New improved Retinal Scan
available with your eye
examination

As many of you know, Sarah prides herself on offering exceptional eye-care which means she is always one step ahead with technological developments where Optics is concerned.

This past month we have been trialling a new retinal scanner called the Optomap.

It is quite common practice for Optometrists to use digital fundus photography to examine the back of your eye and we have now invested in something even more marvellous.

The Optomap allows Sarah to examine FIVE times more of your retina than fundus photography. To the left is an example of what Sarah sees using the Fundus Camera. It’s highly detailed for the area of eye which it highlights. However...

This is what Sarah now sees by using the Optomap Scanner. As you can see, it shows a vast amount of your retina which means the whole examination is more thorough.

Reasons to Opt for the Optomap

1. Advanced digital imagery
2. High definition scans showing almost all your retina
3. Permanent record of your eyes health
4. Early detection of diseases
5. It only costs £25 or £15 if you are an Eyeplan member

Glaucoma - "The Sneak Thief Of Sight."

Glaucoma Awareness Week
8th – 14th March 2010

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide.

"One of many reasons to have regular eye examinations."

Why the strange nick-name?

Glaucoma can be referred to as 'the sneak thief of sight' because in many cases it doesn't show symptoms to the sufferer immediately. This means that you could have this particular disease and not even be aware of it progressing. If left untreated, Glaucoma can cause devastating sight loss and once this damage has occurred it is irreversible.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

In order to detect Glaucoma you need to attend routine eye examinations and under-go a couple of tests. These tests are performed by our professional Optometrist, Sarah Gibson.

To measure the pressure in your eye Optometrists, such as Sarah Gibson use an instrument called a tonometer. There are TWO methods of tonometry. This measures the pressure in your eyes which is important when diagnosing Glaucoma.

• Non-Contact Tonometers – Commonly known as the "puff test". The "puff test" is the method most high street opticians use.
• Contact Tonometers – This method generally requires the optometrist to put anaesthetics drops into your eye before the pressure can be measured. At Sarah Gibson Optometrist we use this method to test the pressure because the “puff test” can be quite unpleasant. Contact tonometry is also considered to be more accurate.

Sarah will then take a fundus photograph of your eye. This is a digital photograph that allows Sarah to see the back of your eye clearly and perform a more thorough examination. Below are examples of what your eye can look like to Sarah.

Fundus Photograph Demonstration

This picture demonstrates what the back of an eye may look like if you suffer with Glaucoma	This picture shows what a healthy eye is likely to look like

We keep a record of all your fundus photographs. This means Sarah can detect any subtle change/deterioration because she has a photographic history of your eye’s health and she can compare each image.

Sarah will also measure your peripheral (the area of vision which lets you see objects out of “the corner of your eye”) vision. Sarah tests this by using a field screener analyzer. This too is a painless procedure and only takes a few minutes.

During this test you will be asked to look at a central target whilst small lights are flashed around it. When you think you’ve spotted a flashing light you need to press the buzzer. This tracks when you saw the light and whether any of them went unnoticed. Sarah can use these results to conclude whether there are any problems with your peripheral vision.

All of these tests are optional but recommended. By having these tests Sarah can perform a more thorough eye examination and monitor the health of your eyes and your vision to the highest standard.

Who is more likely to develop Glaucoma?

The risk of Glaucoma increases with age or if you take a high prescription of some medication. Also, if you have a close relative who suffers from Glaucoma then you are considered to have an increased risk of developing the disease yourself. This is why Sarah will ask you questions about medication and about your family history.

Is it true people who have Glaucoma or a relative with the disease get free eye tests?

In a way, yes. If you have Glaucoma then the NHS will pay for you to have an eye examination every 12 months. Also, if you are over the age of 40 and have a direct relative (parent/sibling/child) with Glaucoma then you are also eligible for an annual NHS sight test.

Currently, the NHS only fund Optometrist’s for basic sight tests. Unfortunately, this means that there is a small fee for the fundus photograph. However, the pressure check and filed check are performed free of charge.

Silhouettes of Wincanton

Here, at Sarah Gibson Optometrist we believe in supplying impeccable standard. One way we can offer this to you is by supplying Silhouette rimless eyewear which we consider to be one of the best rimless spectacles available.

These wonderful minimalistic frames have incomparable quality and attention to detail. They are specifically designed to be lightweight so that you hardly notice you are wearing spectacles.

Silhouettes In Space

This reputable standard of Silhouettes has even led them to be astronaut’s favourites. In space you need durability – there is no option for product failure and Silhouettes could guarantee this. Silhouettes are made without screws, minimising the possibility of spectacles coming apart, which in an astronauts case could be a life or death situation.

"If a screw comes out of the frames, it can be life and death because it can float into the breathing apparatus. And, of course, the astronaut can't be worrying about his vision with all of these distractions."

So what else is appealing about the Silhouette rimless spectacles?

There is a wide variety of lens shapes available which means we can provide you with the most practical shape for your lifestyle as well as the most flattering design for your appearance.

In the practice we have several ranges for you to try. We supply Titan Edge which have the ultimate temple design with brushed matt surfaces. These are ideal for people who consider their spectacles to be an accessory as well as a necessity. Of course, these frames maintain their simplicity.

"Simplicity requires particularly vast creativity. Titan Edge is the best proof of this."

We also stock the Titan Must collection. This is the more popular range which have flexible arms in warm colours both suitable for men and women. Flexible, is by no means the definition of indestructible but they are extremely strong despite their appearance. Like the Titan Edge collection we can offer a choice of lens shapes to suit individual tastes.

The Colorama Collection is the newest addition to our Silhouette stock. These frames maintain their durability and undeniable comfort. However, Silhouette have added more flavour to this range by including a dash of colour to the frames. The Colorama design has hinges which can be a good thing! We've found through customer feedback that some people enjoy having hinges on their spectacles as they feel more secure than the Silhouette Must Collection. By selling these three collections we hope to meet the expectations of our cutomers and provide something for everyone's taste.

Silhouette News

The sad fact is that fewer practices over the UK will be stocking Silhouette Rimless spectacles due to new protocols being enforced by the supplier. However, due to their popularity throughout the South West we endeavor to supply them long into the future. If you are interested in trying the Silhouettes feel free to pop into the practice where a member of staff will gladly show you the collections.

Acute Community Eye-Care Service (ACES)

Do you have a NEW eye problem?

Sarah Gibson Optometrist is here to help!

The 'Acute Community Eye-Care Service' is the new scheme launched by the Somerset Primary Care Trust and it aims to help people registered with a Somerset GP.

Symptoms covered by ACES appointments:

1. Sudden or recent reduction in vision in one or both eyes
2. Red eye(s) or eyelids
3. Pain or discomfort in the eyes, around the eye area and temples
4. Recent onset or increase of flashes and/or floaters in one of both eyes
5. Mild trauma e.g. a scratch to the outer surface of the eye
6. Recent onset of double vision
7. Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye(s)

If you are registered with a Somerset Doctor and experience any of the above symptoms you could be entitled to an ACES appointment, which the NHS will pay for.

How to make an ACES appointment:

There are 3 ways to make an ACES appointment:

1. You can arrange an appointment with your GP and they will refer you to an Optometrist eligible to practice ACES
2. Self referral–contact the practice and speak to a member of staff. They will be able to advise what action to take next
3. Ask for advice from a pharmacy. They should be able to provide you with information on the nearest available ACES practitioner

Important Information:

• If you experience a new problem with your eyes you should contact us within 7 days
• If you qualify for an ACES appointment then your symptoms will be considered urgent. This means we will do our best to get you seen within 24 hours
• You may not be able to drive after your check-up so it is advisable to have someone to collect you
• An ACES appointment is not a full sight test
• You can contact the practice by calling: 01963 34333

BELOW ARE SYMPTOMS NOT COVERED BY THE NHS ACES EYE-CARE SERVICE. IF YOU EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWING, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM A&E

Symptoms Not Covered By ACES:

1. Sudden loss of vision
2. Considerable eye pain
3. Significant trauma e.g. penetrating injury or lacerations to the eye/eyelid
4. Chemical injuries or burns
5. Problems arising from eye surgery

Do you like to feel individual?

If you do, you will be pleased to know that we have a brand new collection of spectacle frames that will make you feel unique.

All Ronit Fürst spectacle frames arrive from Israel where they have been hand painted with original and fantastically funky designs.

Ronit Fürst designs come in a range of shapes and colours to suit everyone's style and mood. Currently in the Practice we have frames varying from creative, bold and striking to something a little more calm. We can guarantee you won't have seen frames quite like these before.

Stand out in the crowd with Ronit Fürst.