Story of a remarkable swimmer

Many NSW swimmers will know of James Pittar, he's a bit of a legend. He first became known in 2000 when he featured in a Martha's Vineyard local paper. He had completed a 15 mile swim across the Muskeget Channel from Martha's Vineyard to Nantucket.

Over the years, James has completed marathon swims on every continent. Why is that remarkable? Because James Pittar is blind. In doing what he does, James shows everyone that disability does not preclude one from having a go.

James Pittar on the beach on Marthas Vineyard after swimming the Muskaget Channel in 2000.

In doing his marathons, James swims with an escort paddler, who is equipped with a whistle: one blow for right (or maybe left); two blows for left (or maybe right); three blows for “Shark”, although James used to say he had never heard that one.

James is a big bloke: very tall, with long arms. He has a devastating left arm, which skims like a Scud missile across the surface of the water, ready to clock any idiot who gets in its way.

Anyway, James Pittar has written a book about his life. It’s titled, Blind Vision. Blind Vision is published by Inspiring Publishers. You can find out more about it, and order it… Click here

Holly's new glasses

Let me introduce Holly, who is working as a Dispensing Assistant with us. She started in January this year, a newbie to optics. On Saturday 2 May Holly put on her new prescription glasses for the first time - and she has worn them all day, everyday since.

Frame: Vanni, model 2000

Lens: EnRoute Pro with glare filter and contrast enhancement.

How would describe the difference wearing this prescription has made?

Holly: Amazing. I can’t believe how clear things are. I haven’t had even a hint of a migraine (usually a common part of my life) since I put on my glasses. My vision is comfortable on the computer at work, and when I am helping with year 1 online school activities at home.

How do you like the EnRoute lens?

Holly: I have been waiting to try this since my training. It makes a huge difference during those dusk times, when I would give up on something, like reading or computer work, because the light was too tricky.

I know you tried on lots of different frames, what was it that made this your final choice?

Holly: I like the pink, it is a bit girly. The shape and pattern give an accent, and some drama. The acetate bridge is very comfortable on my face.

New Glasses Could Save Lives on the Road

Here is a novel reason to wear glasses. A French-based start-up company has launched Serenity smart glasses, to help overcome drowsiness for drivers, and manage falls among elderly people.

How do they work? Technology is embedded in the lightweight frames. Sensors collect physical, physiological and environmental data, and can connect to mobile apps.

The drowsiness detection alert system analyses yawning, head micro-drops, frequency of eyelids closing, and car temperature. Through this people at risk of falling asleep while driving are identified.

Recently the glasses were on display at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show. They are gaining attention as a product that “can help save lives and reduce accidents,” said business manager Theo Niktabe.

This could be a way to reduce potentially fatal car accidents as well as falls. There is an automatic fall detection feature which alerts others, family or a professional helpline. Then appropriate and prompt assistance could be provided.

Mr Niktabe said Serenity glasses have been designed to look like regular eyewear as people of all ages don’t want to wear a ‘device’ for fall detection.

There are also developments to protect employees in work environments. These include monitoring physical activity and stress levels, vigilance for jobs requiring high attention, pollution, and the ability to warn workers of musculoskeletal disorders.

The Serenity smart glasses are on sale in France and are being launched worldwide.

Supporting local

We are happily moving closer to Level 1, and beyond. It will be a relief for us at McDonald Adams to be able to get back to the full scope of our work, including seeing people for consultations again.

Overshadowing the successful outcome, of averting a full scale pandemic emergency in New Zealand which would have swamped our health system, are the economic forecasts. These are not uplifting. Many lives have already been impacted, in our local and national community.

We have been encouraged by messages of support like this one: “Many thanks for all your help over the last few years. Hope your business is not hurting too badly with the challenges that covid has raised and that you, your loved ones and wonderful staff are staying healthy.”

Image taken by Andrew Tunnicliffe

The situation definitely gives pause for reflection on what being a local business means to us. Such a large part of the pleasure and satisfaction we experience through our work as Optometrists comes from helping our community. Over the years (21 and counting) we have developed wonderful relationships as you trusted us with your eyes and vision. We have enjoyed continually developing our skills and growing our practice to fit the needs of our local area. Our scope of practice has extended to glaucoma management, an ever growing behavioural optometry practice for Sally, and recently we have helped foster a low vision support group.

Alongside this our team has developed and it has been wonderful to offer young people a start in a career in optics, and also gather experienced staff who chose to move to our area.

We will be seeking opportunities to support other local businesses and we hope you will too. Our sense of connection, which has strengthened through the COVID-19 alert lockdown, will see us all work together, and we look forward to this next chapter.

Nga mihi,

Claire

COVID-19 Keeping Safe at Alert Level 2

Emerging from Alert Level 3 we want to reassure you we are here to provide eye care for our community. We are committed to operating in a safe manner to reduce risks for you and our team. This means you will notice we are doing things differently. Please read the following information about operations under Alert Level 2.

• We are screening everyone at the time of booking and deferring appointments for anyone who is unwell.

• Outside the door we have posters reminding people not to enter if they are unwell or have signs or symptoms suspicious for COVID-19

• We will allow a limited number of people into our practice at any one time - this is to allow for physical distancing.

• We will have a contact register for everyone entering our practice.

• Hand sanitiser available for use throughout the practice.

• Our waiting space is clean with social distancing observed.

• We are cleaning and disinfecting equipment, including our eftpos machine, between each use, and all surfaces.

• Good hygiene is part of our every day focus; our team understands the importance of hand hygiene, staying home if sick, covering coughs and sneezes and social distancing - not touching or shaking hands with anyone.

• We will ask you to give us some more details ahead of your appointment, describe any concerns you have with your eyes or vision etc, this will reduce the time spent in the consulting room.

• In our consulting rooms, breath screens have been fitted to our microsopes so we can check your eyes safely.

• At your appointment, when possible, we will operate from a wider distance.

We are working closely with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board, and taking advice from the Ministry of Health.
 
Anyone who has any concerns can phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 or talk to us via email or phone.

Tele-Consultations - Book Online

Among many of the outcomes of Alert Level 4 is tele-consultations.

Naturally we cannot measure your vision or use the microscope over the phone! But our experience in these weeks of lock down has shown us how we can use our expertise to provide a valuable service. This has applied to people we know already, who are part of our McDonald Adams community, and also newcomers. Vision is very precious, and a consultation can be very reassuring.

In some cases we may need you to come in for a face to face consultation - which we can do safely under Alert Level 3. Alternatively we may plan a review in Level 2.

We are helped by the ease of digital photography when you need to show us your eyes.

If you have any concerns about your eyes or vision please don't hesitate to contact us; email admin@mcdonaldadams.co.nz  or phone 09 425 9646 or book online.