Latest news
Prize Winner Collects Prize
Sutton Coldfield student, Emma Stewart, got more than she expected after she had her eyes examined at Andrew Martin's opticians practice in Boldmere. When she had her eyes examined she entered a competition to win £25.00 of i-pod download vouchers. The competition was being run at the practice to promote children’s eyecare. This week she found out that her entry had been drawn out in the draw, and she returned to the practice sooner than expected this week to collect her prize.
Commenting or her win Emma said "I was amazed when I was told that I had won, and I didn't need any glasses, I will really enjoy listening to the songs that I download". The competition had been conducted in association with Jump frames, which provide teenage frames at the practice, and no purchase was necessary. Dispensing Optician, Jane Rose, said "the jump range of frames is very popular with teenagers due to their modern styling and colours".
A new competition, which closes on 30th April, is being run at the practice with another chance to win more download vouchers.
Entry forms are available from the practice
Much of what children learn is taken in through there eyes and therefore good vision is extremely important in their formative years. It is vital for children to get correct care of their eyes, as learning difficulties can some times be caused by vision problems. Optometrist at the practice, Andrew Martin, said "vision problems can be difficult to spot but there are a number of signs that you can be aware of such as constant rubbing of the eyes, squinting, clumsiness, blinking, and red or sore looking eyes. If you have any concerns about your child’s vision then arrange an examination" Any one under 16 or under 19 in full time education is entitled to an NHS eye examination. The latest practice newsletter has an article on children’s vision and is available from the practice too.
(November 2007)
Local Campagn To Improve Children's Eyesight
Andrew Martin has just launched a campaign to make local people more aware of the availability of free NHS sight tests for their children. He has produced a special "Young Eyes" leaflet which gives detailed information on looking after children's eyesight. As well as running a free prize draw to win a £25.00 music download voucher, in association with children’s frame supplier "Jump".
"We recommend annual eye tests for all children", says optometrist Andrew Martin, "because a child's vision can change more quickly than an adult's. Yet it is often difficult for parents to spot the warning signs".
A survey by the Optical Information Council suggests that one in five children has an undetected eye problem. These children may experience learning difficulties at school loose confidence and develop more slowly. Also, without early treatment, problems such as "lazy eye" can become permanent disabilities.
"Good eyesight is every child's passport to the future", points out Andrew, "and an NHS sight test costs nothing. We even have a selected range of children's glasses which are completely free".
The practice has all the equipment necessary to examine the eyes and vision of children of all ages. There are also a wide range of frames designed to appeal to children, including the "Jump" range. Many frames have soft nose pads for extra comfort and virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. For further protection, a special lens coating can also be applied which blocks out potentially harmful UV light.
(August 2007)
Local Optician Short-Listed For National Awards
Boldmere optometrist Andrew Martin has been short-listed for a national award. His practice has been short-listed for the "Technology Practice of the Year". The award is open to all optical practices nationally. The award, which recognizes and rewards achievement, encourages high standards in practice, and is run by the Optician Journal.
The overall winner is to be announced at an award ceremony held at the Metropole Hotel on April 21st. This will coincide with Optrafair, the major optical tradefair, at the National Exhibition Centre.
Commenting on the short-listing Andrew Martin said "It is a great privilege to be nominated for a national award like this. It is primarily due to the practices capacity to offer a comprehensive examination of patient's eyes."Equipment at the practice enables optometrists to accurately diagnose different eye conditions, and manage them appropriately. The full text of the submission to the judges can be found on the downloads page.
"Winning an Optician Award is one of the highest accolades any practice can achieve" said Optician Editor, and chairman of the judging panel, Chris Bennett "These awards are not just for the flagship super optical outlets of the multiple sector or the upper echelons of the most exclusive independent eyewear boutiques but for practices of all shapes, sizes and persuasions."
"Technology Practice of the Year" recognises the practice which can demonstrate the most effective use of technology. Andrew Martin and his staff use eye examination technology for the direct clinical needs of the patient. They are able to offer an in depth, comprehensive eye health examination, which makes use of all the modern technology at the practice. Particular emphasis on the detection of ocular conditions and provision of strong eye care is a major theme at the practice and of the judges' criteria for this award. The judges are looking for evidence of a range of technologies including the ability to measure the pressure of the eye, measuring the eyes peripheral vision, photography of the front and back of the eye, measurement of the shape and size of the eye. The recipient of this award will be the practice which has bought modern technology and used it for the benefit of the patient.
Over the past two years Andrew Martin has participated in the North Birmingham Primary Care Trust's eye care pathway pilot project looking at new ways for optometrists to work in the NHS . The project has been specifically looking at referral refinement in relation to suspected glaucoma and the monitoring of stable glaucoma patients. The results from this were presented in Januarys "Delivering the Vision" conference attended by the health minister Rosie Winterton.
(February 2007)
