The Clinic: Remembrance Day

In honor of our Canadian soldiers, Kingsway Mall and Stonewire Optometry will be opening up later on November 11, 2014 to allow our staff and family members to take part in remembrance day ceremonies around Edmonton. Our clinic will be resume normal business hours at noon, on November 11, 2014. Poppy's are available my the main door entrance, with all donations going towards the Royal Canadian Legion, in support of our soldiers. 

Please take the time to take part in one of the many Remembrance day events around the city. To learn more, please visit:  City of Edmonton 

Book your next eye exam in Edmonton with a 
Doctor of Optometry at Stonewire in Kingsway Mall.

Kingsway Mall Events: Santa is Dropping In

Kingsway Mall has confirmed that Santa Claus is dropping by. Bring their Christmas wish lists and get their photos taken up until Christmas Eve. 

Details
Date: November 15, 2015
Time: Noon

After seeing Santa Claus, don't forget to bring your little elves by for their annual eye exam. 

Book your next eye exam in Edmonton with a 
Doctor of Optometry at Stonewire in Kingsway Mall.

Why Is My Colour Vision So Bad?

Every comprehensive eye exam at Stonewire Optometry starts off with a basic colour vision screening test.

Approximately 5-7% of men have some form of colour vision deficiency. 

Women can also have colour vision deficiency problems, but it’s undoubtetly much rarer.

Most colour vision problems are hereditary in nature, but may also be a sign of an ocular condition or side effect of a medication. As such, your optometrist will want to know if the problem is new or long-standing.

Most people honestly never realize that they have a colour vision problem and only discover it during a job application or routine eye exam. The police department, fire department, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, Airline pilots, welding inspectors and a host of other professions all require successful candidates to possess adequate colour vision. It's often a very negative moment in eye care when an optometrist has to inform a patient that they don’t meet the vision requirements for their dream job. 

Case in point. Meet Jacob, a 22-year college student looking to join the Edmonton police force and fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. He finally started the application process and showed up in our clinic with the visual report form to be filled in by one of our optometrists. 

He indicated that he had never had an eye exam, but never needed one because his eyesight was perfect. Before things barely got started, however, we noticed that Jacob did not pass the basic Ishihara colour screening book. The more advanced Farnsworth D-15 colour vision test was performed, which showed a strong red-green colour deficiency.  

To say the least, Jacob was devastated to find out that he had colour vision problems and might not become a police officer. He had never been for an eye exam before and was unaware of any problems.

 

Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment or cure for colour deficiency. However, this may not be the case for long. A recent study performed at the University of Washington and the University of Florida was able to restore colour deficiency through gene modification therapy in monkeys.  

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Please Note: All case examples are fictitious and do not represent real Stonewire Optometry patients. These case examples are used only to highlight common eye care problems and potential solutions. Every patient’s medical situation is unique, and it is always important to discuss your case with your eye doctor to find your best option. These posts are not intended to offer treatment advice, but to improve patient knowledge and facility better doctor-patient communication. 

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Book Your Next Eye Exam at Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

Kingsway Mall Events: Halloween 2014

Kingsway Mall and the participating store merchants are once again excited to provide a safe warm environment for children to go trick or treating in.  So dress up your little ghosts, goblins and princesses and bring them to the Kingsway Mall to pick up this years supply of candy. 

Grab yourself a handcrafted Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks and go door to door the civilized way this Halloween.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, October 31, 2014
• Time: 5:00-7:00 PM ** 
• Location: Kingsway Mall 

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Eye Awareness: October is Children's Vision Month

Image Via: Alberta Association of Optometrists & Canadian Association of Optometrists

October is children’s vision month and the Canadian Association of Optometrists wants everyone to know the importance of comprehensive eye exams. Approximately 1 in 6 children has a vision problem. The best way to check for vision problems is through a thorough eye examination by a Doctor of Optometry. Vision screenings are great for finding big problems, but they can miss more subtle issues which may impact their learning at school. 

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Stonewire Optometry Insider

By joining the Stonewire Optometry insider list you will become privy to all the latest eye care trends and products. 

As an optometry clinic, your email address will never be sold to a third party agency. Stonewire respects your right to privacy. You may elect to discontinue receiving emails at any time.  

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Contact Lens Corner: It's probably time to change your contact lenses

Are you like most contact lens wearers who forget to dispose of their contact lenses on time? Then it may be time to find a solution. Over wearing or extending the life of your contact lenses can lead to increased contact lens intolerance, dry eye sensation, and blurry vision. Waiting to change your contact lenses until they become uncomfortable is an eye infection waiting to happen.

If you wear a 2-week disposable contact lens like Acuvue Oasys or Acuvue Advance, then change them with every paycheck. If you wear a 1-month disposable contact lens like Air Optix Aqua Comfort Plus or Biofinity, then change them on the first or last day of every month.

The alternative to these extended contact lens modalities is to also consider switching into a 1-day disposable contact lens like Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus, Acuvue 1-Day Moist, Acuvue TruEyes or the all new Dailies Total 1 and enjoy a clean new contact lens every day.

If technology is more your thing, consider joining Acuminder by the makers of Acuvue Brand contact lenses. This online tool allows you to schedule text message or email reminders for when it’s time to change your contact lenses.

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Did You Know? Reading in Dim Light

Reading in dim light will not cause you to go blind, but it can increase visual strain. Dim light causes your pupils to increase in size, which requires your eye muscles to work harder in order to keep the page in focus. This increased ocular effort may lead to headaches or visual fatigue. As such, we usually recommend that people avoid reading in dim light and opt for a nice reading lamp instead.

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

StoneWire Optometry in Kingsway Mall - Coming Soon!

The all new StoneWire Optometry will be opening up on the lower level of Kingsway Mall next door to Pearle Vision optical on January 7, 2014 @ 1:00pm.

Optometrists Dr. Ross McKenzie and Dr. Jeff Holtz will be providing family focused comprehensive eye care and contact lens services, along with emergency eye care services and ophthalmology referrals. The clinic will offer extended office hours for your convenience including evening and weekend appointments.

To book your next eye exam at StoneWire Optometry in Kingsway Mall, please contact us @ 780.628.6886.

StoneWire Optometry
Kingsway Mall - Edmonton
 

We Accept Alberta Blue Cross

StoneWire Optometry and Pearle Vision Optical in Kingsway Mall have the ability to direct bill your Alberta Blue Cross vision insurance plan at the time of your next eye exam or eyewear purchase. If you or your employer has added coverage for optical services/vision care to your Alberta Blue Cross Insurance plan, then a portion of or all of your visit or eyewear purchase may be covered.

With so many individuals and local employers offering group coverage through Alberta Blue Cross such as: teachers union (asebp), nurses union and some divisions of the City of Edmonton. StoneWire Optometry is trying to make it more convenient for you to unlock your vision care benefits.

How do I know if I have vision coverage?

1. Your card must be from Alberta Blue Cross
2. Your card needs to say ‘vision’ on it

What’s covered under Alberta Blue Cross Vision Care?

1. Eye Exams
2. Contact Lenses
3. Prescription Eyeglasses
4. Prescription Sunglasses

To learn more about the products and services available through Alberta Blue Cross or the coverage on your current plan, please visit their website at: ab.bluecross.ca or call an Alberta Blue Cross customer service representative toll free at 1.800.394.1964

StoneWire Optometry
Kingsway Mall - Edmonton

Why Does My Eye Twitch?

A twitchy eye is generally considered a non-serious eye condition and is commonly experienced by patients. Medically, an eyelid twitch is referred to as‘Myokymia’.  The twitching sensation is the result of the sudden spasmodic contraction of the obicularious muscle, which is normally used for closing your eyelids. The twitching sensation most often effects the lower eyelid and occasionally can even place pressure on the eyeball itself causing the eye to twitch. Some patients are convinced that their eye is actually twitching, however, this is a vary rare phenomenon.  Symptoms from myokymia can last up to a month and can disappear as quickly as they began.

The most common causes of myokymia include:

• Stress

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Fatigue

• Eye infection

• Tourette Syndrome

• Excessive exercise

• Reduced potassium levels 

Although most eyelid twitches are not medically significant, it is always best to visit your optometrist or eye doctor to rule out any other more serious eye related diseases. Treatment for myokymia usually involves rest and relaxation, drinking plenty of water, and eating foods high in potassium. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that seeing your eye doctor for a condition like myokymia is now covered under Alberta Health Care.

If you're concerned about myokymia and your overall eye health, than book a routine eye health examination with one of our optometrists.

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

Same Day Delivery - Eyeglasses

If your eyeglasses are broken, you live far away, you’re travelling or you’re just in a hurry, then why not let the people at Pearle Vision Optical in Kingsway Mall help you out with their same day prescription eyewear service.

With an in house optical lab, Pearle Vision can provide you with a same day service on most prescription eyewear. *

Walkin appointments for eye exams are also available from one of our onsite optometrists, so don't forget to update your prescription first!

*some restrictions may apply, please see Pearle Vision in Kingsway Mall for details. 

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton| Alberta

Halloween at Kingsway Mall

Your invited to the annual Kingsway Mall Halloween trick or treat bonanza. Come one, come all and join the Halloween fun. Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princess’ and superheroes to Kingsway Mall this Wednesday for a little trick or treating excitement. Be ready to howl!

What: Go shop-to-shop and collect Halloween candy and prizes from local Kingsway Mall merchants.
Why: Your kids will be warm and safe, they’ll actually be able wear their Halloween custom without a parka over top and you can sip a coffee. How civilized!
Where: Kingsway Mall – Edmonton, AB
When: Wednesday October 31, 2012 – 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Optical Assistance for Seniors

Many Edmonton seniors are surprised to learn that the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program will provide up to $230.00 towards the purchase of new eyewear every 3 years. Most seniors are also surprised to learn that Alberta Health Care also covers the costs associated with a complete eye health examination by an optometrist every year. 

To learn more about what’s covered through the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program or to sign up, visit the Alberta Government website at Alberta.ca 

If you are already enrolled in the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program, accessing your eye care benefits is easy. Simply provide your optical provider with your Alberta Health Care number along with a valid government issued photo-ID at the time of purchase.  

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

We Accept Alberta Blue Cross Insurance

Stonewire Optometry and Pearle Vision Optical in Kingsway Mall have the ability to direct bill your Alberta Blue Cross vision insurance plan at the time of your next eye exam or eyewear purchase. If you or your employer has added coverage for optical services/vision care to your Alberta Blue Cross plan, then a portion of or all of your visit or eyewear purchase may be covered.

With so many individuals and local employers offering group coverage through Alberta Blue Cross such as: teachers union (asebp), nurses union and some divisions of the City of Edmonton. Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall is trying to make it more convenient for these people to access their vision care benefits.

How do I know if I have vision coverage?

1. Your card must be from Alberta Blue Cross
2. Your card needs to say ‘vision’ on it

What’s covered under Alberta Blue Cross Vision Care?

1. Eye Exams
2. Contact Lenses
3. Prescription Eyeglasses
4. Prescription Sunglasses

To learn more about the products and services available through Alberta Blue Cross or the coverage on your current plan, please visit their website at: ab.bluecross.ca or call an Alberta Blue Cross customer service representative toll free at 1.800.394.1964

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

AIR OPTIX & Breakfast Television Contest

Starting October 15, 2012 keep an eye out on Breakfast Television for commercials talking about the new AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL contact lenses. Designed for patients with active lifestyles who require bifocal or progressive eyeglass lenses, this contact lens may provide comfortable vision at all distance or at least allow you to read the menu after your hockey or soccer game.

Fact: Contact lens usage drops off after the age of 40, because of near vision problems out of traditional contact lenses.

So before you give up on your contact lenses, talk to your Kingsway Optometry eye doctor about whether or not multifocal contact lenses like AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL may be a part-time solution to your vision needs.

During this promotion, viewers can also register at breakfasttelevision.ca to win a $3000 trip to the Caribbean plus a year’s supply of AIR OPTIX contact lenses.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Signs/Symptoms/Causes

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common visual concerns that eye doctors see on a daily basis. It is often confused for ocular allergies or other eye health conditions, leading to inappropriate or ineffective treatment options. As such, it is important to know the signs of symptoms of dry eye syndrome and what can cause it or makes it worse.

Typical signs & symptoms may include:

• Scratchy/Gritty Sensation
• Burning/Stinging
• Redness
• Itchy Eyes
• Sharp pain
• Blurred vision or fluctuating vision
• Excess tearing

Common causes may include:

• Aging
• Environment factors
• Reduced blinking
• Contact lens wear
• Eyelid conditions (meibomianitis & blepharitis)
• LASIK and other refractive surgeries
• Medications (antihistamines, acne medications, water pills, etc.)
• Hormonal changes, including menopause
• Medical conditions (diabetes, arthritis, thyroid problems, Sjogren’s, etc.)

If you think that you may have dry eye syndrome, talk to one of our Kingsway Optometry eye doctors about possible treatment options during your next eye test.

Contact Lenses: up to $100.00 off Purchase Price

Kingsway Optometry is happy to announce 3 great new in-store contact lens purchase deals for you to choose from.

Deal #1: AIR OPTIX (1-month disposable contact lenses)

• Save up to $50 off your next purchase of AIR OPTIX contact lenses.
• Purchase 4 boxes of AIR OPTIX, AIR OPTIX for ASTIGMATISM or AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL monthly disposable contact lenses and receive a $35.00 rebate, or purchase 4 boxes of AIR OPTIX NGIHT & DAY AQUA overnight wearable contact lenses and receive a $50.00 rebate.

Deal # 2: FreshLook (2-week disposable coloured contact lenses)

• Save up to $25.00 off your next purchase of FreshLook contact lenses.
• Purchase 2 boxes of FreshLook ColorBlends, FreshLook Colors or FreshLook Dimensions coloured contact lenses and receive a $25.00 rebate.

Deal # 3: DAILIES  (1-day disposable contact lenses)

• Save up to $100.00 off your next purchase of DAILIES AquaComfort Plus contact lenses.
• Purchase 8 (90 Pack) boxes of DAILIES AquaComfort Plus 1-day disposable contact lenses and receive a $100.00 rebate.

These great contact lens deals are only available in-store at Kingsway Optometry, offer expires December 31, 2012. See a store associate for details. Valid eye exam and contact lens fitting are required.