Dr. Nate and Mrs. Edna,
Thanks for everything that you did to help my son. He did very well on his first report card for first grade. He gets a perfect score on nearly all of his math tests and is on grade level in reading. The school has continued to use his slant board in class and follow your recommended accommodations.
In the last quarter of Kindergarten, his Kindergarten teacher told me she thought he would really struggle in first grade. I’m glad that we proved her wrong! The teacher contacted me for a conference recently, and I was prepared to hear that he was having trouble. I was pleased and caught off guard when the teacher informed me that she requested the conference just so she could get to know my son better and that he was doing well in first grade. He works independently and finishes his work on time.
I feel that your program has made a huge difference in my son’s academic life. I don’t know where we’d be without vision therapy. It’s ironic that I told the Kindergarten teacher last September that when my son learns to focus, he’ll begin to shine! I didn’t know at that point what, if any, vision problems he had!
He’s beginning to shine this year.
Circle Lens Statement by the American Optometric Association
Although anime or “Circle Lenses” have been around for a while, thanks to Lady Gaga they are surging in popularity right now. But remember that only FDA approved contact lenses prescribed by an eye doctor are considered safe to wear. By law, lenses cannot be sold without a valid contact lens prescription.
If you have any questions about the safety of your lenses, please contact us.
Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) Statement Regarding Circle Contact Lenses
Patient safety and access to adequate eye care is always our concern. With the growing interest in “circle lenses,” colored plano and prescription contact lenses imported primarily from Asia, the AOA is once again working to inform consumers of the risk of these illegal lenses. And, last month, AOA staff led one of the largest meetings of federal officials concerned about the illegal sale of these and other decorative contact lenses, convened by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“With the FDA’s focus of ‘Protecting and Promoting Health,’ the recent gathering served as an outstanding platform to brainstorm with FDA officials,” states Joe E. Ellis, O.D. President of the American Optometric Association. “We found that FDA officials were shocked, as well as dismayed, by how easy these lenses can be obtained, and how aggressively adolescents and young adults are targeted.”
The AOA is responding to numerous requests for information and interviews from media outlets across the country. “We are working with the consumer media to encourage people to visit an eye care professional and get a proper prescription. A beauty fad is not worth causing problems with your sight,” adds Dr. Ellis.
Consumers should not use any contact lenses, whether they are circle lenses, or otherwise, without a proper examination and prescription by an eye care professional. Risks associated with the improper use of decorative contact lenses include conjunctivitis, corneal swelling, eye infection, allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit and/or improper lens care. Additional problems may result in a reduction of visual acuity, diminished contrast sensitivity, or reduced peripheral vision and other general eye and vision impairments. Optometrists are encouraged to report any violations of the sale of contact lenses, or any adverse health consequences, to AOA’s Washington office.