Posts tagged with "eye-care"
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News
Alice's vision for Ghanaian villagers
By Lyndsay - 17 January 2012
A FORMBY optician has set out to Ghana to help villagers in need of eye care.
Alice Joyce, from Conlons Opticians, will set up a new glazing workshop and visit a number of villages on behalf of charity Eye Aid for Africa in her two week trip.
Conlons has donated two complete sets of glazing equipment and ZEISS has donated 2,000 lenses to be used for glasses for people in the central region of Ghana.
The optometrist - along with colleagues from other north west branches - will spend her first week setting up the new glazing workshop.
The team will then spend their second week helping to perform more than 700 eye tests as well as helping to produce and distribute more than 1,500 pairs of glasses to people near Kumasi in central Ghana.
They will see a number of patients ranging from young children who have never had an eye test before to adults - such as crane and taxi drivers - who rely on their sight for their livelihoods.
Eye Aid for Africa is a specialist charity set up by Alice and her husband, Patrick.
The charity works to make a difference to eye care in some of the poorer areas of Ghana.
For the past 10 years, with the voluntary support of British medicial and eye care professionals, the couple have performed numerous cotaract operations and dispensed thousands of secondhand spectacles in the south of Ghana near the capital city, Accra.
Before setting out on the trip, Alice said: "We are delighted to have the support of Zeiss this year with their most generous donation of lenses.
"In Africa, access to optical services, as well as cost, prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all.
"The team and I are looking forward to being able to help people on this trip."
Tagged with: eye-care, Formby
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, In the News, Local Community
The eyes have it for Formby pupils
By Lyndsay - 11 January 2012
FORMBY-BASED Conlons Opticians has teamed up with primary schools to help teach youngsters how to look after their eyes.
The scheme involves optical advisers visiting primary schools to talk to children about how eye works, both in humans and animals and how important it is to look after them. They get quizzed on all things to do with eyes, as well as entering a colouring competition to win some designer sunglasses.
Formby branch manager Nicole Bentham commented: "Young children are taught many things at school, from internet safety to how to brush their teeth, but many don't know how important it is to look after their eyes and to have regular eye tests.
"If a child has trouble with their eyesight and it is not picked up quickly, it can have a real effect on their progress at school."
The children from Year 3 at Formby's St Jerome's Catholic Primary School entered their drawings and Ciaran Lunch, 7, was a winner. He received a pair of designer sunglasses.
Tagged with: eye-care, Formby
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Eye experts to give their help in Africa
By Lyndsay - 5 January 2012
A BARROW optician is set to travel to Africa with a team of eye experts to help tackle blindness.
Ian Hechle from Conlons Opticians in Dalton Road will travel to Ghana this month on behalf of the Eye Aid for Africa charity to launch a new glazing workshop and visit a host of villages to offer help to those in need of eyecare.
Conlons donated two complete sets of glazing equipment and manufacturer Zeiss has donated 2,000 lenses to be used for the glasses.
During the two-week trip, Mr Hechle will be joined by Conlons optometrists Alice Joyce from the Formby branch and Karen McGowan from the Liverpool branch.
The taskforce of eye experts will perform more than 700 eye tests as well as helping to produce and distribute more than 1,500 pairs of glasses to people near Kumasi in central Ghana.
They will also be accompanied by optometrist Barry Partridge and his wife Patti, who dispenses spectacles, and eye surgeon Patrick Joyce.
The team will see countless patients ranging from young children, who have never had an eye test before, who will be given the gift of better sight, to adults such as crane and taxi drivers, who rely on their sight for their livelihoods, who will have their vision corrected with glasses or cataract surgery if required.
Mr Hechle, who visited the African country in 2010 for the same charity, said: "We are delighted to have the support of Zeiss this year with their most generous donation of lenses.
"In Africa, access to optical services, as well as cost, prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all and the team and I are looking forward to being able to help people on this trip."
Eye Aid for Africa is a specialist charity set up by Mrs Joyce and her husband, Patrick who, for the last 10 years, with the voluntary support of British medical and eyecare professionals have performed numerous cataract operations and dispensed thousands of secondhand spectacles in the south of Ghana near the capital city, Accra.
About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind, but about three quarters could have their sight saved with the right medical help.
Andrew Hinslewood, national sales manager at Zeiss, said: "The need for eye care spreads across all generations. Children simply cannot learn if they can't see the blackboard and we are delighted to have been able to help with this most important compaign."
Tagged with: Barrow, eye-care
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
General, In the News
Optician sees her way to a special award
By Lyndsay - 2 January 2012
A DEESIDE optician who has spent 20 years helping customers see clearly has been given a special award.
Helen Ferguson, 44, of Shotton, has worked at Conlons Opticians in the town for over two decades.
She was presented with a long service award to mark the milestone during the company's recent annual awards ceremony at Shrigley Hall Hotel
near Macclesfield.
Conlons Opticians chairman Mike Barton said: "Helen has proved that her positive attitude and tight controls are a winning formula for success.
"Over the last 20 years she has consistently provided a top level of service to the company and we'd like to thank her for her loyalty, hard work and dedication over the years."
Tagged with: eye-care, Shotton
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
General, In the News
Zeiss Lenses
By Lyndsay - 22 September 2011
For more than 160 years, developments and technologies from Carl Zeiss have played their part in constantly improving the world of Vision. This leading edge innovation is also reflected in each and every ZEISS lens, making it so distinctive and comfortable to wear.
From telescopes to microscopes right up to leading edge camera technology, much of the experience gained in the development of these products is also used in the production of ZEISS precision spectacle lenses.
Research and development, extensive knowledge about the interaction between the eyes and spectacle lenses, and the use of only premium quality materials ensures outstanding clarity and superior visual comfort from all ZEISS lenses.
For a limited period at Conlons Opticians you can save up to £50 on ZEISS lenses… and Interest free credit on all complete glasses…and up to 50% on your frames. Whether you have experienced ZEISS lenses before, or are a newcomer to this technology, now is an ideal time to enhance your vision. |
 |
 |
Tagged with: Customers, eye-care
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Calling all secondary school teachers
By Lyndsay - 19 May 2011
Calling all secondary school teachers (and students taking their GCSE or A’ Level options)Conlons Opticians is now accredited as a “Living Life in a New Dimension” workshop provider with three “ambassadors” trained and ready to deliver the workshop style lessons in secondary schools in your area. The fast-paced workshop uses the principles of 3D as a springboard and students learn about illusions, light and sight in a fun, supportive and engaging environment. They then watch a specially commissioned short 3D film which encourages them to think broadly about their future career options. The content of the workshop is mapped to the key stage 3 and 4 curriculum and each workshop is delivered by an
optometrist or
dispensing optician.
The 45-60 minute workshop is suited to all secondary science students, but is particularly aimed at year 9 and year 11 pupils about to take their GCSE or A’ Level options who will be thinking about their future careers. The high quality study materials include a personal work book and careers advice pack for each student to keep for future reference. Following each workshop interested students will also be able to gain work experience placements at their local Conlons Opticians where they will gain further insight into the various careers available at an opticians. Conlons ambassadors are also available to attend school and sixth form college careers events.
This national initiative supported by all the universities and colleges that train opticians and optometrists, as well as their professional bodies, and has recently won the prestigious Innovation in Recruitment Award up against such prestigious competition as Adidas, BT and Royal Bank of Scotland. Teachers and students can find out more at
http://newdimensioninoptics.org and those that are interested in arranging a workshop can email
training@conlons.co.uk with a contact details including email address and phone number, or “contact us” through
www.conlons.co.uk .
Tagged with: eye-care, Kids
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Contact Lenses, General, In the News
Silicone as Standard for Contact Lenses
By Lyndsay - 24 March 2011
Conlons is leading the market in Contact Lenses by offering Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses (Mirage Synergy) as standard. These lenses are widely considered to offer the very best in eye health, and also improved comfort for Contact lenses wearers. Mirage Synergy lenses are made from an advanced contact lens material which allows more oxygen through to the eye promoting healthier, whiter eyes.
Conlons Contact Lens Opticians and members of staff from their Wigan branch recently visited the new state of the art factory of UK Contact Lens Manufacturer Sauflon. Like Conlons, Sauflon are an independent and family-run business who pride themselves on innovation and quality. Although Sauflon have manufacturing plants and R&D based in the UK, due to recent expansion, they recently set up a new facility with state of the art machines in Budapest, Hungary as well. Conlons’ staff were delighted to visit this and see how Sauflon’s latest technology of silicone hydrogel lenses are made. What we saw was an impressive set up with a dynamic and flexible new plant which highly sophisticated robotics through-out the facility. The emphasis on quality control was staggering. Managing Director, John Welsby, said ”It’s great to be partnering a go ahead British company with quality and precision at the top of their agenda. Sauflon celebrated their own 25 year anniversary last November so the family team is well experienced in providing the very best in health and comfort for our patients”.
Tagged with: eye-care, Wigan
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, General, In the News, Local Community
Conlons visits Ormskirk schools
By Lyndsay - 10 March 2011
CONLONS Opticians have been visiting schools around Ormskirk to teach children about their eyes.
Explaining how the eye works, the lessons aim to make pupils understand the importance of telling their parents if they think they are having problems with their sight.
The opticians also hope to raise awareness among parents that eye tests are free for under-16s.
Lynne Cross, branch manager at the Aughton Street-based clinic has visited several primary schools so far.
She said: “We do a presentation running through pictures of the eye, explaining in easy terms how it works.
“The kids get involved and we get them to have a look at a pair of glasses – and contact lenses so they know there are other options to glasses.
“We tell them it’s important to get your eyes tested. If you are having trouble seeing the board you need to let your parents know.
“It’s just to encourage people to be aware they need to get their eyes tested even if they are not complaining of poor sight.
“Children can often accommodate difficulties in their eyes and don’t always realise there are problems with what they see.”
The scheme has been a success so far, and within an information pack given to pupils to take home for their parents is a colouring competition.
The winner of the first colouring competition was year five pupil Melisa Gray, from Town Green Primary School in Aughton, who won a pack of colouring goodies.
Tagged with: eye-care, Ormskirk
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, In the News, Local Community
Nahidur eyes up top prize
By Lyndsay - 3 February 2011
Children at primary schools in Tameside learnt a lesson about their eyes.
Staff from Conlons opticians in Ashton visited local primary school to tell youngsters how eyes work in humans and animals.
After learning about the importance of caring for their eyes, the children were invited to enter a drawing competition with the winner, year three pupil Nahidur Rahman of West End primary, picking up the first prize of a pair of designer sunglasses.
Tagged with: eye-care, Kids, Tameside
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Conlons duo deliver specs to Ghana
By Lyndsay - 1 February 2011
Two key members of Conlons staff recently returned from Ghana where they took 800 pairs, or £10,000 worth of spectacles that Conlons, with the help of Shamir who supplied the lenses, donated to the charity Eye Aid Africa.
During the one-week trip,
optometrist Alice Joyce from the Formby branch and Ian Hechle, branch manager and
dispensing optician from Conlons in Barrow, performed more than 1,000 sight tests and helped to distribute more than 1,500 pairs of spectacles. Alice and Ian travelled to Ghana as part of a team from the charity Eye Aid Africa.
Ian said: "The experience was very moving and served to emphasise how important good eyecare is. In Africa, access to optical services, as well as cost, prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all. It was clear it would be a busy week when on the first day we dispensed 227 pairs of glasses and on the second day we had to buy a large number of ready readers and low minus glasses from the market. This exercise was repeated again later in the week and by the time we finished at the end of the week, we had prescribed and dispensed around 1,500 pairs of glasses."
For every pair of spectacles Conlons customers buy, they receive two free pairs. One pair is donated to helping improve eyecare in Africa and the other is for the customer to keep.
Tagged with: eye-care
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Pupil picks up prize for design
By Lyndsay - 11 January 2011
An Optician's has teamed up with primary schools to teach children how to look after their eyes.
Optical advisors from Conlons Optician's in Shotton are visiting schools to talk to children about how eyes work, and how important it is to look after them.
Maijella Walsh, branch manager of the Chester Road West shop said: "Young children are taught many things at school, from internet safety to how to brush their teeth, but many don't know how important it is to look after their eyes and to have regular eye tests.
"If a child has trouble with their eyesight and it is not picked up quickly, it can have a real effect on their progress at school."
Children have the opportunity to answer questions on what they have learned about eyes, and can enter a colouring competition run by the optician's to win some designer sunglasses.
Bethan Martin, six, a year three pupil at Shotton Infant School, received a pair of the designer sunglasses prize after her class took part in the competition.
Tagged with: eye-care, Kids, Shotton
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News
Eye Aid Africa
By Lyndsay - 10 December 2010
Two Conlons practitioners have recently returned from Ghana where they worked as part of a team providing eye care for Eye Aid Africa. They took with them 800 pairs of glasses donated by Conlons, with lenses supplied by Shamir. During the one-week trip
optometrist Alice Joyce from Conlons Formby and Ian Hechle, branch manager and
dispensing optician from Conlons in Barrow, helped the team to perform more than 1,000 eye tests and distribute more than 1,500 pairs of glasses.
Tagged with: Barrow, eye-care, Formby
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, General, In the News
Extra eye help for Ghana
By Lyndsay - 2 December 2010
STAFF at an opticians have launched a scheme to send £9,000 worth of new glasses to Africa for Christmas.
Conlons, in Kendal, has teamed up with customers to supply new specs to some of the poorest people in Ghana. For every pair of spectacles customers buy at the store they will receive two free pairs - one pair to keep and the other donated to eye care in Africa.
Tagged with: eye-care, Kendal
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, General, In the News
Customers help to send glasses to Ghana
By Lyndsay - 27 November 2010
CONLONS opticians in Penrith is teaming up with its customers to help supply new glasses to some of the poorest people in Ghana.
For every pair of spectacles Conlons cusomters buy they receive two free pairs. One pair is donated to helping improve eye care in Africa and the other is for the customers to keep.
Customers will fill in a card with their name and a short message which they will put in the box of the glasses to be sent to Ghana.
Eye Aid Africa is a specialist charity set up by a team of medical and eye care professionals to make a difference to eye care in some of the poorer areas of Ghana.
About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind, but about three-quarters could have their sight saved with the right medical help. The provision of health care in Ghana is poor, compounded by, in a lot of cases, an inability to pay for what little services are available.
A group of Conlons staff members travlled to Ghana this month, taking 800 pairs (£10,000 worth) of glasses that Conlons has donated to Eye Aid Africa. During the one week trip the highly trained optometrists performed more than 1,000 eye tests.
Rachel cooper, manager at Conlons in Penrith, said: "This is the first ever promotion of its kind that helps both Conlons and our customers to support this important charity. The need for eye care spreads across all generations. Children simply cannot learn if they can't see the blackboard.
"The inability to read close up as we get older is simple corrected with glasses in this country. In Africa, access to optical services as well as cost prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all."
Tagged with: eye-care, Penrith
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Isobel's poster wins eyesight contest
By Lyndsay - 24 November 2010
CHILDREN are being shown how to look after their eyes by a Widnes opticians.
Conlons in Albert Road is championing a new scheme to help youngsters understand how important it is to look after their eyesight.
Opticians have been visiting primary schools to talk to pupils about how eye work, both in humans and animals.
Children are then asked questions and invited to enter a colouring competition.
Lise Fallding, branch manager and
dispensing optician said: "Young children are taught many things at school from internet safety to how to brush their teeth but many don't know how important it is to look after their eyes and to have regular eye tests.
"If a child has trouble with their eyesight and it is not picked up quickly, it can have a real effect on their progress at school."
Children from year threee are Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Primary School in Clinton View, Widnes, entered their drawings in the competition.
Isobel Saunders, aged eight, received a junior pair of designer sunglasses and her winning entry was framed.
Tagged with: eye-care, Widnes
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News
Eyecare boost is in sight
By Lyndsay - 24 November 2010
An OPTICIANS in Dumfries is teaming up with customers to help supply new glasses to some of the poorest people in Ghana.
Under the promotion - launched last week - for every pair of specs Conlons customers buy they receive two free pairs.
One is donated to helping improve eye care in Africa, and the other is kept by the customer.
Customers fill in a card containing their name and short message which will then be put into the box of the glasses that are to be sent out to Ghana.
Branch manager Alison Fraser said: "This is the first promotion of its kind that helps both Conlons and our customers support this important charity.
"The need for eyecare spreads across all generations. Children simply cannot learn if they Can't see blackboard.
"The inability to read close up as we get older is simply corrected with glasses in this country. In Africa, access to optical services - as well as cost - prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all."
A group of staff are just back from Ghana where they took 800 pairs (£10,000 worth) of glasses that Conlons donated to Eye Aid Africa.
During the trip, the optometrists also performed more than 1,000 eye tests.
Eye Aid Africa is a specialist charity set up by medical and eye care professionals to make a difference to eyecare in some of the poorer areas of Ghana.
About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind, but about three-quarters could have their sight saved with the right medical help.
The provision of health care in Ghana is poor, compounded in a lot of cases by an inability to pay for what little services are available.
Tagged with: Dumfries, eye-care
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News
Opticians aims to help Africa's poorest to see
By Lyndsay - 20 November 2010
A LOCAL opticians is helping to improve the sight of some of the poorest people in Africa.
For every pair of spectacles bought at Conlons Opticians one free pair will be donated to people in Ghana.
Conlons in Leigh is working in conjunction with Eye Aid Africa, a specialist charity set up by a team of medicial and eye care professionals to make a difference to eye care in some of the poorest areas of Ghana.
About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind, but about three quarters could have their sight saved with the right medical help.
The provision of health care in Ghana is poor, compounded by an inability to pay for what little services are available.
Clare Raynes, branch manager at Conlons in Leigh, said: "This is the first ever promotion of its kind that helps both Conlons and our customers to support this important charity.
"The need for eye care spreads across all generations. Children simply cannot learn if they can't see the blackboard.
"The inability to read close up as we get older is simply corrected with glasses in this country. In Africa, access to optical services and cost prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all."
A group of Conlons staff are also travelling to Ghana this month taking 800 pairs (£10,000) of glasses that Conlons has also donated to Eye Aid Africa and optometrists will perform 1,000 eye tests.
Tagged with: eye-care, Leigh
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, In the News
Helping Africa's poor to see more clearly
By Lyndsay - 18 November 2010
An Opticians is helping some of the poorest in Africa to see more clearly.
Conlons opticians in Shotton is sennding almost £9,000 worth of new pairs of glasses to Africa in time for Christmas.
For every pair of spectacles customers buy they will receive two free pairs, one of which will be sent to the poorest people in Ghana, and the second the customer will kepp themselves.
Customers will fill in a card with their name and a massage which will go into the case along with the glasses.
'About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind' - Maijella Walsh
The idea came from Eye Aid Africa, a charity made up of a team of medical and eye care professionals to help eye care in Ghana.
Maijella Walsh, branch manager at Conlons in Shotton, said: "The need for eye care spreads across all generations. Children simply cannot learn if they can't see the blackboard.
"The inability to read close up as we get older is simply corrected with glasses in this country. In Africa access to optical services as well as cost prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all.
A group of staff from Conlons' other branches will be travelling to Ghana this month to perform eye tests along with a team of doctors who will be performing cataract operations.
Miss Walsh added: "About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind but about three quarters could have their sight saved with the right medical help.
"This is the first ever promition of its kind that helps both Conlons and our customers to support their important charity."
Tagged with: eye-care, Shotton
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News
Helping Africa's poorest people to see more clearly
By Lyndsay - 11 November 2010
An opticians is helping some of the poorest people in Africa to see more clearly.
Conlons opticians in Shotton is sending almost £9,000 worth of new pairs of glasses to Africa in time for Christmas.
For every pair of spectacles customers buy they will receive two free pair, one of which will be sent to the poorest people in Ghana, and the second the customer will keep themselves.
Customers will fill in a card with their name and a massage which will go into the case along with the glasses.
The idea came from Eye Aid Africa, a charity made up of a team of medical and eye care professionals to help eyecare in Ghana.
Maijella Walsh, branch manager at Conlons in Shotton, said: "The need for eye care spreads across all generations. Children simply cannot learn if they cant see the blackboard.
"The inability to read close up as we get older is simple corrected with glasses in this country. In Africa access to optical services as well as cost prohibits many from being able to see clearly, if at all."
A group of staff at Conlons' other branches will be travelling to Ghana this month to perform eye tests along with a team of doctors who will be performing cataract operations.
Miss Walsh added: "About 2.6 million people in West Africa are blind but about three quarters could have their sight saved with the right medical help.
"This is the first ever promotion of its kind that helps both Conlons and our customers to support this important charity."
Tagged with: eye-care, Shotton
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Aaron's new specs means he can play for the first time
By Lyndsay - 1 November 2010
Arron Barnes can finally go football crazy!
The 10-year-old has had a problem with his eye since birth which meant he could never enjoy what he loved doing best, playing football.
Arron who lives in Leigh, has a weak muscle in his left eye, making it turn to the left.
After an unsuccessful operation to tighten the eye muscle, Arron was left on the sidelines during games. He could only watch his local football teams and schoolfriends take part in PE lessons.
But now, thanks to Conlons opticians, Arron has been provided with specially-made sports glasses, like those seen on Dutch maestro Edgar Davids, currently playing at Crystal Palace.
That means he can now play his favourite game to his heart's content - and Arron has lost no time in signing up for the under 11s Leigh Genesis team.
Arron said: "I think my new glasses are awesome, I'm really happy with them because i can do anything now."
Arron has worn glasses since he was a young child.
He was always advised never to take part in sport while wearing his glasses, which meant he was constantly left out.
His dad, Ron, said: "Arron always felt left out of everything. I can understand people not wanting him to take part with his glasses on but he needs to wear them all the time.
"I had never seen these sport goggles on anybody but Edgar Davids before, but when the opticians offered Arron these, I thought they were brilliant. He takes his glasses off and wears these when he plays football as they have
prescription lenses.
"I'm really happy that he has these because he is so happy too, he's always playing football now and he's really good at it.
"He's going into high school next year, so it's good that he has managed to get these glasses now."
John Welsby Managing Director said: "We are delighted to see that Arron is now able to enjoy playing football with our specially made sports glasses.
"At Conlons we feel it is very important for both children and adults to receive the best possible customer care and we are delighted to have been able to help Arron in his quest to play football.
"If a child has trouble with their sight and it is not picked up quickly it can have a real effect on their progress at school and in the sports they enjoy so we feel it's very important to encourage children to look after their eyes and have regular eye tests.
"We have recently been visiting schools across the Leigh area to talk to children about the importance of eye health."
Tagged with: eye-care, Leigh
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
General, In the News, Local Community
New partnerships, new challenges
By Lyndsay - 1 October 2010
At the Association's AGM in Bristol on 9 October, Jennifer Brower of Area 11 will become the new ABDO President, with Peter Black of Area 3 taking over as Vice President.
New partnerships, new challenges
Jennifer BrowerWell known within the profession, Jennifer is a
dispensing optician and low
vision practitioner and works in partnership with her
optometrist husband, David, in an independent practice in Hertfordshire. David is an associate member of ABDO and was the first
optometrist to gain the ABDO Low
Vision Honours Diploma. He is also a contact lens practitioner and has interest in sports
vision and ocular therapeutics and so between them, the couple are able to offer a wide range of optical services to their patients.
During her two years as ABDO Vice President, Jennifer has been involved in many new initiatives including the establishment of the Optical Confederation which has brought together ABDO, the AOP, FODO, the FMO and the ACLM, to formalise joint working and representation of the optical professions. Talking to Dispensing Optics in the run-up to taking office, Jennifer said: "it was my previlege to speak on ABDO's behalf at the Optical Confederation launch earlier this year and I believe that the Confederation, by speaking with one voice on so many important optical issues, will achieve much for the profession which was previously thought impossible."
Another project that Jennifer has been involved with is the on-going review of the ABDO Area structure. Jennifer explained: "Having served as an Area chairman for many years, I am well aware of the problems which Area committees face and intend to do everything possible to improve the help and support available." An initial report has been produced in conjunction with Area representatives, which proposes organisational help plus increased consultation and greater Area participation in ABDO politics. Jennifer continues to support her home Area 11 - London - and has had the pressure of visiting others. "In my opinion, local meetings are one of the best ways of getting to know others, sharing opinions and formulating strategy, and I look forward to attending more."
One of Jennifer's major concerns at present is the rise in poor quality dispensing by unqualified people. She explained: "The GOC points out that it is difficult to investigate these cases without hard evidence and so I will be introducing a plan to highlight these problems and reduce their effects." Asked if there was one theme that she expected to run through her Presidential term, Jennifer responded: "I think communication is a key issue. This is such an important skill and one of our core competencies, but it is not just about with how we deal with our patients. It is a priority of mine to improve the communication the ABDO board has with the membership, not only to share information but to receive valuable feedback."
Low
vision remains one of the prime interests in Jennifer's optical life and she is a member of the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU) working group, which has recently produced a new Low
Vision Pathway in which dispensing opticians can participate. "Accreditation is necessary but it does not require specialist low
vision qualifications and I am confident that the pathway represents an excellent opportunity for our members to become involved in the provision of low
vision services."
Tagged with: eye-care
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Young encouraged to care for eyes
By Lyndsay - 8 September 2010
An OPTICIANS in Formby has been teaching youngsters how to look after their eyes.
Optician Alice Joyce at the Halsall Lane Branch teamed up with local primary schools in a pioneering scheme to help children realise the importance of looking after their eyesight.
The scheme involves a qualified optician visiting local primary schools to talk to children about how eyes work in humans and animals and how important it is to look after them.
As part of the initiative the youngsters are quizzed on everything relating to their eyes.
They also have the oppertunity to enter a colouring competition to win some designer sunglasses.
Nicole Clayton, branch manager and
dispensing optician, said: "Young children are taught many things at school, from internet safety to how to brush their teeth.
"But many don't know how important it is to look after their eyes and to have regular eye tests.
"If a child has trouble with their eyesight and it is not picked up quickly, it can have a real effect on their progress at school."
Children from Year Three at Trinity St Peters Primary School on Paradise Lane entered their drawing into the competition.
Winner Sophia Fielding, who is eight years old, received a pair of junior designer sunglasses.
Her winning entry has been framed and displayed in the branch.
She was also presented with a necklace and jewellery box.
Parents are supposed to have their children's eyes checked every two years even if they don't wear glasses.
Conlons Opticians in Formby has also recently launched a new hearing test service and a range of hearing aid products.
Tagged with: eye-care, Formby, Kids
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, In the News, Local Community
A fun way to learn about eye care
By Lyndsay - 12 August 2010
Children are seeing clearly thanks to a new scheme.
Shotton-based opticians has teamed up with primary schools to teach children how to look after their eyes.
Pupils from Year Three at Golftyn Primary School have been taking part in the scheme and were visited by an optician who talked to them about how eyes work, both in humans and in animals.
This was followed by a eye themed quiz and a colouring competition.
The winning entry from the school was Abigail Collins who was rewarded with a pair of junior designer sunglasses. Her winning entry has now been framed and displayed in the opticians.
Branch manager Maijella Walsh said: "Young children are taught many things at school, from internet safety to how to brush their teeth, but many don't know how important it is to look after their eyes and to have regular eye tests.
"If a child has trouble with their eyesight and it is not picked up quickly it can have a real effect on their progress at school."
For further information on the scheme contact Mary Jane Greenhalgh on 07866 722051 or email
maryjane@greenrowcheshire.co.uk.
Tagged with: eye-care, Shotton
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Eye Health, General, In the News, Local Community
Seeing is believing
By Lyndsay - 22 July 2010
MOFFAT Nursery children were given a talk on the importance of good eyesight recently.
Staff from Conlon's opticians launched a new programme where they will visit primary schools and educate children using a fun and interactive presentation they have put together about eyes.
Conlon's gives each child a goodie bag and entry form to a colouring-in competition to win a pair of designer sunglasses.
The company also provides information for the parents on recognising any problems early on with their child's eyesight and further literature to help maintain healthy eyes.
Young Indy Swan was the winner of the recent colouring-in competition and received a pair of designer sunglasses.
Alison Fraser, branch manager of conlon's in Dumfries, said: "As a company Conlon's has been in this business for over 128 years and we feel it is important for us to educate children about the importance of good eyesight and how to preserve the health and wellness of their eyes.
"We have made the talk very interactive and fun and the children love it and we enjoy presenting it and spending time with them."
"They are also very excited to get the goodie bags we left with them and we had some great entries to the colouring-in competition so well done to all those who took part!"
Tagged with: Dumfries, eye-care, Kids
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Branches, Contact Lenses, General, In the News
Harold Anderson retired after almost 30 years
By Lyndsay - 16 March 2010
Contact lens fitter Harold Anderson of Southport has retired after almost 30 years of working for Conlons Opticians.
Conlons described him as one of the finest opticians in the industry, who over the years has won a number of awards for his achievements and has provided Conlons customers with an excellent and consistent service. Anderson is one of the few members of the Conlons team to have worked in all 18 of its branches and has offered training to many dispensing opticians who are now practising.
Managing director John Welsby said: "My staff are I would like to thank Harold for all his hard work and dedication over the last 27 years."
Tagged with: eye-care
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted in:
Eye Health, General
Pepper Pig eye-test
By Peter MB - 21 February 2010
We have recently added a cartoon for children to the kids section within eyecare. It involves Pepper Pig going for an eye-test. Check it out at:
http://www.conlons.co.uk/Peppa_Pig.
Pepper Pig is the lead chacter within a children's show that consists of many different, 5 minute, episodes. It revolves around the life of Peppa, a young girl pig, and her family and friends. It is an excellent cartoon that promotes clear language around everyday topics (such as going to the optician) to young children.
Tagged with: eye-care, Kids