clear-optometry

Optical extras? Use them or lose them

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 05:25:09 GMT

Optical extras? Use them or lose them

by December 31

Did you know that you can claim ANY health fund optical benefits with us? Maximise your entitlements and our expertise to find the perfect eyewear for you. We take the time to understand how you use your eyes so we can tailor an eyewear recommendation for your individual needs.

Just a few of the ways you can use your optical benefits this year:

Contact Lenses The latest technology advances mean we can prescribe a contact lens solution for almost any prescription.
Prescription Sunglasses Enjoy clear vision and UV protection at the same time!
New Fashion Look We love helping people select a new look from our hand-picked range of frames.
Digital Eyewear Spend a lot of time in front of digital screens? Ask us about digital eyewear to help alleviate strain on your eyes.
Spare Everyday Pair Losing or breaking your glasses can be stressful if you don’t have a back-up pair. Visit us to claim a spare pair using your optical extras!
Reading Glasses If you enjoy reading or do a lot of ‘close’ work, a specific pair of reading glasses can provide clear vision and an extra level of comfort for your eyes.
Driving Glasses Vision is responsible for around 90% of the information we use for driving. We can assess your vision to ensure maximum road safety with appropriate eyewear.
Sports Eyewear Sport-specific eyewear can enhance both your comfort and performance on the field.

So, come in and let us help you make the most of your optical extras before they expire on December 31!

Make your eyes smile with Optical Extras

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 00:47:23 GMT

Make your eyes smile with Optical Extras

Thursday, 5 November, 2020 10:07 AM

At Clear Optometry we want you to make the most of your optical extras before they disappear on Dec 31. Use your health fund and our expertise to find the perfect eyewear for you.

Please call us on 07 4130 5099 , or pop into the practice before December 31 and our highly trained and friendly team will recommend the best use of your optical extras. Claim with any health fund today.

See Better. See us.

Presbyopia - are you reading at arm's length?

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:58:34 GMT

Presbyopia - are you reading at arm's length?

Friday, July 26, 2019 5.46 PM

If you are, you’re not alone.

This is a common first sign of presbyopia, the normal loss of near focusing ability that occurs with age—most of us will start to notice this change in our early to mid-forties. The good news is that we can correct presbyopia very simply with glasses or contact lenses designed for your needs.

What causes presbyopia?

As we get a little older, the lens in the eye gradually thickens and loses elasticity. As a result, light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it, compromising our ability to focus on close objects, which require more focal power to be seen clearly.

What are the common symptoms?

• Small print appears blurred

• Having to hold reading material further away

• Tired or strained eyes when performing close tasks

• Headaches

Why see us?

You don’t need to put up with the inconvenience and strain of presbyopia. Our job is to make your near vision clear and comfortable again, and this starts with a comprehensive eye examination. Once we have a full picture of your vision and eye health, we’ll prescribe a tailored solution that fits best with your daily life. It’s natural to feel a little apprehensive about wearing glasses or contact lenses for the first time. Our experienced team will support you through the process, so you see well and feel confident in your new eyewear.

Eye Strain, Neck Pain or Headaches?

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:32:32 GMT

Eye Strain, Neck Pain or Headaches?

Monday, April 01, 2019 4:17 PM

Australians on average are spending 10 hours a day on internet connected devices. This places stress and fatigue on our eyes and posture, resulting in a growing epidemic known as digital eye strain.

What is digital eye strain?

Digital Eye Strain is the physical eye discomfort felt by as many as 65% of individuals after two or more hours in front of a digital screen. Those using two or more devices simultaneously are at higher risk. Symptoms can include one or more of the following and the statistics represent the frequency of reported symptoms:

35% Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain

32% Eye Strain

28% Blurred Vision

27% Headache

27% Dry Eyes

Why does it occur?

Our eyes are focusing more intensively, switching frequently between devices and adjusting to increasingly smaller, pixelated characters and bright, glowing screens.

Digital devices are backlit and emit blue-violet light that can cause strain and discomfort and is linked to disrupted sleeping patterns.

A new reading zone in ultra near vision has evolved with the smartphone, placing even greater demands on our eyes.

The normal blinking rate is often reduced from 17 or more blinks a minute to 12 to 15 blinks, reducing tear production, making your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable.

Our posture has changed as we lean toward our screens and/or slouch in our chairs, putting a strain on the neck and back.

How can we help?

We are increasingly prescribing innovative lens technology to alleviate digital eye strain by eliminating glare, filtering out blue light and preventing vision fatigue. The good news is that digital lens innovation caters to both prescription and non-prescription wearers affected by digital eye strain.

Referred to as your computer, digital or work pair, these lenses are designed to relax and protect your eyes by providing clear viewing at typical screen viewing distance, as well as reducing blurriness, pixelation, brightness and glare. If you wear prescription glasses currently, a dedicated computer pair will combat digital eye strain and deliver postural benefits as your focus will be optimised for closeup work and screen viewing.

Ask how we can help to ease the strain.

2 in 3 suffer real strain caused by a digital life. Book an appointment with us to find out how we can help lessen the strain.

Seeing Clearly Doesn't Guarantee Nothing is Wrong

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:01:27 GMT

Seeing Clearly Doesn't Guarantee Nothing is Wrong

Friday, June 22, 2018 4:18 PM

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Every 65 minutes an Australian loses part or all of their vision and a staggering 42% of people wait until their eyes deteriorate before having their vision and eye health examined. While many of us recognise the need for preventative dental and general health check-ups, we’re generally less aware of the importance of regular preventative eye examinations. It’s human nature to leave seeing an optometrist until you notice your vision deteriorating, but unfortunately many of the most serious eye diseases develop gradually, often without noticeable signs in their early stages.

In a recent Australian study, over 50% of participants found to have an eye condition did not know they had one prior to taking part. The best safeguard against preventable vision loss is a regular comprehensive eye examination. Whether you notice a change in your vision or not – the fact is you need an expert optometrist to see the real picture.

Time for an eye examination?

We’re passionate about helping you and your family enjoy a lifetime of healthy, clear vision. So, we urge you to ensure your whole family have an eye examination with us at least every 2 years and every 12 months once over 65.

What can you expect from a thorough eye exam with us?

Our optometrist, Geoff Blackwell, has more than 20 years’ experience in primary eyecare. He'll take the time to understand you and your eyes, and will tailor all solutions to your unique vision, eye health and lifestyle needs. That’s why he won't only evaluate the sharpness of your vision, he'll also examine the internal and external health of your eyes at length to check for signs of eye disease, UV damage and other general health conditions. At Clear Optometry we won't compromise on your eyecare and we believe you shouldn't either.

A regular eye test could save your sight

To make an appointment, call into the practice or ring on 4130 5099. No referral is required and most eye examinations are bulk-billed. If you require glasses, we have a great range to suit all budgets, and HICAPS on-the-spot claiming for all health funds is available.

Hope to see you soon.

Eye Test Before You Crash Test

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:47:05 GMT

Eye Test Before You Crash Test

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 2:20 PM

A safe car is not safe if you don't have safe vision.

As drivers, we are very focused on safety. It’s a must-have. Whilst we are concerned about our car’s safety features, we often don’t think about the major influential factor in crashes: human error.

Vision is the most important sense for making decisions on the road and uncorrected vision is a contributor to crash risk. Road safety requires good vision, and that means seeing well at all distances, in all conditions.

Be aware of signs & symptoms

But how do you know if you might be at risk? Ask yourself if you experience any of the following, when driving:

• Trouble recognising details on road signs or number plates?

• Difficulty judging the distance of oncoming vehicles, particularly at night?

• Trouble seeing cars and roads clearly in changing light conditions, e.g. from day to dusk, dusk to night?

• Visual sensitivity to oncoming headlights?

• Need to move your head to see in vehicle side mirrors or read your dashboard clearly?

• Reluctance to drive at night or in unfamiliar environments?

• Uncertainty and lack of confidence behind the wheel of a car?

• Complaints of headaches, blurred or double vision after you drive?

How can we help?

Today, we have more options and technologies than ever before to help you stay safe on the road. Here are some of the common ways we can help:

• Vision Correction: Wearing glasses or contact lenses can improve your clarity and depth perception while driving, so you can better judge your surroundings.

• Progressive Lenses can improve your vision at every distance, with a smooth transition from reading road signs in the distance to viewing the dashboard in front of you.

• Anti-Reflective Coatings reduce glare, light streaking and distortion from oncoming headlights. This is particularly beneficial for night driving.

• Polarised Sunglasses eliminate distracting and sometimes dangerous ‘horizontal glare’, which is caused by light reflections from surfaces including roads, other cars, and your dashboard.

Feel comfortable driving this year.

To help ensure your safety on the road, book an appointment with us today.

And don’t forget that we can process any private health fund optical extras during your visit.

Lenses Are Clear - Lens Quality May Not Be

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:40:10 GMT

Lenses Are Clear - Lens Quality May Not Be

Monday, July 24, 2017 10:21 AM

Whilst lenses may all look the same, there are vast differences in quality affecting vision, visual comfort, UV protection, aesthetics and more. Not using the right lens for your vision can have a major impact on your quality of life. The lens selection process will ultimately determine how well and comfortably you will see.

When it's time for new glasses the focus is often on the frame selection process. We love frames and helping our patients to select the right one is a really satisfying part of our job. But it's just as vital (if not more so) to select the right lenses.

Not all prescription lenses are created equal and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to selecting the type of prescription lens for each patient. As an independent and experienced optometry practice, Clear Optometry has the ability to choose from the widest range of latest technology lens ranges and the knowledge to help you make the right selection.

See better. See us.

You May Not See Eye Disease Coming

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:31:24 GMT

You May Not See Eye Disease Coming

Monday, May 22, 2017 6:21 AM

Did you know that 1 in 4 Australians are at risk of losing all or part of their vision to eye disease?^

And although nearly half will wait until their vision deteriorates before having their eyes checked, many eye diseases don't have any symptoms in their early stages.

Healthy eyes and clear vision are integral to living a rewarding life and they need the regular attention of a dedicated eyecare professional. Seeing us for regular checkups provides the best chance of catching eye problems early and keeping you seeing well.

Don't wait until you notice a problem as by then it may be harder to treat. Spending 45 minutes today can save your sight tomorrow.

Don't miss the big moments in life. Book a 360º comprehensive eye consultation today.

^ABS 201102012 National Health Survey

A regular eye test is the key to healthy eyes.

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:07:46 GMT

A regular eye test is the key to healthy eyes.

Thursday, September 15, 2016 8:30 PM

Not having a regular eye test!

By 2020 over 800,000 Australians will be blind or suffer from significant vision loss. The best way to avoid being one of them? Have a regular eye test.

80% of vision loss in Australia is caused by 5 conditions, all of which can usually be detected during a routine eye examination and most of which are treatable, particularly if detected early (before they cause symptoms).

The five conditions are: -

- Macular degeneration

- Cataracts

- Glaucoma

- Refractive error (needing to wear glasses or contact lenses)

- Diabetic retinopathy

At Clear Optometry we’ll thoroughly examine your eyes and vision using the latest technology, explain the results in clear language and provide the right advice to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

Clear Optometry has been operating in Bargara since 2010 and optometrist Geoff Blackwell has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of eyecare. The whole team is passionate about delivering the best possible service to the people of Bargara and the Coral Coast community.

Most examinations are bulk billed to Medicare and Hicaps health fund claiming is available. To make an appointment, call 4130 5099 or pop into the practice. No referral is required.

OCT Scanning - Looking Deeper into Your Eyes

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:20:13 GMT

OCT Scanning - Looking Deeper into Your Eyes

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 9:33 PM

OCT (optical coherence tomography) is an exciting new diagnostic technique that can look deep into the eye to help diagnose conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, sometimes years earlier than might otherwise be possible. Using a special wavelength of light, OCT can construct detailed 3D images of the various layers of the retina, allowing the detection of subtle abnormalities and also providing baseline information for the future diagnosis of progressive conditions.

While glaucoma and macular degeneration are two of the primary conditions OCT can help to manage, the technique is also invaluable in the detection of conditions such as macular holes, vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membranes, macular oedema and a host of others. It can even be used to scan tissues at the front of the eye, to help detect corneal conditions such as keratoconus.

Undergoing an OCT scan is quick and comfortable, as the procedure is entirely non-invasive and involves no puffs, flashes or contact with the eye.

As many eye conditions have no symptoms in their early stages, it's important to realise that seeing well does not necessarily mean that you don't have any eye problems.

A regular comprehensive eye examination, including OCT scanning, is an excellent way to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that any problems can be detected early.

To book your test, simply phone us on 4130 5099 or call into the practice at shops 11 & 12, 1-5 Bauer Street.

When Was Your Last Eye Test?

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:14:31 GMT

When Was Your Last Eye Test?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012 1:34 PM

If you can't remember, then it's probably time for your next one. Even if you can, it may be longer ago than you think. Just like a car, your eyes need a regular service, and catching little problems early can prevent them becoming big ones later on.

As we get older and our eyes start to get a few kilometres on the clock, the risk of developing conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration increases. Having a regular eye examination can help to detect these conditions at an early stage, which greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. And don't forget that many potentially serious eye diseases have few or no symptoms early on, so it's important not to assume your eyes are completely healthy just because you can see well.

Generally it's a good idea to have a routine eye test every two years or so, but if you have a family history of certain eye diseases (such as glaucoma or macular degeneration) or your optometrist sees possible signs of problems, then more frequent testing may be required.

During a routine examination your optometrist will perform a variety of tests, both to assess the health of the eyes and to check your vision. These can include: -

Checking the back of your eye (the retina) . Examining the retina is an important part of checking for many conditions, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. I like to take a digital image of the retina to help with the examination and also to provide a record for future reference. It's also a great way to be able to show you what I'm looking at and any areas of concern.

Measuring the pressure inside the eye . This is an important part of checking for glaucoma, as high pressures indicate an increased risk of the condition. This can be checked either with an instrument called a non-contact tonometer, which blows a gentle puff of air on to the eye (which is painless but can tend to make you jump), or with a contact tonometer, which uses a probe placed directly on the front of the eye. This method is also painless as the eye is anaesthetised first (or at least it is if I want to stay friends with the person I'm testing).

Checking the front of the eye . This is done with an instrument called a slit lamp, which provides a highly magnified 3-D view of the structures that make up the front of the eye, such as the cornea, the iris and the lens. This can reveal a whole range of conditions, but one of the most common is cataracts, which occur when the lens becomes less clear and causes reduced vision.

Vision assessment . This involves checking how well you see for both far away and up close, how well your eyes work together, and whether your vision can be helped by some sort of correction, such as glasses or contact lenses. This involves showing you the vision through a series of lenses and asking you a variety of questions about what you see, but I start the process by taking some measurements with a computerised instrument called an auto-refractor. This provides an accurate approximation of your prescription and makes the process quicker and easier.

Depending on the situation there are a host of other tests that can form part of your eye examination. The majority of examinations are covered by Medicare so there's no reason not to give your eyes a regular grease and oil change.

Macular Degeneration

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:00:26 GMT

Macular Degeneration

Friday, November 23, 2012 8:35 PM

There has been quite a bit of advertising lately outlining the importance of having your macula checked. You may be wondering, what and where exactly is your macula?

The macula is a part of the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. If you think of your eye as being like a camera, the retina is like the film (or the CCD if you want to think in digital terms) – it’s the part that receives the light and begins the process of turning it into sight. The macula is located in the centre of the retina and is responsible for your central vision. It provides high resolution vision which allows you to see fine details and is also involved in providing colour vision.

Whenever you read, drive, watch TV, recognise a face, thread a needle or perform countless other tasks, you’re using your macula.

If it’s not working well, these tasks become difficult, if not impossible.

So, why should a macula not be working well? The most common reason is macular degeneration, a condition in which the macula basically begins to ‘wear out’ with age. The reason the macula is able to provide fine detailed vision is that there are very many densely packed photoreceptor cells in the region. To use the digital camera analogy again, this is a bit like having a high number of mega-pixels.

These cells are very active metabolically and therefore require a lot of looking after. Sometimes as the eye ages the retina’s ‘support system’ is not quite able to keep up with the macula’s demands and consequently damage begins to occur, leading to a decline in vision.

Whilst the effects of macular degeneration can be devastating, the early signs and symptoms are often very subtle and/or gradual and as a result are often missed. This is why having regular eye examinations is so important. While there is no cure for macular degeneration there are treatments that can sometimes slow or even reverse the condition, and these treatments are much more effective when used in the early stages.

So how common is macular degeneration? In Australia one in seven people over the age of fifty is affected in some way with the condition, and this increases to one in four over the age of sixty-five and one in three amongst those over eighty.

As these numbers suggest, the primary risk factor is age however a family history of the disease also significantly increases risk. Whilst there is little anybody can do about these two issues there are significant preventable risk factors, primarily smoking. Smokers are 2.5 times more likely to develop macular degeneration than those who have never smoked. Sunlight exposure, especially when young, is also thought to be a risk factor, while a healthy lifestyle and/or diet can have a protective effect.

To minimise your risk of macular degeneration it’s important to avoid smoking, to protect your eyes from the sun, to eat a healthy diet including fish, eggs and green leafy vegetables and to stay active and healthy. It’s particularly important to have your eyes tested regularly by an optometrist or ophthalmologist so that your macula can be checked.

For a comprehensive eye test (including macula assessment) which is bulk billed to Medicare you can see Geoff at Clear Optometry by calling to make an appointment on 4130 5099 or dropping into the practice at shops 11 & 12, 1-5 Bauer Street. No referral is necessary.

The Lowdown on Dry Eyes

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 03:24:35 GMT

The Lowdown on Dry Eyes

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 5:37 PM

Tears are something that very few of us think about, unless you’re shedding a few after watching a particularly sad movie (or are a Wallabies fan) or maybe peeling an onion. But tears play a vital role in keeping your eyes comfortable and your vision clear and if they’re not working properly then they can have a surprisingly big impact on your life.

Broadly speaking there are two kinds of tears. Firstly, there are reflex tears, which are the ones the aforementioned sad movie, football game or onion can induce. These are the tears that most of us are familiar with, the ones that spill out of your eyes and make your nose run. Reflex tears are produced primarily by the lacrimal gland, which is located in the top eyelid and their main role is to flush foreign substances out of the eyes.

The second type of tears could be termed baseline tears, and these are the ones that don’t get much attention (unless they stop working). The baseline tears are always present and form a clear protective film on the cornea, the clear window on the front of your eye. They are vital for maintaining clear vision and comfortable eyes.

This tear film contains a multitude of ingredients which are produced by a variety of glands and cells. Baseline tears are complicated and a problem with any or all of these components can cause problems.

The tear film forms the very front surface of the focusing system of the eye and therefore needs to be clear and stable to provide good vision. You can imagine that if you had a pair of glasses with an irregular oily film on the front of the lenses then you wouldn’t see very well out of them. If you find your vision seems to vary when you blink or gets worse after a period of concentration this could indicate a problem with the stability of your tears.

A stable tear film is also very important for comfortable eyes. Burning, grittiness, irritation, itchiness and even watery eyes can all be indicators of tear issues.

There are a range of causes for tear problems, including general health, age, environmental factors and certain eye conditions and correspondingly there are also a range of treatments. If you think your tears may be letting you down or even if you just want to check that they’re working well, the best thing to do is have your eyes tested. It’s easy and painless and as well as checking your tears you can also be assessed for conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

For a comprehensive eye test which is bulk billed to Medicare you can see Geoff at Clear Optometry by calling to make an appointment on 4130 5099 or dropping into the practice at shops 11 & 12, 1-5 Bauer Street. No referral is necessary.