We’re All Eyes … and Ears
Remember that post with the self-adjustable liquid frames? Not really? Was it because you didn’t want to read too much or because you were tired from all the reading and typing you do on the computer all day? Guess what – now you have NO excuse not to know about this.
Just. Press. Play.
New York Times' first mention of the contact lens.
Did you know that the first usable contact lens was made in 1888 from blown glass? It’s a fact.
You can find this, and other interesting historical anecdotes about contact lenses in a recently published New York Times article.
Take a look; it’ll give you a fresh perspective on something many of us take for granted.
As I toss my daily, UV-blocking, soft contact lenses in the trash, I give thanks for technological advances.
First Mention: Contact Lens, 1930
Content and image courtesy of the New York Times.
Focus on Vision, a Dutch company, produces very low cost adjustable glasses for the developing world. The company says it can produce its Focusspec glasses for about $4 a pair, a price its founders say will fall substantially, once the glasses are made in large volume. -Michel de Groot for The International Herald Tribune
Interesting article from the New York Times, discussing the staggering cost of poor eyesight around the world … “A study published in a World Health Organization journal in June estimated the cost in lost output at $269 billion a year.” Wow.
The article goes on to highlight several efforts to distribute inexpensive glasses throughout the world on a large scale including technology such as self-adjusting glasses (see Vernon D’s post about this technology).
Here is an excerpt of the article by Douglas Heingartner and a link for the full deal …
VEGHEL, the Netherlands — With AIDS, malaria and other diseases costing millions of lives every year, worrying about the vision of people in the developing world may seem like an indulgence.
But supplying glasses for the world’s poor may be one of the most valuable investments around. Hundreds of millions of people — some put the estimates as high as two billion — do not have the corrective lenses that would allow them to lead better, more productive lives.
A study published in a World Health Organization journal in June estimated the cost in lost output at $269 billion a year. Moreover, tackling vision problems early can help prevent later blindness.
Via New York Times
Dashing fashion statement? Half a pair of glasses? Or both?
Needless to say, I didn’t see this trend coming.
According to an article on Telegraph.co.uk, monocles are making a come-back. Our intrepid blogger, Vernon D., documented the birth of the monocle in the 18th century, but I never anticipated that 300 years later this one-lensed eyepiece would be a hit on the high streets of London yet again.
Read the article, and tell me… are you investing in a monocle for 2010?
Vernon D. is a member of VSP's Provider Services team.
Development is currently underway to bring transition lenses – lenses that darken in response to UV light – to the world of contacts. As an avid contact lens user, I’m eager for this new technology to hit the commercial public.
No more fumbling for my lost sunglasses before my morning jog. Ok – that was a lie. I don’t jog in the mornings, and I don’t have jogging sunglasses. You know why? Because I don’t have contacts that protect my eyes from the blinding morning sunlight, that’s why. But imagine being able to do all of your outdoor activities/sports without the hassle of the sunlight OR the constant readjustment of frames on your face.
The Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore is currently in the testing phase of this technology, with hopes of hitting the Korea and Japan markets within a year. Check out Technology Review’s article for more information.
Sara P. is an Account Executive at Altair Eyewear
It is Christmastime, so much of the conversation in my home lately has revolved around Santa Claus. My son is 5 so he is fascinated by Santa, and that’s primarily because Santa’s going to bring him presents-”Lots and lots of toys” to be exact.
A few days ago I was asked why Santa wears his funny hat. My response was that Santa needs his funny hat because it gets very cold at the North Pole. I pulled out one of our books so we could look at a picture and while we were talking about the hat, I noticed Santa’s glasses and started thinking about how important those glasses are.
First of all, I have seen pictures of Santa without glasses but let’s face it, Santa just isn’t the same without his eyewear. Read more »
Did you know that as of November 1, 2009, VSP Reveal™ and Reveal™ Freeform progressive lenses with optics by Carl Zeiss are available from VSP doctors in all 50 states,Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico?
Cindy M. is a market manager for VSP.
Cindy M., a market manager for VSP, shares her experience adjusting to progressive lenses:
I am an emerging presbyope. Come on. I’m only 42 years old. Really—progressive lenses–really? Up until two years ago, I didn’t even need glasses. Last year, I started with computer vision glasses. Progressive lenses were the absolute last thing on my mind when I headed to my optometrist a few weeks ago for my annual eye exam. But there it was during the exam, my distance vision needed “correcting.” I could go without, she said, but did I really want to give up distance clarity?
Hmmmm. Then my doctor recommended progressive lenses. Granted, I work for VSP, and knew about VSP Reveal progressive lenses and what they had to offer me: greater near, intermediate, and distant fields of vision, reduction in image swim, fully customized for my prescription … I decided to put them to the test. Read more »
Patti S. is a member of VSP's Ophthalmic Services team.
My morning ritual was interrupted in such a way that the remainder of my day will suffer. I was thrilled to discover that all my meetings were canceled, which means that I can envelope myself in small project that must be completed in a couple of days. Settling into my chair, I reached for my work glasses glazed with a pair of Near Variable Focus [NVF] lenses, but much to my horror, they were gone, as if they had sprouted wee little legs and scampered off to the place all lost eyewear longs to be.
I love these specs because they provide crisp, clear vision when I work on my computer and they let me position my head comfortably when doing so. It’s not that I can’t see out of my progressives when working, it’s just that the NVF lenses are considerably more comfortable. They’ll never replace my regular eyeglasses because the lenses lack any distance correction; they only correct near and intermediate vision. Read more »
Are you a woman who wears glasses and needs some makeup tips? This great video blog explaining how to appropriately apply makeup when you wear glasses just came to my attention. Although I don’t wear glasses, I watched it and actually picked up a few tips for myself. Check it out, it’s a great video!
By the way…that cute pair of glasses she’s wearing in the video blog is the Revlon 569, one of the brand new Revlon frames! You can view the whole collection at www.altaireyewear.com.
Now ladies, use those makeup tips, get yourself a new pair of glasses, and get ready to conquer the world!
Lee Anne is a member of VSP's Employee Communications team.
I was an optician for 12 years before joining VSP and I’ve heard many reasons for broken frames and lenses. Here are a few of my favorites.
1. I think there’s something wrong with my glasses.
My patient stands before me, squinting through glasses that are clearly askew. I can tell right off that his glasses are missing a nose pad—no wait, make that both nose pads—and the arm that holds the nose pad, and I wonder how he was able to drive to the office.
Did you know that you can visit your VSP eye doctor to change out old nose pads for shiny new ones? Over time the natural oils in your skin can turn nose pads green. Pop in and give your frames a quick, much-needed refresh just by changing the nose pads.
