A doctor in a white coat examines a young girl's eyes in an optometry office. The girl, seated on a chair, looks up as the doctor uses a handheld instrument to check her vision. An eye examination machine is visible in the background.

7 Common Indicators Your Kid Needs a Comprehensive Eye Test

Good vision is essential for a child’s overall well-being and development. As parents, it is crucial to ensure that your child’s eyesight is in the best possible condition. Sometimes, kids may not be able to express their visual difficulties clearly, which makes it even more critical for parents to be aware of the common indicators that suggest their child may need a comprehensive eye test. 

In this blog post, we will consider the signs that might indicate your child requiring a thorough eye examination.

1. Frequent Eye Rubbing or Blinking

One of the most typical signs that your child may need an eye test is frequent eye rubbing or blinking. This could indicate that their eyes feel strained or irritated, resulting from an undiagnosed vision problem. 

While occasional rubbing or blinking is normal, if you notice that your child is consistently doing so, it may be time to schedule the best eye test.

2. Squinting or Tilting the Head to See Better

If you observe your child squinting or tilting their head to better view objects, it could be a sign that they are struggling with their vision. Squinting may temporarily improve focus and clarity for those with refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. 

Similarly, tilting the head may help to align the eyes better when they are not working together correctly. In either case, these behaviours warrant a comprehensive eye test to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

3. Difficulty Reading or Doing Close-up Work

Children with undiagnosed vision problems may find it challenging to read or work on tasks that require close-up focus, such as drawing, writing, or solving puzzles. They might hold books too close to their face, lose their place while reading, or avoid these activities altogether. 

If you notice your child struggling with these tasks, it could indicate a vision problem that needs to be addressed through a comprehensive eye test.

4. Poor Performance in School

Vision problems can significantly impact a child’s academic performance. Children with uncorrected refractive errors may need help to see the board or read textbooks, leading to difficulties understanding the material and completing assignments. 

Moreover, vision problems can also affect a child’s concentration and focus in the classroom. If your child’s grades are suddenly dropping or they are having trouble keeping up with their peers, it might be time to consider an eye test to rule out vision-related issues.

5. Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain

If your child frequently complains of headaches or eye strain, it could be a sign that their eyes are working harder than they should be. 

This may be due to uncorrected refractive errors or binocular vision problems, such as convergence insufficiency, which can cause the eyes to become fatigued during activities like reading or using digital devices. 

6. Sensitivity to Light

It could indicate a vision issue if your child exhibits sensitivity to light, often squinting or shielding their eyes in bright environments. Photophobia, or light sensitivity, can be a symptom of various eye conditions, such as inflammation, infection, or refractive errors. 

A comprehensive eye test can help determine the cause of your child’s light sensitivity and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate their discomfort.

7. Family history of eye problems

Certain eye conditions, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes), have a genetic component. 

If there is a family record of eye complications, you must be vigilant about your child’s vision and ensure they receive regular eye tests. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or manage potential vision problems more effectively.

Conclusion

Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining your child’s eye health and ensuring they have the best possible vision for success in school, sports, and life. However, if you notice any of the above symptoms, it is crucial to schedule the best eye test to address any underlying vision problems as soon as possible. By catching and treating vision issues early, you can help your child enjoy a lifetime of healthy vision and reduce their risk of developing more severe eye conditions later in life.

Perspective Optometrists is a distinguished London-based optician that prides itself on providing exceptional niche eyewear and unparalleled eye care services. Our dedicated team of qualified optometrists is committed to offering personalized and comprehensive eye care services, ensuring that each client’s visual needs are met with professionalism and expertise. If you are seeking the best eye test and eye care services, contact us or schedule an appointment today.

Close-up of a human eye with a blue iris and visible details such as eyelashes and surrounding skin texture. The eye is open, showing a clear view of the intricate pattern and color variations within the iris.

What You Should Know About Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is an eye condition that could result in vision loss. This eye condition happens when the macula – the part of the eye that allows for sharp, central vision – deteriorates. This condition is quite common in people over 50, affecting more than 600,000 people in the UK.

Here, we will share the basics you need to know about Macular Degeneration, including its types, symptoms, and treatment options:

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration can be classified into two types: Dry and Wet. 

Dry Macular Degeneration is significantly the more common type, accounting for roughly 85 percent of all cases. It occurs when the macula thins and small deposits called drusen form under the retina. Wet Macular Degeneration, in comparison, is less common but more severe. It could happen when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula, causing fluid and blood to leak into the retina. This can cause rapid vision loss and is considered a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

The earlier stages of Macular Degeneration may not cause any noticeable symptoms, but as the condition progresses, you may experience the following:

  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
  • Dark or empty areas in your vision
  • Decreased brightness or intensity of colors
  • Need for much brighter light when you’re reading or doing close work

If you or your family member is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye test in London with the best optician as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help you preserve your vision and quality of life.

Treatment Options

Presently, there is no cure for Macular Degeneration. However, several treatment options are available. The type of treatment that will be recommended depends on the severity of the eye condition and the type of Macular Degeneration you have.

For Dry Macular Degeneration, there is no proven treatment, but certain lifestyle changes may 

help slow its progression. These include quitting bad habits like smoking, eating a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, and taking nutritional supplements such as vitamins C, E, and zinc.

For Wet Macular Degeneration, treatments such as injections, laser surgery, and photodynamic therapy may be recommended. These treatments aim to slow or stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and avoid further vision loss.

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid Macular Degeneration, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

  • Eating a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish, and nuts
  • Quitting smoking
  • Protecting your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses with UV protection
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
  • Scheduling regular eye tests in London with the best optician to detect changes in your vision early on.

Conclusion

Macular Degeneration is a serious eye condition that can lead to a loss of vision. It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and to schedule regular eye tests in London with the best optician to detect any changes in your vision early on. While there is no known cure for Macular Degeneration as of now, there are several treatment options available that can help slow its progression and preserve your vision. By taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help protect your eyes and maintain your quality of life.

At Perspective Optometrists, we know what sets a great eye test apart from a subpar one. That’s why we strive to offer comprehensive, in-depth, and easily understandable eye examinations. If you require an eye test in London to assess for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Glaucoma, or any other concerns, our team will guarantee a precise evaluation and walk you through the necessary steps to tackle any issue. Book your appointment with Perspective Optometrists now!

An optometrist in London, wearing gloves, examines a patient's eyes with a penlight. The patient, seated comfortably in a chair, faces the specialist in a well-lit room adorned with vertical blinds. A clipboard rests nearby on the table.

Prepare These 3 Questions When Visiting Optometrist in London

When visiting your optometrist, you must come prepared with questions to ensure you receive the best care. Whether a routine eye exam or a specific issue with your vision, asking the right questions can enlighten you regarding eye health and any treatments that may be needed. Here are three questions to prepare for your next appointment.

Question 1: How Can I Best Maintain Good Eye Health?

Maintaining good eye health is one of the most important questions to ask your optometrist. While most people know to wear sunglasses and avoid staring at screens for extended periods, many other lifestyle factors can impact your vision. For example, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, two common age-related eye conditions. Your optometrist can provide personalised recommendations based on your medical history and lifestyle habits.

Another important aspect of maintaining good eye health is scheduling regular eye exams. Your optometrist can identify early signs of eye disease or other issues that may not be immediately noticeable. For example, some eye conditions like glaucoma have no symptoms at the onset, making it important to catch them through regular screening. Your optometrist can advise how often you should schedule eye exams based on age and medical history.

Question 2: What Treatment Options Are Available for My Vision Issues?

If you’re experiencing any issues with your vision, it’s essential to ask your optometrist about the available treatment options. Depending on your specific issue, different treatment approaches may exist. For example, if you have myopia (nearsightedness), you may correct your vision with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery like LASIK. However, you may require medication, surgery, or other interventions if you have cataracts or glaucoma.

Your optometrist can help you understand the pros and cons of each treatment option and recommend the best approach for your situation. For example, if you’re considering LASIK, your optometrist can discuss the risks and benefits and advise whether it fits your vision needs well. 

Similarly, if you’re experiencing symptoms of macular degeneration, your optometrist can explain the available treatments that may slow the progression of the disease.

Question 3: How Can I Protect My Eyes from Digital Eye Strain?

With many people spending more time in front of their screens, it’s important to ask your optometrist how to protect your eyes from digital eye strain. Digital eye strain can cause symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision and may increase your risk of developing myopia. Your optometrist can provide tips on reducing your risk of digital eye strain, such as taking frequent breaks, adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen, and using blue light filters.

If you wear glasses or contacts, an optometrist can also advise reducing digital eye strain with your current prescription. You may need to adjust the lens grade or switch to a different lens material. Your optometrist can also guide properly cleaning and caring for your lenses to reduce the risk of infection or other issues.

We Provide Patients with Thorough Eye Tests

Preparing these questions before visiting your optometrist can help ensure you receive the best care for your eye health. You can actively preserve your vision and prevent future issues by understanding how to maintain good eye health, what treatment options are available, and how to protect against eye strain.

At our practice, we inaugurated with a keen understanding of the distinctiveness of eyewear, elevating the calibre of our frame collection to match our exceptional eye exams and healthcare programs. Book your appointment with an optometrist in London by calling 020-7586-5508 or emailing [email protected]!

Close-up of a person's eye looking directly at the camera. The eye is blue, with well-defined eyebrows and smooth skin. Light reflects in the eye, highlighting its color and detail.

Eye Issues and Emergency Care: What You Need to Know

Eye issues can range from minor irritations to serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. While some problems can be treated at home or with the help of a healthcare professional, others require emergency care to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. It is important to understand which eye issues require urgent attention to ensure prompt treatment and prevent complications. In this article, we will discuss the types of eye issues that require emergency care and the steps you can take to seek appropriate medical attention.

What is an Eye Emergency? 

An eye emergency is a situation where immediate medical attention is required to prevent permanent damage or vision loss. Eye emergencies can include injuries, infections, sudden changes in vision, or other serious conditions that affect the eyes and surrounding tissues. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of an eye emergency.

Types of Eye Emergencies

1. Eye injuries

Injuries to the eye can range from minor scratches to serious trauma. Blunt force trauma, foreign objects in the eye, chemical burns, and cuts or lacerations can all cause eye injuries that require immediate medical attention.

2. Sudden Vision Loss or Changes

Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes, can be a sign of a serious condition and require immediate medical attention.

3. Eye Infections

Infections of the eye can cause redness, discharge, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, infections can lead to serious complications and vision loss.

4. Chemical Exposures

Exposure to chemicals or other irritants can cause serious damage to the eyes and surrounding tissues. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent damage.

5. Eye Surgeries

Complications from eye surgeries, such as bleeding or infection, can require emergency care to prevent further damage.

Steps to Take in an Eye Emergency

If you experience an eye emergency, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are the steps you can take:

  1. Stay calm: Try to stay calm and avoid rubbing or touching your eye, as this can worsen the situation. 
  2. Seek medical attention: If you are experiencing severe or sudden symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, contact your eye doctor or healthcare provider for guidance. 
  3. Follow instructions: If you are given any instructions or medications by a healthcare professional, be sure to follow them carefully to ensure proper treatment and recovery.

Common Signs of an Eye Emergency

  1. Sudden loss of vision or blurry vision
  2. Severe eye pain
  3. Chemical exposure or burns
  4. Foreign object in the eye
  5. Eye trauma or injury
  6. Eye inflammation or redness
  7. Eye discharge or excessive tearing
  8. Sudden onset of flashes or floaters
  9. Eye swelling or bulging
  10. Double vision or seeing halos around lights.

What Eye Issues Require Emergency Care? 

All of the above eye issues require emergency care as they can be signs of serious conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or infections. It is important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent further damage to the eye and potential vision loss.

Conclusion

It is essential to be aware of the eye issues that require emergency medical care. Any sudden change in vision, severe eye pain, sudden loss of vision, chemical or foreign objects in the eye, and sudden onset of flashes or floaters are some of the most common eye emergencies that should be immediately addressed by a healthcare professional. Prompt medical attention can prevent permanent damage and preserve vision. 

It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if there is any doubt about the seriousness of an eye issue. In addition, taking preventive measures such as wearing protective eyewear and maintaining good eye hygiene can help reduce the risk of eye injuries and emergencies.

If you need the help of opticians in London, contact Perspective Optometrists. We offer the finest niche eyewear and eye care available to you. Book an appointment and get the eye care you need today!

A woman in a white lab coat is sitting and using a slit lamp for an eye examination. She has long hair and is focused on the equipment with a gray wall in the background.

5 Crucial Reasons Why You Need to Get Regular Eye Tests

Regular eye tests are essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing serious eye conditions. Eye tests are not just for people with poor vision or those who wear glasses. They are for everyone, regardless of age or visual ability. 

In this article, we will discuss five crucial reasons why you need to get regular eye tests.

1. Detecting Eye Conditions Early

One of the primary reasons for getting regular eye tests is to detect eye conditions early. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, don’t show any symptoms until the condition has already progressed. 

Regular eye tests can detect these conditions early, allowing for prompt treatment that can prevent further vision loss or even blindness.

2. Checking for Eye Strain

Many people spend long hours staring at computer screens or digital devices, leading to eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. Eye strain is a common problem for people who spend long hours in front of computer screens or digital devices. Symptoms of eye strain include headaches, dry eyes, fatigue, and blurred vision. 

Regular eye tests can help detect these problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and advice on how to reduce strain and protect your eyes from further damage. An optometrist can recommend appropriate measures such as taking regular breaks, adjusting lighting and screen settings, and using special glasses or lenses to reduce eye strain. 

Therefore, regular eye tests are crucial for people who spend long hours in front of screens and want to maintain good eye health.

3. Monitoring Changes in Vision

Our eyesight can change gradually over time, making it difficult to notice changes in vision. Regular eye tests can monitor these changes and detect any deterioration in vision. The optometrist can then provide the right corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses, to help improve your eyesight.

4. Identifying Underlying Health Issues

Regular eye tests can also help identify underlying health issues that affect the eyes. For example, high blood pressure and diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss. An optometrist can detect signs of these conditions during an eye test and recommend further medical evaluation if necessary.

An optometrist can recommend further medical evaluation if necessary. Early detection and treatment of these underlying health issues can not only protect your vision but also prevent more serious health problems from developing. Therefore, regular eye tests are an essential part of maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

5. Maintaining Overall Eye Health

Regular eye tests are essential for maintaining overall eye health. During an eye test, an optometrist can detect minor eye problems that can be treated before they develop into more serious conditions. 

They can also provide advice on how to protect your eyes from further damage, such as wearing sunglasses to protect against UV radiation.

Conclusion

Regular eye tests are essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing serious eye conditions. They are not just for people with poor vision or those who wear glasses. Everyone, regardless of age or visual ability, should get regular eye tests. Eye tests can detect eye conditions early and maintain overall eye health. Don’t neglect your eye health; book an appointment with an optometrist today!

If you’re looking for the best opticians for eye tests, Perspective Optometrists has you covered. We are the best opticians in London dedicated to providing comprehensive eye exams and top-quality eye care services. Book a consultation with us today to get started.

A black and white illustration of two stick figures. One is holding a bar of chocolate with a delighted expression. The text above reads "HAPPINESS IS" and below "...an unexpected bar of chocolate.

Monthly Perspective – May 2019

Monthly Perspective: May 2019 Highlights

Off the Beaten Track

On a recent family holiday to Norway, during amuch needed pit-stop to refuel, we came acrossthis treat;

Choco bar

Kvikk Lunsj is Norwegian for “Quick Lunch”, a little known four-fingered chocolate bar created by Norwegian company Freia back in 1937. I think for most of us, if asked to name a four fingered chocolate bar, KitKat would be the brand that comes to mind. Kvikk Lunsj is relatively unknown outside of Norway. When putting it to the taste test with our chocoholic 5 year old as the chief taster, the verdict was “yummy”. Unfortunately we didn’t have a KitKat handy to do a blind tasting but a quick Google search showed us that this “yummy” verdict was endorsed and further qualified by the Guardian newspaper in 2017. Kvikk Lunsj beat KitKat in almost every category;

Thickness of chocolate – Kvikk Lunsj has a thicker chocolate layer and feels heavier.

Taste – the chocolate taste was creamier, almost like swiss chocolate in Kviik Lunsj

Quality of chocolate – Kviik Lunsj was less sweet with a more cocoa taste coming through.

The wafer – KitKat edged it with a crispier wafer.

In-fact Nestle, who manufacture KitKat have lost several high-profile rulings against their attempts to trademark the four fingered shape. Every time this hits the news, it seems the winner is Kvikk Lunsj as it gets a little more publicity and no doubt wins over a few more taste buds.

Kvikk Lunsj

In Norway, Kvikk Lunsj is marketed as a refuelling snack when skiing or hiking in the great outdoors which portrays a more wholesome image for a chocolate bar. There is something satisfying about stumbling upon a little known find and supporting the Davids rather than the Goliaths of this world. It is a philosophy that we employ at Perspective. We go out of our way to seek out suppliers that are niche. We are often pleasantly surprised by the passion, innovation and quality displayed by more niche eyewear companies versus the big players. They take a little more searching to find but are much more rewarding to work with in the long run.

Needless to say, we stockpiled on a supply of Kviik Lunsj at Oslo airport duty free on our journey back to London and are still chomping our way through them!

I did contemplate replacing the gorgeous Ocelot Chocolates that we gift our clients as a Thank You with Kvikk Lunsj for a short period but flying Ryan Air meant that our luggage allowance was limited. I am glad I didn’t as Ocelot Chocolate is another small, family business that produces delicious, high quality chocolate and we are glad to support them. We also love the look on our clients face when they collect their new glasses and see an unexpected and enticing chocolate box waiting for them.

Upcycling

A few months back I received a phone call from an elderly neighbour. They rang to say that they have a chair that they thought my daughter would like and wanted to arrange a time for us to go and see it to decide whether we would like to keep it.

Now, my daughter Meghna is 5 and does not spend much time “sitting” so a chair was not top of her desirable items list. But she was sufficiently intrigued by the fact that someone wanted to gift her a chair that we arranged a time to have a look. We were taken through into the living room and the chair was unveiled from under its white cover. Meghna’s face lit up when she saw the chair. It was a proper grown up armchair in a miniature size. After trying it out she declared “It’s a perfect throne for me!”, making my neighbours chuckle while alarm bells were ringing in my head!

The story behind the chair is that both my neighbour and her elder sister were gifted a chair each from their mother when they got married. My neighbour’s sister, now in her mid-90’s has had to go into a care home and so she sent the chair to her younger sister with instructions to find it a new home. With a story like that we could hardly say no to giving the chair a home and so it came back with us there and then.

chair

BEFORE

That same week, during an eye examination I discovered that one of our many talented clients at Perspective, Charlotte Fletcher, has started her own upholstery business. I couldn’t help but show her a picture of our newly acquired armchair and get her opinion on sprucing it up.

This was followed by an exciting visit to Charlotte’s workshop in Belsize Park to discuss ideas and look at fabric options. More fabrics followed in the post, a shortlist was made and the winning fabric was democratically (with strong campaigning from me) selected. We transported the chair to Charlotte’s workshop and left it in her capable hands for a few weeks. Three weeks later it was all ready to collect. I couldn’t wait to see it as our fabric choice was bold and I had trouble visualising the result but I took a leap of faith – and here it is;

chair

AFTER

We are delighted with the result. It has taken its place in our living room as a modernised, upcycled chair in a bright pink and white geometric fabric, ready for the 21st century. Hopefully, it will stand the test of time in our home too. If you have any upholstery upcycling projects, I would highly recommend Charlotte Fletcher Upholstery.

Recycling

acuvue

From upcycling we move on to recycling. Last month we received our contact lens recycling box from Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of Acuvue lenses. We can now recycle your old contact lenses and blister packs packaging. They don’t have to be Acuvue lenses, any brand is accepted. The cardbox outer packaging for contact lenses can go with your household recycling, but please bring the rest to us and we’ll bring out “Conti” our recycling box for you to empty it all into.

acuvue

Risky Business

The general advice from some of the business consultants that operate in the optical industry is not to open a practice from scratch but to buy a going-concern with a client base that can be turned around. So, it was risky business when we opened Perspective from scratch in 2009.

Looking back, the early days were tough and mistakes were made. Some ideas worked, some failed. But building the business from nothing also meant that we were close to the pulse (our clients), we could be pro-active and make changes for the better by reacting quickly.

Along the journey we didn’t always have all the answers and sometimes we just needed to try things out. This helped foster a culture of empowerment, openness and learning (often a steep curve) in the Perspective team. I am so proud of our team, who have journeyed with us through those years and kept things running.

“When you make a mistake you say Hurray and try again.”

This was something that my 5-year-old told me recently. Her teacher has been encouraging her to take more risks and not be afraid of getting things wrong, explaining that this is how we learn and grow. It really struck a chord! A lesson we continue to embrace at Perspective.

An open phone book displaying the Yellow Pages. The pages contain various small ads for services like plumbing and auto repair, with different fonts and small images accompanying the text. The emphasis is on easy access to service providers.

Monthly Perspective – April 2019

Monthly Highlights – April 2019

Digital VS Print Dilemma

I recently read in the news that the Yellow Pages – the big, thick, distinctively yellow business directory has succumbed to the inevitable and has gone fully digital and is out of print. The Yellow Pages had many uses; primarily as a business directory – I actually remember using it to find a trader or two, its size and weight also lent it to being used as a propping-up instrument for doors, and the world’s strongest men used to rip it apart as a feat of strength. I also fondly remember the TV adverts commissioned by the Yellow Pages – there was The French Polish one, The Cleaners one and The Gardener one. These are still available to view on You-Tube if you’re interested – I’d recommend it if you need a chuckle! So, is digital winning the battle over print?

As you will have noticed you are reading this newsletter on good old-fashioned paper. We have been asked by clients in the past, Why print?”, “Why not just email it? Surely that is cheaper and quicker?”. Point taken, but the efficiency of email with no postage and printing costs does not necessarily mean that the message is received as effectively! If you remember when emails first came into existence it was exciting to open your inbox and find new messages which would be read diligently. But email is a victim of its own success as a means of communicating. Most people open their inbox to find dozens of messages, most of which go unread. So, if our Newsletter showed up in your inbox, I think most of you would press delete- It’s Ok- don’t feel bad – I would do the same thing myself.

A personal letter arriving in the post is more of a rarity these days and something to get excited about. So, when I took to writing these monthly editions, I decided that in order for them to be effective they have to go out in print.

They are about keeping in touch with you and building a relationship with you in between your practice visits as the blue box on the back page explains. We hope that they impart information and news in an entertaining manner and that it is something that you enjoy reading, perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee. If reading the Newsletter adds a smidgen of pleasure to your day, then hopefully we’ve won the effectiveness argument over digital.

We don’t have the multi-million-pound advertising budget of the big optical chains, but we can afford to invest in our relationship with you every month because I feel we can offer
you something of value; a level of optical expertise, personal service and humanity. By the way, we are not the only independent business that feels this way about print. There is a second-hand independent book shop in Scotland run by an interesting guy. He has taken a strong stance on the amazon kindle versus real book argument. He shot and killed an amazon kindle, had it stuffed and mounted on to the wall of his bookshop.

Yellow Pages
Amazon kindle shot by Shaun Blythell 22 August 2014

Thank You Very Much

Fight for Sight, our charity of choice for ou rHealthy Sight month drive, sent us this lovely letter on receiving our donation of£1150. We had to share it with you.

Dear Perspective Team and Customers
I wanted to write personally to thank you sincerely for your excellent fundraising efforts as part of your healthy sight drive last month.
Your generous donation of £1,150 will go directly to support the vital eye health research that we fund in over 49 of the UK’s leading universities and institutions.
As a charity dedicated to stopping sight loss, we are incredibly touched by your promotion of eye examinations. Frequent eye tests play such a crucial role in the prevention of many conditions that cause blindness, and is vital that everyone is aware of the importance of better eye health. Alongside this we must continue to fund pioneering research projects which pave the way for a future free from conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts for example.Every day 250 people in UK start to lose their sight – it doesn’t have to be this way.Your excellent support will help to make a real difference to people’s lives, enabling some of
the brightest researchers to find new pathways to preventing sight loss, treating eye disease and ultimately restoring sight.Thank you so much for thinking of Fight for Sight – we are so grateful for your donation and wish you the best of luck for future efforts to raise awareness of better eye health and encourage more frequent eye examinations.Yours Sincerely
Michele Acton

We’d love to extend our thanks to our wonderful clients who support us so that we can support causes like Fight for Sight.

Our Man in Cartagena

Perspective clients are a well-travelled and cultured bunch. On occasion we receive emails from clients posing in their discerning eyewear from interesting and exotic locations.

This particular photo shows Perspective client, Michael, enjoying a refreshing cocktail in downtown Cartagena, Colombia, looking suitably cool in his new SALT. prescription varifocal polarised sunglasses.

relaxing
SALT. prescription shades in action at cocktail hour

For most of us glasses wearers, our eyewear will travel just as much as we do and crop up in countless photo’s. You could actually chart your journey through life from your eyewear
history. My geeky teenage photos with oversized round glasses (long before this was fashionable) still send shivers down my spine!

Luckily I addressed this in my 20’s when my passion for eyewear started to develop and I now have a collection that I am happy to be photographed wearing.

If you have an event / holiday coming up that you know will be captured by countless camera flashes, be sure that your eyewear and sunglasses are up to scratch. Bring them in to us so we can tighten, straighten and polish them for you. We offer a free aftercare service on all glasses that you have purchased from us over the years. It also gives you an excuse to check out our latest collections and earmark your next pair.

At Perspective we have had clients request eyewear to co-ordinate outfits for weddings (particularly important for mother of the bride) and special parties. Memories you’ll look at in years to come and be glad that you looked the part from head to toe.

smile

The photo above is of a recent Mother of the Bride client was looking for blue glasses to match her wedding day hat. She found the perfect pair with this bright electric blue Anne et Valentin model. A perfect fit for the occasion and beyond.

If you have a snap of yourself looking snazzy in your eyewear, please do email it to us or share it with us on our Facebook page. We love to see what Perspective glasses, past and present, get up to once they leave us!

If you like to keep up to date with eyewear trends and are curious about what eyewear people just like you are wearing, follow us on Facebook. Just search for “I love my glasses” on Facebook to follow us. We regularly post pictures of clients new and old modelling their glasses. A great way to get inspiration for your next look.

A wall covered in various weathered and peeling posters, some with the repeating text "change climate change" and others featuring abstract designs in a mix of black, white, and pale blue tones.

Monthly Perspective – March 2019

March 2019 – Highlights

To Innovate: “Make changes in somethingestablished, especially by introducing new methods, ideas or products”

Survival of the Fittest

During a recent half term day trip into London to visit the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, I was pleasantly surprised by the gift shops. They were beautifully kept spaces; bright and airy and easy on the eye. More importantly, they were filled with content that made you stop and look despite my husband’s best intentions to steer us past them. The products were quirky, interesting and slightly off the beaten path. I have been looking for some gifts for a few occasions that we have coming up, admittedly browsing online but not really feeling inspired. Ten minutes of browsing in these gift shops and I actually found gifts that had a novelty factor and would hopefully delight and engage the recipients for some time.

A few days later I came across a news article titled “The unlikely stars bucking the High Street slump.” It seems the doom and gloom surrounding retail outlets has bypassed museum and gallery shops. They stayed ahead of the curve by innovating early. My memory of childhood visits to such places was that they were stocked with keychains, pens and badges aimed at visiting school children with a somewhat limited spending power. Not anymore! The gift shop department of these organisations have enhanced their products to include exclusive gifts, designer homeware, books and clothing, and have collaborated with artists and desirable brands to attract shoppers with their unique products.

These shops have overhauled their displays from a bric-a-brac style. Instead their streamlined product ranges concentrate on core themes relating to the exhibitions that visitors have just experienced. It seems that shopping with an experience attached is what makes these museum and gallery shops stand out.

It was a relief to read such a positive success story about retail when most of the news reports so far this year have been so negative about the state of our High Streets. Admittedly museum shops are not in typical High Street locations and they have a different foot-fall pattern but not so long ago they were struggling.

They turned things around by innovating and differentiating themselves. Dan Kennedy, a well known and respected business coach is of the opinion that not all bricks and mortar businesses are doomed. Only those that are uninteresting and fail to differentiate themselves from shopping online.

Our thinking at Perspective and what we talk about a lot in our team meetings is that retail is not doomed. It is up to us to differentiate by;

  • Giving clients a reason to keep coming back with personal and exceptional service.
  • Invest in sourcing high quality niche products from reliable suppliers.
  • Invest in building long-term relationships with our clients.

We are optimistic that as long as retailers work hard at fulfilling these principals the High Street will thrive, the fittest will survive, and our High Streets will be less generic and more interesting.

One of our favourite customer service mantrasat Perspective.

“Your customer doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.“

Guilty Pleasures

Going to the cinema used to be a regular outing either as a Saturday night switch-off after a hectic week, or a Sunday night ploy to stretch the weekend. I was up to date with the who and what of Hollywood, Bollywood and everything in-between. However, for the past five years our cinema excursions have been few and far between, and I am only vaguely up to date with what’s on the silver-screen. Although, now that Meghna has turned 5, I can see that this will all be changing soon. Until then cinema trips will continue to be a rare treat.

A few weeks back we had the unexpected opportunity to enjoy one of these rare treats. My husband and I found ourselves with a spare Friday morning – it was a bit like finding a forgotten tenner in a pocket. We decided to go out and spend it straight away!

We booked the 10am show (it used to be 10pm!) so that we could finish in time for school pick up. But rather than just going to the local Vue or multiplex, we decided to savour the moment and booked a sofa (not just a seat) at an independent cinema a bit further away.

We got there early and settled down on our sofa to watch the adverts and the trailers. We couldn’t resist ordering an array of snacks; coffee, salted nuts, sparkling water and freshly made tasty guacamole served with chips. All served to us so that we did not have to miss a moment of screen time.

We munched away and were caught up in the movie, which happened to be Bohemian Rhapsody. I got so caught up that at the end I couldn’t help singing along to Queens’s greatest hits. It was just as well that we had the cinema to ourselves!

cinema

For two hours we were completely engrossed, forgot about everything else that was going on, and immersed ourselves knowing that this might not happen again for a while. It was nice
to be able to enjoy the morning in style. Everything was just that little bit more elevated from the sofa-seats, the fresh, tasty snacks and the table service. It really felt like a treat.

My cinema experience made me think about what experience you may get when you visit your Optician’s. When I first qualified, I actually worked for a Specsavers branch in East London. It was a well-run branch and Specsavers are good at what they do but it’s a “bums-on-seats” type of place. My diary was booked every 20-25 minutes. This was intense. Not much time for chit-chat or personal service. The appointments would often over-run and there was never anytime to add any frills to the service. It was exhausting and I have to admit that I didn’t last long there. I can honestly say it was all about targets, numbers and quantity over quality, rather than the people in front of us.

It turned out not to be my cup of tea. At Perspective we are much happier taking 45 minutes for an eye exam, so that we can take time to find out about you and your needs and get it right in a relaxed, unhurried environment with teas, coffees and sparkling water all served with warmth and a smile. Most people have an eye check maybe once a year or once every 2-3 years so we aspire to make a visit to the Opticians feel like a treat!

On a serious note the Perspective team are really grateful for your reviews and feedback. It helps new clients decide if we are the right fit for them by letting them know what to expect.
Your words are far more powerful than anything that we can say ourselves. So, thank you!

Healthy Sight Month

Our February Healthy Sight drive to raise money for ‘Fight for Sight’charity was a great success. A huge Thank You to all of you who came to see us for an eye examination this February. With your
help we managed to raise in excess of £1000 and we can’t wait to donate this to Fight for Sight.

Healthy SIght

On a separate note, myself and little Meghna kept the team busy with our eyecare needs last month. Meghna has a rare eye condition where her eye muscles overshoot, making her eye turn in more than it should, particularly for close work. Her Paediatric Ophthalmologist suggested that we try a bifocal or varifocal in the hope that a stronger prescription for close work will relax her muscles and keep her eyes straight.

So, a few weeks back we fitted Meghna with varifocal lenses designed specifically for children. She put them on and managed to keep still for about 5 seconds while we checked the fitting and then went off running, skipping and jumping as 5-year olds do. A few hours later, I asked her how her new glasses felt. She simply said, “Mummy, they feel nice” and that was that! So, if you have resisted varifocal lenses in the past but would like to try them it might be worth taking the plunge and giving them a go. You’ll probably find that you can hop, skip and jump in them too and that they will feel nice!

My story is that for a few weeks I had been getting annoying headaches and achy, tired eyes. Initially I put it down to being a little run- down, but then I noticed that I was avoiding reading in the evenings. Luckily, as an Optometrist I have easy access to getting my eyes checked on demand. Every job has its perks!

Sejal carried out a thorough eye test and indeed my prescription had changed quite significantly. My current glasses were too strong and so my eyes were over-focussing and hence getting tired and strained. I wish I could say that there was something I was doing to make my prescription improve – I can only say that sometimes things can improve with age. It took about half a day for my eyes to relax in to my new glasses. Miraculously my headaches disappeared almost immediately.

Close-up black and white photo of a child's face, focusing on the eyes. The eyes reflect a scene, creating a sense of depth and curiosity, beautifully capturing the essence of World Sight Day. The image emphasizes the texture and details of the skin.

World Sight Day: indulging hoarders for a good cause

It seems that the world is divided into two types of people – the hoarders and the non-hoarders.

During our practice refurbishment earlier in the year it became startlingly clear who the hoarders were and who the discarders (for want of a better word) were in the Perspective team.

Read more

Rows of eyeglasses with colorful frames are displayed on clear shelves against a neutral background. Ensuring healthy sight, the glasses come in various styles and hues, like blue, red, and black. They are lined up neatly in an organized manner.

Celebrate Healthy Sight Month this February

It seems like every year life gets busier, and sometimes it’s difficult to find time to do the things we know we should, particularly when it comes to looking after our health.

That’s why it’s important to start the year on the right foot by looking after yourself.

After a busy first day back at work I came home to my four-year-old watching a children’s TV show which showed a day in the life of Axel, a trainee guide dog. It really was fascinating to see how they can teach a puppy to act as their owner’s eyes.

The level of restraint and discipline that these dogs have to show was commendable. Even Meghna commented “Axel’s a really good dog isn’t he? He listens to everything his mummy tells him.”

It took some restraint on my part to hold my tongue so that I didn’t compare Meghna’s listening skills to Axel’s!

Pay us a visit this February

This little exchange inspired the idea of making February Healthy Sight Month at Perspective.

If it’s been 12-24 months since your last eye test, this is something you really should do. An eye test will ensure that you look after the health of your eyes.

Maybe you’ve been putting off an eye examination as you feel your sight is fine, but an eye test can bring sight issues to light and detect conditions like cataracts, ocular hypertension and glaucoma.  

So as part of Healthy Sight Month we’re doing two great things this month which are good for you and also good for a great cause.

Sponsor the training of a guide dog when you visit us

If you have your eyes tested in February, we’ll donate all the proceeds from the private eye examinations to Guide Dogs for The Blind.

Guide Dogs is a charity that provides people with sight loss the support they need to move around safely and confidently, to get out of their homes and to live independently. They’re best known for achieving this through their world-famous guide dogs.

Guide Dog Puppy

In more recent years Guide Dogs have extended their work into research which ensures they develop services that people with sight loss want. They also campaign for equal rights, rights that sighted people take for granted. Our goal is to raise £1000 in February to sponsor the training of a guide-dog puppy.

So when you get your eyes examined in February, you won’t only be looking after your vision – you’ll also be helping Guide Dogs for the Blind.

As a thank you for helping us raise funds for Guide Dogs, we’ll also give you a £45 certificate that you can put towards new eyewear (which technically means your eye exam will be free if you get new glasses).

To take advantage of this great offer, get in touch on 020 7586 5508.