Retinoblastoma: Early detection is vital.

We feel it is our duty here at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists to raise awareness of any serious health conditions involving our eyes. Most major eye conditions are often symptomless in their early days, yet almost all are treatable, or at least manageable, if detected early.

Today's topic is - 'RETINOBLASTOMA'


So what is Retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma (Rb) affects one in every 20,000 babies born each year and it is the most common malignant tumour of the eye in children. It accounts for 3% of all childhood cancers and can occur either unilaterally or bilaterally and generally develops before the first five year's of life. Tumours develop in the retinal cells which are developing rapidly in early life. The process of cell development continues throughout infancy and the retina is fully developed at approximately five years of age. It is a life-threatening disease but 98% of children survive retinoblastoma in the UK. Over the past four decades, the management of this disease has evolved tremendously, changing from a deadly childhood cancer to a largely curable disease.

Although this cancer has very high survival rates, many children live with the consequences of a delayed diagnosis. Late diagnosis for a child with 'Rb' can mean the loss of one or both eyes, life with an artificial eye, a visual impairment or, in some cases, complete blindness. Unfortunately because most cases are not picked up early enough about 80% of children affected will have an eye removed.


What are the early signs of Retinoblastoma?

There are a couple of things that could indicate the presence of 'Rb' and both of them relate directly to the eyes themselves. Sometimes all you need is a photograph.
The most common sign of retinoblastoma is a white glow in the pupil of the eye, which can look like a 'cat's eye' in a photograph, especially when there is a 'red eye' look in the other eye. The 'glow' is caused by the light reflecting off the tumour at the back of the baby's eye. Sometimes the iris (the coloured part) may change colour.
Another common sign is a child with a 'squint', where one of the eyes is turning in a different direction to the other.

What should I do if I notice any of these signs?

If you think you have noticed any of these early signs please consult a professional immediately. The early signs can sometimes indicate something far less serious, but they should still be investigated immediately. 
Our Optometrists are trained to look for Retinoblastoma and will be able to carry out the necessary checks. However, if we are unable to see a child presenting these symptoms that day, we will always stress the importance of seeing your GP, or visiting your nearest eye hospital that same day.


Thank you for taking the time to read this weeks blog.

Lynne Fernandes Optometrists.

Who needs advertising when you have delighted customers!

We like to think we know a thing or two about optics, especially in providing the absolute best in clinical excellence, style and outstanding customer service.

We take no greater satisfaction than knowing we've done our jobs well, like having a patient pop in just to say how many nice comments they've had about their new glasses, or a patient thanking us for solving a problem they thought could never be fixed.

But why take our word for it? Here's some feedback that we've had in the last month from the people who know best.....You!

• 'Very polite and helpful staff, explaining all procedures and reasons for each test. A nice relaxing environment.' ELK - Gloucester Road
• 'A big range and very informative staff members' SH - Wells Road
• 'Very good service!' AM - Nailsea
• 'Pleasant environment, helpful friendly staff and an excellent selection of frames.' MG - Wells Road.
• 'No feeling of being rushed. Good explanations for each procedure, helpful and reassuring.' KH - Gloucester Road
• 'A thorough test and a pleasant atmosphere' RG - Nailsea
• 'Very thorough and done the old fashioned way, not the way these high street opticians do eyetests!' Wells Road
• 'All the staff are friendly, courteous and very professional. The test's are thorough but they do not try to persuade you to spend money on new glasses if it is not necessary. Above all we both trust and value their opinions.' AF and BF - Nailsea
• 'Well priced, good service and a wide range of frames.' EL - Gloucester Road

'Everything in the world can and will be made better'

At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists we are passionate about bringing the very latest innovations and technologies to your doorstep. That is why we team up with the most innovative optical companies in the world, to ensure that you have local access to the world's best offerings.

We will be posting a regular feature here on our blog, and each one will provide an insight in to a particular market leading company that you can find at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists.

First up is Oakley - Who truly are the epitome of what we look for here at Lynne Fernandes.

Oakley was started in 1975 by Jim Jannard, who began questioning the limits of industry standards. His aim was to make products that look better and work better than anything thing else out there. 

Jim started by developing a new type of motorcycle handgrip with a unique tread and a shape that fits the rider's closed hand. 'The Oakley Grip' was unlike other grips available at the time, using a patented material known as 'Unobtanium', a unique creation by Jannard that actually increased grip with sweat. The material is still used to make the earsocks on Oakley glasses, and many of the nose pieces. 

Jim went back to his lab and began reinventing eyewear for sports, resulting in the legendary 'O-Frame' goggles. Almost as soon as it appeared, his 'O-Frame' goggle became a favourite with top pros such as Ricky Johnson, Jeff Ward, Mark Barnett and Johnny O'Mara. For 18 years, no other goggle could compete with the 'O-Frame'. Oakley's pure lexan lens maintained a perfect arc, bringing the wearer unrivalled peripheral vision, accuracy and impact protection. 

In 1983, Jannard took the 'O-Frame' and adapted it for the mountains. These new 'O-Frame' ski goggles mirrored the success of their motocross equivalent. 

It wasn't long before Jannard set his sights on producing Oakley sunglasses. Jim used innovations from his previous inventions to create 'Eyeshades', a design that began an evolution of eyewear from generic accessory to vital equipment. 'Eyeshades' were lauded for their lightweight frame and superior optical performance.

Decades of innovation have brought new product technologies, blends of science and art that have been awarded over 600 patents worldwide.

Today, Oakley has become the mark of excellence and the solution to those who cannot compromise on performance.

Lynne Fernandes Optometrists stock Oakley products at all three of our practices. As well as the sports eyewear range, we also stock the opthalmic range for everyday spectacles. All available with or without your prescription. Pop in and ask a member of staff for more details.

Oakley - 'Everything in the world can and will be made better'

Your children's eyesight is precious.

Lynne Fernandes Optometrists are always looking to inform our local communities about the importance of looking after our eyes. But nowhere does this ring more true than with our young children. Without good eyesight children can suffer setbacks to learning and the development of life skills.

Signs that may indicate that your child has a visual problem

1. Rubs eyes or blinks excessively.
2. Squinting or screwing up the eyes to see, or peering closely at books and TV.
3. Clumsiness.
4. Poor performance at school or a reluctance to read.
5. Headaches



 

Eye examinations are usually fun for children and are paid for by the NHS for school-age children in full-time education. Eyesight can be tested from a very early age with special tests derived for very young children - they do not need to be able to read letters. Generally, the earlier a problem is detected, the more effectively it can be treated.

It is for this very reason that Lynne Fernandes Optometrists regularly organises school visits, in order to teach year 1 pupils the importance of eye care in a fun and easy manner. We sometimes visit the schools, but more often than not, we invite a year 1 class into one of our practices so they can really see the inner workings of an opticians, it proves to be an exciting day!




Trying some frames on!

Looking at the magic picture through a
polarised lens...

Looking through an uncut lens.

Watching a lens being cut to shape.

Listening intently to Lynne!



Now you can afford to look good this Xmas!

Christmas is nearly here and we at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists appreciate that it can be a costly time of year! So to help ease the burden, we are having a fantastic Xmas Frame Sale to ensure that you can still afford to look fantastic over the festive period.

Starting on Monday 9th December, we are offering up to 50% off selected frames, and if you are a member of our 'Lens Club', you will still get your Free Single Vision lenses included. These two great offers combined mean that you really can look forward to the new year in style!

If you are not a member of our 'Lens Club' then please visit one of our practices, where a member of our team will be happy to get you signed up. Remember, it's completely free to join and being a member entitles you to free Single Vision lenses (or £59 off Bifocals and Varifocals) EVERY time you purchase a new frame.

Click on the pictures below for more details.