Michael N Charlton Optometrists

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2012

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:08:55 +0000

Since our last news letter we are delighted to report we have had two lucky winners. Thomas Hughes won a Nintendo DSi after entering a draw promoted by Sight Care Trading and is pictured holding his new gadget.

Thomas being presented with his new DSi.

Then a few weeks ago Sister Rose Berrie won a Seiko watch. She had registered her new Seiko lenses on line and was entered into a draw. Sister Rose is our third Seiko watch winner from this practice. Both were delighted with their prizes.

Sister Rose accepts her new Seiko watch from Michael

All our optometrists have been busy keeping up to date with their training; this time the course was all about glaucoma. They learnt about new investigations and treatments. Anthea and Moya, our dispensing opticians have also attended a course on a variety of subjects. The benefits of the latest Drive Wear polarized prescription lenses were explained, showing that the glare from wet roads can be considerably reduced. They also learnt more about dry eyes and the appropriate drops that may help. Our reception team have had training on the different types of Seiko lenses and coatings.

Robin and Michael had a lovely surprise when they were awarded certificates, “In recognition of their support for people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder”. The first county wide conference was held at County Hall to highlight the employment potential of people on the autism spectrum. Several awards were made to businesses and organisations who just go that extra mile to be autism aware. Robin and Michael both felt very honoured to have been nominated for their awards.

The latest ranges of frames are now in for the spring. For ladies we have Italian Fendi frames which have been very well received. The superb quality and attention to detail is wonderful and the styles are bold plastics as well as some more classic metals in lovely colours. Back by popular demand is a larger selection from Silhouette. Now our practice is an Authorised Partner we have access to all their models and the ability to ask for their frames on short term approval for you to see and try. The comfort gained by the minimal weight of these frames has to be tried to be believed. Sally is looking forward to wearing her new rimless model which is currently being glazed with Seiko multifocal lenses with a Super Reflective Coating.

The retro look is very much part of this seasons look and Marco Polo and Head have several of the larger plastic styles in tortoiseshell and black. Also Miss Sixty and Replay have released their new styles to follow this trend. For a lighter look a new range of metal frames from Lollipop have pretty colours with a lot of feminine detailing on the side. Beside the above we run core ranges of frames to suit all styles and budgets so do pop in to see and try on; we are happy to give advice on what will flatter you.

We are all hoping for some better weather and with this in mind sun protection for your eyes is very important. Good quality tinted lenses with full UVA and UVB filters help prevent cataracts. Even on relatively dull days the amount of UV light around is quite remarkable. Polarised lenses will cut out the glare too making you less inclined to screw up your eyes. We now have the new season sunglasses in stock and would be delighted if you popped in to see them.

Robin Baker continues to be our fittest member of the practice. He has now completed a marathon on the coast path! Running from Newgale to Porthgain on difficult terrain he was extremely relieved to finish this event and we are all very proud of his achievement. Robin wore his 1 Day Acuvue moist contact lenses with Polaroid sunglasses.

Stop Press!

Just in, superior Polarised sunglasses from Maui Jim. Classic plastic frames, sports styles and metal rims with lenses that provide protection from glare and all harmful UV rays. Superbly comfortable and relaxing for your eyes – great for sports such as golf or sailing. Not all prescriptions are suitable.

Newsletter – Autumn 2011

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:32:24 +0000

The practice is delighted to welcome a new dispensing optician to our team. Moya De’Ath joined us over the summer from Oxfordshire. She brings extra skills from her early career in Nursing within the hospital eye service, as well as her more recent dispensing expertise. Moya is here full-time and happy to discuss different spectacle lens types with you as well as help in your choice of new frames.

Stephen Whitehead is still our dispensing optician working in St Davids on Tuesdays but he will be working a bit less in Fishguard. Stephen wants to spend more time in his garden and walking in the Preseli hills.

Over recent weeks we have taken on two new ranges of spectacle frames. Marc by Marc Jacobs offer bright bold colours for men and women in both plastics and metal frames, some with stripes whilst others have a mottled effect. Most of the Marc frames have sprung hinge sides and make a great statement.

For those ladies who prefer something slightly more subtle the new CC (Country Casuals) range modelled by Jane Seymour are in autumnal tones of bronze and mulberry with pretty details on the sides.

One of our optometrists, Mr Baker, has been in serious training over recent months and successfully completed six triathlons over the summer, all in commendable times. Robin wore his Polaroid sunglasses over 1 Day Acuvue Trueye contact lenses for the running and cycling events. “They were Brilliant,” said Robin. “Polaroid’s cut out so much of the glare on the wet roads as well as offering protection from the wind”.

Michael and Sally were proud to sponsor this years Fishguard Show and enjoyed a day on the field meeting lots of people. The sunshine meant that lots of people stayed on till late watching the competitions and viewing the exhibits. A brilliant day for locals and visitors alike and an important event in the local calendar.

Children from the Holy Name School came to visit the practice just before the summer break. They learnt something about eyes and how they worked; they had a great time with Michael and Ruth.

To celebrate World Sight Day the practice held a Coffee and Cake day. The staff produced a delicious array of cakes and patients were invited to enjoy the fare for a £1 donation. We were very grateful for everybody’s generosity as well as the hard work of our staff to make such a success of the day. Between the raffle and donations we raised £400. Michael & Sally added a further £100, which means that we sent £500 for Vision Aid Overseas and Optometry Giving Sight. These two charities help to provide examinations and spectacles in countries such as Ghana where there is little or no eyecare.

Locals enjoy a coffee and cake!

Newsletter – Spring-Summer 2011

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 10:19:14 +0000

We are delighted to welcome Karon to join our team of receptionists. Many of you will know her from her years of service in Antur Insurance (formerly Dyfed Insurance). Although the systems are different, she is able to use many of her skills in our environment.

Please be aware that the new Pembrokeshire County Council parking enforcement regime means that, except for Blue Badge holders, there is only 1 hour parking outside the practice and this is being adhered to.

Our staff are now enjoying their new uniform. We like the overall effect and hope it adds to the feeling of team work in the practice.

Michael, Sally and Anthea recently visited Optrafair, a huge trade show at the NEC in Birmingham. We were able to see first hand the latest innovations within the profession. Consulting room equipment, contact lenses and glasses are all on show letting us browse and test new technologies. Michael also attended educational lectures making sure he is right up to date.

As a result of our trip to Optrafair we will shortly be replacing some of the consulting room equipment with the latest 3D digital eye test charts. This will allow us to use some of the newest techniques in vision testing.

The latest Polaroid sun spectacles are now in the practice, including children’s styles. With some exceptions, these can be made to your prescription. Polarised lenses reduce surface reflections to a minimum and are particularly good near water or wet surfaces, for example driving after it has rained.

Our practice recognises the importance of customer service and many of our staff have gained certificates after completing a course on effective communication. We hope we can do a good job even better by listening to our patients needs and helping them understand the new technologies that may benefit them.

You are very welcome to pop in to see the new glasses that have arrived this spring. We have something to suit everyone including the latest ‘Eclectic Collection’ from Stepper. This is a real retro look but manufactured in modern materials including the use of titanium.

The Eclectic Collection

Hywel Dda Health Board is concerned about the waiting lists in the ophthalmology clinics, especially if glaucoma is suspected. A new scheme has been set up to try and help reduce some of the waiting time. Our practice was chosen to pilot this in North Pembrokeshire. The hospital referral letters for suspected glaucoma are seen by an ophthalmologist and if further investigation is required we can perform those tests at our Fishguard practice to help speed things up. So far this has been well received by patients.

As a result of the decision by the clearing banks to no longer guarantee cheques, regretfully we have decided to stop accepting any cheques. We do accept most forms of credit and debit cards and of course we will happily accept cash! We are sorry if this causes some inconvenience but hope you will understand that this is because of the changes in the banking system.

We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter – please watch our website for the next one!

Spring-Summer 2010 Update

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:47:57 +0000

It has been just over a year since completion of the re-development of our practice in West Street, Fishguard. We are now able to offer;

- An extra ground floor consulting room

- Full access for patients with disabilities

- Private dispensing areas

- A contact lens teaching room

- Dedicated room for Visual Field Testing and Digital Photography

- A larger, brighter reception and frame selection areas.

We held a successful open day, which was attended by representatives of the Local Health Board, County Council, National Assembly and the Community Health Council. Positive feedback was given by all those who attended.

Michael and Robin were recently re-accredited to the Welsh Low Vision Service, which has now enabled them to issue more advanced low vision aids, funded by the Welsh Assembly including digital portable readers.

The new Emporio Armani collection is now in stock as well as a large selection of prescription and polarised sunglasses.