somervillemerrinoptometrists

Unwrap Your Optical Extras

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 01:00:02 GMT

Think of your health fund optical extras as a gift to your eyes - ready to be unwrapped before the year ends.

If you have unused optical benefits, now is a great time to use them, as many health funds reset their extras on December 31 ^ .

At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we’re here to assist you in making informed choices about your eye health and getting the most from your entitlements. Whether you’re after a fresh new look, added convenience, or support for everyday needs, we’re here to help.

How Will You Use Your Extras?

Depending on your health fund and level of cover, you may be eligible to claim on:

Prescription Sunglasses – For comfort and clarity during summer days.
Back-Up Glasses – A second pair can be handy for holidays or peace of mind.
Fashion Frames – Refresh your look with designer and boutique options.
Digital Eyewear – Designed to support visual comfort during extended screen time.
Contact Lenses – Great for sports, travel, or everyday wear.
Reading Glasses – A helpful option for close-up tasks.

^Product availability and benefit claims depend on your individual health fund, annual limits, and any applicable waiting periods. Please check with your fund for full details.

No-Gap or Low-Gap Options May Be Available

Ask us about our range of frames and lenses that may be covered by your health fund with no, or low out-of-pocket cost, subject to your policy’s inclusions.*

*No-gap eligibility is determined by your specific fund cover and rules.

Appointments Fill Fast in December!

If you’d like to explore your options before your benefits expire, we recommend booking early. Our team is here to help you make the most of what your cover includes - before it resets.

Polarised Vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses - Which Should I Choose?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:00:03 GMT

Summer is just around the corner, and that means longer days, bright skies, and plenty of sunshine.

It’s the perfect time to make sure your eyes are ready too — with stylish, protective prescription sunglasses from Somerville & Merrin Optometrists.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes polarised sunglasses different from regular ones, you’re not alone! Here’s everything you need to know before choosing your next pair.

What Are Polarised Lenses?

Polarised lenses are specially designed to reduce glare — that harsh, reflective light that bounces off water, car bonnets, and roads. Glare can make it difficult to see clearly and can quickly cause eye strain or fatigue.

By filtering out this reflected light, polarised lenses help you enjoy:

Sharper, clearer vision with improved contrast
Reduced glare for driving and outdoor activities
Vibrant, true-to-life colours
Less squinting and more comfort in bright sunlight

They’re ideal for anyone who spends time driving, fishing, boating, or simply soaking up the sunshine.

What About Non-Polarised Sunglasses?

Non-polarised sunglasses still protect your eyes from harmful UV rays — and that’s vital. However, they don’t filter out glare in the same way polarised lenses do. They reduce overall brightness but won’t necessarily improve contrast or reduce reflection from surfaces.

That said, non-polarised lenses can be preferable in certain situations. For example, some LCD screens (such as some car dashboards, plane instruments, or phone screens) can appear distorted when viewed through polarised lenses.

Which Should You Choose?

If you spend a lot of time driving, near water, or outdoors, polarised sunglasses are well worth the investment. They not only make your vision more comfortable but also enhance safety by reducing glare. For everyday wear or if you rely on digital screens frequently, non-polarised lenses can still offer excellent UV protection and style

Whichever you choose, both can be made in your prescription , so you’ll enjoy clear, comfortable vision while protecting your eyes from the harsh summer sun.

Get Summer Ready with Somerville & Merrin

We’re helping you see clearly, feel comfortable, and look fantastic with our Get Summer Ready, Prescription Sunglasses Promotion — we have packages starting from just $225!

See us at either of our Toowoomba practices today to choose your next pair of sunglasses so you can enjoy:

✅ UV protection for healthy eyes
✅ An excellent selection of sunglass frames to suit your style
✅ Crystal-clear vision, even in the brightest sun

But don’t wait too long — this special offer ends 30th November!

Visit either of our Toowoomba practices and let our friendly team help you find your perfect pair of sunglasses!

June is Cataract Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Cataracts

Mon, 26 May 2025 06:04:52 GMT

Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally , and nearly half of Australians over the age of 50 are affected?

At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we’re committed to raising awareness and helping our local community preserve their sight through regular eye exams and personalised care.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract forms when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, much like looking through a frosted window. This cloudiness develops gradually and can significantly affect your quality of life if left untreated.

Common Cataract Symptoms:

Cloudy or blurry vision
Glare or halos around lights (especially at night)
Difficulty seeing clearly in low light
Frequent changes to glasses prescriptions
Faded or yellowed colour perception

These symptoms often develop slowly and may go unnoticed at first—especially if the cataract affects only one eye or progresses gradually.

What Causes Cataracts?

While age-related cataracts are most common, other risk factors include:

Family history of cataracts
Diabetes
Long-term UV exposure
Smoking
Use of corticosteroid medications
Eye injuries or previous surgeries

Understanding these risk factors allows us to detect and monitor cataracts more effectively through routine eye exams.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cataracts can often be successfully managed if caught early. During a comprehensive eye examination, our optometrists can identify early lens changes - even before noticeable symptoms appear. With ongoing monitoring, updated prescriptions, and timely referrals for surgery when needed, most patients enjoy excellent visual outcomes.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures, restoring clarity and improving quality of life for many Toowoomba residents each year.

Eye Care You Can Trust in Toowoomba

At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we provide:

Thorough eye exams to detect cataracts and other vision issues
Personalised care plans tailored to your lifestyle and health
Referrals to trusted ophthalmologists for cataract surgery when necessary

We’ve proudly served the Toowoomba community for decades and are passionate about helping you see the future. Book your eye test today with one of our trusted Optometrists:

How We Check Children's Vision (Even if They Don't Know Letters Yet!)

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:12:04 GMT

A child’s first eye exam is recommended before they start school, typically around 4–5 years of age, to assess both the clarity of their vision and how well their eyes work together.

However, some signs may indicate the need for an earlier eye exam. You should book an eye test for your child sooner if you notice:

One eye turning in or out
Poor hand-eye coordination
A family history of strong glasses prescriptions or eye conditions
Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
Headaches or complaints of tired eyes
Holding books very close or sitting too close to the TV
Delays in general development

Should I get my child’s eyes checked if they don't show signs of a vision problem?

Yes! A pre-school eye test is recommended for all children, even if there are no obvious signs of a problem. Many vision issues don’t present noticeable symptoms until a child starts school and faces increased visual demands. A routine eye exam helps detect any hidden problems before they start affecting their learning and development. Additionally, if there is a family history of significant eye conditions—such as high prescriptions, lazy eye (amblyopia), or eye turns (strabismus)—early screening is especially important.

Having a baseline record of your child’s vision can also be helpful for future comparisons if any concerns arise later on.

How Does an Optometrist Check My Child’s Vision If They Don’t Know Letters or Numbers Yet?

For young children who are not yet familiar with letters or numbers, optometrists use specialized tests, including:

Symbol charts – Instead of letters, children are shown shapes like circles, houses, and apples.
Matching games – If a child is shy or unsure, they can point to a matching card rather than saying the answer aloud.
Objective testing – Many tests don’t require verbal responses. For example, a retinoscope allows our optometrists to assess a child’s prescription by analysing how light reflects from their eyes.
Observing eye behaviour – For toddlers under 3, our focus is on how their eyes move, work together, and respond to visual stimuli rather than reading from a chart.

These methods ensure a thorough eye assessment, even for the youngest patients.

What If My Child Pretends to Have Vision Problems Because They Want Glasses?

It’s common for children to want glasses if they see friends or family members wearing them. Some may even try to "fail" the eye test to get a pair! However, our optometrists use objective testing methods to determine whether glasses are truly needed. Since many results are based on direct observations rather than just a child’s responses, parents can feel reassured that glasses will only be recommended if there is a genuine need.

Research shows that 1 in 5 children have an undetected vision problem — issues that can impact their learning, confidence, and development. Many of these problems go unnoticed because children often assume their vision is normal.

At our Range Shopping Centre practice, our Behavioural Optometrists John Merrin and Kate Merrin specialize in children’s vision and provide gentle, thorough eye exams tailored to all ages. Whether your child is starting school or you're concerned about their vision, we are here to help.

Book your child’s eye test today and give them the best possible start to their school journey. Early detection makes all the difference!

See the World in Full Focus

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Did you know y our eyes outshine any camera?

In a world obsessed with high-definition screens and ultra-clear photography, it’s easy to forget that the most powerful lens of all is the one you were born with—your eyes! As technology advances, cameras become more sophisticated, but they will never match the clarity, depth, and real-time adaptability of human vision.

Despite this incredible ability, many people take their eyesight for granted. Just as we maintain our devices to keep them functioning optimally, we must also care for our eyes. Ensuring your vision is at its best means you can fully appreciate every breathtaking moment. Here’s why your eyes outperform any camera and how you can maintain clear vision for life:

How Your Eyes Outperform Any Camera

1. Unmatched Clarity & Depth Perception

Cameras rely on pixels and digital processing to capture images, but human vision processes billions of pieces of information in real time. Your eyes automatically adjust focus, detect movement, and interpret vast amounts of visual data instantaneously. Unlike a camera, which captures a single focal point at a time, your eyes perceive depth, motion, and contrast in a seamless, natural way.

2. Dynamic Range & Adaptability

Ever tried taking a photo of a sunset, only to find that the colours look dull compared to what you see? That’s because your eyes have a much wider dynamic range than any camera sensor. Your pupils adjust instantly to light changes, allowing you to perceive a stunning balance between shadows and highlights. No matter how advanced a camera may be, it cannot match the adaptability of the human eye in different lighting conditions.

3. Real vs. Digital Perception

Photos and videos capture a moment, but they don’t capture the full sensory experience. When you look at a beautiful landscape, your vision works alongside your other senses—like feeling the breeze or smelling the fresh air—to create a vivid and immersive experience. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but your eyes tell the full story.

The Importance of Eye Health

While your eyes naturally outperform any camera, they also require care to maintain their incredible capabilities. Aging, prolonged screen exposure, and lifestyle choices can all impact your vision over time. Here’s how to protect your eyesight:

Regular Eye Exams : A professional eye check-up can detect issues like myopia, astigmatism, or early signs of more serious conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices : Eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E can promote good eye health. Leafy greens, carrots, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support clear vision.
Screen Time Management : The blue light from digital screens can strain your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
UV Protection : Sunglasses with UV protection can shield your eyes from harmful rays, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Book Your Eye Exam Today – See Life in Full Focus

Your vision allows you to appreciate life’s most beautiful moments—so don’t take it for granted. Regular eye check-ups ensure that your eyes stay as sharp as ever, allowing you to continue experiencing the world in all its vibrant detail.

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Your eyes are your personal HD camera—keep them in top shape to enjoy every breathtaking moment.

See the world as it’s meant to be seen—book your eye exam today!

Time is Running Out!

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Optical extras? Use them or lose them!

Do you have extras cover as part of your private health insurance? Most health funds – including Bupa, Medibank and NIB – reset optical extras on January 1. Any unused extras are lost after this date.

This year, get maximum return for your health fund investment with the perfect set of eyewear. Our team can help you claim optical benefits from ANY health fund – here are just a few great ways to claim:

Contact Lenses

Enjoy greater freedom for sport and outdoor activities. The latest technologies in contact lenses means we can prescribe a contact lens solution for almost any prescription.

Prescription Sunglasses

Prescription sunglasses open a world of possibilities for glasses wearers, and can be claimed with optical extras. Enjoy the outdoors this summer with superior clarity and essential protection from damaging UV and glare. With so many prescriptible frame options and polarised lenses available, there’s no reason to compromise any longer.

Digital Eyewear

Australians are spending more time in front of digital screens than ever before. Internet users aged 16 - 64 are estimated to spend more than 6 hours each day online, and nearly 4 hours watching television*. Ask us about digital eyewear to help alleviate eye strain for yourself and your family.

New Fashion Look

We love helping people select a new look from our hand-picked range of frames. Pop in to browse our latest frames and make the most of your extras cover!

Reading Glasses

If you wear progressive glasses (also known as multifocals), we recommend a dedicated pair of glasses for reading and other up-close activities. Your eyes and neck will appreciate the wider zone of near-vision.

Spare Everyday Pair

Planning a holiday this Spring or Summer? Losing or breaking your glasses can be stressful if you don’t have a back-up. Drop in to claim a spare pair with your optical extras!

Somerville & Merrin Optometrists have been proudly servicing the Darling Downs community for 25 years. Book an appointment with our team before December 31 by phoning your preferred practice, or book online by clicking here . We’ll help you explore your eyewear options and use your health fund benefits to your benefit.

*Data from https://wearesocial.com/au/blog/2022/02/digital-2022-australia-online-like-never-before/

Get Summer Ready with New Prescription Sunglasses

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 23:00:00 GMT

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it's time to think about more than just your summer wardrobe.

Your eyes need protection too, and prescription sunglasses are a fantastic way to ensure both style and safety. Here’s why you should consider investing in a pair for this summer:

Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can be damaging to your eyes, just as they can to your skin. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancers. Prescription sunglasses with UV protection are essential for safeguarding your vision and maintaining your eye health in the long run.

Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue

Bright sunlight can cause significant eye strain and fatigue, particularly if you're spending a lot of time outdoors or driving. Sunglasses help reduce glare and allow your eyes to relax, making outdoor activities more comfortable. Whether you're at the beach, hiking, or just strolling through the park, sunglasses can help keep your vision clear and your eyes at ease.

Enhance Visual Comfort and Clarity

Standard sunglasses provide protection, but prescription sunglasses combine this protection with the correction you need for optimal vision. If you have a prescription for clear glasses, prescription sunglasses ensure that you can see clearly and comfortably in bright conditions. This is especially useful for activities like reading, driving, or playing sports, where both clarity and sun protection are crucial.

Prevent Premature Aging of the Skin Around Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is particularly delicate and susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV rays can accelerate the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. By wearing prescription sunglasses, you not only protect your eyes but also the sensitive skin around them, helping to keep your appearance youthful and fresh.

Enjoy Your Time Outdoors

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures, from beach outings to mountain hikes. Prescription sunglasses make it easier to enjoy these activities by providing clear vision and protecting your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun. With the right pair, you can focus on having fun and making the most of the sunny weather without worrying about eye discomfort or damage.

Choosing the Right Pair

When selecting prescription sunglasses, there are many factors to consider, such as lens colour, frame style, the level of UV protection, and polarised or non-polarized options. Our optometrists and optical dispensers are on hand to help you find the perfect pair that meets your specific needs and style preferences.

Prescription sunglasses are more than just a fashionable accessory—they’re an essential tool for protecting your eye health and enhancing your summer experiences. So, as you prepare for the sunny season, make sure your eyes are ready for it too. Stay protected, stay comfortable, and enjoy every moment of your summer adventures!

Wake Up Frame Free

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Unlock clear vision overnight!

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical method of vision correction that involves wearing specially designed hard contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, correcting refractive errors, such as, but not limited to myopia (short-sightedness). [i] The benefit? Clear unaided vision throughout the day without the need for refractive surgery, glasses, or daytime contacts.

How does orthokeratology work?

The unique curved design of Ortho-K lenses generates pressure in the thin layer of tears under the contact lens. By applying gentle pressure to specific areas of the cornea, Ortho-K lenses alter its curvature of the eyeball, effectively changing the way light rays are refracted onto the retina. [ii] It’s this gentle tear pressure, rather than the lens itself, that is responsible for the subtle change in corneal shape and subsequently, clarity of sight.

Is orthokeratology safe?

Worn while you sleep, orthokeratology lenses are made from a highly oxygen permeable (breathable) material enabling treatment to proceed relatively safely during sleep without the problems caused by a lack of oxygen to the cornea.

How often are Ortho-K lenses worn?

The cornea is highly elastic and will return to its original shape if orthokeratology lenses are not worn on a regular basis. For this reason, Ortho-K lenses are generally worn several times per week, or nightly, to maintain the re-shaping effect once the desired cornea shape has been achieved.

Who is eligible for orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology is most commonly used for people who are myopic. It is ideal for sportspeople, swimmers or those who work in dusty or dirty environments for whom wearing glasses or contact lenses can be difficult. Our optometrists will assess your eligibility based on your prescription, eye anatomy and general eye health.

Find out your suitability for Ortho-K lenses by booking an appointment at our Hume Street practice today.

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6095568/

[ii] https://www.contactlensjournal.com/article/S1367-0484(21)00017-5/abstract

Understanding Dry Eye Causes and Symptoms

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 23:30:00 GMT

Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem affecting over 4 million Australians.

In January 2020, Optometry Australia reported 77% of Australians have suffered dry eye, yet only 26% have seen an optometrist about the treatment options available. [1]

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, due to a reduction in the quality or quantity of tears. This tear film comprises three layers that work together to keep your eyes moist and protected. If anything upsets the tear film, it can become unstable or evaporate and results in dryness and inflammation of the cornea (front of the eye). [2]

How can I manage Dry Eye?

While dry eye can be an ongoing challenge, there are practical steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and enhance eye comfort, and we have listed a handful of these below:

Hydration is key, as drinking enough water throughout the day supports tear production, helping to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Blinking helps to replenish the tear film in your eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, especially during prolonged screen time or focused activities.
Dry indoor environments, particularly during colder months, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Adding a humidifier to your living or working space helps maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing excessive tear evaporation.
Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and windy conditions by wearing sunglasses outdoors. Strong weather conditions can contribute to dryness and irritation, so proper eye protection is essential.
Over-the-counter artificial tear drops may provide temporary relief by lubricating the eyes.

What if these steps don’t ease my eye discomfort?

In some cases these steps may not do the trick. In this instance, we recommend booking a comprehensive eye examination including a dry eye assessment at our Range Shopping Centre Practice. During this assessment our optometrists use a specialised scanning tool to determine the cause of your dry eye and tailor a treatment plan for you.

Treatment options may include:

Therapeutic advice: All our optometrists are therapeutically qualified, meaning they are able to prescribe topical eye drops. This can include guiding you to a specific lubricant eye drop, nutritional supplement, or targeted prescription eye drop.
Blephasteam treatment: This treatment involves wearing blephasteam goggles which create a targeted humid environment around the eyes to ‘melt’ any thickened oils trapped in the glands of the eyelids. Subsequently your optometrists will manually express the glands to clear any blockages which then helps your eyes to produce more balanced tear film.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL is a technique that was previously used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. In recent years it have become and increasingly popular treatment option for dry eye conditions. Using IPL at a specific wavelength can improve healthy tear production and has been proven to produce great results in the reduction of dry eye symptoms.

An optometrist is the best person to diagnose dry eye. We will conduct tests that investigate tear production and tear evaporation, examine the integrity of your tear film, and identify the best solution for you.

If dry eye is causing you significant or prolonged discomfort, book a comprehensive eye exam with us at our Range Shopping Centre practice today.

[1] https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Brochure_PDFs/Dry-Eye-2018-A4-single-page-final.pdf

[2] https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/vision-problems/dry-eye/

Can Poor Vision Affect Children's Learning and Social Development?

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Eyesight is our primary sense and is intimately involved in our ability to develop, learn, walk and play.

Vision problems can impact many areas of a childs development depending on the type of issue involved. Below are some common vision problems and how they can affect your childs learning and social interactions:

Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)

Children who have uncorrected hyperopia often find reading uncomfortable and avoid books and near work, but tend to be more social and outgoing.

Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

Children with uncorrected myopia often spend a lot of time reading or using digital devices, often to the detriment of sporting development and outdoor play, so they tend to be more introverted than other children.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia often leads to poor depth perception and poor judgement of distance which can impact a childs ability to play sports that involve catching and hitting fast moving balls.

It's important to remember that vision issues may not always be readily apparent, especially as children typically perceive their surroundings as normal, because they lack any basis for comparison. Statistics indicate that an alarming 1 in 5 children may have an undiagnosed vision problem which is why it's crucial to ensure that children undergo their first eye examination before embarking on their primary school journey, or even earlier if any suspicions arise regarding their vision.

Our Optometrists, John Merrin and Kate Merrin, hold qualifications in Behavioural Optometry, which has a dedicated focus on children's vision and developmental needs. This qualification uniquely positions them to effectively assess and diagnose any vision-related challenges that children may encounter. Both John and Kate practice at our Range Shopping Centre location, and you can book online now using the "Book Now" button below, or by calling us on (07) 4659 9599 .

Our Frames at Somerville & Merrin Optometrists

marketing@smnoptometrists.com.au (Danielle Bauer) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:30:00 GMT

The frames we stock at Somerville and Merrin range from quirky to classic, neutral to vibrant, fine and simple to bold and daring.

To give you some insight into how we choose what you see on our shelves, we've asked our Stock Manager, Danielle, some questions about our frame ranges:

Where do our frames come from?

We have a range of frame suppliers from all over Australia who distribute scores of global and local brands. Sales representatives visit our practice regularly throughout the year to show us the latest designs and with most of the brands we stock having new releases 2-3 times a year, this means we can always have the latest looks on display.

How do we choose the frames we sell?

During the visits from our sales representatives, frames are handpicked for our practices by our stock manager with input from our other Optical Dispenser staff members. Selecting frames out of the hundreds we see at each visit can be quite tricky, but we endeavour to make sure we have a wide range of styles, colours and price points in our stock so we can cater for all our patients.

What makes our frames different to other franchise optical practices?

In most cases, franchises will have restrictions on brands they can purchase, with select frame models chosen to be stocked in every one of their practices. Also, these selected frames will then be restocked repeatedly.

As an independent optical practice, we have a huge range of choice when it comes to the suppliers and brands we can choose to purchase and we choose not to restock the exact same frames as much as possible. This means you will see new designs, new colours, new looks every time you visit us. It also means that the frame you select for your new eyewear is the one you get, so there’s no concern about having the colour or pattern look a little different or the frame not feeling the same as when you first tried it on.

How do we care for the frames on our shelves?

We are meticulous in caring for all our frames until they are chosen by one of our wonderful patients. Our frame display racks were chosen to ensure our frames are held securely and with minimal touch-points on the frames to keep them safe and prevent any marks. All extra frames in the drawers are carefully placed one by one on soft rubber matting to protect from any rubbing or damage while awaiting their turn on the shelf. In addition to this, any frame that is tried on by a customer is cleaned and sanitised before going back on the shelf.

For some, choosing a new spectacle frame can be an overwhelming process, but rest assured our experienced Optical Dispensers are always on hand to help you find your perfect look. Book your eye examination with us today at one of our conveniently located Toowoomba practices to start your new eyewear journey!

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

Stock & Marketing Manager

Make the Most of Your New Year Optical Benefits!

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Get more value from your optical extras this year - book now to take advantage of the new year health fund reset!

If your health insurance includes optical extras, you’re eligible to claim the cost of your prescription glasses and sunglasses, scoring a rebate or discount in the process.

As most major health funds reset their optical benefits on January 1, it's a great time to schedule an appointment with the Somerville & Merrin team. Our detailed eye exam will enable us to suggest eyewear tailored specifically to your vision and lifestyle.

We want you to get the most value out of your health fund investment, so read on for some handy tips on ways to use your optical extras this year.

Upgrade your look

Looking to add an extra flair to your style this year? Consider exploring the latest eyewear trends to revamp your look and make a statement. Whether it's embracing a bold new frame shape or experimenting with colours, or a sleek rimless look, our team can guide you through the current trends and help you find glasses that complement your personality and fashion sense.

Look on the bright side

With the summer season in full swing, it's crucial to shield your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. Take advantage of your optical extras by investing in prescription sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but also add a touch of style.

Start the new year with a new you

If you already have a favourite pair of prescription glasses, why not claim a spare pair in case of breakage or loss? Use your optical extras to claim that second pair and ensure you’re always prepared, no matter what comes your way.

Get rebate ready

Streamline your experience by claiming your rebate on the spot during your visit. Skip the queues and paperwork hassles - let us handle the process for you, so you can focus on enjoying your new eyewear.

So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today to make the most of your new year optical extras!

There's Something In My Eye, What Do I Do?

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 23:30:01 GMT

When something gets lodged in your eye, whether it's a speck of dust, a grain of sand, or a metal shard, it can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Many people's first instinct may be to visit their general practitioner (GP) for help, but seeing an optometrist is often the better choice. Keep reading to learn why opting for an optometrist's care when dealing with foreign bodies in the eye is crucial.

Symptoms of a Foreign Body in the Eye

Before delving into why you should choose an optometrist, let's first understand the symptoms that may indicate a foreign object in your eye:

Persistent sensation of something in the eye, or a consistent scratchy or gritty feeling
Pain or discomfort, especially when blinking
Redness and irritation
Watery eyes
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty seeing clearly

Complications of Untreated Foreign Bodies

Ignoring or mishandling a foreign object in the eye can lead to several complications, including:

Corneal Abrasion: A foreign object rubbing against the delicate surface of the cornea can cause scratches or abrasions, leading to pain, sensitivity to light, and potential infections.
Infection: Foreign bodies in the eye can introduce bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens, increasing the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.
Corneal Ulcer: If left untreated, an infection resulting from a foreign body in the eye can progress to a corneal ulcer, a serious condition that may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Vision Impairment: Even if the foreign body itself is relatively harmless, ignoring the issue can lead to infections or exacerbate underlying eye conditions which may cause temporary vision impairment.
Embedded Foreign Body: In some cases, particularly with metal fragments or sharp objects, the foreign body may become embedded in the eye, requiring specialized removal techniques to prevent further damage to the health of your eye and your vision.

Why Opt for an Optometrist

Now that we understand the potential risks of leaving a foreign body in the eye untreated, let's discuss why consulting an optometrist is preferable to visiting a GP:

Specialized Expertise: Optometrists specialize in eye care and have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating eye-related issues, including foreign bodies.
Equipment and Tools: Optometrists have access to specialized equipment and tools, such as slit lamps and magnifying lenses, which enable them to thoroughly examine the eye and safely remove foreign objects.
Immediate Attention: Optometrists often have shorter wait times and can provide prompt attention for eye emergencies, ensuring timely treatment which minimizes the risk of complications.
Comprehensive Care: After removing the foreign body, optometrists can provide guidance on looking after your eye while it's healing. This can include recommendations for lubricating eye drops to lessen discomfort, prescriptions for medicated eye drops if necessary.
Follow-Up Care: Your optometrist can provide follow-up care in the days after having a foreign body removed to monitor for any signs of infection or other complications, offering you peace of mind.

When it comes to foreign bodies in the eye, our experienced Optometrists are here to help. Their knowledge, access to specific equipment and tools, and ability to provide prompt assessment and treatment make us the ideal choice for addressing eye-related concerns.

Your vision is priceless, if you have any concerns regarding your eyes, our team at Somerville & Merrin Optometrists are here to help.

How Children's Eye Tests Set Them Up for Success

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:01 GMT

Children’s vision problems can be hard to see.

Set your child up for success with a back-to-school eye test!

Did you know that undetected vision problems can impact your child’s ability to learn and develop?

Eyesight is the most important of our senses and provides 80% of the information used for learning and education, as well as coordinating our movement in and around our surrounding environment. Children require good eyesight and good eye coordination so they can reach all their developmental and educational milestones.

Unfortunately, children often assume their vision is just like everyone else’s, which is why vision problems in kids can easily go undetected.

These issues might manifest in subtle ways, such as a child squinting or holding reading material too close. However, some signs might not be as obvious, making it crucial for parents to be vigilant about potential vision problems in their children. Keeping an eye out for possible symptoms of a vision problem will ensure that any problems can be detected early to avoid any long-term damage.

So, what key signs should parents look out for? We have listed a handful below:

One eye turns in or out while the other points straight ahead
Frequent blinking
Red or watery eyes
Sensitivity to light
Frequently rubbing eyes
Difficulty concentrating
Tilting head noticeably
Covering or closing one eye
Difficulty learning to read
Holding a book very close when reading
Squinting or sitting very close when watching television
Difficulty recognising familiar people in the distance
Complaints of headaches, blurred or double vision

Promote better eye health for your child this year

Recognising how vital regular eye tests are doesn't just catch hidden issues - it helps kids do better in school and feel better overall. As school starts up again, getting a back-to-school eye test shouldn’t be considered as another thing to add to your already jam-packed routine, it's laying down a solid foundation for your kids' learning journey.

Help your child be their best and book a back-to-school eye test today!

Can Wearing Glasses Make My Vision Worse?

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 04:21:06 GMT

As we age, it is common for many of us to experience changes in our vision, which can lead to the need for glasses or contact lenses.

If you have recently started wearing glasses, you might be concerned about whether they can potentially make your vision worse. In this article, we will explore this question, to provide clarity and debunk common myths surrounding the use of corrective eyewear.

Understanding Vision Changes at 40

Around the age of 40-50, many people start experiencing presbyopia, a natural age-related condition that affects near vision. Presbyopia occurs due to the loss of flexibility in the eye's lens, making it harder to focus on close objects. This change often necessitates the use of reading glasses or multifocal lenses to compensate for the reduced ability to focus up close.

Myth: Wearing Glasses Weakens Eye Muscles

One of the most persistent myths about wearing glasses is that they weaken the eye muscles, making your vision worse over time. The truth is that wearing glasses does not weaken or strengthen the eye muscles. Glasses are designed to compensate for refractive errors or focusing issues, such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism. By providing the necessary correction, glasses simply help your eyes to focus properly, reducing strain and fatigue.

Myth: Dependence on Glasses Increases with Time

Another common misconception is that once you start wearing glasses, you become dependent on them, and your vision will deteriorate further. While it is true that presbyopia and other vision changes are a natural part of aging, the use of glasses does not accelerate or worsen these changes. In fact, wearing the correct prescription glasses can alleviate eye strain and improve visual clarity, making everyday tasks more comfortable.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

For 40-year-olds and beyond, it is essential to prioritize regular eye exams. As you age, your vision can change gradually, and some eye conditions may develop without noticeable symptoms. Routine eye check-ups can detect any changes in your vision or eye health early on, allowing for timely intervention and appropriate prescription updates if needed.

Avoiding Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses

While reading glasses available over-the-counter are a quick and convenient solution, it's important to approach them with caution. These generic glasses don't account for your individual eye measurements or prescription needs, potentially leading to discomfort or further strain on your eyes. Opting for custom prescription glasses prescribed by your optometrist is a safer and more effective choice.

In conclusion, wearing glasses does not make your vision worse; rather, they offer a solution to correct refractive errors and improve your visual acuity. As you approach the age of 40, it's natural for your vision to change, and presbyopia may necessitate the use of reading glasses or multifocal lenses. By taking proactive steps to care for your eyes, you can maintain healthy vision and lead a more comfortable life.

Fila - Sporty and Stylish Eyewear

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Are you on the hunt for stylish and affordable eyewear that perfectly matches your personality? Look no further – Fila Eyewear has got you covered!

Trendy Designs

Fila's eyewear collection boasts a range of frames made for the fashion-conscious teenager and modern man. Whether you're into sleek minimalism or bold statements, Fila has a frame that'll reflect your unique style.

Cost-Effective Brilliance

We get it, quality matters, but so does your budget. Fila Eyewear strikes the perfect balance between top-notch quality and affordability. You won't have to break the bank to rock a pair of eyeglasses that not only enhances your vision but also complements your overall look.

Durable & Comfortable

Let's face it – guys need eyewear that can keep up with their active lifestyles. Fila frames are built to withstand the rigors of daily life while ensuring maximum comfort. From classroom sessions to outdoor adventures, these frames stay put and keep you looking sharp.

Versatile Selection

Whether you're gearing up for a formal event, hitting the books at school, or just chilling with friends, Fila Eyewear has frames that seamlessly fit every occasion.

Ready to up your eyewear game without emptying your wallet? Check out Fila Eyewear in store today and discover a world of stylish possibilities.

Highlight on Escada Eyewear

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to elevate your style game to a whole new level? Let's talk about the ultimate blend of luxury, sophistication, and glamour – look no further than Escada Eyewear!

Whether you're strolling along the beach, conquering the city streets, or simply enjoying a laid back brunch, Escada Eyewear effortlessly adds a touch of style to your ensemble.

Why Choose Escada?

Timeless Glamour

Escada is synonymous with timeless beauty. The brand's eyewear collection is crafted to transcend trends and remain eternally stylish.

Craftsmanship

Each pair of Escada glasses is a masterpiece in itself. Meticulous attention to detail and top-notch craftsmanship ensure you're getting nothing but the best.

Versatility & Empowerment

Whether you're channeling your inner diva or embracing minimalistic vibes, there's an Escada pair that speaks your language. Wearing Escada is not just about donning fabulous eyewear; it's about embracing your confidence, celebrating your individuality, and owning your journey.

The Escada Experience

Imagine slipping on those elegant frames that complement your unique style, elevating your look effortlessly. Imagine the world seeing you through the lens of sophistication that Escada provides. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a trendsetter, or simply someone who values quality and grace, Escada Eyewear is your go-to choice.

So, ladies, are you ready to make heads turn? Pop in to either of our Toowoomba practices to check out the latest styles from Escada eyewear!

One Size Does Not Fit All: Why Individualised Eye Care is Essential

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:30:00 GMT

Our eyes do astonishing things - they provide us with the gift of sight, allow us to connect with others, and navigate our daily lives.

Considering how much we rely on our vision, it’s important not to neglect looking after your eyes.

Eyes aren’t one size fits all, so when seeking out an Optometrist, you should be looking for someone who will provide care that is unique to your eyes and lifestyle. Each person's eyes are special, and by tailoring our examinations and treatments we can support optimal vision, early detection of eye conditions, comfort and much more.

1. Thorough Eye Exams

Individualised eyecare begins with a comprehensive eye examination to address your specific needs. Our Optometrists conduct thorough assessments, taking into account your age, medical history, lifestyle, and visual demands. By considering these individual factors, we may be able to detect and address vision problems, refractive errors, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, in their initial stages.

We all want great vision for life, and early detection of eye issues is of paramount importance when it comes to preserving your vision and preventing irreversible damage. Eye problems can often progress silently, without causing noticeable symptoms/changes to vision in their initial stages.

2. Improved Accuracy in Your Prescription

Ill-fitting glasses or poorly prescribed contact lenses can lead to discomfort, eyestrain, and compromised vision. Seeing an Optometrist that prioritises tailored eyecare, you can rest assured you are receiving an accurate prescription, with solutions that complement your daily activities. Whether you’re an avid reader, spend hours on the computer, or love playing sports, we can ensure that you are fitted with a corrective device that specifically suits your unique visual needs.

3. Eyewear Options to Suit Your Style

It’s important that you feel comfortable in your frames - not only in terms of fit, but also appearance. By choosing an Optometrist that focuses on tailored eyecare, you’re opening yourself up to suggestions on frame styles and materials that complement your face shape, features, complexion and personal style preferences.

We hand-pick our frame selection with options for every need or desire to make sure you can find frames that don’t just provide you with excellent vision, but also make you feel confident and stylish!

4. Clarity on Maintaining Your Vision

Having a clear understanding of your eye health, and how to maintain it, is just as crucial as visiting the Optometrist regularly. A great Optometrist will take the time to understand your eyes and show you how to actively participate in your own eyecare, make informed decisions, and take the necessary steps to protect your vision.

Personalised eyecare is essential for maintaining optimal vision, detecting eye conditions early, and promoting overall well-being. By tailoring examinations, prescriptions, lenses, and lifestyle recommendations to each individual , we can provide the highest standard of care. By prioritising individualised eyecare and investing in our visual health, we can enjoy a clear and vibrant world for years to come.

Remember - your eyes are one of a kind and we're here to give them the special attention they deserve and help you see the future.

Introducing Flexon Eyewear

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 06:52:58 GMT

Are you tired of choosing between style and durability when it comes to your eyewear? Say hello to the game-changer - Flexon Eyewear!

So, what is so great about this brand? Established in 1988, Flexon Eyewear is a brand synonymous with strength, durability and flexibility. Their frames have stood the test of time and are still regarded as one of the best brands of flexible eyewear on the market.

Unparalleled Flexibility

Flexon revolutionized the eyewear game with its remarkable memory metal technology. These frames are designed to withstand life's twists and turns, literally! No more worrying about accidental drops or bends – Flexon frames bounce back to their original shape, keeping you stylish and stress-free.

Style that Speaks

Flaunt your style with an extensive range of trendy designs that cater to every personality and occasion. Whether you're a trendsetter, a minimalist, or a classic lover, Flexon has a frame that resonates with you.

Ultimate Comfort

Experience eyewear that not only looks good but feels fantastic too! Flexon's lightweight and comfortable frames ensure that you won't even notice you're wearing them. Say goodbye to uncomfortable pinching and tightness.

Quality Craftsmanship

Flexon Eyewear is all about merging style and substance. Impeccable craftsmanship meets innovative technology, resulting in eyewear that's not just a fashion statement, but an investment in quality.

Customer Satisfaction

Join countless satisfied customers who have made Flexon their go-to eyewear brand. Their commitment to customer happiness along with our focus on your experience as a patient at our practices ensures that you'll not only look good but feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

Ready to redefine your eyewear experience? Discover Flexon today at either of our Toowoomba practices.

When Should My Child Have an Eye Test?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:53:54 GMT

When it comes to vision, children and adults needs differ greatly.

For one, children tend to have a hard time assessing their own vision, and usually assume that the way they see is the same as everybody else. Behavioural Optometrist, Kate Merrin, answers some common questions about childrens vision and when you should have your child's eyes tested for the first time.

When should I have my child’s vision checked for the first time?

It is a good idea for an eye test before heading into Prep, around 5-6 years of age. This allows us to see how your child is seeing as well as how their eyes are working together. From this we can then advise if there are any concerns which may hinder your child as they enter school years. If there is a family history of eye issues in the family, for example, significant glasses prescription, eye turns/lazy eyes and other genetic eye conditions an eye test sooner than 5 years of age would be advisable.

What are some signs that my pre-school age child may have a vision problem?

Signs to stay aware of include (but not limited to):

Avoidance or struggle with close tasks
Eye rubbing
An eye looking turned (often noticed in photos)
Squinting
Frequent blinking
Sitting close to tasks/holding things close to look at

Should I still have my child’s vision checked if they don’t have any signs of a vision problem?

A check-up prior to commencing school is recommended for every kid, even if there are not specific signs of a vision problem. The early school years are often when a lot of vision issues start to appear in children as the increased workload for the eyes can trigger a change in both how the eyes see and how they function. If we are able to determine how their eyes are prior to commencing school, this allows us to have a baseline for future testing if issues arrive in later school years.

It's important to remember that many vision problems in children are quite difficult to see signs of in your normal day-to-day activities. Children have nothing to compare their vision to, they just think the way they see the world is normal, no matter how their eyes are actually performing. An eye test with an Optometrist is incredibly important to ensure your childs eyes are seeing clearly.

Kate Merrin

Optometrist

Sue's Favourite Frame Brand, La Matta

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:02 GMT

Many of our patients will recognise Sue, branch manager at our Range Shopping Centre Practice.

She has helped so many of you to find your perfect frames over the years, and evidently has chosen many for herself too! Sue shares with us one of her favourite brands of eyewear, La Matta:

"I have been lucky to work at Somerville & Merrin for a number of years and over that time I have had range of frames in my collection…2 baskets full! One of my favourite brands is La Matta - we are very pleased to be the only optical practice in Toowoomba that has this brand"

What is special about La Matta eyewear?

La Matta eyewear is bold, incorporating animal prints and bright colours, inspired by the wild with a tasteful pop of detail. Original, decorative temples are a stand out on these frames. La Matta eyewear is perfect for the larger than life personality, or anyone who likes to make a statement with their eyewear.

Do you have a ‘go-to’ style when you’re looking for new frames?

I tend to choose frames that are a bit different, when you have multiple pairs, why not! Also, I understand the importance of not just seeing better but looking better and feeling better; eyewear should be as unique as the individual wearing it.

What brand is your most recent frame?

My current Frame is a Face a Face, another brand that cleverly combines colours and architectural detail in their designs. Face a Face eyewear make frames for both men and women.

Have you got your eye on a frame for your next purchase?

I haven’t spotted a new frame just yet, but I am sure the next one will be something fun and exciting. I will be on the lookout as our new stock arrives each month!

We can help you find your perfect frame, no matter your personal styles and preferences. Call in to either of our Toowoomba practices to see the wide variety we can offer you for your next eyewear purchase!

Sue Adams

Branch Manager

Benjamin Gambrill, Optometrist

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:00:04 GMT

In November 2022, the Somerville & Merrin team welcomed new Optometrist, Benjamin Gambrill.

He is a wonderful addition to our optometrist team, bringing with him many years of experience in independent optical practices and his kind, calm and thorough patient care. Being a Toowoomba local, some of our patient's may already know Ben, but for those of you who don't, we decided to interview him to learn a little bit more about him and his career.

How long have you been an optometrist?

I have been an optometrist for 8 years now after graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Vision Science and Masters of Optometry from the Queensland University in Brisbane. After graduation I returned to my home town of Toowoomba where I have been working within a local independent optometry practice before recently joining the team at Somerville & Merrin.

Why did you choose optometry for your career?

When I was considering career pathways I had been drawn towards allied health as an opportunity to help people. Optometry appealed to me as it provides a marriage of my interests in maths and science.

Why do you like working at an independent optometry practice?

Working with an independent optometry practice allows me flexibility and choice. It allows me to provide more customised solutions to help people’s vision and improve not only their eyesight, but their quality of life. Independent optometry also provides opportunity to explore and practice more areas within optometry which keeps my work day varied and interesting.

Do you have special areas of interest in optometry?

I particularly enjoy contact lens fitting and the challenges that rigid contact lens and ortho-keratology can bring, where no two cases are the same. Because of this interest, I underwent a certificate in Advanced Contact Lenses in 2020 to further my knowledge and skill in prescribing and fitting specialty contact lenses.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Generally, when I am not at work, you will find me spending time with my wife and young daughter. When presented with bit of spare time I enjoying being out in the garden or settling down with a good book.

Benjamin Gambrill

Optometrist

To book your next regular eye examination with Ben or any of our Optometrists, you can call or click the "Book Now" button below.

Why I Love Xavier Garcia Frames

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 02:00:01 GMT

Xavier Garcia Eyewear is a Spanish brand established in 2008 and is marked by the character of the city of Barcelona and its local designer and artist, Xavier Garcia.

This collection is original and bright urban eyewear which incorporates colour combinations and shapes inspired by the city.

Xavier Garcia frames are available at both of our Somerville & Merrin practices, and is a brand that is top of the list for our Optical Dispenser, Penny. She has shared why it is a favourite in her eyewear collection:

What do you look for in your eyewear?

I love a brand that’s fun, exciting, colourful, affordable, and suitable for the masses. Imagine a brand that can suit a 15 year old and a 95 year old!

What is it about this brand that makes it your favourite?

I personally have a hard face to choose frames for; I have a large nose bridge, I want colour, but not too much colour, I want a deep frame but nothing too round as my face is already round.

Xavier Garcia frames are available in a range of sizes, colours and materials to suit everyone, even me! My neighbour has a pair too, that’s how popular this brand is.

Are there other brands that are similar to Xavier Garcia?

A similar brand would be Bellinger, which is available at our Hume Street practice. Bellinger also have great shapes details and unique colour combinations.

Do you think you will get another Xavier Garcia frame in the future?

I currently own two pairs of Xavier Garcia frames, and no doubt will grow my collection a little later in the year, at my next annual eye exam.

Whether you’re looking for classic or colourful, easy-wear or stand out designs, our wonderful, experienced Optical Dispensers are here to help find the perfect frame for your next pair of specs. Call in to either of our Toowoomba practices anytime to see our collections.

Penny Patterson-Kane

Optical Dispenser

4 Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

With the weather warming up and the days getting longer, we are looking forward to making the most of our outdoor lifestyle.

Cue our summer essential – Sunglasses!

So, why do optometrists recommend sunglasses? Here’s 4 reasons why your sunnies should be a need, not a want, in your life:

1. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

Yes, this may be obvious, but the protection factor is the most important reason to wear your sunnies all year round. When you wear sunglasses, you are protecting not only your eyes but also the delicate skin around your eyes from harmful UV radiation. UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer around your eyes, and enhance the formation of cataracts and pterygiums. (For more information about pterygiums click here .)

We recommend high quality sunglasses with protection category 2, 3 or 4 (as indicated by the Australian Standards) to block upwards of 95% of UV radiation to keep your eyes healthier for longer.

2. Better vision for your outdoor activities

Our Australian summer sun can be blinding to your eyes. We squint through the light to see our kids playing at the park or manoeuvre our sun visor in the car in an effort to block the glare while driving, and struggle to enjoy our beach holiday with the glare coming off the ocean. Glary bright sunlight isn’t just a nuisance, sometimes it can be downright dangerous! Wearing a pair of high-quality polarised sunglasses will help by blocking the bright light and glare to give you better and more comfortable vision. Plus, no more squinting means fewer wrinkles too!

3. Protection from debris

Have you ever been taking a lovely stroll down the beach only to have the wind pick up and blow sand in your face? Anyone who’s had any foreign body enter their eye can attest that it can be very unpleasant! Even very small particles, like sand or dust can cause irritation and possible damage or scratched to the front surface of your eye. Wearing sunglasses while outdoors can protect your eyes from wind borne debris and keep your eyes comfortable and clear.

4. They look very cool

Sure, sunglasses are important from an eye health and better vision standpoint, but you’ll also look very cool wearing your newest fashion statement too. Our sunglasses ranges including Maui Jim, Oroton, Escada, Furla, WooW, Police, Oakley and more come in all shapes, sizes and colours, so you’re sure to find your perfect pair.

All sunglasses we stock at Somerville and Merrin are scriptable, meaning our glasses wearers can get all of the benefits of UV and glare protection in lenses tailor made for them. Call in to either of our Toowoomba practices today, and use our expertise to help you find your next pair of summer essential sunglasses. As an added bonus you can take advantage of our Summer Sunglasses Promotion with sunnies in your prescription from just $199!

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

Optical Extras? Use Them Before Dec 31!

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:52:02 GMT

Do you have extras cover as part of your private health insurance?

Most health funds – including Bupa, Medibank and NIB – reset optical extras on January 1. Any unused extras are lost after this date. This year, get maximum return for your health fund investment with the perfect set of eyewear.

The team at Somerville & Merrin can help you claim optical benefits from ANY health fund – here are just a few great ways to claim:

Contact Lenses

Enjoy greater freedom for sport and outdoor activities. The latest technologies in contact lenses means we can prescribe a contact lens solution for almost any prescription.

Prescription Sunglasses

Digital Eyewear

Australians are spending more time in front of digital screens than ever before. Internet users aged 16-64 are estimated to spend more than 6 hours each day online, and nearly 4 hours watching television. Ask us about digital eyewear to help alleviate eye strain for yourself and your family.

New Fashion Look

We love helping people select a new look from our hand-picked range of frames. Pop in to browse our latest frames and make the most of your extras cover!

Reading Glasses

Spare Everyday Pair

Planning a holiday this Spring or Summer? Losing or breaking your glasses can be stressful if you don’t have a back-up. Drop in to claim a spare pair with your optical extras!

Somerville & Merrin Optometrists have been proudly servicing the Toowoomba community for over 21 years. Book an appointment with our team before December 31. We’ll help you explore your eyewear options and access your full extras entitlement.

Are Maui Jim Readers Your Solution?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Do you wear reading glasses? Do you struggle when you’ve got your normal sunnies on and can’t see up close?

Maui Jim offer you the perfect solution, in the form of reader sunglasses. The cleverly designed reading segment is seamlessly positioned at the bottom of the lens so you can have the benefits of wearing their superior polarised sunglass lens while still being able to see clearly up close!

So, are you now debating whether reader sunglasses are a good investment? Or are you wondering if you really need another pair of glasses to clean and keep track of? Consider these 5 reasons to wear reader sunglasses as you make your decision:

They’re convenient

Switching back and forth between your sunglasses to your reading glasses can be such a bother! Having the specially designed reading power built in, means they’re perfect for all kinds of activities, driving, golfing, tennis, or just reading poolside or at the beach. You can do it all without having to swap specs.

They protect your vision

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory; a high-quality pair can help prevent damage to your eyes and the sensitive skin around your eyes from harmful UV rays. Every pair of Maui Jim polarised sunglasses, including their reader sunglasses, block 100% of UVA, UVB and UVC rays and hold the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

They’re fashion forward

Your options are wide open when it comes to Maui Jim’s reader sunglasses. You can add the reading segment to almost any pair of Maui Jim polarised sunglasses! No matter your style preference, cat-eye, aviator, sleek wrap designs, or bold funky looks, they have it covered.

The reading segment is virtually undetectable

The clever design of Maui Jim readers means the reading segment can’t even be seen on the front surface of the lens. No one will even know you’re wearing a sunglass reader.

They’re customisable

You don’t just get a choice of frame styles, you can customise your choice of frame colour, different reading strengths, lens colour and fashion mirror coat finishes for your lenses. Every pair of Maui Jim Reader sunglasses are purpose made with your choices and delivered to our practice for you to collect.

Maui Jim Reader sunglasses are a smart choice for anyone who wears reading glasses. Call in to either of our Toowoomba practices today to check out the Maui Jim Reader sunglasses and customise a pair for yourself today!

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

Stock & Marketing Manager

Metal vs. Acetate Frames - What is the Best Choice For Me?

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

We all know frames come in many different colours, shapes and styles, but they’re also made of different materials.

The two main material options for spectacle frames are metal and acetate (plastic), both of which have advantages and disadvantages.

Here’s just a few advantages of metal and acetate frames:

Metal Frames

Adjustable nose pads – all metal frames will have some form of nose pads, two small plastic or silicone pads that sit on either side of your nose. These pads, unlike a moulded bridge, are adjustable, meaning the frame can be adjusted to fit your nose perfectly.
Light – metal frames can be lighter weight compared to acetate frames, especially when made from metals such as titanium or stainless steel.
Strong – stainless steel and titanium, as well as being super light, they are super strong. They are a great option for anyone who is a little tougher on their glasses.

Acetate Frames

Moulded nose bridge – having a moulded nose bridge distributes the weight of the frames evenly over your nose. This is great for someone who struggles with the pressure points on the side of their nose which can be aggravated by nose pads.
More colour – acetate is a thicker material, therefore, an acetate frame will be thicker than a metal frame, making them easier to incorporate more bright, fun colours and patterns into the frame.
Bold Look – acetate frames make a statement!

Of course, the above is only a small number of advantages to both options and depending on your preferred style, vision requirements and lifestyle, some advantages may become disadvantages.

Our wonderful Optical Dispensers are always on hand to help you decipher what eyewear option is going to be best for you, so call in to either one of our conveniently located practices to have a look at our fantastic range of frames today!

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

Stock & Marketing Manager

I Wear Multifocal Glasses, Can I Wear Contact Lenses?

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 23:00:03 GMT

Those who have worn contact lenses for correction of their distance vision often give up on contacts when they start to need reading glasses too, but now you don’t have to.

Most people are unaware that, just like spectacle lenses, there are multifocal contact lens options as well!

Instead of just having one power in the lens, multifocal contacts have multiple powers for eye to access to enable you to see everything in your day. In this way they can correct both your distance and near vision at the same time.

For those who have never worn contact lenses before, multifocal lenses can give you freedom for activities in your life that glasses get in the way. For example: activities such as going to the gym, skiing, swimming, or sports (especially ball sports and contact sports). Even just being able to have a night out, without your glasses on, and still being able to read the menu at dinner.

Each contact lens company generally have their own designs for multifocal contact lenses. Our Optometrists keep up to date with the latest lens designs so they can help you find a lens to suit your vision and your lifestyle.

If you would like to see if contact lenses could be the best vision solution for you, book an appointment with us today!

Kate Merrin

Optometrist

What Are Ortho-K Contact Lenses?

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 22:00:03 GMT

Everyone is familiar with how contact lenses can be worn instead of glasses to provide clear vision through the day, but did you know there are special contact lenses that can be worn while you’re sleeping to achieve the exact same thing?

Welcome to the wonderful world of Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K for short.

Ortho-K lenses are small, highly breathable, hard contact lenses that are specifically worn overnight, every night, so that neither glasses, nor regular contact lenses need to be worn during the day. By their unique design, they gently reshape or remould the curvature the front surface of the eye which results in clear, comfortable vision as an alternative to wearing regular glasses or contact lenses. They are suitable for low to moderate amounts of myopia (short-sightedness) and small amounts of astigmatism.

The lenses are custom-made to a person’s prescription using a corneal topographer to precisely map the front surface curvature of the eye. The lenses are then computer generated and manufactured to exact specifications. Once Ortho-K lens wear commences, the improvement to vision occurs within days, with most patients becoming glasses free in less than a week! Regular aftercare appointments with your Optometrist will ensure the lens design remains optimised to provide the best vision outcomes, and appropriate cleaning procedures are being maintained to continue safe wear.

Many patients love wearing their Ortho-K lenses because it gives them the freedom of not having to rely on glasses during the day. They are therefore ideal for active people for whom glasses or normal contact lenses can be a hindrance. If lens wear is ceased, the eyes will quickly revert to their original shape and for this reason, Ortho-K is sometimes considered as a reversible alternative to refractive surgery.

The popularity of Ortho-K lenses has increased significantly over the past decade as they can help slow, or in some cases, halt, the progression of myopia in children (learn more about this exciting application of Ortho-K here ) . Children as young as 8 years old can be successfully fitted with Ortho-K lenses, though they are very popular in those in their teens and 20s as well.

To find out if Ortho-K lenses could be your best vision solution, book an appointment with us today!

Stephen Lucas

Optometrist

Introducing Transitions XtrActive Polarized Lenses

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 02:08:32 GMT

Most glasses wearers will be familiar with Transitions spectacle lenses.

This is the technology which makes lenses change from clear inside to tinted outside. Having just one pair of specs to do the job of clear glasses and sunglasses is so convenient for those who are constantly going from inside to outdoors, and now there are even more options in the Transitions range.

Introducing the Transitions Xtractive Polarized Lenses.

There are many benefits for the newest technology in the Transitions family:

XTRActive Polarized lenses fade-back to clear up to 2x faster
Colour change activates with direct UV light and visible light, which means they will be tinted in the car for light protection on the road
The polarization is activated with UV light, so they are extra dark outside with up to 90% polarisation efficiency
Indoors there is a hint of protective tint which helps glare from lighting, digital devices and screens
They block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB

Polarized lenses help improve visibility up to 33% more than non-polarized sun lenses.

Transitions XtrActive Polarized provides sharper vision by helping reduce glare created by the sun and empowering wearers to see through reflective surfaces such as glass and water. They deliver superior light protection needed by wearers wanting darker lenses, especially those frequently exposed to bright or reflective light.

Transitions lenses have impressive results when tested by wearers in their daily life with a satisfaction rating of 98%! Transitions are so confident you will love one of their products, they offer a 30 day love it or change it guarantee across their entire range. So, if you’re not in love with your new Transitions lenses, they will change them to clear lenses at no extra charge to you within 30 days of collection.

If you think a Transitions lens sounds like a great idea for your next glasses, call in or book an appointment and our wonderful team can demonstrate your options.

Sue Adams

Branch Manager

Contact Lenses = Freedom!

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 01:00:03 GMT

Do you wear Contact lenses?

If you were to explain what it’s like wearing them, what would your answer be in one word?

Freedom!

Freedom is the most common answer.

Imagine the freedom to play sports without the fear of breaking your glasses. The freedom and enjoyment of getting ready for a night out without the concern of choosing an outfit or make up that suits your glasses. The freedom of discretion, no one needs to know!

Convenience!

Contact lenses also allow you the convenience of not having to remember your prescription sunglasses along with your clear glasses. You can bring one set of non-prescription sunglasses with you and take them on and off whenever you need. Contacts also give you the freedom to choose sunglasses that may not be suitable for prescription lenses too.

Hassle-Free!

Unlike spectacles, disposable contact lenses don’t scratch with wear, nor do they have parts to break or screws that could fall out. They can’t get smudged while you’re wearing them either, so you can say goodbye to pesky fingerprints on your spec lenses.

Once you’ve learned how to comfortably insert and remove your contacts, you can enjoy the freedom and convenience. Our experienced team can help you decide which contact lenses will best suit your eyes and lifestyle and guide you through this learning process with practical advice to ensure safe contact lens wear.

If you are considering 2022 to be your year of freedom, book an appointment with one of our outstanding Optometrists today to start your contact lens journey.

Penny Patterson-Kane

Optical Dispenser

What is Blepharitis?

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 01:00:03 GMT

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids.

It is a common eye disorder, and although it feels uncomfortable, most cases are not contagious and will not cause loss of sight.

What Causes Blepharitis?

The most common cause of blepharitis is a bacterial infection. The infection can be at the base of the eyelashes or in the glands of the eyelids. Other causes include:

Blocked oil glands at the edge of the eyelids
Allergic reactions to pollens or eye drops
Skin complaints such as dandruff or rosacea

What are the Symptoms of Blepharitis?

The symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. People with this eye condition can experience:

Itchy or burning eyes and eyelids
Blurred vision
Crusting around the eyelashes and/or eyelid corners
Light sensitivity
Watery eyes
Dry eyes

What is the Treatment for Blepharitis?

Blepharitis cannot be cured, however it can be treated and controlled through proper eyelid hygiene. Treatments for blepharitis usually includes eye drops, careful cleansing of the eyelids with specialised lid cleansers, the use of warm compresses and sometimes in-office blephasteam treatments.

What Steps Can You Take to Minimise Blepharitis Symptoms?

Keep hands and face clean and resist the urge to touch itchy eyes/face
Remove all eye make-up before going to bed
Wipe away excess tears or eye drops with a clean tissue instead of fingers
Wear glasses instead of contact lenses until the condition clears

Left untreated, blepharitis may lead to other more serious eye conditions, including corneal problems. If you experience any symptoms of blepharitis, consult with your optometrist for the best course of action for you.

Jan Bice

Optical Assistant

The ReadAlyzer

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:05 GMT

1 in 5 children have an undetected vision problem.

How can this number be so high?

Well, most adults who have a concern with their vision will have noticed a particular time where they have difficulty; for example, the street signs are blurry, or my eyes feel strained after work, or I can’t seem to read for as long before becoming fatigued. However, children generally just think how they see the world is how it’s supposed to be because they have no prior experience to compare it to.

In some cases vision problems in children can be clearly determined; they may be in a classroom and have problems with copying from the whiteboard, or they may not recognise people from a distance, but other issues sometimes aren’t quite as easy to diagnose.

I recently had two of my children in for a vision assessment with our Behavioural Optometrist, John Merrin. Neither of them have an issue with the clarity of their vision, but both have trouble focusing and coordinating their eyes when doing near tasks, so we are monitoring their progress to make sure they develop these skills, and step in to help if they don’t. My eldest son, Archer, has been wearing glasses for school work, home work and screen time for the past 12 months, as the first step in helping his visual system to develop. During this time, while he has made some great academic improvements, he is still a little below his age average with his eye tracking and reading skills.

At our recent appointment, one of the tools John used to determine how well Archers eyes were coordinating was the ReadAlyzer (this is what he’s doing in the picture above). This device is an eye movement recording system which digitally evaluates eye movements while reading. John used the resulting graphs from the ReadAlyzer to show and explain to me how Archers eyes are jumping back and forth across lines instead of moving in a smooth motion when he’s reading. This can make it difficult for him to interpret what he’s reading and it slows down the process, meaning it takes him longer to complete tasks in the classroom.

We’ve decided together to spend more time on reading practice and to monitor his progress over the next term. If there’s little improvement, it will be necessary to take action to develop his skills further with Vision Therapy so that he can continue learning at the pace required in older years of primary school and into the future. Luckily we have a fantastic Vision Therapy program here too!

Vision issues sometimes aren’t clear cut, and children’s vision can be even more so. Even if you don’t have concerns about your children’s vision, we recommend booking them in for an assessment around 5-6 years of age to determine if they have an undetected vision problem.

Help your children have the best start for the school year, book online with us today.

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

Caring for Your New Glasses

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 03:00:02 GMT

It’s such a great feeling when you first get your new glasses, they’re shiny and comfortable and your vision is just so clear.

So, how can you keep your glasses looking and feeling brand new for longer?

There are a few rules all glasses wearers should follow:

Always carry your prescription glasses and sunglasses in a case, “If they’re not on your face, they’re in the case!”.
Use both hands to put them on and take them off – this will help to maintain their correct shape.
Never place them lens down on a surface, or you risk scratching the lenses.
Do not leave your glasses in the car. The temperature in the car can become extremely hot and this heat can damage your lenses beyond repair, especially lenses with anti-reflection coatings.
Keep an eye on the screws that hold the frame together and, if you find one is loose, tighten it gently with a small screwdriver or bring your glasses into one of our practices for one of our qualified team to give them a once over.

Tips for cleaning your glasses

We’re always cleaning glasses in our practices, so we’ve had a lot of experience! There are a few things you can do to clean your glasses to ensure the longevity of the frames and keep them looking newer for longer:

Once a week, clean your glasses, frame and lenses with warm (not hot) soapy water. This helps to get any oils or dirt out from around the hard to reach places, like around the nosepads or hinges.
Clean your lenses regularly with a lens cleaning spray and microfibre cloth. Alternatively we also use special disposable wipes to clean lenses, which are handy to have in your car, hand bag or school bag.
Treat your glasses gently while cleaning, rough treatment can distort their shape or bend the nose pieces out of adjustment. If this happens, avoid trying to fix the problem yourself and drop into one of our practices instead. We have the tools and training to do a better and safer job.

Fogging up?

I'm sure everyone has experienced issues with lenses fogging up when wearing face masks, but it's not just limited to masks. Simple daily tasks, like opening the dishwasher when the cleaning cycle has just finished, or getting things out of the oven can cause your lenses to fog; it can be so frustrating! To combat this, we recommend using Zeiss AntiFOG spray and cloth which come in a handy kit and are available at our practices. This product has been thoroughly tried and tested by our staff, it truly does work!

We know that sometimes things just happen - what should you do if your lenses are scratched?

It’s difficult to see through scuffed and scratched lenses. If your glasses become scratched, the best thing to do is visit us as soon as possible so we can advise you of your options. Lenses purchased from us have up to 2 years of manufacturers warranty (this varies for different companies and issues), so the sooner you notify us of your concern, the more likely we will be able to utilise this warranty option.

We rely on our glasses for clear vision, but they also become part of our identity, part of our fashion, an extension of ourselves. Treat your glasses well and keep experiencing that new-glasses-feeling everyday!

Sue Adams

Branch Manager

5 Fun Holiday Activities

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:02 GMT

I know that keeping the children entertained over the summer holidays can be a challenge!

Screen time can become a bit of a habit in our household, so I’ve come up with a list of activities to encourage creativity, imagination, and outdoor time, without having to spend a fortune.

1. Backyard Scavenger Hunt

Spend some time in your yard, out in your neighbourhood on a walk, or at the park and simply tick off the items on the Outdoor Scavenger Hunt list as you find them. The great thing about this type of activity is that it can be varied for different age groups, so you can keep all the troops entertained. Click here to download a printable Scavenger Hunt list, or make your own!

2. Tag with a Difference

We’re all hot and bothered at this time of year, and with water restrictions in place for most of us, the days of running under the sprinkler to cool down are long gone. This doesn’t mean the kids have to miss out entirely though! Fill a couple of buckets with some water and place them around the backyard, give each child a large sponge to dip in the water, and you have Tag with a Difference. The child who is ‘it’ tries to dodge the thrown wet sponges – whoever manages to hit them becomes the new ‘it’.

3. Enter our Design Your Own Glasses competition

Use our printable templates to make and design your own pretend glasses. Create as many pairs as you like, then choose your favourite to submit for our holiday competition and go into the draw to win one of three cool kids packs. For more information about the competition and to download the templates, click the button below.

4. Cloud Watching Story Time

Grab a picnic blanket, find a shady spot and do some cloud watching. Take turns at using your imagination to make up stories about what you can see in the clouds.

5. Bike Riding

Bike riding is great exercise, and we all know how important is to get the kids to burn off their seemingly endless energy. We are very lucky to have some brilliant parks with bike-riding tracks in Toowoomba, why not load up the kids and the bikes and check one out. Click on the button below for more information about our favourite bike riding parks.

Design Your Own Glasses Competition

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:02 GMT

It's holiday time and we have a competition to get your creativity happening!

Follow the directions to design your own glasses and send us a photo of you modelling your amazing creation to go into the draw to win one of three cool kids packs. The competition is open to children 12 years and under, with one entry per person accepted.

How to make your fantastic pretend glasses

What you'll need:

The printable glasses template
Card to print on, or paper to print the template and cardboard to stick the paper onto
Scissors
Sticky tape
Felt pens, pencils, stickers, etc for decorating

What to do:

Start by printing the glasses template pages. You can either print straight onto some strong card, or print them on to regular paper and paste the pages onto some old cereal boxes or similar cardboard for support.
Next, choose your favourite template and cut them out, along with a pair of temples (arms for your glasses). Measure how long the arms of the glasses need to be to comfortably fit your head and snip them off at the straight end at the desired length. Fold the little tabs on the side of the glasses and tape the arms onto them.
Now you can decorate your glasses as crazy as you like!
Take a photo of your awesome glasses and send to us either by email, Facebook Messenger or Instagram Chat and our favourite designs will receive a prize. Make sure you put your name, age and phone number when you submit your photo.

If you can't print the templates at home, reach out to us by phone or email and we can pop one in the post for you.

Click on the button below to download the templates along with full instructions on how to submit your entry and terms and conditions for the competition.

Why Does My Eye Twitch?

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:02 GMT

An eyelid twitch (or Orbicularis Oculi Myokymia, if you want to be a smarty-pants) is a twitching or flickering of part of the orbicularis oculi muscle.

It most commonly affects the lower lid, and contractions may last for several hours and recur over a period of weeks to months.

What can cause Myokymia?

Precipitating factors for myokymia can include:

Fatigue
Excess caffeine
Stress
Corneal or conjunctival irritation (especially from an ingrown eyelash, cyst or other foreign body)
Dry eyes
Medication
Electrolyte imbalance
Refractive error

What should I do if I have Myokymia?

The good news is there is usually a spontaneous resolution, meaning it will stop of its own accord. Very rarely, there are other causes. If your symptoms do not resolve over time, or if you are concerned, please seek advice from your optometrist.

We welcome patients to our practice if you experience any symptoms relating to your eyes that are out of the norm. If you have any questions, or to book an appointment, you can call us or click here to book online.

Vivienne Price

Optometrist

The Fashion Accessory of the 21st Century

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Wearing glasses certainly has changed through the decades.

This is no more evident than by looking at the evolution of style of iconic fashion blogger and centenarian Iris Apfel. She has made wearing glasses in the 21 Century a must have fashion accent.

The rules for face shapes vary and being guided by comfort should be key. Although some people will gravitate to specific shapes, the rules are not rigid. Whether your face shape is oval, heart, oblong, or diamond choosing a frame that is proportional to the width and length of your face will be the most flattering. When our talented Optical Dispensers and Assistants are helping you with your frame choice, we aim to recognise your style personality and lifestyle while assessing for good fit and comfort.

Good examples of choosing for personal style are Jessica Rowe, who channels her cat loving look, while Elton John compliments his outfits with coordinated flamboyant frames.

No matter what your flair or characteristics, accessorising your look with the amazing frames will compliment and distinguish your style. As Iris Apfel said, "Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, and, above all, attitude.”.

Trust your instincts and choose what you love.

Wendy Smith

Optical Assistant

What is a Pterygium?

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:03 GMT

A pterygium is a fleshy growth of blood vessels on the front surface of the eyeball.

As you can see from the photo, a pterygium grows on the surface of the eye, the conjunctiva, typically from the nasal side of the eye towards the cornea (clear window at the front of the eye). A pterygium often develops in the 20s and 30s and will often remain small but occasionally, they can progress much further and continue growing in the later decades of life. In its mildest form, a pterygium is a minor cosmetic nuisance; more serious cases can cause poor cosmesis and become sight-threatening.

What causes a pterygium?

A pterygium is caused by chronic exposure to the sun and is a form of UV damage. It can be exacerbated by dry, windy and dusty conditions. For this reason, pterygia are common in farmers, those that have grown up out west, and in surfers, particularly when adequate sun protection has not been worn. When minor, a pterygium will often make the eye appear a bit red or bloodshot in the corner, and give rise to symptoms of dryness, scratchiness, burning and stinging. In these cases, the frequent use of lubricating eyedrops may provide symptomatic relief and help settle the redness. In more severe cases, the eye can flare up periodically and even become permanently red as the pterygium grows in size. In this situation steroid eyedrops are sometimes required to settle the inflammation.

I already have a pterygium, what should I be concerned about?

The greatest danger over the long term is caused when a pterygium grows far enough that it permanently distorts or alters the smooth curvature of the cornea. When this happens vision can become blurry due to increasing astigmatism (focusing error) and hence glasses will be prescribed to give better vision. As the pterygium grows even further in size it is possible that not even glasses can provide good vision, as the cornea has become too irregular to provide clear optics. For this reason the size of the pterygium should be monitored carefully by your Optometrist and surgery to remove the pterygium should be considered before permanent vision loss occurs.

Modern surgical techniques to remove a pterygium are considered safe and can provide excellent cosmetic outcomes. Your Optometrist can help explore this option more fully and make a timely referral to a suitable Ophthalmologist if required.

What can I do to protect my eyes from developing a pterygium?

The best way to protect your eyes from developing a pterygium in the first place is by always wearing a broad-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses whenever outdoors, year-round. It is important to avoid wearing sunglasses that only provide minimal side protection as it is sun exposure approaching from the side of your eyes rather than from directly in front that most increases the risks of pterygium growth. For this reason sunglasses that provide maximum wrap around the face with wide sides are best. If a person cannot visibly see your eyes from the side of the sunglasses you know they are providing better protection against pterygium development.

For even better UV protection ask your Optometrist about back surface UV protective coatings - these can reduce harmful UV light being reflected off the back surface of your sunglasses onto your eyes and eyelid skin, and can lower the risk of developing skin cancers around these delicate areas. Skin cancers here are more common than you think! By adding a back surface UV protective coating to your sunglasses you have added peace of mind knowing you are providing your eyes the best possible UV protection.

If you are concerned about a pterygium or UV damage on your eyes talk to us today to make sure your eyes are protected.

Stephen Lucas

Optometrist

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:00:02 GMT

In Australia, we like to spend a lot of our time in the great outdoors, after all, the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D.

However, Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world (as specified by Cancer Council Australia). Did you know that your eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV rays than your skin?

Is UV Protection necessary on our glasses?

Apart from premature aging, too much exposure to UV radiation can contribute to various eye conditions and diseases, including cataracts and pterygiums and cancer of the skin around the eye. There have also been links made with Macular Degeneration. UV protection is vital to protect our eyes and is available on clear spectacle lenses and is standard regulation for sunglasses lenses in Australia.

To protect yourself, we will always recommend having a UV coating on your spectacle and sunglass lenses.

Do I have to have sunglasses to protect me from UV Rays?

Short answer - no you don’t! Whilst tinted lenses with UV protection can give you optimal protection as far as cutting out glare as well as UV, we can offer you other solutions.

UV coatings are clear coatings which can be added to your prescription lenses. Most of the anti-reflective lens coatings we offer also cut out UV light, both off the front and back surface of the lens. Our Crizal Forte UV coating and the newer, Crizal Sapphire UV coating, have an E-SPF (eye sun protection factor) rating of 35+. This means that by wearing glasses with this coating, your eyes are 35 times better protected than without any glasses at all, earning the coating the endorsement of the Cancer Council of Australia.

It is also important to note that not all sunglasses are created equal. High end sunglass ranges like Maui Jim add extra anti-reflective UV coatings onto the back surface of their lenses as standard to help cut back on UV exposure, whereas other brands will not. If you need prescription sunglass lenses, we offer a back surface anti-reflection coating as an optional extra using another of the Crizal products, Crizal Sun UV.

How can our Optometrist help you?

During your regular examination your Optometrist will assess both the internal and external health of your eyes. By using the latest in diagnostic technology, Optos for ultra-wide retinal imaging and OCT to give a 3D scan of the back of the eye, your Optometrist can check for signs of eye disease and UV damage.

What can you do to protect your eyes and your vision?

Remember in the 80’s we were introduced to the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign from the Cancer Council (sorry I hope you haven’t got that ear worm jingle stuck in your brain like I have), in recent years they added Seek and Slide. Slip on clothing, Slop on some 30+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade when outdoors and Slide on a pair of sunglasses.

The Cancer Council encourages everyone, including children, to wear sunglasses that are:

close fitting,
wrap around (don’t allow too much light in on the sides),
meet the Australian standards
have a protection rating of 2, 3 or 4

Keep in mind, we should wear our sunglasses when it is sunny (high level of UV), and when it is cloudy (clouds don’t stop the UV rays) and in any situations where glare can be distracting and dangerous (light bouncing off road surfaces, like water, snow, sand and concrete). If you spend a lot of time outdoors we would recommend wearing sunglasses with a back-surface anti-reflection coating for optimal protection.

Prescription sunglasses should no longer be considered an indulgence; they should form part of our preventative health strategy ensuring we can have the best and clearest vision moving forward into our latter years. Either way consider having a good pair of sunglasses and or even if you are updating your everyday spectacles think about the extra benefits that you can get from having the latest coatings applied to the lenses.

Remember, we only get one set of eyes and we need to do all we can to protect them!

Naomi Arnold

Practice Manager

What Can I Expect At My Eye Test?

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:02 GMT

If you are a new patient to us, welcome!

For all new patients, we recommend a Comprehensive Consultation so we can gain an understanding of your vision and have a clear picture of your eye health.

What happens when you book your appointment?

Prior to your appointment we will send you a link via email or SMS to fill in a Welcome to Our Practice form. This form provides us with your personal details, lifestyle information and general health information, and also allows you to tell us your main reasons for booking your eye examination. By gathering this information before your appointment, we can save you time on the day and your Optometrist can provide you with more tailored recommendations.

What does the Optometrist check during your Comprehensive Consultation?

A Comprehensive Consultation is much more than just checking how well you can read the letters on the eye chart. During your consultation your Optometrist will:

Assess your vision

Your optometrist will assess how well you can see in the distance and when reading. If you have glasses or sunglasses you currently wear it is great if you can bring them along to your appointment, so that we can advise if there is any change to your prescription.

Advise on visual solutions

After assessing your vision, your optometrist will advise whether glasses or contact lenses would be of benefit to you and give recommendations on what lens design would suit your needs. Our recommendation will also take into consideration your lifestyle and work requirements.

Perform an ocular health check

Intraocular pressure check (IOP) - to assess your risk, or monitor glaucoma.

Visual examination of the health of the front of the eye – to assess for dry eye symptoms, allergy symptoms, any eye irritation or cataract assessment and more.

Posterior eye health check (visual examination of the internal structures of the eye) - to assess for a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, glaucoma and macular degeneration. It is important to let your optometrist know if any eye conditions run in your family. If you are unsure, ask your family members before coming in to see us.

Take photographs of your retina

A photograph of the inside of your eye will be taken using an Optos Wide-Field Retinal Imaging machine. This image in then digitally stored so we can compare to future images allowing us to monitor for any changes.

What if you need further assessments or treatments?

If during your Comprehensive Consultation your Optometrist finds evidence of a condition requiring further assessment or treatments, we may schedule another consultation, or refer to an Ophthalmologist if necessary.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about our services , you can read more her e , or just give us a call - we are here to help!

We look forward to welcoming you at our practices soon.

Kate Merrin

Optometrist

5 Common Vision Myths

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:00:02 GMT

You’ve probably heard most of these myths about vision, but did you know they were all untrue?

MYTH 1 - Eating carrots will improve your eyesight

FALSE – Carrots contain vitamin A, which is important for eyesight, but a healthy and well-rounded diet will provide you with plenty of vitamin A, with or without carrots! So, while eating carrots IS good for your eyes, it will not change or improve your vision.

MYTH 2 - Looking at screens for a long time will damage your vision

FALSE – Have your eyes ever been sore or tired after a long day looking at screens? Most people would agree this is true, yeah? While staring at a screen for a long period of time can make your eyes feel tired, it won’t cause any permanent damage. When we use devices like phones or laptops, we tend to blink less often, which means your eyes can become dry and feel strained.

To reduce eye strain, try to take regular breaks or consider getting a blue coat on your next pair of glasses.

MYTH 3 - Sitting too close to the TV is bad for your children’s eyesight

FALSE – While sitting so close to the TV screen may seem uncomfortable and unnecessary for adults, it won’t cause any permanent damage to your child’s eyes. If you notice your child sits close to the TV regularly, this could be an indication they may have an undiagnosed vision problem. Book your child in for regular eye examinations to make sure they are seeing the world clearly.

MYTH 4 - Reading in low light will damage your eyes

FALSE - Reading in low light is what humans have done for much of history - before electricity, people would read by dim light or candlelight. Even though most people today are used to reading in much brighter light, it won’t harm your eyes or worsen your vision, however it can cause eye strain. Lack of light can cause our eyes to work harder and they can get tired just like any other muscle. If you notice eye strain or discomfort after reading in low light, it’s probably better to turn another light on.

MYTH 5 - You only need to visit your optometrist when you notice a problem

FALSE - Maybe you think your eyesight is fine, or you think you don’t need to worry about eye problems until you reach your 40s or 50s—this is not true. It is important to visit your eye doctor regularly to monitor any prescription changes, but remember, your check up is about much more than your glasses or contact lens prescription. Your Optometrist will also check the health of your eyes, looking for signs of diseases like glaucoma, macula degeneration, and other conditions which we can diagnose long before you can be aware of any symptoms. It is important to have regular visits to your optometrists – usually every 12 months to 2 years, depending on what your optometrist recommends.

Don't believe the myths, we're here to tell you the truth! We want to make sure you have health vision now and into the future, call us today to book your next eye examination.

Sam Fox

Optical Dispenser

Do You Have Optical Extras?

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:58:05 GMT

Optical extras? Use them or lose them by December 31.

Did you know that you can claim ANY health fund optical benefits with us? Maximise your entitlements and our expertise to find the perfect eyewear for you. We take the time to understand how you use your eyes so that we can tailor an eyewear recommendation for your individual needs.

Here's just a few of the ways you can use your optical benefits this year:

Contact Lenses The latest technology advances mean we can prescribe a contact lens solution for almost any prescription.
Prescription Sunglasses Enjoy clear vision and UV protection at the same time!
New Fashion Look We love helping people select a new look from our hand-picked range of frames.
Digital Eyewear Spend a lot of time in front of digital screens? Ask us about digital eyewear to help alleviate strain on your eyes.
Spare Everyday Pair Losing or breaking your glasses can be stressful if you don’t have a back-up pair. Visit us to claim a spare pair using your optical extras!
Reading Glasses If you enjoy reading or do a lot of ‘close’ work, a specific pair of reading glasses can provide clear vision and an extra level of comfort for your eyes.
Driving Glasses Vision is responsible for around 90% of the information we use for driving. We can assess your vision to ensure maximum road safety with appropriate eyewear.
Sports Eyewear Sport-specific eyewear can enhance both your comfort and performance on the field.

As an additional bonus, you can save 50% on a second pair of lenses! This special offer is available to use in conjunction with your health fund benefits, with no minimum spend - simply purchase a pair of lenses from the Essilor or Nikon ranges and get a 50% off a second pair of equal or lesser value. Call us, or ask in store for further details.

So, come in and let us help you make the most of your optical extras before they expire on December 31!

Hay Fever and Your Eyes

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Coming into Spring, hay fever is a common problem causing frustrating eye symptoms -especially here in the Garden City!

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is a common term used to describe allergic rhinitis. This broadly covers any allergies that affect your nose, whether it be dust, pollen, pet hair or any other allergens in your environment. The most common symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy red eyes. For some this is more seasonal due to pollen but for many it is all year round.

So how does this affect your eyes?

Overall, hay fever won’t cause any permanent damage to your eyes, but it can be very frustrating in your daily life to deal with the constant irritation, itchiness or watery eyes. You may also feel your vision is not as clear when you have these symptoms and that is usually due to the excess tears and general inflammation of the eye. The constant eye rubbing brought on by these symptoms can also lead to dry, red and flaky skin around the eyes.

I take oral medication to prevent or reduce my hayfever symptoms, is that enough?

Controlling the allergic reaction with oral medication will relieve most eye symptoms. General lubricant eye drops can also help flush out the eyes and soothe irritation.

In some cases, the addition of topical anti-allergy eye drops may also be required to aid in reducing symptoms. There are a few over-the-counter options for this and you can ask your local pharmacist what options they have available. One we often recommend is Zaditen, which comes in a bottle or individual minim form. Make sure to read the instructions for whatever drop you choose and if you have any concerns consult your optometrist.

If there is severe redness your optometrist may recommend a mild topical steroid to reduce the symptoms quickly. This is available only by prescription.

What else can I do to help my symptoms?

Be aware of your hay fever triggers, and avoid them if possible.
If you’re experiencing excessive itchiness on or around the eyes, a cold washer or a wrapped ice pack against the face can assist in relieving these symptoms, especially if there is any swelling around the eyes.
Keep the skin moisturised around the eyes, with a scent-free hypoallergenic skin cream or ointment can also help reduce skin irritation.
Avoid using “red eye” drops that are designed to just reduce redness. These generally work by constricting the small blood vessels on the eye, and they can cause problems if used long term - they essentially hide the problem but don't treat it.

If you have any questions or concerns with your hay fever eyes, contact us today to arrange a time to see one of our therapeutically qualified optometrists.

Kate Merrin
Optometrist

Our Optometrist, Stephen Lucas

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Once you’re in optics, forever in optics - or so they say. Just as well really, I cannot fathom any other profession I’d rather be involved in.

It’s strange really, as I was always completely disinterested in my family’s talk of spectacles and contact lenses whenever they’d visited the optometrist; they all needed glasses and I seemed to be the only lucky one who didn’t. In fact, until I reached university I’d never been to an optometrist to get my eyes tested!

When deciding on a career path at school, I looked for a way to combine my love of math and science with helping people and serving the community. I considered the health sciences including optometry, and even medicine or pharmacy, but after a week of work experience with a talented and progressive optometrist during Year 12, I found this just seemed to strike the right chord for me and consolidated my decision for university. It was the actual doing of the job, rather than being the patient, that I would find so interesting.

There is never a dull day in the life of an optometrist, and I think that remains the attraction of a profession that is so varied and rewarding. We get to play with some seriously cool gadgets, and some very high-tech cameras, and it’s using these tools and seeing how they can improve someone's vision and quality of life that I find both interesting and satisfying.

Whether it’s diagnosing and treating eye disease, testing someone’s eyes in a nursing home, removing a metallic foreign body from someone’s cornea, taking a 23 megapixel photo of someone’s retinas, or helping somebody see better by prescribing a new pair of glasses or contact lenses, there is always something to do to help serve and make a difference. Helping prevent myopia progression by fitting overnight orthokeratology contact lenses, prescribing an eyedrop to calm an inflamed eye, coordinating emergency eyecare with an ophthalmologist, or simply realigning a mangled pair of glasses that have been sat on - I can’t say this has ever been a boring or tedious profession.

No two eyes are the same, and it’s the person behind them that makes it all worthwhile.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call Somerville & Merrin my workplace since graduating in 2004 from QUT. We have a fun and supportive team that enjoys a bit too much laughter most days and I’m rarely home late for dinner so my wife and kids love it too (the 4 minute commute helps!).

Steve Lucas

Optometrist

If you would like to book an appointment to see Steve, for your next comprehensive eye assessment, click here .

Colour Blindness

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 23:00:03 GMT

Colour blindness, or Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD), is the inability to see certain colours in the usual way.

People who have CVD will confuse some colours and they will not see some colours as brightly as people with normal vision.

CVD is often inherited and affects more males than females. Out of 20 males, it is likely that one or two will have a colour vision problem.

Are you colour blind or do know anyone who is colour blind?

My brother and my male cousin are colour blind; my Grandfather was also. I never saw my brother as different to me or incapable of something - to me, he was the opposite! Every family is different and has a story and this is mine.

My brother has a red–green colour vision deficiency. These are the the most common inherited type of CVD occurring in about 8% of males and only about 0.4% of females. There is also a blue colour vision deficiency which is more rare and effects male and females equally, and also the most rare, Monochromacy in which the person cannot distinguish any colours and will only see in shades of grey.

All through our childhood, there were moments that felt normal to my brother and I, but I’m sure from an outsiders view would have seemed unusual. For instance, colouring in together consisted of my brother holding pens or pencils up and asking, “Is this red?”, “Is this Green?”. Between you and I, just for fun I would tell him the wrong answer sometimes. I also had to join him on shopping trips sometimes to ensure he purchased that red tie for work, or that he did in fact buy a green T-Shirt.

When it came to deciding his future career path as a teenager, a few career prospects were already cancelled out for him due to his colour blindness. Common occupations that may have colour vision requirements include:

Police force
Maritime careers (while having colour vision deficiency does not prevent people from obtaining a recreational boat licence, it may affect your application for employment in maritime roles)
Defence Force

In Australia, it is possible for people with colour vision deficiency to become Pilots, Electricians, or commercial drivers, however there are some restrictions in other countries. My brother decided to go on and study a bachelor degree in Geo Science.

If you feel your son or daughter may have a colour vision deficiency please make an appointment to see one of our friendly Optometrists for a few simple colour tests. For more information about CVD, click here .

Penny Patterson-Kane

Optical Dispenser

Maui Jim Appreciation Month

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:00:04 GMT

Born on the beaches of Hawaii, Maui Jim sunglasses offer unmatched clarity and superior customer service.

This September we have brought back Maui Jim Appreciation Month to celebrate spring time and the awesomeness of Maui Jim sunnies. Our Maui representative, Bonnie, shares some of the reasons why we believe Maui Jim leads the way in the sunglass industry.

Why do Maui Jim sunglasses have the most loyal customers in the industry?

Maui Jim sunglass brand has established itself as the optometrists choice when selecting his or her own personal sunglasses. It's not surprising that customers, once exposed to the brand, quickly realise that they too now have a Maui Jim addiction. Initially the customer can expect to have the eyes assaulted with an array of colours like you have never seen from a sunglass before - this is largely due to Maui Jim’s patented colour enhancing technology that is absolutely not marketing mumbo jumbo. The amazing part about Maui Jim is that even in a grey lens colours look more vivid, enhancing clarity and detail in any environment.

Ok, so you have bought a pair of Maui Jim’s, why would you stick with them?

Maui Jim has always had been innovative when it comes to customer service and product support. The temples (arms) and nose pads of a Maui Jim sunglass are always replaced at no charge, no matter where you purchased them from or even how old they are. The lenses replacement price is also very affordable and much less to the consumer than the competitors. Maui Jim’s goal is for customers to be able to enjoy and refurbish their sunglasses for as long as possible. That’s why most customers end up owning up to 4 pairs! The sunglasses honestly last so long that people tend to just get another pair for variety instead of necessity.

Is Maui Jim prescription worth it?

Maui Jim believes so much in prescription that they built their very own prescription lab in Peoria, Illinois to ensure that customers warranties and replacement options far outperform their competitors. Maui Jim is so generous that you can even choose to update your prescription lenses and effectively “trade in” your old prescription pair for a brand new pair. Many opt to keep the old faithful as spares and purchase a whole new pair, but the option is always there if you wish.

Prescription Maui Jim’s also attract a very handy 12 month scratch warranty. No matter how they were scratched (accidents happen!) we will replace your lenses once at no charge.

What if you don’t need glasses for distance vision, but need something for reading?

Maui Jim have an option for a “ready made” bifocal lens for those of us who need some “reading help”. Now that I am 42, I myself discovered that I need a little extra assistance with my reading. The readers are very affordable addition to the Maui Jim range. Also, after cataract surgery many people will require reading glasses. Maui Jim sunglass readers are often recommended for their quality, comfort and usefulness for patients after this procedure.

Why I believe our customers are so loyal to the Maui Jim brand

Finally, customers are loyal to the Maui Jim brand mostly because they enjoy the experience of wearing the product, and if for some reason they have had a problem the company has bent over backwards to fix it or provide a workable alternative. I have been with Maui Jim for 11 years and am very proud to say I work for the most amazing sunglass brand in the world.

Mahalo,

Bon

Maui Jim Representative

At Somerville & Merrin, we have Maui Jim sunglasses in stock year round. Call in any time to see the range and check out the Maui difference for yourself.

Be the Driver of Your Safety

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Safe driving really does start with safe vision. Reduce your crash risk by following three simple steps:

1. Check your vision regularly

A regular eye examination allows us to monitor any changes in your vision and eye health. While vision can be corrected with prescription eyewear, common eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma or macular degeneration can also play a role. Early detection is key to preventing avoidable vision loss.

2. Protect your eyes from glare

A high quality anti-reflective coating reduces glare, light streaking and distortion from oncoming headlights, which is especially important in low-light conditions such as night-time driving. An AR coating will give you clearer, and more comfortable vision while driving.

3. Wear your glasses on the road

Recent research shows that many Australians are getting behind the wheel without their corrective eyewear, endangering themselves and others. Wearing your glasses as prescribed improves your depth perception and vision clarity, so that you can make safer decisions on the road.

Noticed changes in your vision?

Talk to us about the options and technologies available to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.

More Green Time, Less Screen Time

Tue, 25 May 2021 03:08:41 GMT

Screen time has unavoidably become a big part of everyday learning and interaction, especially during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has had huge benefits in helping us to communicate and stay in touch. However parents are often not aware of the association with low levels of outdoor activity and associated factors including low levels of light exposure and prolonged near tasks such as reading and screen time which may influence the development of myopia.

What is myopia?

Myopia (short-sightedness) is a common eye condition that causes blurred distance vision which usually starts during childhood and typically progresses until a child stops growing. Not only does myopia reduce the clarity of vision it also increases the risk of developing eye conditions later in life, some of which can cause permanent vision loss.

The importance of outdoor play

Lifestyle factors including low levels of outdoor activity may influence the development of myopia. More research is needed to determine if it is to do with the intensity or brightness of the light or the distances that children focus on, but what is proven is that there is a link between outdoor time and its benefit to a child’s myopia development.

Given that outdoor play is free, “more green time less screen time” is a timely reminder for moderation in an increasingly digital world.

What can parents do to help reduce the likelihood of their child developing myopia?

There are two main factors which can mean your child is more at risk of developing myopia: lifestyle and family history.

The likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic. However, the exact link between a family history of myopia and development of childhood myopia remains uncertain.

You can’t influence genetics, but parents can feel empowered when it comes to lifestyle factors.

Top Three Myopia Busting Tips:

More green time less screen time!
Build in regular breaks from devices – every twenty minutes remind your child to have a break for at least twenty seconds and look out a window to something at least 6 metres away.
Talk to your local optometrist about all of the options to stop your child from having to change glasses prescriptions as frequently.

The world after lockdown needs to include some thought on all aspects of how we live our lives. One thing that it has taught us all is that there needs to be a balance. We have embraced technology in a huge global experiment for how we work, now is an opportunity to extend that to how we want our children to grow up.

By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population will have myopia and 10% or almost 1 billion will have high myopia. If we all encourage daily play time outdoors, we have an opportunity to halve that. Each time a prescription for short-sightedness increases in strength there is an increased association with serious eye conditions later in life, including an increased risk in permanent sight loss, however, action can be taken to manage myopia. Having regular eye examinations and starting a conversation with your optometrist is a positive first step.

Jagrut Lallu

Optometrist and founding member of the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group

5 Ways to Improve the Performance of Your Glasses

Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Spectacle lens technologies advance constantly, so what should you ask for to improve the performance of your glasses?

Ask for a back-surface anti-reflection coating on your prescription sunglasses to reduce bothersome reflections and get more advanced UV protection.

You can tell the difference between a basic pair of sunglasses and premium-quality ones by comparing the surfaces of the lenses. If the front surface and back surface look different, they are the premium lenses. If yours look the same, ask your optometrist about adding a back-surface anti-reflection coating (AR coating) next time. We recommend this addition with all prescription sunglasses so we can improve the comfort of your vision by reducing unnecessary fatigue and glare.

The AR coating is applied to the side of the lenses closest to your eyes and works to reduce annoying reflections of your eyes or objects from behind you. The reflections you see are caused by light coming in behind the lens and bouncing back into the eye - the AR coating allows this light to travel through the lens, reducing bounce back and therefore reflections. Some modern fashion sunglasses have wide, square frames with thin temples, which allows more light to enter behind the lens, making a back-surface AR coat even more important!

By using an AR coating you'll also get the added benefit of better UV protection. That's because it prevents the reflection of harmful UV light from your sunglass lenses onto your eyelid skin, reducing the risk of skin cancer development around the eyes and eyelids. For this reason that the Crizal Sun UV AR Coating is endorsed by the Cancer Council of Australia. Ask your Optometrist about premium sunglass brands like Maui Jim or a Crizal Sun UV coating before making your next sunglass purchase.

Ask for extended focus reading glasses - no more looking up to a world of blur.

Do you wear glasses for reading but are annoyed when you glance up and see a blurry room? It might be time to consider extended focus reading glasses. These lenses are designed as a pair of reading glasses with a slight change in prescription in the top third of the lenses to allow you to see a little further away when you glance up. Rather than taking your glasses on and off whenever switching from reading to distance tasks, these can provide both. They are great for tasks requiring frequent shifts from near-work activities to computer screens, or across the room and with a wide range of modern designs available they can be tailor-made to your individual needs, and are simple and easy to adapt to.

Ask for thinner and lighter lenses - reduce the weight of your glasses and improve their optical and cosmetic performance.

When you're wearing glasses all day the last thing you need is thick, heavy lenses weighing you down. Put your lenses on a diet and ask for high index lenses next time. The higher the refractive index of your lenses, the thinner and lighter they'll be. This is great for high or complex prescriptions, you'll be surprised at just how thin lenses can get these days. Combine this with specially customised aspheric optics and your premium lenses will not only weigh much less, but can hide the excessive magnification or minification common in higher prescriptions, resulting in a more attractive appearance with improved optics and performance.

Ask for Myopia control lenses - put your mind at ease when your child's short-sightedness increases yet again.

Are you worried that excessive screen time is causing your child's short-sightedness (myopia) to worsen? Maybe you're concerned they'll end up with coke-bottle glasses? Either way, the prevalence of myopia globally is on the rise, and with increasing levels of myopia at a younger ages comes the risk of significant visual impairment later in life from associated diseases. Finally, we have options now that not only correct myopia but also help control it. The newest advance from Hoya is their Miyosmart lens which can reduce myopia progression by 50-60%! These lenses are easy to adapt to, and look very similar to ordinary spectacle lenses.

If you're looking for peace of mind when your child's myopia next increases, talk to your Optometrist about what's new in myopia control.

Ask for premium, customised progressive lenses - the perfect solution tailored to your eyes.

Anyone who wears progressive or multifocal lenses to maintain good distance, intermediate and near vision knows they can often be a challenge to adapt to. There can be unwanted swim, distortion and blur through the edges or peripheral parts of the lenses, and maintaining good focus often requires you to look straight ahead at the object you're looking at, rather than out to the side where it appears blurred. For these reasons progressives take time and patience during the adaptation period.

Thankfully, with the advent of modern lens designs, the experience of wearing a graduated lens has improved. Premium, customised progressive lenses offer wider fields of clear vision, reduced swim and distortion and shorter adaption periods. Improved optics mean we can consider individual frame characteristics like the distance from your eye to the back surface of the lens, plus the tilt of the frame and facial wrap of the frame, as well as eye dominance and your natural reading distance to improve the quality of the optics of your unique glasses prescription. The results mean getting used to your new glasses takes less time, whilst enabling more natural viewing pleasure.

Next time you need new glasses, ask your Optometrist about customised, premium quality progressive lenses today.

Here at Somerville & Merrin, we spend the time to get to know you so we can advise you on your perfect solution.

The recommendations we make for the combination of spectacle lenses, lens coatings and frames go far beyond just your prescription. We tailor vision solutions to include your lifestyle, your frame choice, your work requirements, and your prescription to give you the best visual outcome possible. If you have any questions about what vision solutions we can offer you, book an appointment with one of our Optometrists today.

Stephen Lucas

Optometrist

Macular Disease & Recipe for Eye Health

Tue, 11 May 2021 00:00:02 GMT

May is Macular Disease Awareness Month, so what is Macular Disease and what can we do to prevent it?

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular disease covers a range of painless conditions affecting the central retina ( the mac ula), which is at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for detailed central vision, that means you use it for activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces. It’s also responsible for most of your colour vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common forms of macular disease with approximately one in seven Australians over the age of 50 having some evidence of AMD.

Will I notice any symptoms of macular disease?

Conditions only affecting the macula don’t lead to total (‘black’) blindness. Instead, they impact central vision, leaving peripheral vision intact.

You can have early signs of macular disease without knowing it. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

difficulty with reading or any other activity which requires detailed central vision (despite wearing appropriate glasses)
distortion, where straight lines may appear wavy or bent
problems distinguishing faces
dark patches in the central vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult an eye health professional. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial to saving sight.

Apart from consulting my Optometrist, and having regular eye health checks, is there anything else I can do to help prevent / delay the onset of Macular Degeneration?

Eating a healthy, well balanced diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy. Healthy eating for the macula includes:

fish two to three times a week
dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit daily
a handful of nuts a week

Choose low glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrates and limit the intake of fats. High fibre, low GI carbohydrates and limited saturated fats are also good for people living with diabetes, and trying to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Important antioxidants for eye health include lutein and zeaxanthin - these are present in high concentrations in a healthy macula and help to protect your eyes. They are found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and silver beet, and to a lesser extent in other vegetables such as corn, yellow capsicum, peas, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. In addition, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium are important antioxidants for a healthy macula.

Salmon is a good source of protein and inflammation-reducing Omega-3 fatty acids. We try to have salmon every couple of weeks, and if we are entertaining I have found a delicious Salmon Wellington recipe , which is very tasty, and also incorporates baby spinach (leafy greens!). Tastes great served with steamed vegetables or a green leafy salad, and maybe a small glass of white (or 2)!

Thanks to the Macular Disease Foundation Australia for allowing us to use some of their information in this blog. If you or anyone you know has Macular Disease and you would like more information or what support is available, please give the foundation a call on 1800 111 709 or check out their website: www.mdfoundation.com.au

Remember, early detection of any eye condition is key to preserving your sight. Book your next comprehensive eye examination today.

Naomi Arnold

Practice Manager

Are Your Eyes Road Ready?

Tue, 04 May 2021 05:03:05 GMT

Blinded by the night? At Somerville & Merrin we know that road safety starts with good vision, and that means seeing well at all distances, in all conditions – particularly at night.

While reduced visibility at night poses additional risk to all drivers, Australians with uncorrected vision are at an even greater risk due to an impaired ability to detect and respond to potential dangers.

Did you know?

1 in 5 drivers can’t see the road clearly due to uncorrected poor vision
22% of Australians squint to see better while driving at night
From about the age of 40, night vision typically deteriorates

Have you experienced…

Visual sensitivity to oncoming headlights?
Haloes or flaring around headlights, street or traffic lights?
Squinting to see better at night?
Difficulty judging the distance of oncoming vehicles?
Trouble reading road signs and number plates?
Difficulty seeing lane markings?
Difficulty seeing in changing light conditions (dusk to night)?
Needing to drive slowly or reluctant to drive at night?

If you answered yes, it’s time to book in for an an eye test.

We can help you stay safe on the road by checking your vision and eye health as part of a comprehensive eye exam.

International Guide Dog Day

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 07:09:59 GMT

Guide Dogs Australia provide a large variety of services to the community, helping individuals to achieve their full potential within their daily lives.

A big part of International Guide Dog Day is to bring awareness to the community about what they can do to help a Guide Dog do their job to keep their handler safe. This “petiquette” includes the handling of your own pet around Guide Dogs, as well as human behaviours we need to be aware of. To learn a bit more about Guide Dogs and petiquette, we had a chat to one of our patients here at Somerville & Merrin, John, about his experience with owning a Guide Dog.

When John was 20 years old he suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling off a horse, which resulted in him losing a substantial amount of his field of vision. Unfortunately, Guide Dogs NSW informed him that he was not eligible to have a guide dog through their system, so he learnt to use a long cane and worked on some strategies to overcome his vision impairment. After moving to Queensland, he decided to try again with Guide Dogs Qld and was pleased to find out he could in fact be eligible to have a guide dog - after going through the requirements and education, at 28 years old, John received his first guide dog, Kane.

Kane was his guide dog until he was retired at nine years old, but continued to live with John until he passed at 11 years old. After some behvioural issues his second guide dog was given early retirement, which meant John had to revert to using his long cane for a time before Guide Dogs Qld could provide another dog. He has now been matched with his third guide dog, Heidi.

John tells us that it is important to understand that every person you see using a Guide Dog has different life circumstances differences in their state of vision. Some people have low vision in that they are blind, or all of their vision is significantly blurred. For John it is a bit more complicated, as his vision is poor in one eye and reasonable in the other, however his lack of field of vision leaves his vision significantly restricted. To learn a bit more about what having a guide dog means for John, we asked some questions:

John, what was the process to apply for a Guide Dog in Qld?

After determining if you meet the vision requirements to be eligible, they do some testing to make sure you could work well with a guide dog. They then have to consider which dogs are available and set up a meeting between the person and the dog. Guide Dogs Qld do their best to match the dog to the clients lifestyle and personality - which dogs skills set will be able to best serve that client. For example, an older lady may need a dog that is prepared to walk slow and not pull, an active person will need an active dog. Although I've had some bumps along the way (especially with my second dog) I'm very happy with the current team at Guide Dogs Qld.

What does having a guide dog help you with in your day to day life?

I have more confidence to go out by myself, and there seems to be less social stigma attached to having a guide dog versus using a cane. Heidi is skilled to help with balance issues, so I can go bushwalking, everything really.

Is Toowoomba Guide Dog friendly?

I find that a persons ethnicity can determine how accepting they are of my guide dogs. Toowoomba taxi's and cafe's are very hit and miss for compliance with allowing guide dogs. Some taxis won't allow Heidi to get in, and some cafe's won't let us sit inside. I feel there just needs to be more education for people.

Is it difficult to care for a Guide Dog?

Heidi still needs all the care a normal dog needs, sometimes memory issues can make it hard to remember scheduled care. There is criteria for owning a guide dog, like having a fully fenced yard.

What are some basic rules we as the public need to follow if we come across a guide dog and their person?

You need to respect that when a guide dog has their harness on (all the time when in public) the dog is doing their job. There should be zero interaction with the dog when on the harness, unless given permission from the owner. Always ask before approaching the dog and respect the owners directions, they may not allow any interaction at all.

We thank John for sharing his experience and hope it gives you a bit more knowledge about Guide Dogs. If you'd like more information or would like to make a donation, you can visit Guide Dogs Queensland website: https://qld.guidedogs.com.au/

Kate Merrin & Geoff Somerville

Optometrists

Getting To Know John Merrin

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Optometry as a career was not on my radar until late into secondary school.

One of my best mates became interested in it which got me thinking, and so, with a bit of research, this is where I set my aim. After graduating high school, both myself and my friend were accepted into University and so we started our journey to becoming Optometrists.

My first exposure to Optometry was when I was in primary school. We took the big trip into Brisbane city centre to see our family Optometrist and they found I had significant eye issues. One of my eye examinations I can remember clearly because the Optometrist put this weird looking trial frames and lenses on me and made me sit out in the waiting room for a while - as a 9 year old, this was not good! Even worse, I needed to get spectacles which were not very cool. Needless to say, I did not wear them much until later into high school. When I became an Optometrist, I promised myself I would not recreate my childhood experience for any kids that came through my door.

Somewhere in the early 1990’s, I enrolled in a Masters in Optometry with Behavioural Optometry as my main interest, however, at the time I was working for another company in Toowoomba which made practicing Behavioural Optometry very limiting. Many courses and conferences later it became clear that this was my passion and I needed to be able to use the new knowledge I had, and so in 1999 Geoff Somerville and I took the plunge and started our own practice. From this time I have been able to expand the practice of Behavioural Optometry with the time and space to do it. We now also have a Vision Therapist, Johanna Baker, who takes children through vision therapy programs that assist in developing the child’s visual awareness and visual skills that are lacking.

Now, I see children from all round the Downs and beyond - helping children to improve in their development and progress at school is very rewarding. I thank my friend who introduced me to the idea of becoming an Optometrist, all of a sudden 38 years have gone by and I have enjoyed my chosen profession very much.

Geoff and I have a fantastic team around us now; we thank them for their hard work and dedication, plus they make work a fun place to be!

John Merrin

Optometrist

Our Newly Qualified Optical Dispensers

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 01:19:36 GMT

Last year three of our Optical Assistants, Tennille, Sam and Jessica, embarked on a journey to complete a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing.

Along with a group of optical staff from other independent practices, they undertook this further education to be able to better serve our patients. Tennille shares with us her experience:

"I won’t hide the fact that it was extremely challenging to complete this qualification.

It had been 15 years since I had done any form of study, what was I thinking?!

With a variety of optical and non-optical units covered we were always kept on our toes. The course consisted of assignments, quiz’s, practical workshops, online zoom workshops and a closed book exam. The Australasian College of Optical Dispensers (ACOD), our course provider, stepped up in the tough time with COVID and provided additional online support and were only an email away to provide assistance. The trainers at ACOD are very passionate about all things optical.

What did I take from this?

The course provided us with advanced dispensing techniques which were built on our existing skills learnt through our practice. I gained a new outlook on dispensing that perfect pair of glasses to our patients. Not only do we want you to look amazing in your specs, we want to provide you with the best visual outcome possible with top of the line customer service. It re-enforces that each dispense is individual, it is never going to be the same with any two patients.

The best learning happens in the practice with our colleagues and our patients. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete this course, and to Geoff, John and my fellow work colleagues who were there to provide help and encouragement - we really do have a fabulous team.

I am confident that with all of this extra knowledge and skills learnt we will be able to better your experience with us at Somerville and Merrin."

Tennille Matthews

Optical Dispenser

What is Glaucoma?

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 02:01:32 GMT

This World Glaucoma Week (7 – 13 March), Glaucoma Australia is encouraging Australians to get active about eye-health and ‘Treat Their Eyes’ to an eye test.

Two in 100 Australians will develop glaucoma in their lifetime, and, even more worrisome, up to 50% of people with glaucoma don't know they have it!

But, what is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. The loss of sight caused by glaucoma is usually gradual and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision can be lost before there is an awareness of any problem.

The fluid inside your eye, called aqueous humor, usually flows out of your eye through a mesh-like channel. If there is damage to this channel, or if the eye is producing too much fluid, there is more liquid than the eye can adequately drain causing an increase of pressure inside the eye. The increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) begins to damage the optic nerve at the back of the eye and this damage to the cells of the optic nerve results in irreversible vision loss.

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?

While there are different types of glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common, accounting for 90% of glaucoma cases in Australia. Nicknamed the 'sneak thief of sight' there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of POAG. Damage progresses slowly and destroys vision gradually, starting with the peripheral vision. This early vision loss often goes unnoticed until a significant amount of damage to the optic nerve has already occurred.

On the other hand, Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma can cause severe eye pain associated with nausea and vomiting, headache, watery eyes, sudden onset of blurred vision or seeing halos around light. This is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is required.

Who is at risk of developing Glaucoma?

You may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

have a family history of glaucoma
have high eye pressure
are aged over 50
are of African or Asian descent
have diabetes
are short or long sighted
have been on a prolonged course of cortisone (steroid) medication
experience migraines
have had an eye operation or eye injury
have a history or high or low blood pressure
experience obstructive sleep apnoea

To see if you are at risk, click here to take a short quiz with Glaucoma Australia.

Treat yourself to an eye test and protect your sight!

While vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be restored, early diagnosis and treatment can delay or halt the progression of the disease. That is why it’s so important to detect the problem as early as possible. Treat yourself and book your next comprehensive eye examination with us today.

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

My Journey to Becoming an Optometrist

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 23:58:06 GMT

A lot of people grow up around their parents' careers, in my case I grew up around Optometry.

While I’ve always known I wanted to work in healthcare, it wasn’t until I worked at Somerville & Merrin during my high school years that I realised optometry was something I could see myself doing as a long-term career; I enjoyed the concept of meeting different people and their families and providing a service which can really help people function in their day to day lives.

So I completed high school and off I went, moving down to Adelaide to study Optometry at Flinders University. My journey to becoming a qualified Optometrist with therapeutics endorsement involved a 3 year Bachelor degree followed by a 2 year Masters degree, which I completed in 2020.

Before and during my studies I worked as a Personal Carer and Assistant in Nursing in residential aged care. Working in the aged care industry furthered my passion in providing community and in-home optometric care. In a residential environment where people rely so heavily on glasses to read or participate in activities, it was frustrating to see residents with broken glasses, missing glasses or even treatable eye conditions that were untreated or not monitored. Somerville & Merrin have been providing in-home eye examinations for many years now, and I hope to assist with this service to ensure all people in our community can see well and maintain their full quality of life.

Throughout my university life I was amazed by how many people have no idea of what we do as optometrists! There have been many conversations where people think all we do is ask “1 or 2?” and prescribe glasses. Little do they know how much we studied for our therapeutic qualification to be able to diagnose and treat red eyes, sore eyes, gunky eyes, you name it – and if we're not able to treat you then we can point you to the best person who can. In this way we can provide a full scope of Optometric care.

I chose to join Somerville & Merrin because I wanted to work where I know I can provide quality, personalised care to every patient. I know I can always rely on our support staff to provide the best service possible and make every patient feel welcome and cared for.

Thank you for reading a bit of my story and I look forward to meeting more of you!

Kate Merrin

Optometrist

Eye Safety at Work

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Being safe at work is vitally important, O H & S is big business!

My husband works in an industry in which he could potentially injure his eyes daily. Having seen his attitude towards eye protection safety and awareness at work and when working in the backyard at home, I thought I should remind others of the importance of eye safety in the work place.

Most eye injuries in Australia are minor, but some accidents can result in serious injury with real risk of vision loss or blindness. Any job that involves small particles in the air or hazardous chemicals can carry a risk of an eye injury. In addition, if handling chemicals under high pressure or managing a suspension under tension, which may suddenly release, the risk factor is increased.

In Australia, men of a working age are most at risk of serious eye injuries.

Workplace eye injuries can include:

Scratches or cuts to the surface of the eye
Punctures to the eye
Embedded foreign bodies in or on the eye
Chemical burns
Welding flashes (injury caused by bright UV light)

The eye is extremely delicate and permanent vision loss can result from a relatively minor injury; wearing eye protection appropriate for the task can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Remember, ordinary eye wear does not adequately protect against injury and wearing contact lenses may make an eye injury worse.

It is vitally important to always wear eye protection that complies with Australian Standards. We recommend Prescription Safety Glasses Australia for safety eyewear to ensure we are offering the best protection and vision for our patients.

Remember, in all cases of eye injury, seek immediate medical help as soon as possible. Injuries that seem minor can sometimes cause permanent damage. If you would like further information about safety glasses or if you would like to purchase safety eyewear, feel free to pop in and see us at Somerville and Merrin. We can show you options to help keep you safe at work!

Penny Patterson-Kane

Optical Dispenser

Can I Prevent My Childs Eyesight From Getting Worse?

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Has your child's eyesight continued to worsen at nearly every optometrist visit?

Do you see them squinting to see clearly and are worried they’ll end up with "coke bottle" glasses? Are you guilty of letting your child spend hours on their screens knowing it might be doing them harm? Your optometrist says they need an updated glasses prescription again, only 6 months after their last eye test…. Sound familiar?

Imagine there was a way to correct your child's eyesight whilst at the same time slowing down or even halting their worsening short-sightedness. Now imagine we could do this and your child would also be able to stop wearing glasses altogether. Sound too good to be true?

Let's talk about what myopia is and how we can use Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses to correct the problem.

Myopia is a condition whereby the eyeball stretches in length such that distance objects become progressively blurrier over time. This abnormal eye growth can start around the age of 6 and continue to progress into the teenage years before stabilising in the late teens to mid 20s. The longer the eyeball grows, the blurrier a person's distance vision becomes meaning more dependency on wearing glasses full-time to see clearly again.

Risk factors for myopia can include:

Family history of myopia
Being of Asian ethnicity
Excessive amounts of time spent reading, screen time, or doing near work activities
Not spending adequate amounts of time outdoors in brightly lit conditions

Unfortunately, myopia is becoming an epidemic. It is estimated that by 2050 half the world's population will be myopic; in some Asian countries the incidence of myopia is already above 90% in university students. Worse still, a stretched eyeball in and unhealthy eyeball at more risk of developing a detached retina, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, all of which can cause vision loss and in some cases blindness.

So, how can Ortho-K contact lenses help?

Ortho-K contact lenses are small, highly-breathable, custom-made, rigid contact lenses that are worn every night while you sleep. Overnight, these special lenses gently reshape, or remould the cornea (the front surface of the eye) which provides clear vision during the day without glasses! In addition, by changing what we call the peripheral optics of the eye, they can decrease the stimulus to further eyeball growth, which helps to prevent further myopia development. This is something regular single vision glasses cannot do.

Research shows that wearing Ortho-K lenses can slow myopia progression by about 50% when compared to wearing single vision spectacles and anecdotally, Ortho-K can even halt myopia progression in some cases. So, if your child is simply prescribed single vision glasses for their short-sightedness each time a prescription update is required, be aware that those lenses aren’t effective in slowing their myopia progression, and can even exacerbate the problem in some cases.

As previously mentioned, an added benefit of wearing Ortho-K lenses is that glasses or daily wear contact lenses do not need to be worn during the day. This is especially beneficial for children who are quite active or sporty; you need not worry about the inconvenience of wearing glasses or the possibility of breaking them. Additionally, since Ortho-K lenses are only worn overnight, they can be managed under proper adult supervision, and are unlikely to result in a lost contact lens during the day.

At what age can you use Ortho-K contact lenses?

Children as young as 8 can be fitted with Ortho-K lenses and the results can be quite dramatic overnight. Most patients report greatly improved vision after just one night, for higher prescriptions the pathway to clear vision can take up to a week. Aftercare visits are usually quite frequent in the early stages of Ortho-K lens wear to ensure the eyes are coping well with lens wear and the desired visual result is achieved.

Whilst no contact lens wear is absolutely risk-free, careful steps are taken to ensure these risks are minimised. If the contact lenses are properly fitted, a good standard of hygiene is maintained when handling the lenses and regular optometrist reviews are adhered to, the likelihood of a serious eye infection from Ortho-K lens wear is extremely low. Indeed, the comparative risks of children wearing contact lenses to slow myopia progression are lower than the lifetime risks of vision impairment from high myopia.

Although Ortho-K is predominantly used to correct myopia, it can also be effective in correcting astigmatism, mild long-sightedness and even presbyopia for those who are inconvenienced by having to wear reading glasses. At Somerville & Merrin we use Ortho-K as a treatment for slowing myopia progression, however there are other myopia progression treatments available for those who may not be suitable.

Want to know more? Call us today and book an appointment for an Ortho-K eye examination today!

Stephen Lucas

Optometrist

Lunch Box Muffins

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 03:21:09 GMT

The first day of school is just around the corner, only two more sleeps and we’ll be back in the kitchen packing those lunch boxes!

I'm definitely not a lunch box guru, my kids are generally happy to have the same things day in day out, but I do try to mix it up with some healthy (or not as unhealthy) snacks.

To kickstart some snack planning, I thought I would share two of my kids favourite muffin recipes, ABCD Muffins and Carrot Muffins. Both are delicious, but there is an added bonus with the Carrot Muffins – carrots contain beta-carotene which is converted by our bodies into Vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for healthy vision.

ABCD Muffins (Apple, Banana, Coconut & Date Muffins)

Ingredients:

2 Apples, grated

2 Bananas, mashed

50g Dates, pitted and chopped

½ cup Vegetable Oil

¾ cup Milk

1 Egg

¼ cup Dessicated Coconut

1 ½ cups SR Flour

¼ cup raw sugar (plus extra for sprinkling, optional)

Method:

Preheat oven to 180⁰C (fan-forced). Grease a 12-hole muffin tin and set aside.
Place all wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until very well combined.
Add all dry ingredients and mix very gently until just combined (be careful not to over-mix).
Spoon mixture into prepared muffins tin and sprinkle with extra raw sugar (optional).
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Leave to cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Carrot Muffins

Ingredients:

400g Carrots, grated

300g can Crushed Pineapple

4 Large Eggs

80g Macadamia or Vegetable Oil

180g Honey

1 tsp Vanilla Paste

380g Plain Flour

2 tsp Bicarb Soda

1tsp Cinnamon

150g Walnuts, chopped or ½ cup Shredded Coconut

80g Raisins or Sultanas (optional)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 165⁰C (fan-forced). Line a tray with 24 paper cups and set aside.
In a mixer, combine carrots, pineapple, eggs, oil, vanilla and honey.
Add dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Stir in walnuts, or for a nut-free version use shredded coconut.
If using, stir in raisins/sultana’s.
Spoon mixture into prepared tray.
Cook for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Do your children have any favourite lunch box snacks, or is there somewhere you turn to for lunch box inspiration? Leave a comment below, I'm always on the look out for a new favourite recipe.

I hope you enjoy these muffins as much as my family does and I wish you all a great start to the new school year!

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser

What is Vision Therapy?

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 07:20:22 GMT

To understand how Vision Therapy works, first we must understand the difference between sight and vision.

Imagine that you are standing on the edge of the road, waiting to cross the street and there is a car coming towards you. Sight is how clearly you can see the car, vision is how you process the visual information to determine if it’s safe to cross the road. You need to be able to accurately process many factors: How far away is the car? How fast it is approaching? How long will it take you to cross the road? Can you cross the street safely, or should you wait?

If your eyes are unable to accurately focus directly at the car, judge how far away it is from you, track the car’s movement, estimate the time it will take to get to you and process all of that information quickly, then crossing the road could result in injury or worse.

The visual skills needed to cross that road safely are the same skills your child needs for so many tasks in the classroom. If your child has difficulty focusing their eyes accurately to see the words on a page, or tracking their eyes along the lines of a book, or processing visual information, then reading and therefore so many parts of learning become much harder.

So how does Vision Therapy work?

Most of how and what we “see” happens in the brain, not the eyes. The brain directs our eye movements, processes the information that comes through the eyes and then makes decisions based on that information.

Vision Therapy is a brain-based therapy using a series of activities and exercises that allows a person to develop or rehabilitate important skills such as focusing, eye alignment and interpretation of visual information. It can help with reading, eye strain, blurred or doubled vision and headaches and more. You may notice benefits such as improved attention, efficiency and comfort during school or office work.

We would love to chat to you about how Vision Therapy can help you. You can find more information about Behavioural Optometry and Vision Therapy here . If you have any questions about our Vision Therapy Program you can contact me at vt@smnoptometrists.com.au, or call our Range Shopping Centre practice during office hours.

Johanna Baker

Vision Therapist

Back to School EYEssentials

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:02 GMT

Every parent wants to ensure their child reaches all their developmental and educational milestones.

For a child to perform at their best, their eyes need to perform well too. Did you know that children rely on their vision for 80% of their learning?

In our comprehensive children’s eye test, we not only evaluate the clarity of your child’s vision, we also examine the internal and external health of the eyes and assess how well they work together as a team. If required, we provide a tailored eyecare solution that considers lifestyle and vision needs.

Good vision is crucial for a child’s educational, physical and social development.

Every parent wants to ensure their child sees every opportunity coming their way. Children often assume their vision is just like everyone else’s, which means t hat vision problem s can easily go undetected. In fact, a staggering 1 in 5 kids have an undetected vision problem that can interfere with their ability to learn and absorb information.

There are many symptoms parents and teacher can look for which may indicate a vision problem:

Noticeable tilting or turning their head
Frequently blinking or rubbing eyes
Red or watery eyes
Difficulty reading or holding a book very close
Headaches and blurred or double vision
Squinting
One eye turning in or out

Put an eye test on your back-to-school checklist!

Whether they’re just starting out or well into their schooling, adding an eye test to your back-to-school list this year will give you peace of mind that your child won’t miss a thing.

See What Matters in 2021 with Somerville & Merrin

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 00:00:02 GMT

If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that life is too precious to miss out on what matters to us most.

Our job is to help you and your loved ones enjoy healthy sight now and into the future.

Did you know that you use your eyes differently depending on the activity?

In our eye exam we take the time to really understand how and where you use your vision in your everyday life. That’s why we will often recommend specific-purpose eyewear to help you see your world as clearly as possible – whether you’re curling up with a book, working on a device, out in the sun or getting active!

Our independence gives us the freedom to:

Provide comprehensive eye testing utilising the latest diagnostic equipment
Closely monitor any changes in your eye health and vision through continuity of care
Focus on what’s best for you and your unique vision needs
Prescribe tailored solutions from a wide range of eyewear and innovative lens technologies

It is this combination of clinical expertise, immediate access to technological advancements and our patient relationships that makes our job of helping the local community maintain healthy vision so rewarding.

Here are some of the most popular eyewear solutions we prescribe:

Prescription Sunglasses - Clear vision with UV and glare protection
Digital Eyewear - Relax and protect your eyes from digital eye strain
Contact lenses - Freedom to be active, glasses-free
New Fashion Look - A new style for a different occasion
Reading Glasses - More comfortable near vision for progressive wearers
Spare Everyday Pair - Keep a spare pair, just in case!

We’re passionate about helping you and your family enjoy a lifetime of healthy, clear vision. If you notice any changes in your vision or simply have a question, please give us a call.

Somerville & Merrin Optometrists

Helping you see the future!

Why I Became an Optometrist

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 02:24:10 GMT

I became interested in Optometry because of the difference it made to me personally.

As a child, I didn’t know I couldn’t see as well as everyone else, it wasn’t until I walked up to a clock at a swimming lesson to see what the time was that Mum realized there was a problem! It was discovered that I had myopia (short-sightedness) and I was promptly given a little pair of blue glasses. You may have had the same feeling I did when I found I could see the individual leaves on the trees – what a revelation!

In my adolescence, my glasses were relegated to the drawer because I now had new soft contact lenses. It made such a difference to my life, for playing sport and boosting my self confidence as well. It was around this time that it became obvious that my school years would not last forever and I had to decide upon a career path. I knew I wanted a profession in which I could help people, and Optometry fit the bill.

During my years of study and practice, in my family alone, I have found and diagnosed proliferative diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract myopia, presbyopia and dry eyes; I have encouraged sun protection with sunglasses, prescribed various contact lenses, safety glasses and prescription goggles (no more squinting at the clock at swimming lessons!). For my clients I have done this and more.

I see myself as part of a team that cares for the visual requirements and visual health of our clients, working both with GP’s and Ophthalmologists to give the best outcome possible. I enjoy my work and it makes me happy to find a solutions to help people see better now and into the future.

Vivienne Price

Optometrist

Colour Trends in Eyewear

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 01:10:23 GMT

What do you do when you're choosing a new pair of glasses?

Do you select a colour you like? Do you select a colour that's on trend? Or do you select a colour that compliments your hair and skin tone?

I personally do all three. I personally like blue and purple frames, and depending on their depth of colour they can suit my hair and skin colour combination.

This year saw a trend in clear and crystal tones across eyewear, however, now coming into Summer, there are a lot of bright and fun colour combinations coming through.

Being the colour of the year for 2020, blue has been quite popular, particularly in the darker hues for men. The bolder colours such as pink and red are making a come back with the new season, as is the colour combination of both. These colour trends and colour combinations can be found especially in our French eyewear brands, such as Volte Face, JF Frey, Lafont and Bovelo.

What will we see in the New Year?

I think soft Pinks may be popular and also Green......but only time and fashion will tell!

Penny Patterson-Kane

Optical Dispenser

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 22:54:33 GMT

As Queenslander’s, we know the importance of wearing sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn.

Yes, we are lucky to be living in the beautiful Sunshine State, but we must be mindful that we have some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Too many of us know all too well the damage that the sun’s radiation can cause to our skin.

What about our eyes though?

It may surprise you to know that your eyes experience damage from sun exposure as well. UV radiation can burn the front surface of the eye, similar to a sunburn on the skin. Like the skin, that damage builds up over a lifetime and can cause permanent damage. Damage from UV radiation contributes to cataract development, macular degeneration, squamous cell cancers on the eye, skin cancers in the delicate skin around the eye and the list goes on.

What is not so well known is that the heat of the sun has no relation to the amount of UV radiation there is. For this reason, Cancer Council Australia recommends protecting your eyes from UV at all times when outside during daylight hours, year-round.

So, what can you do to protect your eyes?

Wearing a good pair of close-fitting sunglasses that meet Australian Standards is a must. They not only protect your eyes, but also the delicate skin that surrounds them. A wide brimmed hat also adds another layer of protection.
Consider adding a UV protective coating to your prescription glasses as well. The UV coating is clear, so it can be added to all lenses and it will help protect your yes as you move through your everyday activities.
Finally, regular eye examinations with your optometrist can uncover sign of UV damage long before it can cause irreversible damage.

Come in and see us today, and let us help you to protect your eyes.

Johanna Baker

Vision Therapist

Why Do We Charge for Eye Tests?

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 04:28:36 GMT

What are your eyes worth?

Who are we, and what can we offer you?

We are a locally owned independent optometry practice in Toowoomba. Our Optometrists, who are all therapeutically qualified, deliver comprehensive eye examinations. This means, they not only test your eyes for new prescription glasses or contact lenses, but also perform eye health checks in order to diagnose eye health conditions.

Our four optometrists have over 120 years of experience between them, and together, offer a full range of optometric care. They all take pride in their work, with thorough examinations and continuity of care. They regularly attend conferences and undertake extra study to keep up to date with advances in eye care, and we invest our time and money in the latest testing, imaging and diagnostic equipment to ensure our Optometrists can continue to offer the highest standards of eye care.

A comprehensive eye examination appointment with one of our Optometrists will be booked for a minimum of 30 minutes so that they can spend the time needed to get a complete picture of your eye health. Any eye scans, imaging or other tests are also performed by your Optometrist which allows them to interpret and discuss these with you.

We also have a great bunch of support staff who work with our Optometrists. Our Optical Dispensers and Optical Assistants are on hand to follow up on recommendations from your examination and give you options for lens designs and frame selections. We work together to give you the full benefit of our expertise and knowledge, and the time to make sure your leave our practice confident that you have found the solutions that will work for you and your lifestyle.

What prompted our change from bulk billing to non-bulk billing?

In 2015 the Australian Government introduced an indexation freeze on Medicare rebates for Optometrists. Arguably, the rebates we could claim at the time were already below a fair rate, and we were then facing five years of no increases. We made the decision to stop bulk billing all of our consultations to coincide with this change in order to ensure our ability to continue to offer the high standard of care we have held to for the 20+ years of practicing as Somerville & Merrin.

What does this mean for you?

We charge a fee for our appointments, with a partial refund from Medicare available to all patients with a current Medicare card. The claim is processed on your behalf on the day of your consultation with rebates being paid directly into your nominated bank account from Medicare usually in under 24 hours.

Our appointments are not ‘free’ but we think our charges are fair.

What are your eyes worth?

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love a bargain, however, when I’m looking for a health care provider, price is not the deciding factor for me. I value professionals with experience, knowledge and being up to date with the latest advancements in their field. I also like being treated like a person, not a number, and having a rapport with the professional I choose. I value my health and I choose my health care providers with care.

Do you value your sight? If so, give us the opportunity to show you our quality of care and give you a complete profile of your optical health.

Naomi Arnold

Practice Manager

Caring for Your Eyes in the Digital Age

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 04:58:16 GMT

So many people are suffering daily, and we can help!

Statistics show that nearly 65% of people aged between 30-50 suffer from symptoms of eye strain caused by digital devices. Alarmingly, the percentage is a lot higher in younger people, with 87% of people in their 20’s suffering eye strain!

It only takes two hours of screen time per day to give us a 90% chance of developing digital eye strain. Just two hours! When we include all of the digital devices we use, phones, tablets, computers, laptops, etc, the average Australian is having about 10 hours of screen time a day!

How many hours do you think you use your devices for? Are you above average?

I know I am guilty of overusing my devices!

With something this common, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms so that you can try to minimize your eye strain. Bright screens are often the culprits behind:

· Eyes feeling either very watery or unusually dry

· A burning or itching sensation in the eyes

· Blurry or double vision

· Frequent headaches and soreness in the neck, shoulders, or back

· Increased sensitivity to light

· Trouble concentrating

So, what can we do to protect our eyes from our screens?

If screens are causing the problem, then it would make sense that less screen time would solve it, right? Well, yes… but that isn’t always possible. A lot of our day to day lives require the use of one or more digital devices.

The biggest issue with using devices for long periods of time, is that they expose you to blue light – which can affect your health. If you use your devices a lot at night, it can even affect the quality of your sleep as the blue light supresses melatonin, a hormone that tells our bodies to sleep. It can also throw off our biological clock, the circadian rhythm, which further interrupts sleep patterns. This can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep because our bodies are confused.

You can eliminate blue light a few ways; reducing use of devices is the best option, or, where this is not possible, wearing a pair of computer glasses can help as well! There are spectacle lenses specifically designed to reduce the symptoms of digital eye strain or eye fatigue, and particular lens coatings can increase the effectiveness of these lenses too.

There are few options when it comes to lens coatings that help eliminate that nasty glare; an anti-reflective OR a blue coating, which is actually designed to eliminate reflective glare, blue light and reduce those harmful side effects coming from our device screens.

Of course, with so many lens options, prescription and lifestyle factors, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for glasses. Pop in, call us or book in for a comprehensive eye test to discuss the options that best suit you and your digital lifestyle!

Sam Fox

Optical Dispenser

How to Choose the Perfect Frame

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 00:26:57 GMT

There are so many choices, what frames should I choose for my new glasses?

As Optical Dispensers, this is a question we hear quite often! It can be overwhelming & daunting when faced with the decision of which glasses to choose, but I feel your new glasses choose you.

That's right - they choose you.

When you try on the right eyewear for you, you’ll know. You’ll have a ‘wow’ moment, an intake of breath.

With regards to shapes and colours, there are some guidelines that should be considered. The shape should highlight and flatter your facial features, for example, if you have a round face shape, choose a semi large rectangle shaped frame. It will frame your face nicely. The colour should complement your hair colour and skin tone - if you have fair colouring, black is stunning as it's such a contrast. Finally, it should be comfortable. Your new glasses should be the correct width for your face, you don’t want them pinching or pressing into your head. If you are someone who is sensitive to weight and pressure, perhaps look into titanium frames or rimless designed frames.

Keep in mind, rules and guidelines are designed to be broken, so have fun choosing your next pair of glasses at Somerville & Merrin, and remember we are always here to assist and make sure you have your ‘wow’ moment when next in.

SEE MORE, DO MORE

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:33:48 GMT

See how you can get a free pair of lenses!

Most glasses wearers would be aware of the brand of frame they are wearing, but what about the brand of lenses? At Somerville & Merrin our main lens laboratory is Essilor Australia, who supply Essilor and Nikon spectacle lenses. You may not have heard the name, but Essilor is the #1 in spectacle lenses worldwide and their mission is to improve lives by improving sight.

For a limited time, Essilor have a very special offer*: buy 1 pair of Essilor® or Nikon® lenses with the new Transitions® Gen 8 and receive a second pair of lenses for free! Now you can See More and Do More with one pair of glasses work and another pair for your passion. Call in to either of our Toowoomba practices and our experienced Optical Dispensers can help you find the perfect 2 pairs of lenses best suited to your lifestyle needs.

*Conditions apply to this amazing offer, please ask in store for details.

Short-sightedness (Myopia)

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:44:18 GMT

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, doubling in children over the course of a single generation.

36% of Australians are predicted to be myopic by 2020 and by 2050, it’s set to increase to 55%.

Myopia is a common eye condition where the eyeball grows too long, causing blurred distance vision. Children are typically diagnosed with myopia around 10-12 years of age, however, the age of onset is dropping, increasing the likelihood of a more extreme level of short-sightedness (high myopia) and higher eye disease risk in adulthood.

Myopia is understood to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, however, the reason for the significant increase in myopia is believed to be largely environmental – a result of modern lifestyles. As children are spending more time indoors than ever before, researchers believe that resulting low levels of outdoor activity, low levels of light exposure and prolonged time spent on close-up activities like screens are affecting normal eye growth in childhood.

What can you do?

• Book your child in for a comprehensive eye examination before they start school and regularly throughout childhood so we can monitor their eye development.

• Get children to spend more than an hour and preferably two hours a day outdoors in their pre-school and primary school years.

• Be aware that the likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic.

Regular eye tests from a young age enable us to detect any early signs of myopia before it fully develops. We have treatment options available to slow the rate of progression, (See our Myopia Control guidelines here) with the aim of reducing its severity and protecting children from eye complications associated with high myopia in their adult years. Research shows that regular glasses alone do not aid in controlling the rate of myopia progression, so we’ll explain the most effective interventions should myopia be diagnosed

somervillemerrinoptometrists

Unwrap Your Optical Extras

Think of your health fund optical extras as a gift to your eyes - ready to be unwrapped before the year ends.

How Will You Use Your Extras?

No-Gap or Low-Gap Options May Be Available

Appointments Fill Fast in December!

Polarised Vs Non-Polarised Sunglasses - Which Should I Choose?

Summer is just around the corner, and that means longer days, bright skies, and plenty of sunshine.

What Are Polarised Lenses?

What About Non-Polarised Sunglasses?

Which Should You Choose?

Get Summer Ready with Somerville & Merrin

Visit either of our Toowoomba practices and let our friendly team help you find your perfect pair of sunglasses!

June is Cataract Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Cataracts

Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally , and nearly half of Australians over the age of 50 are affected?

What Are Cataracts?

Common Cataract Symptoms:

What Causes Cataracts?

Why Early Detection Matters

Eye Care You Can Trust in Toowoomba

How We Check Children's Vision (Even if They Don't Know Letters Yet!)

A child’s first eye exam is recommended before they start school, typically around 4–5 years of age, to assess both the clarity of their vision and how well their eyes work together.

Should I get my child’s eyes checked if they don't show signs of a vision problem?

How Does an Optometrist Check My Child’s Vision If They Don’t Know Letters or Numbers Yet?

What If My Child Pretends to Have Vision Problems Because They Want Glasses?

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See the World in Full Focus

Did you know y our eyes outshine any camera?

How Your Eyes Outperform Any Camera

1. Unmatched Clarity & Depth Perception

2. Dynamic Range & Adaptability

3. Real vs. Digital Perception

The Importance of Eye Health

Book Your Eye Exam Today – See Life in Full Focus

Time is Running Out!

Optical extras? Use them or lose them!

Contact Lenses

Prescription Sunglasses

Digital Eyewear

New Fashion Look

Reading Glasses

Spare Everyday Pair

Get Summer Ready with New Prescription Sunglasses

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it's time to think about more than just your summer wardrobe.

Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays

Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue

Enhance Visual Comfort and Clarity

Prevent Premature Aging of the Skin Around Your Eyes

Enjoy Your Time Outdoors

Choosing the Right Pair

Wake Up Frame Free

Unlock clear vision overnight!

How does orthokeratology work?

Is orthokeratology safe?

How often are Ortho-K lenses worn?

Who is eligible for orthokeratology?

Find out your suitability for Ortho-K lenses by booking an appointment at our Hume Street practice today.

Understanding Dry Eye Causes and Symptoms

Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem affecting over 4 million Australians.

What is Dry Eye?

How can I manage Dry Eye?

What if these steps don’t ease my eye discomfort?

If dry eye is causing you significant or prolonged discomfort, book a comprehensive eye exam with us at our Range Shopping Centre practice today.

Can Poor Vision Affect Children's Learning and Social Development?

Eyesight is our primary sense and is intimately involved in our ability to develop, learn, walk and play.

Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)

Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Our Frames at Somerville & Merrin Optometrists

The frames we stock at Somerville and Merrin range from quirky to classic, neutral to vibrant, fine and simple to bold and daring.

Where do our frames come from?

How do we choose the frames we sell?

What makes our frames different to other franchise optical practices?

How do we care for the frames on our shelves?

Make the Most of Your New Year Optical Benefits!

Get more value from your optical extras this year - book now to take advantage of the new year health fund reset!

Upgrade your look

Look on the bright side

Start the new year with a new you

Get rebate ready