Thursday, April 18, 2013

Frame Selection

After examining a patient and coming up with a presciption for glasses,  the next stage is picking a frame.  Besides for cosmetic reasons, the size and shape of a frame is very imporant.  I have had patients who were perfectly happy when they received their clear pair and then had problems with their sunglasses chosen (same prescription).  This could be due to the difference in size and rap (around the face).  Sometimes the patient could adjust and sometimes we have to pick a different frame.

Another factor is whether the frame is rimless or has a complete rim around it.  If the prescription is high, a rimless frame could cause the lenses to be thicker and heavier.  Also, it's important to see what type a frame the patient is use to.  If there is a big difference in shapes, this possibly (but not necessarily) can cause a problem.  Also, the adjustment and tilt of the frame should be similar to the patient's old frame (unless the old frame is out of alignment).

A last item I want to go over is when the patient is given a progressive multifocal lens.  If the frame is too small, the patient may run out of reading room and close-up work might cause a struggle.

In future blogs, we'll discuss lens type and material as far as patient comfort is concerned.

Monday, April 8, 2013

YouTube Videos

Over the last year I've posted some videos on my YouTube Channel.  You can go to "drbobrothbard"
 to view them.

There are different videos featuring different areas of optometry that I feel will be of benefit to you and your family.

Over the course of time, I really hope to expand on these.  I hope you guys like NYC because most of the intros feature different parts of the City.  If the Yanks don't start playing better I'm going to take down Yankee Stadium and put up Citifield where the Mets play.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Business Interview

I was recently interviewed by students from a local college studying business.  It was really neat to be interviewed by them.  They asked about the strengths and weaknesses of business as well as marketing efforts and competition.  I spent around 60-90 minutes with them and there will be subsequent interviews.

The more questions they asked, the more passionate I became.  I really enjoy being in a practice where I can make the decisions.  If I feel a referral to another health care provider needs to be made, I don't have to worry about what corporate will say.  If  I want to prescribe a certain brand of lens or contact lens, I am not limited.  I can spend as much time examining a patient as I want.

I've been practicing in my own business for 24 years and still enjoying it.  The fact that I can share this with young individuals is great.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Depth Perception In a Lazy Eye Individual.

As an optometrist, we come across patients who have one eye that has trouble seeing the big"E" even when wearing their glasses or contact lenses.  This could be due to problems at birth, disease or trauma.  Many patients feel the eye is of no use to them.

Just because a patient has diminished central vision, doesn't mean the patient doesn't make good use of peripheral vision.  Secondly, this eye could aid in depth perception.

I had a patient today who had a lazy eye all his life.  I was able to show him how much better his depth perception was with both eyes opened as compared to his closing his lazy eye and trying to do a task that required depth perception.

He was quite happy as for the first time, he now realized how much vision the lazy eye was contributing to his visual well being.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Testimonials

I recently got a letter from a longtime patient of mine who moved back east.  Optometry is such a great profession.  The professional and personal care we deliver to patients could certainly affect their lives.  I encourage you to read the most recent letter from this patient as well as other letters received in the "Testimonial" section of our website.  Please go to www.wehelpuc.com.