You are reading the first issue of our quarterly newsletter. In keeping with our mission statement, it is our passion to ensure you, our valued patrons, remain well informed as to the changes in the Eyecare Profession, bringing you up to date with new diagnostic and professional product technologies, new fashions and newsy items from within our practices. Please feel free to use the "what do you think" section and let us know if you have any topics of interest you would like to hear more about.
Do you have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma – is the silent thief of sight, as it is painless and symptoms appear slowly. In addition, the common “puff test” has been shown to miss the disease in one third of patients who have glaucoma. As many as 2 million South Africans are unaware of the fact that they are suffering from Glaucoma – are you one of them?
The statistics are more and more alarming and every single adult, or offspring of a glaucoma patient, should embark on regular and routine glaucoma screening.
We have invested in the world’s newest and most accurate Glaucoma screening machine – the Zeiss Gdx™ polametry laser.
The ZEISS Gdx™ exam is safe and comfortable and takes 3 minutes or less. It scans the retinal nerve fibre layer in the back of the eye using polarized light and measures its thickness at 36,000 points. These measurements are then mapped by computer and compared to those of healthy, glaucoma-free patients. An abnormally thin nerve fibre layer indicates that glaucoma may be present. This significant diagnostic breakthrough has been found to provide precise, accurate information to help diagnose glaucoma earlier, and could help us start treatment before any vision loss occurs.
Including the ZEISS Gdx exam in our practice is another example of our commitment to provide the most advanced and comprehensive eyecare services. If you have any questions about your vision or the health of your eyes, please contact our practices. We are more than happy to help with any of your eyecare needs.
The Vision team has entered the gruelling Sani-to Sea mountain bike race taking place at the end of February from Sani pass to Scottborough. The ride has a charity slant with monies being raised for our Vision Cares Fund – facilitating eye surgery for those needy who cannot afford the procedures. Thanks to our kind sponsors ITECH office automation and Rudy Project.
Internal News
• Two of our team members celebrate their wedding anniversary in February: Werner and Susan on the 22nd of February and Felomena and Gil on the 25th of February.
• Rozettha celebrated her 11th Anniversary with our practice on 12 February 2008
• John’s son, James, had his first day in Grade 1 at the beginning of the year.
• Rozettha’s eldest son, Francois finished Matric in 2007 and started working as a sales consultant in February.
• Eoudia celebrates her wedding Anniversary on the 5th of March and John and Andrea have their Anniversary on the 20th of March
• Zander’s Birthday is on the 11th of March
• Welcome Faazila Hercules as eyewear consultant and dispenser who has relocate from the Cape – we wish her many happy years as part of the Vision Team.
• Vision Zambezi opened their doors in November 2007. Under the capable guidance and clinical care of Zander Hattingh, we look forward to offering all the latest eyecare technologies and eyewear fashions to Pretoria North.
Rudy Project has been the eyewear of choice for top athletes across many sporting disciplines since soon after this Italian company was established in 1985. The company soon developed a reputation for typical Italian quality combined with cutting edge science & technology. The result has been something extraordinary. more info
Did you know?
• The muscle that lets your eye blink is the fastest muscle in your body. It allows you to blink 5 times a second. On average, you blink 15 000 times a day. Women blink twice as much as men.
• The coloured part of the eye is called the iris. Behind the iris is the soft, rubbery lens which focuses the light on to a layer, called the retina, in the back of the eye. The retina contains about 125 million rods and 7 million cones. The rods pick up shades of grey and help us see in dim light. The cones work best in bright light to pick up colours.
• We actually do not see with our eyes – we see with our brains. The eyes basically are the cameras of the brain. One-quarter of the brain is used to control the eyes.
• Did you know, it is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?
• We’ve all heard the expression ‘to turn a blind eye’ but where did it really come from?
Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson is the culprit responsible for today’s common expression. Nelson was ordered to pack up his ship and retreat from battle as it seemed that the French were in control. Nelson however was determined not to give up on the battle and refused to retreat.
At the urging of another crewman to follow orders, Nelson proclaimed that he would like to see the signal ordering retreat himself.
Nelson then turned to his flag Captain, Sir Thomas Foley, and said "You know, Foley, I only have one eye – I have the right to be blind sometimes," and then holding his telescope to his blind eye, said "I really do not see the signal!"
Able to honestly state that he had not seen any signal to retreat he kept on fighting. Eventually Nelson was the victor of the battle, and it left us with the proverbial saying ‘to turn a blind eye.’
What do YOU think?
We are fanatical about serving your eye care and service needs. Could we tell you more – or could we do better? Fill out our online survey – it will take a minute of your time. Alternatively, send your comments and suggestions to info@thevisioncompany.co.za or fill out our contact form.
Glaucoma – is the silent thief of sight, as it is painless and symptoms appear slowly. In addition, the common “puff test” has been shown to miss the disease in one third of patients who have glaucoma. As many as 2 million South Africans are unaware of the fact that they are suffering from Glaucoma – are you one of them?
The Vision team has entered the gruelling Sani-to Sea mountain bike race taking place at the end of February from Sani pass to Scottborough. The ride has a charity slant with monies being raised for our Vision Cares Fund – facilitating eye surgery for those needy who cannot afford the procedures. Thanks to our kind sponsors ITECH office automation and Rudy Project.
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