Learning to use BLVNZ library

Blind Low Vision New Zealand (BLVNZ) have recently upgraded their audio library technology, it is now digital.

What does this mean?

Clients who used media devices such as cassettes or CDs to listen to their audio books and magazines have been phased out for Alexa Smart Speakers. This is great news as it makes all the material accessible, but this does not come without challenges!

My role as an Optometrist means I understand the struggles and grief that comes with vision loss. This commonly occurs with age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. For many individuals, the most significant loss is driving, reading and most importantly, an associated loss of independence. Although we might not be able to support individuals with their driving, we can restore books and literature into someone's life, which is still an amazing feat.

Helping visually impaired elderly embrace new technology requires patience and it pays to have a good sense of humor.

So how does the Alexa Smart Speaker work?

Individuals can access the BLVNZ library and follow a series of menus and prompts that enable the user to select from thousands of books, articles or magazines. Learning the succinct prompts takes some practice, but it is extremely delightful hearing elderly people conversing politely with 'Alexa'.

For individuals with low vision, Alexa can offer other features to bring independence back into their life, such as setting reminders, alarms or simply telling the time. These smart speakers replace many of the previous BLVNZ tools, such as talking clocks.

Give voice-activation a try. For example, have you tried the Siri command on your phone? Or listened to an audio book? - You can try one from the Auckland Digital Library. Including some non-visual ways to do every day things could be a glimpse into the future and help you understand the limitations for individuals who have low vision.

Our Low Vision Support Group meets monthly at Summerset Village Mondays @ 1:30pm.
Please recommend this to anyone who is struggling with vision loss.

Meeting Dates for 2022 are:

16 May, 20 June, 18 July, 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, 21 November.

Claire McDonald

Preservative Free Systane Complete

Systane Complete Dry Eye Relief

Alcon has expanded its range of preservative-free eye drops with the addition of Systane Complete Preservative-Free. This lubricating eye drop combines the long-lasting formulation of Systane Complete in a multi-dose, preservative-free bottle.

Systane Complete is a unique formula which many dry eye sufferers find very soothing. There are ingredients to help the layers of the natural tear film, in particular the vital oily ‘top coat’ of the tears. This oily layer reduces tear evaporation.

The various ingredients in this eye drop creates a viscoelastic meshwork. This meshwork forms a bandage over the eye’s surface, which binds to damaged areas of the cornea. The result is extended protection and lubrication and comfort.

The bottle features patented PureFlow Technology. This is a one-way valve to ensure no contaminated liquid can go back into the container and includes a fine silicone membrane to filter returned air. The bottle has a low squeeze force and features a blue tip to aid with installation.

This as suitable for people with mild to moderate dry eye, who can get symptom relief of dry eye for several hours. Worth a try!

Available in our practice or from our online shop.

Jackie Low - Extern Optometry Student 2022

Jackie Low is a final year student completing her optometry externship at the University of Auckland.

Claire and Sally will be supervising Jackie and reviewing her findings. We invite you to make an appointment with Jackie. 

Please allow an hour and note the examination fee will be reduced to $75. We are delighted to be able to mentor and support final year students here at McDonald Adams Optometrists.

Vlad Zorzoliu - Optometrist

Optometrist Vlad Zorzoliu has joined us. Vlad completed his Optometry studies at the University of Auckland and has been working at Central Otago Optical in Alexandra.

Vlad loves the way as an optometrist you can help people see better; in his words ‘be an advocate for eye health’.

Vlad is experienced in contact lens fitting including speciality and hard lenses. He has a natural rapport with children, drawing on skills gained through coaching tennis.

We are delighted to have Vlad on our team, particularly as our appointment book has been very busy! Another optometrist will mean less wait time for a consultation.

Vlad, Sally and Claire are available for online bookings.

Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646

Should I see an Optometrist or a GP?

A common question! Think about it this way, a GP is a general practitioner and an Optometrist is an eye practitioner.

Often someone will go to their GP with an eye problem only to be referred to us. There is a (unfortunate) misconception that Optometrists only sell glasses. Even though that is part of what we do, finding the right prescription for your glasses probably only accounts for 20-30% of your appointment time. The rest is spent on the health of your eyes.

When to see whom?

Red eye: Optometrist

Something in your eye: Optometrist

Tired achy eyes: Optometrist

Black spots floating in your vision: Optometrist

Dry eyes/itchy eyes/burning eyes/tearing eyes: Optometrist

Anything to do with your eyes: Optometrist

It’s not that your GP does not know about eyes - they do. But as Optometrists we are specialised in eye health. We have qualifications to prescribe appropriate medications - usually eye drops - when needed. So we don’t need to refer you to GP to get a prescription.

We have the equipment to make assessments, aiming to manage things correctly from the the start so you get the best results sooner.

If the situation needs a referral to an eye specialist - an Ophthalmologist - we can take care of that too.

Bring eye problems to us. You can book online or phone for an appointment.

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Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646