Vision Times (Spring/2014)

2201 WEST DOLARWAY ROAD, ELLENSBURG WA / 509-925-1000MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8:30-5:30

Vol. 5 Spring 2014/

WHAT’S INSIDE?Children’s Eye Health

Spring Allergy Relief

Transitions Signature VII Lenses

Inside the Starkey Hearing Expo!

plus limited time offers and specials!

valley vision and hearing associates presents

T H E L Y R I C

T H E H E M L I N ET H E

S H O R E L I N E

T H E R I D G E W A Y

Vision Times / Spring 2014www.valleyvisionassociates.com

WHO IS VALLEY VISION AND HEARING ASSOCIATES?We are a comprehensive eye and ear health clinic located in Ellensburg, WA. Our educated and friendly staff works five days a week to assist the community in everything from annual eye exams to screw replacements in glasses. With three optometrists, three licensed dispensing opticians, a contact lens technician, an eye surgeon and an audiologist, our clinic offers a wide range of care opportunities. For eyeglass wearers, our facility offers the largest selection of frames in the Kittitas Valley.

WHAT IS THE VISION TIMES?The Vision Times was created in 2008 as a way to educate and share news with the community regarding eye and ear health. In these pages you will find educational articles, new products and services, upcoming promotions, and fun staff spotlights. Take a minute or two and get to know us here at Valley Vision and Hearing Associates!

Children’s Eye HealthWith Dr. Robert Davis OD, MBA, FAOO

Children are primarily visual learners. However, an estimated 17-25 percent of school-age children have vision problems. Many of these problems go undetected and may interfere with the child’s ability to reach his or her potential in school.

eye doctors cannot assure that accurate information can be collected if the child cannot read an eye chart. This is not true. There are several techniques and instru-ments which can be accurately used for non-verbal or small children. Remember, many eye problems have no symptoms! Professional eye care is the only way to de-tect some problems. However, according to the United States Center for Health Statis-tics, only 14 percent of American children under age five have received a compre-hensive eye exam. The third most common myth is the as-sumption that the child received a vision exam at school. Most school screenings are designed to detect nearsightedness, which has a very low incidence in school age children. Many parent groups are re-questing a more comprehensive vision screening. The National Parent Teacher As-sociation is advocating for a required vi-sion examination prior to school entrance. State mandated school vision screenings are only required to check distance visual acuity which could at best rule-out near-sightedness. In contrast, during the com-prehensive eye exam at age three, the Doc-tor of optometry checks the child’s ability to focus, to see clearly at all distances, and to use both eyes together as a team. The child’s depth perception and color vision can be measured. Tests can be performed to detect nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, crossedeye, lazy eye, eye in-fections, and ocular diseases.

Three myths concerning children’s vision

Appearance of Eyes

Crossed in, or turning outRed-rimmed, encrusted or swollen

Bloodshot or wateryOften affected by sties

Shuts or covers one eye when looking

Tilts or turns head to lookCannot see distant objects clearly

Stumbles over small objectsAvoids reading or picture books

Sits very close to television

Squints or frowns oftenBlinks more than usual

Rubs eyes oftenBehavior

Complaints

Double or blurred visionItchy, burning or scratchy feeling eyes

Poor visionFrequent headachesProblems at school

DidYouKnow While it takes some time for most parts of your body to warm

up to their full potential, your eyes are on their “A game” 24/7.

Regular exercise benefits your eyes as well as your overall health!?

The Doctors: Abel LiM.D.

Scott OltmanO.D.

Robert DavisO.D., M.B.A., F.A.O.O.

Jennifer CrownO.D.

Signs of Children’s Vision Problems

Vision disorders are the most common handicapping condition for children in the U.S., and the fourth most common disability, making effective detection and treatment in the preschool population essential. (Seddon

J. Fong D. Public health and the eye. Surv Ophth

43:445-457,1999)

The American Optometric Association sug-gests that children receive a complete eye ex-amination at six months, again at age three, another before kindergarten, and every two years thereafter. Some children may require more frequent eye care depending on the na-ture of the diagnosed eye or vision disorder. Proper eye care can help a child in a number of ways. First, vision development and health is assessed. Like the rest of a child’s body, the eyes grow and develop rapidly through use. Second, changes and problems are de-tected. Because a child’s eyes change rapidly, parents need to be alert for signs of possible eye problems. Third, the need for treatment may be indicated. Most children’s eye prob-lems can be treated effectively when detect-ed early. Last, more serious problems can be prevented by routine care. When all parts of the visual system grow and work together, a child sees with full potential. There are three myths about children’s vi-sion. The first myth is that children would tell if they could not properly see. Remem-ber this: children do not complain about their vision because they think everyone sees the way they do. The second major myth regarding eye ex-ams for infants and young children is that

T H E L Y R I C

T H E H E M L I N ET H E

S H O R E L I N E

T H E R I D G E W A Y

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Dr. Li interned at the prestigious Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital in Houston, Texas and advanced his expertise by com-pleting a glaucoma fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine. He offers modern cataract surgical tech-niques, treatment of Macular degenera-tion and Gluacoma, laser procedures and has extensive training in treating various eye diseases and other ocular surgery. Abel has surgery privileges regionally, in-cluding Kittitas Valley Community Hospi-tal. Currently Dr. Li divides his time between our practice and Central Washington Eye Clinic in Yakima, WA. When he’s off duty, Dr. Li is an avid football fan. He has been known to suggest clinic-wide days off af-ter Superbowl wins! Go Hawks!

Springtime AllergiesDay by day the temperature is rising, birds are chirping and heavy winter coats are being tucked away in garages and basements. Spring is in the air! However, not every sign of spring is welcome. For a lot of people, the change in seasons brings dry, puffy eyes and allergies. Keeping those allergies at bay will help you enjoy every ounce of fun that spring has to offer.

Recognize the signs: During the spring, pollen, allergens, and mold spores from plants are carried through the air. When these allergens reach our bodies, our immune systems send out allergy-fighting cells to the areas needing relief. As a result, irritating side effects can occur. Understanding how to combat these symptoms will lead to a happy and healthier spring.

Over-the-counter eye drops such as Blink and Systane lubricate eyes, while antihistamine drops such as Zaditor and Patanol will relieve itchy, watery eyes. Ask our doctors for a rec-ommendation on which eye drops would work best for you and start enjoying spring today!

ALLERGIES BY THE NUMBERS

1 in 5

4 million

#1

Top 10

People in the U.S. who have allergy symptoms each year

Number of workdays lost each year in the U.S. due to hay fever

Worst city for allergies: Knoxville Tennessee

courtesy of www.webmd.com

Best cities for allergies:Portland, ORSeattle,WA

San Diego, CASacramento, CA

Albany, NYSalt Lake City, Utah

Stockton, CASan Jose, CA

Colorado Springs, CODaytona Beach, FL

How to eliminate the discomfort of spring

Treatment Tips: Don’t!

Rub your eyesShare optical equipment

(binoculars, glasses, goggles, etc.)

Do!Apply a cold press for swelling

Use your air conditioner and maintain filters

Use prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine drops

Switch to daily disposable contacts when pollen counts are high

Find these and many more at Valley Vision and Hearing Associates!

Get To Know Dr. Li!Our In-House Ophthalmologist


Transitions Signature 7 Featuring Chromea7 Technology

A superior way to see the world.Transitions Signature VII lenses replace Transitions VI lenses as the optimal lens for maximum indoor clarity and responsiveness to UV outdoors. They offer full clarity indoors and just the right amount of tint outdoors.

Don’t think you can give up clear lenses?

More than 8 out of 10 clear lens wearers rated Transitions Signature VII lenses better than their regular clear lenses.

There is a perfect pair of Transitions lenses waiting for you!

Preferred 2 to 1 over Transitions VI lenses

Have one of our knowledgeable opticians help find just the right fit for you!

So come in today!

Transitions Signature VII lenses were developed to be more responsive in more situations using a new proprietary methodology - Life 360 - repre-senting various temperatures, weather conditions and geographies. The result is lenses that are darker across an even wider variety of conditions.

Revolutionary testing for a revolutionary product

Reflective Light: More reactive to indirect sunlight than previous transitions lenses.

Defeated

Where were you born/raised? Yakima, WAHow many years have you been in this field? 34 yearsThree ways to describe you: Laid-back, intelligent, funnyFavorite restaurant in town? Campus U-Tote-EmHobbies? Sports cars, hunting, fishing, and drinking wineWhat is your secret talent? Glass BlowingFavorite sunglass brand? Maui JimFavorite part of working at Valley Vision and Hearing? The teamwork

Staff Spotlight: Jim Voss, L.D.O.When it comes to repairs and adjustments for glasses Jim Voss is your go-to optician. His experience at our production lab, Vision Craft, has taught him the importance of detail and precision. Furthermore, his passion for the outdoors gives him real-world insight into the needs of today’s sportsman/enthusiast.


Starkey Hearing Technologies“So That All May Hear”

When hearing patients come into Valley Vision and Hearing Associates, they are greeted by a front desk attendant, checked in for their appointment and then escort-ed back by a technician or specialist. Leo Oltman and audiologist Nancy Smart are the experts who assist them. A majority of the hearing patients that walk through our doors are facing some form of hear-ing loss. Once the loss is assessed, Leo and Nancy decide whether or not hearing aids are right for the individual.

Here at Valley Vision and Hearing, our hearing aid of choice is made by Starkey, but who are they? What makes them im-portant in the fight against hearing loss? Starkey is a leader in the hearing indus-try, revolutionizing the way hearing aids are used. Starkey was the first company to create hearing aids virtually feedback-free; day to day activities are possible without the buzzing and high-pitched beeps that older hearing aids have. It was Starkey that first brought touch technol-

ogy to hearing aids and made them wa-terproof. Starkey also listens to patient feedback to tackle big issues like eliminat-ing background noise. All Starkey hearing aids are made in the United States of America. The quality and attention to detail is unsurpassed. Each hearing aid is designed to fit a specific need as well as a specific ear! Furthermore, Starkey is committed to everyone who is battling against hearing loss. In 1984, founder Bill Austin started the Starkey Hearing Foundation. His ide-ology revolved around the notion that "Alone we can't do much. But, together we can change the world." The foundation's outreach program, called "So the World May Hear", has given nearly 500,000 hearing aids to people around the world in need. Starkey has a reputation that is like none other in the hearing industry. At Valley Vi-sion and Hearing, we want patients to ex-perience the best that hearing aids have to offer, and that’s... Devin Nancy Leo

(assistant)Hearing Staff:

DidYouKnow While hearing loss is one of the most common health issues in

the world, it is also one of the most treatable.

50% of adults 75 and older have some form of hearing loss. ?

Starkey Hearing Expo 2013The Oltman men head to Vegas!

On January 15th, Leo and Dr. Scott Oltman packed their bags and boarded a Vegas-bound plane. However, no high-stakes gambling was to be had. The men were on their way to the Starkey Hearing Innovation Expo for a weekend of training, inspiration and world-renowned motivational speakers.

3400Hearing Specialists

80Presenters

of meeting space200,000 ft. 2

3Keynotes-George W. Bush-Donald Trump-Bill Clinton

-Brad Paisley

1Concert

34CountriesRepresented

following on Twitter6.3 million

“I came back from this conference feeling very proud of what Starkey is doing worldwide for those in need. Their passion for helping people is truly inspiring.” -Leo Oltman

(H.I.S.)(M.S., C.C.C.A.)

2201 West Dolarway, Ellensburg, Wa.www.valleyvisionassociates.com / 509-925-1000

billy harrellG R A P H I C D E S I G N

b i l l yha r re l l g raph i cdes ign . com

Articles By: Hayley Meyer

Staff photos courtesy of: Photo Nuvo“Like” us on Facebook!


BOGOBUY ONE, GET ONE

While supplies last, See optician for detailsfree!

2201 West Dolarway Road, Ellensburg WA 509-925-1000/Valley Vision and Hearing Associates /

1st-30thApril

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Vision Times (Spring/2014)