like about reading?” The winners in each of the categories 5 and under, 6 – 11 years and 12 - 16 years will win a £10 book token. Please see the posters or pick up an entry form in either Woodseats or Broomhill practices for more information. Children under 16 or under 19 and in full time education are entitled to free eye examinations, so give Alex a call on either 0114 274 8582 (Woodseats) or 0114 266 7066 (Broomhill) to increase your child’s chances of being top of the class in September!
Press Release July 07 Local optometrist Alex Gage is encouraging this year’s newcomers to Sheffileld’s universities to get off to a good academic start with a free eye test. Respected local optometrist, Alex Gage, whose Broomhill practice lies in the heart of the university quarter, explains “The importance of regular eye examinations is well documented, especially for people who spend a lot of time reading or using a computer, and can help detect problems other than vision-related ones. Those students who are under 19 and in full time education qualify for a free eye examination and really have no excuse not to keep their eyes healthy and to improve their studies.” All the students have to do is present themselves at Alex’s Practice at 4 Crookes Road, Broomhill and sign a GOS1 form to say that they are under 19 and in full time education. When they are 19 or over they can complete an HC1 from to apply for help towards optical and other NHS benefits. Alex Gage is promoting his message on beer mats in student pubs and on t shirts during Fresher’s Week.
Press Release - June 07 Local optometrist’s investment - Glaucoma Awareness Week Regular eye examinations are critical to the early detection of glaucoma is the message that is central to this year’s Glaucoma Awareness Week (11th to 17th June) and local optometrist Alex Gage has just invested £10,000 in the most advanced analysis tool. The theme of this year’s event is to make the general public aware of glaucoma and to encourage people in risk groups to get the tests that will help them to get an early diagnosis. Alex Gage has invested in the Humphrey Field Analyzer equipment in order to serve his patients better in the early detection of glaucoma. He explains “This equipment is the gold standard in glaucoma diagnosis and management and will enhance the services that we offer at our Broomhill practice.” Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point where it leaves the eye and it is thought to affect 2% of the population over the age of 40. Alex Gage has practices in Woodseats and Broomhill and applauds the work o f the Glaucoma Association “It’s great that the Association is raising awareness about Glaucoma and reinforces the message that regular eye examinations are so important, especially for the over 40’s. An eye examination plus the three glaucoma tests should be repeated every two years. The tests don’t hurt, are very straightforward and can be done by most optometrists.”
Press Release 21-5-07 Protect children’s eyes from the sun A local optometrist is highlighting the dangers of exposing children’s eyes to the sun. Alex Gage, who practices in Woodseats and Broomhill, advises; “Sunglasses are even more important for children than adults. Children need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays to avoid damage and deterioration of the eye in later life. Look for glasses that carry the CE mark and the British Standard BSEN 1836:1997 as these will provide a safe level of UV protection.” It is thought that children’s eyes are more vulnerable than adults because the cornea, lens and fluids are much clearer and let more light into the retina. It is particularly important that children wear good quality sunglasses when they are playing where there is a lot of reflected light, like at the beach. Alex Gage stocks a range of affordable and stylish sunglasses for children and adults in both of his practices. For advice about sun protective eyecare, please call Alex Gage at Woodseats on 0114 2748582 or Broomhill on 0114 266 7066.
Press release 04-04-07 Local optometrist can improve sports performance It’s an exciting time of year in the sporting calendar as footballers limber up for the FA and UEFA cups, golfers get their eye in for the masters and marblers are preparing in earnest for the British and World Marbles Championships! All of these exacting sports have one thing in common – a need for exceptional eye hand/feet co-ordination. Eye-hand co-ordination involves the central nervous system integrating and processing visual and tactile information so that an activity can be carried out. It was once thought that eye-hand co-ordination was a function of natural ability, but recent studies have scientifically proven that it is trainable and can improve athletic performance. Alex Gage, from Alex Gage Optometrists in Woodseats and Broomhill elaborates; “ The University of Sydney’s research indicates that as little as 30 minutes training on a Sports Vision Trainer 3 times a week will significantly improve eye-hand co-ordination in as little as 5 weeks’” Alex is well-placed to offer advice on improving sports vision as he has a Diploma in the subject and is one of only a handful of optometrists in the country to be selected by Bausch & Lomb as a Key Opinion Leader. He is also in the process of establishing a sports vision business, 20/12 Vision, which will complement his existing practices. Alex shared the significance of the name with us. “The name of the new business is 2012 Vision: 20/20 vision is normal, 20/12 is exceptional. With the 2012 Olympics coming to London and the regions, the spotlight on Sheffield and sport is going to be bigger than ever before. I want to develop this unique area of sports optometry by sharing my knowledge, expertise and the best products on the market with sportsmen and women as they prepare for this and other sporting challenges.”
Press release 6-2-2007 Free student eye examinations from Alex Gage Regular eye examinations are fundamental for healthy studying; this is the message being promoted by local optometrist Alex Gage. For the tens of thousands of Sheffield students who will be enjoying a reading week this month, impeccable vision and brain power can only enhance their learning experience. Respected local optometrist, Alex Gage, whose Broomhill practice lies in the heart of the university quarter, explains “People tend not to be aware that eye examinations can help detect problems other than vision-related ones, and this is particularly true for those who spend a lot of time reading or using a computer. Those students who are under 19 and in full time education qualify for a free eye examination and really have no excuse not to keep their eyes healthy and to improve their studies.” All the students have to do is present themselves at Alex’s Practice at 4 Crookes Road, Broomhill and sign a GOS1 form to say that they are under 19 and in full time education. When they are 19 or over they can complete an HC1 from to apply for help towards optical and other NHS benefits. Alex Gage also runs an Optometrist Practice in Woodseats with his wife, Sarah.
EYECARE ON THE PISTE The first flakes of snow always makes us think about skiing holidays, but local optometrist Alex Gage sounds a note of caution. “Surprisingly, the most common skiing injury is not broken limbs, but eye damage.” Alex continues, “Even on cloudy days, high levels of ultra-violet (UV) light can enter and burn your eyes. Alex Gage stocks a range of affordable and stylish ski eyewear in both his Woodseats and Broomhill practices. The range includes Bolle’s high tech Scream goggle with Air Booster ™ system for fog free vision and a lens that blocks 100% of UV rays and a range of ski glasses and goggles that are suitable for children. For advice about ski eyewear and eyecare, please call Alex Gage at Woodseats on 0114 2748582 or Broomhill on 0114 266 7066.
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a local optometrist is urging gardeners to take care.