Score Big on Safety

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As a parent you do your best to protect your children. They eat their veggies, get plenty of rest and wear a helmet when they ride their bicycle. But what about protecting their eyes?

Now that your kids are out of school for the summer, they will be taking part in a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. Eye injuries can be devastating. Basketball, for instance, is one of the leading causes of injuries because of blows from fingers and elbows.

As well as abrasions of the cornea, sports injuries can include internal bleeding and retinal detachments which can lead to serious vision loss. Patients who have sustained eye injuries are also at a greater risk for developing glaucoma at some point in their life.

Student athletes of all ages need to wear sport-specific protective eye wear that’s been properly fitted by an eye care professional.

Eyeglass lenses made from polycarbonate materials provide the greatest level of impact protection and can withstand shattering or cracking when hit by a ball or other projectile traveling at high speeds.  

Properly fitted protective eye wear won’t hurt athletic performance and may save your child’s sight. Even if the school or sports league doesn’t require eye protection, parents need to ensure their children wear eye protection at all times.

Parents – don’t slow your children down. Instead, help them understand the importance of eye safety while they dribble, pitch, swing, kick or spike. They can have fun and stay safe!

Summer time, any time

Summer break is the perfect time to bring your children in for a thorough eye examination. It’s never too early. Even if your child doesn’t display any signs of vision trouble, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends infants have their first eye exam by the end of their first year, and toddlers by age three. Early diagnosis of a vision development disorder will allow for early intervention.

 

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at
eye-bar optical in Sherwood Park Today. 

This article is courtesy of Eye Recommend: eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists is a member of Eye Recommend, Canada's Vision Care Professionals, helping doctors help their patients since 1997. We are proud to be able to help Canadians attain optimal eye health.

Inside the Industry: Milan, Italy

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Milan, Italy was beautiful and spring certainly happens earlier there then in our Canadian West. I am just returning to our Canadian spring now from my yearly excursion to my homeland of Italy where I attended the Milan Vision Expo to scout out the European trends for eye-bar.

Etnia, made in Barcelona, is still one of my favorite European eyewear designers. This spring they have softened the look with curves and waves, reminiscent of the ocean, even naming one of their frames "Honolulu." Mixing materials such as acetates which resemble mother of pearl and tortoise shell with minimalist metal eyewires give a soft feminine appeal to the ladies frames. In the frames made for women and men, brilliant splashes of turquoise blue and aqua green bring to mind a tropical shore, and soft browns liken the sand underfoot. Enjoy exploring the warmth of Etnia's spring collection on your next visit to eye-bar.

Images From: Mido & Etnia Barcelona

 

 

Bespoking by Luke

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Attending one of the largest optical shows in North America was extremely exciting.  One of the highlights was  spending several hours with British eyewear designer Tom Davies.  Not only did he show us the new acetate and titanium additions to his collection, but he also showed us first-hand how the customization process works.  In fact, Karlyn McTaggart, an eye-bar optician and eyewear makeover expert, ordered a customized frame for herself.

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Tom schooled us in the importance of following the natural browline and fitting the bridge (aka. your nose) perfectly.  Color selection is just as important, as there are over 40 acetates and 30 titanium colors to choose from.  Selection of finish is also relevant, as there are 3 finishes to choose from for every acetate.  It was inspiring to see Tom at work. 

In addition to the frames custom designed by eye-bar, we ordered an additional 30 pieces to enhance our Tom Davies selection process.  Each of these pieces can be purchased as ready-to-wear, or you may choose to customize it for fit, color and finish.  So why compromise?  Come in and have an eyewear makeover and explore the possibilities of the Tom Davies Bespoke Concept.  Made-to-measure eyewear is the next big thing, indulge yourself!  

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Greetings of the Season from the Gang at eye-bar!

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Baton down the hatches and let the snow fly! It's a Celebration of Light whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule or New Years... We are multidimensional and hearty as Canadians and as our hearts swell with pride at our fortitude, we can consider the blessings of the Season and how fortunate we are in Canada, cold as it may be. This time of the year can be busy, but it is often the time when we reflect upon those less fortunate than us and look for ways to ease their suffering. Our own Dr. Amy Bakelaar recently extended her charitable hand on an optical mission in Ecuador. Just click here to follow the blog post of the mission to find out how your used prescription eyewear benefits less fortunate people around the globe. In recent years our Dr. Bakelaar has been on missions to Belize, Peru, Guatemala, and India. At eye-bar we accept donations of your old prescription eyewear and save it to be used on these optical missions. People who have never had the gift of clear vision benefit from an eye exam and a pair of prescription glasses because of your generosity.  Pop by and deliver your old eyewear today and share in the warm feelings it brings.

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This time of year also gives you one last chance to use up your 2013 Health Spending Allowance through your employer's group benefit insurance.  Many of you may also have renewed coverage available in January 2014.  If you have such an insurance benefit, we have several options for you to consider.  You can use the benefit for an eye exam to update your prescription.  Book online for your convenience.  Then, once your prescription is current, please consider updating your eyewear at eye-bar.  We have so many exciting looks this season and we have recently added at least 30 new pieces to our Tom Davies fully customizable frame collection.  Treat yourself or a family member to the luxury of a hand-made, bespoke frame and prescription lenses.  If your prescription is light, and does not require all-the-time clear glasses, consider a set of custom Oakley prescription sunglasses - it still qualifies for your Health Spending Allowance, and it will crisp things up for your winter driving and reduce the blinding reflections from snow glare.  And lastly, if you have not tried prescription contact lenses and are interested in having a new look for holiday photos and events, ask about a contact lens fit and training during your eye exam.  You can even consider colored contacts for festive parties!  

To be prepared for winter conditions whether it be driving in blizzard conditions, skiing cross country, downhill, hiking in the mountains, or just shopping Whyte Avenue on a sunny day, we have polarized sunwear to suit your needs.  A polarized lens will keep the squint factor down as well as provide full protection for your eyes and the skin around your eyes from harmful U.V. rays.  And prescription sunglasses or non-prescription sunglasses make excellent and fashionable gifts for family and friends.

Thank you for being our friends and supporting independent local business in Sherwood Park by being customers and patients of eye-bar.  We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and create lasting memories.

Keeping you in our minds' eye,

Spotlight: Extra Lightweight Glasses

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This frame incorporates a specific lightweight plastic material called TR90. The entire collection showcases this material infused with bright colors in a sophisticated matte finish. What better way to introduce color into your wardrobe in a timeless fashion! 

To see how you look in these retro-inspired glasses, visit eye-bar in Sherwood Park. eye-bar’s opticians and eyewear specialists can help you select your perfect frames.

To ensure optimal vision with your eyewear from eye-bar, always keep your prescription lenses up to date. You can schedule your next appointment with an eye-bar optometrist using our online booking system.

Spotlight: Colourful Eyewear

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Color is a major 2013 trend, and not just in eyewear.  This Spanish collection puts a spin on      color by incorporating it into clear acetate.       The results are jewelry-like as shown in this modified cateye frame whose top portion is striped and bottom portion is pixelated.  These would look stunning on someone with      light brown hair and blue eyes.

To see how you look in these cat-eye glasses, visit eye-bar in Sherwood Park. eye-bar’s opticians and eyewear specialists can help you select your perfect frames.

To ensure optimal vision with your eyewear from eye-bar, always keep your prescription lenses up to date. You can schedule your next appointment with an eye-bar optometrist using our online booking system.

 

Book your next eye exam in Sherwood Park with an optometrist at eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists 

Arctic Sunglasses

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Top: Bone Sunshield, 19th Century. Bottom: Northwest Territories, 1916.

Back in the 19th century, Eskimos would carve a slit in a piece of bone and strap it over their eyes. This would take away the blinding glare of the sun on white, snowy plains. This ingenious tool is considered one of the earliest known types of sunglasses. 

eye-bar has many shelves of sunglasses to choose from. Unlike the antiques shown above, our styles won't take away your peripheral vision! They are especially important in our Winter city for preventing snow blindness.

*Images from this interesting book.

Book your next eye exam in Sherwood Park with an optometrist at eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists

Spotlight: Reading Specs!

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These frames exemplify the synergy resulting from an outstanding color combination.  Topping a translucent royal with an opalescent coral in a rectangular shape makes for a clever re-invention of a timeless classic…and the most stylish readers we have seen in a very long time!

To see how you look in these reading glasses, visit eye-bar in Sherwood Park. eye-bar’s opticians and eyewear specialists can help you select your perfect frames.

To ensure optimal vision with your eyewear from eye-bar, always keep your prescription lenses up to date. You can schedule your next appointment with an eye-bar optometrist using our online booking system.

Book your next eye exam in Sherwood Park with an optometrist at eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists

Wooden Eyewear in the Spotlight

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Our Feb31st frames were struttin' their stuff in this season's Phabrik magazine! Phabrik is a nationally-distributed Edmonton based art and design magazine that features local retailers and seasonal trends.

Check out our previous post about wooden glasses and sustainable eyewear! We have a limited number of frames left in stock, so come in quickly to get some! Here's a closer look at the wooden frames:

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Book your next eye exam in Sherwood Park with an optometrist at eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists

Vintage Eye Exam Advertisement

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We came across this 1966 advertisement from Better Vision Institute and had to share it! The vintage eyewear styles that are popular now deserve vintage advertising to go with it. Sure, lens and eye exam technology has changed since the 1960s, but the message still holds true today: everyone needs an eye exam every year.

*Ad found in this book

Book your next eye exam in Sherwood Park with an optometrist at eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists

Spotlight: Minimalism

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This frame is the epitome of vintage reinvented. Minimalist in shape with upward and outward motion, this is the piece for a face with more defined features and a person who is not afraid to embrace their retro self.

To see how you look in these glasses, visit eye-bar in Sherwood Park. eye-bar’s opticians and eyewear specialists can help you select your perfect frames.

To ensure optimal vision with your eyewear from eye-bar, always keep your prescription lenses up to date. You can schedule your next appointment with an eye-bar optometrist using our online booking system.

Book your next eye exam in Sherwood Park with an optometrist at eye-bar optometrists, opticians & eyewear specialists

Spotlight: Round Glasses

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A rounder lens shape is another major trend started in Europe and slowly taking over the world of eyewear.  Don’t dismiss the rounder Harry-Potter-influenced frames without trying a few on!  The round re-invention in wonderful plastic combinations takes on a more complimentary aesthetic than in years past.  Fantastic for faces with more chiselled features, round spectacles bring out the intellectual side in everyone.  The real trick is finding the right size for your features.

    To see how you look in these round shaped glasses, visit eye-bar in Sherwood Park. eye-bar’s opticians and eyewear specialists can help you select your perfect frames.

    To ensure optimal vision with your eyewear from eye-bar, always keep your prescription lenses up to date. You can schedule your next appointment with an eye-bar optometrist using our online booking system.

    Futuristic Google Glass

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    Have you heard about Google Glass? It's still in its testing phase, but the future of eyewear could be seriously revolutionized by one of Google's latest and greatest inventions.

    GLASS is pretty amazing. It is worn like a pair of eyeglasses, but there are no lenses. One side has a small "camera" (for lack of a better word) that sits just above your line of sight. You can say "Ok Glass..." then give it commands like "take a picture" or "google, say half a pound in Chinese." You can record video, keep GPS directions in your sight while driving, google anything on the go, and more. It is set to launch in 2014.

    The GLASS website shows off all of the enticing features. Will the sleek design look stylish on everyone? How will GLASS be paired with prescription eyewear in upcoming years? This could be one of the biggest game changer the eyewear industry has seen in a long time. 

    Images found here and here.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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    Love is in the air at eye-bar. We love red frames because they make a statement and they look good with everything!
     
    Red eyeglasses are easier to wear than you may think. Red frames match most eye colours and skin tones (unless you have a lot of red undertones). They act as a neutral in your wardrobe - all your bright and dark clothes will work well.
     
    Above is just a taste of all the rose coloured glasses you can swoon over at eye-bar!

    PANTONE Colour of the Year: Emerald

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    PANTONE® is the world’s leading authority on everything colourful. Think of them as a world-wide paint chip company. Industries like graphic design, fashion, interior design, and anyone who uses colour are able to communicate exact colour matches all over the world using PANTONE colour guides. Pantone also sets future colour trends in the fashion industry so high-end designers can be on the same page when it comes to seasonal trends (yes, even eye glasses!).

    The colour of the year, as announced by PANTONE, is… (drum roll)… Emerald! Technically, it’s Pantone 17-5641, described as a lively, radiant, lush green. We’ve already got a selection of frames with this colour on our shelves, and we’ll be bringing in a lot more as we move into Spring. Stop by and get a head start on the hottest colour of the year!

    Images from PANTONE.

    Behind the Scenes: eye-bar Opticians

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    eye-bar opticians are the key to the perfect set of eye glasses. Sure, they have a lot of fun picking out frames that look good on you, but so much work goes on behind the scenes to get you the glasses you’ll love.

    When you try on frames, their minds are busy considering how it looks (nose, ears, browline, skin tone, eye colour) and how the frames will fit into your lifestyle. After seeing your prescription, they’ll determine the most appropriate lens type (thinness, coatings, etc.) and the frame styles that can accommodate the lenses. All of these considerations ensure the most attractive finished product.

    Once your frame and lenses are selected, measurements are recorded to ensure the lens is perfectly aligned with your pupil, where the optimal visual correction happens. This becomes especially important for progressive lens wearers. Progressive lenses may require several other measurements, taking into consideration your life and work style.

    eye-bar opticians work like lens brokers when it comes to finding what’s best for you. They have expertise in every brand, lens material, and the latest technologies. With all of these choices available to them, they find the right lenses based on your personal needs. They accurately relay all of this important information to our labs where your lenses are created and properly mounted in your frames. After eye-bar’s final inspection, our opticians call you with the good news that your new glasses are in!

    When you come to pick up your glasses, your eye-bar optician makes final adjustments and provides you with care and maintenance instructions based on the materials in your specific pair of glasses. Don’t forget you can stop in any time for a complimentary professional cleaning!

    *Images from Tom Davies Bespoke Eyewear

    Is vision impacting your athletic performance?

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    "Watch your man!""Keep your eye on the ball!"

    Sound familiar?  That’s because so much of your success at sports can be attributed to your ability to see and react quickly to objects or people coming your way. A large percentage of athletes have an undetected refractive error (i.e. nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism). By correcting even small amounts of blur, you can maximize your performance on the sports field. Even slight visual blur decreases performance by up to 25 percent.

    Could your eyewear sustain a hard hit?
     Eyeglasses made for street or office wear are not made to the same protective standards as safety eyewear and will probably not hold up under impact. Eyeglass lenses that are not safety-rated could shatter, causing serious eye injuries.

    Get the vision you need to perform. Optometrists at eye-bar will help you correct blur, reduce glare, enhance depth perception, and protect your eyes from injury. Our opticians will set you up with all the protective lenses or safety eyewear you need, too.

    *Images found here and here.

    style: Etnia Barcelona glasses and readers!

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    We have a lot of new Etnia Barcelona frames in store for you to try on! We love how colourful and stylish this whole line of eyewear is. The frames are acetate and/or metal, and they're everything but boring! 
     
    Each style comes in a few colour options so we'll be able to match one to your personality. Check out the last two frames in the photos above - those are some pretty stylin' readers if you ask us!
     
    Hurry in, these frames usually fly off the shelves!

    Flexible and Functional Eyeglasses for Kids

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    eye-bar just brought in a really unique line of kid’s glasses! Miraflex makes high-quality, flexible frames designed to meet the needs of both eye-bar optometrists and the youngsters who get to wear them. They have no metal components or hinges making them perfect for young children and babies.

    eye-bar doctors are able to detect vision problems and health issues very early on in a child’s life. Many of these issues can be corrected with proper eyewear, so this option for youngsters is perfectly functional (and stylish!).

    When you come in to pick out your child’s new eyeglasses, you choose the frame shape and size, then choose from 30 fun colours to personalize them. We’ll make them for you using a hardy polycarbonate lens that is highly impact resistant.

    They are lightweight and very comfortable so kids won’t be tempted to pull them off. Bring in your kids to choose their colour and get them excited to wear their new glasses!

    style: Eye Makeup Behind Glasses

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    We know the importance of choosing frames that suit your personality and bring out the best features in your face. Eye makeup works closely with your glasses to achieve this, but the makeup application should be slightly altered to work best with your glasses. Here are a few helpful tips we collected to make your makeup and your frames work together to make you look your best:

    • Wear neutral or warm shades of eyeshadow. If you wear grays and cooler colours, your eyes will appear smaller, darker, and can look like you’re hiding a black eye!
    • Adding bright or bold eyeshadow colors to your lids can clash with the frames and make your eyes appear smaller. Many layers and mixes of colour can look like you’re hiding your eyes behind the frames, not enhancing them. If your frames are rimless, you can get away with a bit more colour, but keep it simple!
    • Stick to light colors on the lids to make your eyes appear larger behind the frames
    • Avoid lining the lower lashes – this will darken your eyes, making them appear smaller and give you an overall tired look behind your glasses.
    • Choose volumizing, not lengthening, mascara. Apply two coats if necessary. Lengthening mascara may make your eyes touch your lenses, dirtying them and irritating your eyes.
    • Keeping eyebrows neat and well-shaped becomes very important when you’re wearing your glasses. Some think that frames will disguise the eyebrows, but most frames make untidy or asymmetrical brows more noticeable.

    *images spotted here and here