alex gage optometrist news 2003-2004
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01-Dec 2004
EYECARE ON LONG HAUL FLIGHTS
Those set to embark on a year of travel and adventure or just a long haul flight are being warned to take extra care of their eyes, advises independent UK opticican, Alex Gage, as it is revealed that long distance travel can have a potentially harmful effect on contact lens wearers.
"Extreme changes in climate combined with long periods aboard an aircraft add up to eyes that are tired, strained, and dry, with contact lens wearers the worse effected," Alex Gage explains.
"The dry atmosphere caused by artificial cabin pressure can cause eyes to become sore, so we recommend that travellers keep a handy supply of rewetting drops, or better still, switch to glasses for the duration of their journey." Alex continues, "Make sure you have more than enough contact lens solution to clean lenses and don't be tempted to use anything else. The other option is to switch to daily disposables for the duration of your trip. The last thing you want is your trip spoilt by irritable eyes!"
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01-Nov 2004
ALL EYES ARE ON THE CARE OF YOUNGSTERS
Woodseats optician Alex gage is educating young people about the importance of looking after their eyes by working with Abbey Lane Primary School on a health care project. Alex carried out a series of presentations to 100 pupils to educate them about the workings of the eye and explain why regular eye tests are so important.
Alex explained: "It is very important that children have their eyes tested every year, especially up to the age of eight as this is the period where their vision is still developing. Around this time corrective eyewear can be required to stop ambyopia (lazy eye) worsening. After a child is eight there is nothing that can be done to reverse ambyopia once it has occured."
He added: "We wanted to do something that would encourage children to realise the importance of looking after their eyes from an early age. By offering the school a donation every time a child visits the practice, we could put something back into the local community."
Abbey Lane teacher, karen dunning said: "We have a series of health projects and activities planned for this year and try to bring in local experts, wherever possible to bring the subject to life."
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27-Aug-2004
DOUBLE TAKE ON HAY FEVER SYMPTOMS
As humidty levels have been soaring hay fever sufferers have been struggling, and if you also wear contact lenses then you're in double trouble, for hay fever can greatly affect your vision.The warning comes as the high pollen count could mean daily disposable lenses are the safest option.
"But if people suffer from hay fever and don't adjust their eyewear accordingly they risk extreme soreness and blurred vision from the build-up of pollen behind the lens", explains optician Alex Gage of Woodseats, Sheffield. "Daily contact lenses allow you to start with a fresh pair every day, avoiding contamination and added irritation from pollen and build-up." But he also advises swapping your lenses for glasses to give your eyes a rest.
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29-JUN-2004
STUDENTS SEE CLEARLY AFTER LOCAL OPTICIAN 'S VISIT
Independent optician Alex Gage is working with local students in a bid to raise awareness of new, convenient contact lenses, which are designed to fit in with the lifestyle of 16-25 year olds.
Alex Gage ran a workshop at Castle College in Sheffield recently to demonstrate the benefits of Bausch & Lomb ‘Purevision’ contact lenses.
Alex explains: “Students are renowned for staying out into the early hours and often forget to remove or clean their lenses, which can be harmful to their sight. The Purevision lenses are extremely comfortable and can be worn for longer periods than traditional lenses. We’re running a special offer at the moment where an introductory pack is just £5, which generated a great response from the students.”
As well as promoting a quality new range, Alex was also keen to emphasise the importance of regular eye tests, especially for those who wear contact lenses. “We strongly advise people to have regular eye-examinations as you need to choose contact lenses that allow the eye to breathe, especially if you are wearing them for long periods. This is why the new Purevision range from Bausch & Lomb is proving so popular with students.”
The introductory pack, which is available while stocks last, includes a complete contact lens kit, containing one month’s contact lenses and solution, a lens case, mirror and a CD on everything you need to know about contact lenses.
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07-JUN-2004
MIND YOUR EYES WATCHING ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT
Sheffield optician Alex Gage is warning people of the risks of not protecting their eyes when viewing the "Transit of Venus" tomorrow.
The last time the planet Venus crossed the face of the sun was in 1822, which is why so many people are keen to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event. For around six hours, beginning at 6.19am, Venus will be silhouetted against the face of the sun as it crosses directly between the earth and sun.
"There is a real danger to people's sight if they are not wearing the correct eye protection when attempting to view the planet crossing," explains Mr Gage, who has an opticians on Chesterfield Road, Sheffield. "The only completely safe way to watch the Transit of Venus is with indirect projection, which can be done using a simple homemade pinhole card."
To create a pinhole card, he says, take a piece of stiff card and pierce it with a pin. Hold it up and looking away from the sun adjust the angle of the card until an image of the sun is projected into the middle of the shadowed area. Place another piece of card under the shadow and adjust the distance between the two to get the best picture. The hole must be as small as possible otherwise you will simply get a shaft of light.
"It is a common misconseption that sunglasses, pieces of darkened photographic film and so forth will provide sufficent protection when looking directly at the sun but this is not the case," Alex said.
Sheffield Astronomical Society (SAC) will stage an event at the Peace Gardens in the city centre, to help bring the spectacle to the public. They will be displaying the transit on large plasma screens from cameras attached to telescopes. Met office forecasters say the weather looks set to give watchers a good chance.
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05-May-2004
SEEING CLEARLY
A Sheffield optician travelled to Austria to see how designer glasses were made before bringing some home to sell. Rachel Mirfin, assistant manager at Alex Gage Opticians, Chesterfield Road, Sheffield, toured the Silhouette factory to see Daniel Swarovski frames being hand crafted.
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28-NOV-2003
CORPORATE EYECARE PACKAGES
As part of its corporate eyecare scheme aimed at businesses in the region, Alex Gage Opticians, based at Woodseats in Sheffield, has launched a new range of safety glasses, specifically designed to offer extra eye protection for manual workers. Alex Gage says: "Our Total Care corporate eyecare scheme has been in place for over a year and we have a large number of local businesses as members. The new safety glasses will help extend our product range to suit industrial companies."
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22-Sep-2003
LOST YOUR LICENCE FOR EYESIGHT REASONS? IT MAY BE WORTH A RE-TEST
Legislation changes may mean you can drive again, so it is worth visiting Alex Gage Opticians for an eye test.
Alex Gage Opticians, based at Woodseats, is appealing for anyone who may have lost their driving licence for eyesight reasons to contact the DVLA, as the legislation has recently been changed and they may be eligible to re-apply.
Once the individual registers with the DVLA they will be referred to a local optician, such as DVLA approved Alex Gage, who has the necessary field of vision equipment, which may mean some motorists have the right to drive a vehicle again.
Alex said: "Many people do not realise that they may be able to re-apply for their licence, following a simple field of vision test. The DVLA is appealing to people to come forward as soon as possible to take advantage of the new rules regarding drivers eyesight. We test their eyesight, pass the results onto the DVLA who then inform the individual whether their licence will be returned to them."
The opticians practice has recently made a significant investment in new equipment to monitor both field of vision and Glaucoma, which operates to NHS hospital standards.
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7-Jun-2003
KEEP AN EYE ON SIGHT
More than a third of workers who regularly use VDUs (computer screens) are not aware that they are entitled to regular eyesight tests, paid for by their employer.
Six months ago independent optician Alex Gage launched a corporate eyecare scheme called Total Care and has recently signed up two local employers - accountants Knowles Warwick and web design company Quba New Media - who have paid for their staff to have regular eye examinations with him.
Matthew Williams, director of Quba, said "Alex Gage offers a quick, efficent, and professional service. Some of our staff, including myself, had never had an eye test before but as we are using VDUs all the time we thought it was about time we did. I would recommend Alexs Total Care service to any local business - it is beneficial to staff and demonstrates the companys commitment to their welfare."
It is important to have regular test so that any problems can be detected and corrected at an early stage.
Alex said: "Some employees are risking their health and safety by not having regular eyesight tests and are still not aware that they can have this completely free of charge. By subscribing to Total Care, employers can guarantee that each and every employee will receive the very best eyecare as well as discounts and general advise. As more and more of of us are using VDUs in the workplace, we should certainly be looking at taking better care of our eyes."
For further information on Total Care, contact Alex Gage Opticians on 0114 274 8582 or e-mail: alex@alexgageoptician.co.uk.
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7-May-2003
THE EYES HAVE IT FOR THESE KIDS
Children at Woodseats School now know all about how important it is to look after their eyes, thanks to a local optician.
Alex Gage, whose practice is based at Chesterfield Road, Woodseats, visited the school to meet youngsters and to talk to them about eyecare. He demonstrated how an eye test is carried out and then answered a series of questions from the children.
To arrange a free eye test for your child at Alex Gage Opticians, please call the practice on 01142 748582 or visit the practice at 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats.
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