Monthly Archive for: ‘September, 2014’

An eye with a cataract

Sligo Cataract Scheme

Excellent news in the past few days- it seems that the very successful cataract shared care scheme which has been running in Sligo and the surrounding area may soon be extended to Cavan. This scheme is a streamlined service, where your first visit will be for Biometry- working out what intra ocular lens power will be required. Your second visit will be for surgery, and assuming that there are no complications, that will be you- follow up appointments will be done with your local optometrist who will keep the hospital informed of the outcome, and any potential issues.

This scheme would be good for us too- at the moment we have to refer people early, because there is such a long waiting list- we need them treated before they are seriously disadvantaged by the cloudy lenses, which for a driver can often mean a referral before we really feel it is necessary- on the assumption that it will be bad enough when they are eventually seen. There is only a very short waiting list for this treatment in the Sligo area- the last person I saw, who herself requested she be referred to Sligo was back 6 weeks from the date of referral, seeking another eye test as recommended by the surgeon- job done in 6 weeks. That is how it should be!

AMD Visual Distortion

AMD Awareness Week

AMD InformationIt is AMD awareness week again – 15 -21 September.

AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) is a condition which may affect up to 1 in 10 of the over 50s in Ireland.

Like many Optometrists across Ireland, McLeish Optometrists will be offering a free AMD test to those over 50s who might benefit, but this will not be a full eye test- we would recommend anyone with concerns contact us for sure, but regular examinations are paramount to the early detection of AMD. Everyone should have their eyes tested every two years, but if there are any symptoms it is essential to be checked as soon as possible- weeks or even days can make a difference!

More information on AMD is available here, or visit the official AMD Ireland Site.

Call us in Kingscourt (042) 9698841 or in Bailieborough (042) 9694456 or Contact Us here.

Blue Eyes

Healthy Habits, Healthy Eyes

Moorfield’s Eye Hospital has launched a campaign to increase awareness around safe contact lens wear.

The Healthy Habits, Healthy Eyes campaign is aimed at students heading off to university – one of the highest risk groups – and has been timed to coincide with fresher’s week.

Contact Lenses are safe, but it is important that you do not cut corners with caring for the lenses.

The website can be seen here. We would recommend a quick look at it- there is an interview with a student who’s first year did not go quite the way she had planned. We have our own Dos and Donts page here– worth as look if you are heading away to College or University soon.

Don’t take chances- it isn’t worth it!

Local eyecare for all the family