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ARCHIVED POST: Light-Adaptive Contacts! Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Launches April 1!

Contact Lenses with Transitions new to the market. Here background on the technology and what our staff thought when they tried them on

PLEASE NOTE: Transitions contact lenses were discontinued by Johnson and Johnson June 30th, 2024 and are no longer available for consumer purchase.

This is no joke! Contact lenses that darken (tint) with UV exposure are available April 1st through Johnson & Johnson. Branded “Oasys with Transitions” the technology has been in development for ten years. Our manufacturer’s rep thinks photochromic (light changing) contacts are going to be standard in all contacts in the future.

Lens Availability and How it Works

transitions contacts, contacts with transitions, oasys with transitions
Light -> Dark Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions – image courtes of Johnson and Johnson

The initial product launch only covers spherical powers in the two week disposable lens (not for astigmatism or multi-focal wearers… yet, next year potentially). The contacts ability to change colors depends on two things – temperature and UV exposure. The material of the contact contains a special molecule that activates at body temperature (98 degrees) and when exposed to UV light to darken the lens material. The reaction is quick- within a few minutes of UV light exposure the material gets to the darkened state and without the UV light it returns to the lighter state within a few minutes. In the lighter state- there is a residual 15% tint which is intentional. The slight tint helps to block blue light from digital devices. It also reduces overhead light glare and light from oncoming headlights when night driving.

Staff Reviews of Contacts with Transitions

Hannah- I love them! They change pretty quickly when I come inside- much quicker than my transitions lenses in my glasses.

Shelly- I won’t even put drops in my eyes and you think I’ll put those in my eyes? Nope. #teamglasses

April- my eyes are still pretty light sensitive outside- definitely not a replacement for sunglasses for me on a bright day. #teamglasses

James- Not a big fan, but I haven’t worn contacts in 13 years and they just feel weird. #teamglasses

James with Transitions Contacts (left – clear, right – darkened)

Sarah- No thanks- no contacts for me! #teamglasses

Caitlin- I like the feel of them- they were very comfortable. I like being outside and not squinting in bright light, I liked the slight tint inside too. But they’re definitely not a replacement for sunglasses on a bright day- especially because they don’t activate in the car. On my contacts days (since I’m 90% glasses, 10% contacts) these contacts would be my choice.

Interested in more information?

We’d love to talk to you more about the new Contact Lenses with Transitions to see if they might be a good fit into your life. The next step would be to set up a contact lens exam with one of the doctors who can answer specific questions and take necessary measurements to fit these lenses. Here is information about contact lens exams for new prescriptions. Here is a link to schedule an appointment online!

Welcome Dr. Heather LeClaire!

Dr. Heather LeClaire has fortunately landed here in Bellingham by way of Minnesota (born and raised), Ohio (optometry school) and Seattle (because she fell in love with the PNW after visiting a friend during optometry school).  Interested in leaving the big city life for the Bellingham area where she had friends, a mutual colleague connected us and she joined our team in October 2018.

The past three months have slipped by quickly during our busiest time of year while Dr. LeClaire has seen patients Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Fridays all day.  A proper introduction is overdue- but here are some important things to know about Dr. LeClaire:

In her own words…
  • Most days you can find me… exploring our new home town and area. It is such a great combination of city and outdoors, and it is all easily accessible!
  • I love serving the world by… helping people see and feel better about how they look and feel in their glasses and contacts. I love to educate people about their eyes and their health.
  • The things I’m most passionate about in life are… friends and family, food and art.
  • When I’m not busy checking eyes you can find me… with my nose in a book, searching antique or thrift stores for possible treasures, hanging out with friends, and exploring Bellingham and the surrounding area
  • My favorite part of my job is… working with a great team of people, and meeting such a variety of people from all walks of life and with such varied interests, and being able to help them see and feel the best about their eyes and health.

It must be said too- Dr. LeClaire is a talented crafter- she created beautiful cross-stitch ornaments of each staff member’s glasses!  And they are so lovely!

Dr. LeClaire is currently accepting new patients from most insurance plans.  For more details please contact our office or consult our online appointment scheduling tool here!

Garrett Leight Trunk Show

You are invited to the Garrett Leight x Binyon Vision Center  Trunk Show!

 

Please join us for a special opportunity to see the Garrett Leight California Optical collection in its entirety – all optical frames, all sun frames, all colors.

Garrett Leight California Optical represents a new generation of eyewear inspired by classic designs and California culture. The response at Binyon has been overwhelming since we started carrying the line in June of this year. The classically tailored frames appeal across all generations.  We’ve seen a 80 year old man and a 24 year old woman select the same frame! From the family that created Oliver People- GLCO makes beautiful eyewear the right way- with high quality materials and fine craftsmanship.

Join us as we welcome Mr. Brett Cates from GLCO with the entire collection – all frames and all colors. Feel free to browse the website www.garrettleight.com to get a feel for the selection and come in November 26th between 10-4 to try any of these frames on for yourself! Don’t miss the sunglasses selection – it is amazing.

All first pair lenses purchased with GLCO frame will be 20% off.  Any second pair purchase of GLCO will have lenses discounted 30% off!

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Glasses of Binyon – A Clark Family of Four-Eyes

Sometimes (Often) glasses run in the family…

whatcom falls family binyon vision center glasses

When I contacted Shelly Clark about photographing her family for the latest “Glasses of Binyon” blog she responded- “Could we meet at Whatcom Falls Park? We kind of live right in the park.”  I thought that might mean on the road leading into the park but as Kevin works for the Department of Fishery for Washington State- they literally live in the park.  It was a joy to watch the family in their backyard and picture the kids growing up in one of Bellingham’s most beautiful parks.  Kevin, Shelly, Chester and June have been patients of Dr. McEathron’s for many years and they each have unique and interesting stories about their journey with their glasses.

Let’s start with Chester.

whatcom falls family binyon vision center glasses

Shelly tells me he’s worn glasses for as long as she can remember.  His first eye exam was when he was four years old- with concerns of family history of nearsightedness.  Shelly remembers this appointment vividly- that Dr. McEathron kindly recommended they try again the following year when Chester knew more letters.  He received his first pair of glasses the next year and Shelly comments that he’s always taken very good care of his glasses- probably because he’s “blind as a bat” without them.  His high astigmatism doesn’t make him a great candidate for contact lenses- but he wears glasses well and appreciates the help from the opticians to find him a great fitting pair that is stylish.

Shelly was also proactive with an early eye exam for daughter, June.

When she was 5 she sat in Mom’s lap for her first eye exam.  The next few years she came in for regular checks- but Dr. McEathron found no need for glasses.  As 3rd grade rolled around, some reading struggles were noted.  We made some reading glasses, but Dr. McEathron also recommended a consultation for vision therapy.  June now sees Dr. Bearden at Optometric Physicians Northwest to help with excessive convergence.  She wears her reading glasses for close work but with the improvement she’s seeing in vision therapy, she might not need them for much longer.

Shelly recalls Kevin coming home with his first pair of glasses in 2012 andwhatcom falls family binyon vision center glasses being amazed…

at what he had been missing out on because he couldn’t see!  He spends a lot of time outdoors- so he tried Transitions darkening lenses but didn’t like the amount of time it took for them to change back to clear- so he invested in his first prescription sunglasses made by Maui Jim.  He describes those as the ultimate treat- and necessary for his work around bodies of water to be able to see clearly through the glare.

whatcom falls family binyon vision center glassesI saved my favorite story for last!

Shelly was very nearsighted and had Lasik performed in 2010 and was glasses free for 4 years after wearing them since she was a little girl.  She remembers the news that she would need glasses again as being disappointing – “It’s because I’m getting older right?” she asked Dr. McEathron.  “Well, it’s because you keep having birthdays,” explained Dr. M.  Shelly loves how he took her negative and turned it into a positive.  She says she’s fine wearing them now and even likes them!  When she lost her glasses she got the same frame in another color.  This was smart because she found the lost glasses again and now has two very cute similar but different color frames!

https://kids.optometricphysiciansnw.com/our-services/vision-and-learning

It was a fun adventure to get to know this family better in their beautiful back yard and hear about their unique glasses experiences.  A special thank you to Shelly, Kevin, Chester and June for sharing their glasses stories and to Katheryn Moran of Katheryn Moran Photography for taking this awesome family’s pictures!

Kid’s Eye Exams – All the Facts!

Eye Exam – add this to your Back to School checklist!

Back to school season is upon us, which means your list of to-do’s is <hopefully> getting shorter by the day.  Make sure to include scheduling your kid’s eye exam! Researchers say up to 10 percent of preschoolers and up to 25 percent of school-age children have vision disorders that can affect learning. Routine eye exams are essential to making sure kids have the visual skills needed to thrive in the classroom!

Kids are especially visual learners, and they can’t learn what their eyes can’t see! Therefore, healthy vision is key in order for them to learn to their fullest potential.

What to Expect in a Kid’s Eye Exam

Kid's Eye Exams are an important part of back to school! Photo by Binyon Vision CenterThere are several things your optometrist will check for when you bring your child in for their eye exam. The first tests are looking for refractive errors including nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness.  Next is looking for astigmatism: when the shape of the eye causes blurriness, and amblyopia: when one eye is weaker than the other. Amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye”) is the most common cause of vision problems in children, most easily treated when young. The optometrist will check how eyes move, if they line up right and track together, and how they react to changes in light and darkness.

If your younger child doesn’t have confidence in letter recognition, the doctor presents easily recognizable for vision testing.

Kid's Eye Exams are an important part of back to school! Photo by Binyon Vision Center

Doesn’t the school test vision?

School vision screenings are less likely to catch farsightedness or astigmatism- which can have a negative affect on academic performance.  Students in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska are required by law to have comprehensive eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist before kindergarten.  In Washington state, any student who fails the vision screening test is required to have a comprehensive eye exam.  The child must bring signed proof of the exam to the school nurse.  This is a great start- but in our experience we have seen several misleading test results. This makes us a little concerned there are kids out there who need glasses that the vision screening didn’t catch.

Kid's Eye Exams are an important part of back to school! Photo by Binyon Vision Center

A prescription for glasses is the potential output of an eye exam. If your child needs glasses, you are starting them off on the right foot for academic success in the 2018-2019 school year!  Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Kid's Eye Exams are an important part of back to school! Photo by Binyon Vision Center

Glasses of Binyon – Emily Ufkes

“Just wanted to let you know how great my Ovvo glasses are…”

… began an email from Emily.  “Several months ago, my toddler snatched them off my face and bent them in HALF.  Besides a small crease, the frames were unharmed and I’m wearing them daily.  But we had a long talk about  how fragile (most) glasses are.”

ovvo glasses toddler proof elizabeth park katheryn moran photography

Emily was referencing her 2nd out of 3 pairs of Ovvo Optics glasses frames.  She found her first pair in 2015, soon after her precious son Raylan was born.  Little did she know as a new mom she was making a wise investment in the most durable glasses frames.

Ovvo Optics Glasses Design and Technology

toddler wearing mom's ovvo sunglasses elizabeth park

What drew Emily to the Ovvo frames was how light and comfortable they are – plus fun shapes and colors.  These are two of Ovvo’s design goals for their frame line – the third was durability.  In seeking a material that was very lightweight and strong, the company could not find one that met their needs- so they forged their own metal, a combination of surgical stainless steel and titanium that had not been made before and is now manufactured with a patented process by Ovvo (more technical details here: https://ovvooptics.com/technology/).

This hypoallergenic material offers remarkable lightness, flex memory and strength.  From an optician’s standpoint the strong material is tough to move during an adjustment but we have confidence when we get it into position- it will stay there- preventing the relaxing that can happen with plastic frames.  I like to joke it’s the only pair of glasses I can fall asleep in and they aren’t at all crooked in the morning.

Emily’s hooked on Ovvo glasses

Back to Emily – she’s on her 3rd pair of Ovvo frames now as Raylan just passed his 3rd birthday.  Coincidence?  Probably not… toddler proof?  Definitely, as her story above shows.

ovvo glasses mom and son playing dinosaurs elizabeth park

When we sat down to pick her second pair in December of 2017- she said, definitely Ovvo.  We found one of the great pairs from the latest collection that incorporates a cut-out design, one of the latest eyewear trends.  She loved them, and when I pulled out the catalog to see the other colors, she fell deeper in love with the Sapphire color.  We ordered it in but started the lenses using the stock frame.   When the lenses came back she could choose between the two colors.  I love giving patients this option – they have two choices of frame color to pick from when they come to pick up their lenses and we can pop the completed lenses

into the favorites and they are on their way- looking amazing of course.

ovvo glasses mom playing airplanes with son elizabeth park

Don’t forget sunglasses!

Since I had the catalog out as we were looking at alternate colors- Emily started to look at their amazing sunglasses options.  I noticed she has an awesome insurance plan through the local credit union she works for and her insurance would be available again in January – mere weeks away.  She got a little giddy at the idea of having prescription Ovvo sunglasses.  I’d remembered seeing an awesome design at an Ovvo trunk show we had done and showed her the catalog.  “That’s the one!” she cried and we ordered it in in Shiny red!  When she came to pick up her new glasses and choose the color, the sunglasses had arrived!  We were able to make the frame measurements, wait until the calendar flipped to 2018 and order these beautiful sunglasses.

ovvo lolita sunglasses with toddler elizabeth park

Emily, Raylan and I had a marvelous photoshoot with the talented Katheryn Moran of Katheryn Moran Photography to highlight these wonderful frames.  It was fun to watch Mommy and son share such natural tender moments.  We are glad to see that these frames have become a beautiful part of her look and an indispensable tool in her mommy bag.  With all the things the Mama’s have to worry about- broken glasses can be crossed off the list with Ovvo eyewear.

ovvo glasses on a diaper bag with toddler essentials

Glasses of Binyon – Susan Johnston

A story of long-term community connections

When the kids and I walked into Galbraith Mountain Pediatric Dentistry office for the first time, I was understandably nervous.  The three year old wore her tiara and lugged along her stuffed elephant (named Sugar- great choice for going to the dentist) and the one year old is always unpredictable, because he’s one.  As new patients we were brought into a big room with an exam chair, and several bins of toys – mostly stuffed animals all outfitted with huge sets of teeth and giant toothbrushes.  A woman with cute glasses and a kind face entered the room and introduced herself as Susan, the dental assistant who would help us out on our first visit.

I noticed her glasses right away

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

Susan made sure the kids knew they could play with the toys in the room and explained this first visit is all about making sure they feel comfortable.

We sat down to look over the paperwork I filled out.  I answered a few questions then she said- “Oh! I see you work at Binyon, I’ve been seeing Mark for years!” (True story – I found her initial patient paperwork dated April 1992.)

“I wondered!” I answered, “I recognized your Lafont frames!  And these are Mark’s grandkids!”

“Too funny!” she replied, “That must make you Caitlin, I’ve known you since you were a kid!”  Before Susan worked at Galbraith, she worked for Dr. Richard Todd’s office where I’d been a patient growing up.  My memory went back to a tall, energetic woman with short brown hair that would call us back to the exam rooms and we laughed at the connection in our small Bellingham world.  Her hair is a beautiful silver now and her energy and smile are just as I remember.

Then it was her turn to come to the doctor!

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

A few months after our re-acquaintance at the dentist, Susan came in for her eye exam and was planning on updating the lenses into her current Lafont frames to her new prescription.

“You know I love fun glasses… Do you have anything new?” she asked.  I couldn’t wait to show her the new Anne et Valentin collection – bold looks with many petite options that I knew fit her style perfectly.  I grabbed a light pink frame and said, “This one.”  She put it on… and couldn’t take it off.  “Yes- this one.”

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

Later we came to photograph Susan in her element- helping kids at the dentist.  She explained she doesn’t always wear these new frames to work – she had a collision with another employee a few months ago which sent her glasses flying and we ended up repairing a broken temple.  She has several pairs of fun glasses and she tells me, “If you have to wear glasses, make it a part of your wardrobe! You need different frames and lenses for different needs and outfits.”

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

Susan and her fun glasses collection help to brighten kids’ day at Galbraith Mountain Pediatric Dentistry.  Thank you Susan, for taking part in our Glasses of Binyon feature and thank you to Katheryn Moran of Katheryn Moran Photography for the wonderful portraits.

 

Contact Lens and Packaging Recycling

Introducing… The Contact Lens Recycling Program!

Contact lens and packaging recycling with Bausch & Lomb

We’re thrilled to partner with Bausch & Lomb to be an official One-by-One Recycling Center for contact lens plastic packaging and contact lens recycling. Drop off all opened blister pack waste- the top foil and the plastic and the contacts themselves to our office and we will mail them to the recycling facility.

Contact lens and packaging recycling with Bausch & Lomb
Bring in all components seen above – contacts, blister pack and foil cover for recycling

City recycling programs filter out contact lens packaging and send it to landfills due to their small size and packaging. Put together, the contact lens waste that the US generates annually could encircle the globe three times!  We’re very thankful that Bausch & Lomb combined forces with TerraCycle(R) to tackle this problem and contribute to contact lens recycling.  Below we outline the steps we recommend to collect and bring the waste to Binyon for proper disposal.

Contact lens and packaging recycling with Bausch & Lomb

Waste will be shipped to TerraCycle, here it will be melted into plastic that can be remolded into recycled products.  Recycled separately will also be foil tops.

Contact lens and packaging recycling with Bausch & Lomb
Adirondack chairs made from recycled plastic

Another bonus? For every 2lbs of waste received, Bausch & Lomb will donate $1 to Optometry Giving Sight an awesome organization dedicated to provide eye exams and glasses to people in impoverished nations.

Contact lens and packaging recycling with Bausch & Lomb

Steps to recycle contact lens waste:

  1. Create a separate waste receptacle (recommend cardboard box) close to where you insert and remove your contacts.
  2. Just after you open and insert a new contact, empty saline solution down the drain and place waste products in the dedicated receptacle.
  3. When you remove the contact after it’s lifetime (daily, weekly, monthly, etc) –  dispose it into your container.
  4. When container gets full, bring box of waste to Binyon Vision Center – 411 E. Magnolia Street – downtown Bellingham for disposal.
  5. Smile – you’re helping reduce landfill waste.

Questions! Feel free to contact us!

2018 Lafont Trunk Show June 5th!

You Are Invited to the 2018 Lafont Trunk Show!

Lafont Trunk Show at Binyon Vision Center

Please join us for a special opportunity to see the entire Lafont Paris line of frames at our Lafont Trunk Show. There will be every frame, every color, and over 500 additional frames in the store!

Lafont Trunk Show at Binyon Vision Center

In addition to frames, we will have great refreshments, a photobooth, and raffle prizes from some of our favorite downtown shops.

Lafont Trunk Show at Binyon Vision Center

When? Tuesday June 5th – 10am – 4pm

Where? Binyon Vision Center 411 E. Magnolia Street

Why? Because we love Lafont and you will too!

No RSVP necessary – please come by!  We look forward to seeing you!

See the Facebook event here and say you’re going or interested to get a notification reminder on the day of the event!

Glasses of Binyon – Andy Thom

There’s a story behind every pair of glasses…

… and in Andy’s case, it’s two pairs of glasses.  As systems administrator at a local credit union, Andy spends between 10-14 hours per day in front of a computer screen.

systems administrator wearing the OGI Eyewear 4807 in grey demi photographed by Katheryn Moran PhotographyAll Photos: Katheryn Moran Photography

Andy has worn prescription computer glasses for several years.  Before the specialized glasses, his eyes were always tired and he fought daily headaches. In contrast, Dr. McEathron’s computer prescription brings the screen into focus for Andy and relieves his eye strain.

systems administrator wearing the OGI Eyewear 4807 in grey demi photographed by Katheryn Moran Photography

Digital Eye Strain

The Vision Council (www.visioncouncil.org) defines digital eye strain as physical discomfort that can occur after 2 hours of computer or other digital device use.  Types of physical discomfort include eye fatigue, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision and neck and back pain. So, why does digital eye strain occur?  When you work at a computer, your eyes are having to focus and refocus as you read, look at your keyboard, look around the room and back to the screen.  In addition, the screen adds constant glare, contrast and flicker – plus it emits high energy blue light.  Blue light gives screens their brightness. Likewise, that bright, high energy light that can overload the visual system and add to the eye strain.

systems administrator wearing the OGI Eyewear 4807 in grey demi photographed by Katheryn Moran Photography

Shamir Blue Zero                                                 

Andy’s most recent lenses, computer glasses, use a new material called Shamir Blue Zero.  This material absorbs blue light, but appears clear unlike many blue-light blocking products that have a yellowish tint.  Finally, it combines excellent blue light protection with optical clarity- something that’s not available with any other similar product available on the market.  Blue Zero is available in single vision, office progressive and general progressive lenses manufactured by Shamir USA.  Contact us if you have questions on availability of this material.

Furthermore, when he’s not on the computer, Andy wears a different pair of glasses.  These are his distance prescription so they work well for driving, watching movies and hiking with his wife and dogs. He finds himself putting them on as soon as he goes away from the computer because he likes seeing the world around him more clearly.

systems administrator wearing computer glasses the OGI Eyewear 4807 in grey demi photographed by Katheryn Moran PhotographyAndy is wearing the OGI Eyewear 4807 in grey demi.

Thank you to Andy for participating in this photoshoot and your feedback on your computer glasses.
Grattitude to Camber Coffee for allowing us to use your beautiful location.
Much appreciation to the very talented Katheryn Moran of Katheryn Moran Photography.