Order Fitovers Online

We recommend Fitover sunglasses. Fitovers are a handy way to add sun protection over your regular glasses. New designs are sleeker than the original square black boxy models - lots of colours and smaller fittings. There are three lens choices; Grey, Amber and Yellow.   Amber is popular to improve colour contrast. We find people with early cataracts like the yellow tint and this improves clarity of vision as well.

Now we are now selling fitovers through our website. If you can't get in to see us, or want to do some research check out our online shop.

Is your eyesight good enough to drive?

Good vision is essential for road safety. If you can’t see properly, you can’t drive safely.  Statistics show that one driver in 14 has a vision problem that may affect their driving. So when you renew your licence you must provide proof your vision meets the standards for safe driving.

And if you think your eyesight may not be good, or you are not able to see clearly while you are driving, get it checked now. Don’t wait until you renew your drivers licence.

There are three ways to prove your eyesight meets the standard:

• Pass an eyesight check at the AA
• Visit an optometrist
• Take a test with your GP.

The AA vision screening equipment is quite basic. If you have one weak eye your strong eye compensates, you might fail at the AA, but pass at an optometrist. If you think this might be the case, come to your optometrist first.

Drivers with vision in one eye only (monocular vision) must come to an optometrist, or see an ophthalmologist or GP.

If you have issues with your vision, such as cataracts, your licence might include a restriction, such as no night driving.

If you are due to renew your licence, schedule your regular eye examination a couple of months before. We can test your eyes and issue you with the certificate you need. Certificates are valid for 60 days.

Lenses for a Digital life

The way we look at the world is changing. We used to spend most of our time looking at far and middle distances. Today we focus on near objects, our computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, gaming devices and e readers. Traditional computer screens are giving way to ever-smaller displays on tablets, eReaders, netbooks and smart phones. As our screen hours increase there are new lenses to help with the resulting eye fatigue.

Reports show nearly 60% of us are looking at digital screens for 5+ hours per day. This is taking its toll on our eyes, causing eye fatigue and digital eye strain.  Symptoms can include tired eyes, blurred vision, headache and dry eyes. Digital technology can effect our posture. You may have neck or back pain, through stress on your cervical spine when you are unconsciously bent forward looking at a screen. Spending large amounts of time looking at digital screens (or any near object) means our eyes are exerting more effort to focus. 

We are now offering Hoya Dynamic Sync lenses - designed for long periods on your screen. Dynamic Sync’s design has your ‘distance power’ for everyday use and a ‘boost zone’ at the bottom of the lens. The boost zone reduces eye strain when you are looking at screens, or reading. The boost zone allows your eye muscles to relax and focus more easily. This helps relieve eye strain, even after several hours looking at near.

The lenses have clear vision in all directions so they are easy to wear. We would love to talk to you about how these lenses will help.

Chemistrie Sunglass Clip-Ons

Chemistrie  Clip-Ons are a great way to convert your glasses to sunnies. These Clip-Ons are custom made to match the shape of your lenses. Lenses come in different tints and can be polarized. They are light and very easy to use, and can fit ANY frame. The clip attaches directly onto the lens using magnetic lens technology. The magnets can be fitted into existing glasses too. Come and see first hand how these work.

Win Maui Jim Sunglasses - April

We have a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses to give away this month.

Maui Jim lenses are exceptional -  once you wear these sunglasses you won't settle for anything else. So, how can you win? Simply come in and try on a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses and enter our draw. It is that simple. At the end of the month we will draw our lucky winner*.

If you are the winner you will choose a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses and prescription lenses are included.

* Prize not transferable

Optometry Care Extends to Glaucoma

Optometrists can now provide treatment to people with glaucoma.

Most people with glaucoma see Ophthalmologists (Eye Specialists), in private clinics or hospital eye clinics. Glaucoma treatment is most commonly prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure. Optometrists can now prescribe these eye drops. This is like nurses with extra training who are now able to prescribe medications.

This should make it easier for people needing glaucoma treatment. Optometrists will still work very closely with Eye Specialists.

In order to be able to prescribe glaucoma medication we had extra training. We also need to have advanced diagnostic equipment. These instruments to record visual fields, scan the retina, and measure corneal thickness. All these tests are now used to make a diagnosis as well as tracking the risk of getting glaucoma in the future.

Glaucoma affects one in ten New Zealanders over the aged of 70 and is the number one cause of preventable blindness. The challenge is there are no noticeable symptoms in early glaucoma, so early detection of glaucoma is vital to prevent blindness.

For more information visit Glaucoma NZ.