Monday, August 17, 2015

Paris Eyewear Fashions

Paris Eyewear Fashions



What eyeglasses are fashion forward people wearing in Paris?

When our eye doctors visit "fashionable" places on their vacations, they always enjoy seeing what the optical boutiques are showcasing.  This summer, one of "The Docs" went to Paris, France and really enjoyed studying the optiques to see how our optical measured up to the highest fashion capital of the world.  Here is what he noted are trends that every optique promoted:
  • Heavy frames made from zyl (plastic)
  • Round frames in all sizes
  • Wood frames
  • Matte tortoise
  • Tortoise mixes with color, especially turquoise
  • Visible pins on the front of the frames
  • Classic 1950's looks
  • Combinations of zyl, metal, wood combined together
  • Lots of color with layers of color
  • Fabric covered frames like denim and velvet
Some very notable brands that were showcased in their windows, that we also carry, included:
  • Barton Perreira
  • Oliver Peoples
  • LaFont
  • Alain Mikli
  • Michael Kors
  • Ray-Ban
  • Oakley
When he got home and took stock of our optical to see how we could become more like the Parisian Optiques that he studied, The Doc discovered that our optical managers have stocked our Memphis optiques with the latest fashions and trends that are all over Paris!  So you don't have to hop on a plane to acquire stylish eyewear, just go to Memphis Family Vision or SEE Main Street and you will have plenty from which to chose!!




Wednesday, April 15, 2015

The Sweet Spot

The Sweet Spot



"I got my new glasses on-line and something doesn't seem right! I have eyestrain and blurred vision. What could be wrong with them?"

We have started noticing, especially when patients bring in eyewear they have purchased online, that many of the online retailers have much lower quality control standards and are shipping our patients eyewear that has the “sweet spot” in the wrong place.  We have noticed the following reasons this is occurring:

  • The on-line laboratories grind the lenses in error. 
  • Patients select a frame they like but it doesn’t fit their face properly.
  • The eyewear is sent out of adjustment, as there is no live person to dispense the glasses.
Any of these factors can cause headaches, decreased visual acuity, and even dizziness.  It is then up to you, at your cost, to determine where the problem occurred and how the online retailer will make it right for you.

What is The Sweet Spot?


In sports “the sweet spot” is the place you know will take the ball where you want it to go.  In movies, it’s the best seat in the house where the surround sound and view will be at its best.  In a garden, it’s where your flowers always look the best. 

Did you know that eyeglasses also have a “sweet spot”?  This is known as the Optical Center of the lens and it needs to be positioned exactly where your eyes need it to have for the best vision possible from your glasses.

Many things must happen before your eyewear has the “sweet spot” in the right place:
  • First, you and an optician, must pick a pair of eyeglasses that are compatible with the prescription lens that your doctor has ordered, and that properly fits your face. 
  • Then, the optician measures your "pupillary distance" to the nearest millimeter.  If you are getting a multifocal lens, there is an additional measurement called a segment height that tells the lab exactly where your multifocal lens needs to be placed.
  • Next, a high-quality, trusted lab will take the doctor’s orders and the optician’s measurements and create the lens that will provide the perfect “sweet spot” for your unique eyes.
  • Finally, a lab technician checks in the eyewear to make sure the requirements have been met before you are called to receive your eyewear. Sometimes our tech rejects the lens if they do not meet our stringent requirements and asks for a remake before you even see the finished product.
  • Once it passes inspection, you are given a call from our office and an optician makes sure the eyeglasses are adjusted to your face so that the Optical Center is exactly where it needs to be.
When you buy your eyewear at our optical boutique, all of the services required to make sure your Optical Center is in the right place are part of the total patient experience, so that you have the best vision out of the eyewear you order, and that the highest quality lenses are available for you to purchase.  Warranty services and adjustments are also available at no charge when you purchase eyewear from Memphis Family Vision or SEE Main Street.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Using FSA/HSA Funds Towards Your Eyecare






Using Flex Spending & Health Savings Accounts 
Towards Your Eye Care

With new FSA funds available, it is the perfect time to start shopping for stylish new eyewear for 2015.  Since this topic can be confusing, we have found this list, originally published in the Focus Blog, to help you understand your benefits if you have Flex Spending or Health Savings Accounts. Memphis Family Vision and SEE Main Street have a great selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses to help you express your personal style.  Our insurance department can help you with questions regarding your benefits.

Flex Spending Account Facts:
·       All of your FSA funds for the entire year are available January 1st.
·       FSA funds usually expire at the end of each calendar year.
·       You may be able to carry $500 of unused FSA funds from the previous year depending on your employer.

Health Savings Account Facts:
·       HSA funds are accrued throughout the calendar year.
·       HSA dollars never expire and will remain in your account until they are used.
·       lf you don’t use your HSA funds in a given year, the unspent money will roll over into your account for next year.

HSA/FSA Facts Relating to Eye Care:
·       FSA/HSA funds can be used towards your eye health visits and to purchase prescription eyewear, eyeglass frames, prescription sunglasses, sunglasses (only if medically necessary and prescribed by a physician), contact lenses and related cleaning/storage solutions and low vision aids.
·       FSA/HSA funds can be used whether you have vision insurance or not.