News & Events

Eye Care in British Columbia Just Got Even Better We are excited to be able to offer each of our patients the opportunity to utilize our updated brand new Optomap. Our new Optos machine is the Optos California, which has the newest technology to help keep our patients' eyes healthy. ...

The massive quantity of smoke wildfires spew into the air can cause eye irritation and inflammation. Be aware of the symptoms, learn how to protect yourself, and alert us to continued symptoms or discomfort.

Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent around the globe. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 425 million adults were living with diabetes in the year 2017 and 352 million more people were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By 2045 the number of people diagnosed is expected to...

Screen Time Pros and Cons Whether it is homework, email, gaming, chatting with friends, searching the web or watching Youtube, kids these days seem to have an endless number of reasons to be glued to a screen. Many parents out there are wondering how bad this can be for their...

What Is Progressive Myopia? Nearsightedness or myopia is one of the most prevalent eye disorders worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In fact by 2050, myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population! Many children diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) experience a consistent worsening of their vision as they...

What are the dangers of an Online Eye Test Shuswap Optometric Centre - What are the dangers of an Online Eye Test, Salmon Arm, British Columbia An online eye test may seem like a convenient way to check your vision or get an eyeglass prescription but beware, these tests aren’t...

While we all know that regular eye exams can help detect warning signs of disease and prevent vision loss, many people fail to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem with the eye. In fact, only about half of Americans that are at risk for serious vision loss...

It’s that time of the year again. Each February, the optometric community bands together to create awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years and older; early detection plays a key role in the outcome of the disease. That’s why...

Help them to find a frame they will love, and allow your child to have a say in the frame they choose to wear. Not only will you empower them, but you will get them excited to wear their new glasses. The first point to understand is that the new...

Many teens who wear glasses are eager to try out contact lenses for convenience, fashion or to just provide another option for vision correction.

Eye Doctors Weigh In: How Smoking Can Harm Your Vision & Eye Health We all know that smoking is bad for you, especially the risks that it poses to your heart and lungs. What many people do not know is that cigarette smoke negatively affects your eyes and vision too. Smoking...

Eye colour is a hereditary trait that depends on the genes of both parents, as well as a little bit of mystery. The colour of the eye is based on the pigments in the iris, which is a coloured ring of muscle located at the centre of the eye (around...

Diabetes can cause changes and damage to almost every part of the eye! Retinal changes at the back of the eye, earlier and aggressive cataract development, fluctuations in glasses prescription and increased risk for optic nerve damage could all be brewing without any warning. What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is...

Most people wouldn’t consider contact lenses dangerous. In fact, they are a great alternative to glasses, offering convenience and great vision for those who wear them. However, when not obtained and used according to an eye doctor’s instructions, the consequences can be devastating. Contact Lenses Need to Fit Like shoes,...

It is important to teach your children about eye health and safety from a young age.  This includes awareness about how your overall health habits affect your eyes and vision as well as how to keep your eyes safe from injury and infection.  Starting off with good eye habits at...

While taking care of back to school preparations don't forget your child's eyesight!

UV Awareness Month: This article might scare you, and we hope it does - just enough to motivate you to wear proper eye protection against the sun. Most people are aware of the dangers ultraviolet (UV)  light from the sun pose to your skin, while the long-term effects of sun...

Whether you are looking for regular prescription glasses, sunwear or protective sports eyewear, it can be tough choosing the best eyewear for children and teens. On the one hand, they need to be comfortable and provide the optimal fit for improved vision and protection. At the same time, they also...

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month in the United States, and it’s White Cane Week in Canada. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and older. Awareness about the disease, the risk factors and prevention are critical, even for younger...

Diabetes is the main agent of vision loss of men and women between age twenty and seventy-four. Since 2008, over 4 million men and women in North America living with diabetes were subsequently diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. Of this number, seventy thousand suffered from acute diabetic retinopathy, which can lead...

It’s that time of year again! Heaters are going full blast and outdoor temperatures are beginning to dip below freezing. All of these conditions go hand in hand with our beautiful Shuswap winters, but they can also wreak havoc on our eyes and cause dry eyes. Dry eye is a...

Beware this Halloween and think before you blink (in decorative contact lenses that is)! Sure, decorative contact lenses can enhance any Halloween costume, but if not taken seriously, they can also cost you your vision. Whether they are sold as cosmetic lenses, colored lenses or fashion lenses, they are anything...

To ensure that your eyes remain healthy, it is essential to protect them from injury and to take proper care measures if an injury has occurred. Here are a number of practical first aid tips to remember if you or anyone you know suffers an eye injury. The very first...

Cataracts, one of the most common causes of blindness, develop when the lens of the eye, located behind the iris and pupil, becomes opaque or cloudy. A cataract can result in loss of vision as it prevents light from passing into your eye and focusing on the retina. While cataracts...

Did you know that your dietary choices have an impact on your eye health and vision? Opting for appetizing food that at the same time provides you with all the nutrients that are essential for preserving your vision, is taking a major step towards minimizing the risk of eye disease...

Everyone's found themselves in the dark, at one time or another. At first you can't see, but gradually the things in the room begin take shape. This is called ''dark adaptation'' and it helps our eyes see in the dark. In order for night vision and dark adaptation to be...

Understandably, parents worry about the eye safety of their kids. But it can be difficult to know how to choose the toys that are the safest and most educational. Infants are born with only semi-formed vision. There aren't many things that encourage a child's visual development more easily than playing,...

So many children are diagnosed with learning or behavioral disabilities when in reality, that isn't the problem at all. You may be relieved to know that he or she could be suffering from a particular condition, which impacts learning. It's known as Convergence Insufficiency (CI). In short, CI is a...

May is healthy vision month. When was your last comprehensive eye exam? Checking your eyes regularly is one of the best things you can do to be sure that your eyes remain strong and healthy. During your procedure, your optometrist checks your eyes, looking for commonly occurring vision problems and...

As the spring comes, along with a greater chance to engage in a new set of sports, comes an increase in the risk of eye injuries related to sports. Each season, many children and adults suffer eye injuries as a result of sport play that could be avoided with proper...

Safety behind the wheel If you think about it, road safety depends on several different visual capabilities such as being able to see both far ahead as well as your immediate surroundings, side or peripheral vision, night vision and color vision, plus many others. Being able to see well into...

The workplace can pose serious dangers to your eyes. It is important for both businesses and their employees to be educated about workplace eye safety and how to prevent work related eye mishaps. Each day, employees are inflicted by workplace related eye injuries that need medical attention. Safety experts and...

Pink eye, formally called conjunctivitis, is a frequently seen eye infection, particularly in children. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, a virus or hypersensitivity to chlorine in swimming pools, ingredients found in cosmetics, and pollen, or other irritants, which touch your eyes. Some forms of pink eye can be very...

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading reasons behind vision loss in those over the age of 65. AMD is characterized by a deterioration of the macula of the retina which is the part of the eye that is responsible for sharp vision in the centre of...

A study conducted by Bausch & Lomb this past August determined that an alarming number of people are using potentially harmful chemicals instead of contact solution to keep their lenses moist. Substances including baby oil, beer, coke, Vaseline, fruit juices, butter as well as others were all mentioned as alternatives...

Winter time often brings an increase in patients suffering from dry eyes as a result of cold and dry air conditions.

It's official! Winter is here, which means in some parts of the country stinging winds and cold precipitation aren't far behind. The majority of us wouldn't ever contemplate of leaving the house without a coat in cooler climates; nevertheless unfortunately, far too many people leave their sunglasses behind. While the...

Since this month has been designated National Glaucoma Awareness Month, this post is intended to emphasize the importance of early detection of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of ocular diseases that cause damage to the eye's optic nerve, which can be a precursor to irreversible blindness. When not treated, glaucoma...

Visit your Salmon Arm, BC Optometrist to Learn More About Treatment Options Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which close range vision becomes noticeably diminished. With the increasing international population reaching older ages, a significant number of individuals develop presbyopia, which is an unavoidable result of your aging eye. Many...

The holidays are rapidly approaching which means dolls, radio controlled airplanes, and Leapster Explorers. Well meaning grandparents love treating the kids to the coolest toys for the holidays. It is important that family members learn and relay to relatives the rules when it comes to toys and eye safety. Mishaps...

Looking for a new pair of specs? Thinking your prescription has changed? Considering laser vision correction? The time has arrived to take care of all of your eye care needs. As the end of the year advances, so does the end of your flex spending credits. If you don't know...

Contact our Salmon Arm, BC Optometry Practice for an evaluation

Amblyopia or lazy eye is the failure for central vision to develop appropriately due to the failure of the eyes to work together. In most cases of lazy eye the eyes themselves are usually healthy however good vision cannot be achieved by just the use of prescription eyeglasses. Left untreated...

  Have you ever wondered why 20/20 is the standard for ''perfect'' vision and what it really represents? 20/20 vision is a term to express normal visual acuity or sharpness of vision. In other words an individual with 20/20 eyesight will be able to see an object clearly at a...

  While seasonal allergies are more commonly heard about in the spring, just as many people experience symptoms during the autumn months as well. In addition to sneezing and congestion, eye allergies can significantly impair one's ability to go about one's normal functions. Symptoms of eye allergies include tearing, itching,...

  Halloween is a night for getting out and dressing up but you should take some precautions so it doesn't lead to some frightening damage to your eyes. A popular costume accessory as of late has been decorative contact lenses and the trend is alarming eye care professionals. Contact lenses...

The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that above seven out of 10 of workers that work daily at a computer (which is over 140 million people) experience computer vision syndrome or eye strain. Excessive computer use can result in eye strain and impact eyesight in kids as well as adults....

As September marks Home & Sports Eye Safety Month, we've chosen to focus on ways to keep your home safe for your eyes particularly when it comes to kids. Don't wait until it's too late to guarantee your home is safe for your kids' eyes. Naturally, babies enter the world...

For those who wear contact lenses there are a number of precautions that should be taken when it comes to the use of cosmetics. Below are some basic tips for ways to be sure your eyes stay looking great and safe. Buying Cosmetics To start, eye care professionals advise you...

If you have ever gotten sunblock in your eyes, you know firsthand just how much it can sting. A real strong rub in the eye can often cause stinging that lasts for hours. It can take hours until the victim can feel comfortable enough to open his eyes, particularly in...

Many people don't know that cataracts affect approximately 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older. In fact, more than 50% of the people over sixty-five have some amount of cataract development. What are cataracts? A cataract is when the ocular lens, the part of the eye that focuses light to...

Children across the country are getting ready for a new school year. Before getting back to school, the American Optometric Association (AOA) advises a check-up with the eye doctor. Proper vision is key to the developmental process and performance in school. There are many tasks that depend on visual skills,...

No teen wants to be seen wearing something that makes them stand out, and in the case of some teens, eyeglasses often seem that way. Young adults can cringe at the idea of having to wear glasses and appearing ''dorky''. In comparison with glasses, kids and teenagers that use lenses...

There are many different kinds of eye accidents that can take place, with varying degrees of severity. Some may necessitate emergency action and immediate care by an eye doctor, while others can be taken care of at home. Follow these guidelines for routine eye injuries, to plan out your next...

As Halloween approaches and costume planning gets more serious, many consider the use of novelty or costume contact lenses as a way to add that extra flair. Whether you are dressing up as a cat, a vampire, or looking for something fun that glows in the dark, dressing up your...

Many travelers experience dry eyes after extended travel by air. The dry environment of a temperature- and pressure-controlled air plane cabin can take its toll on your eyes. The good news is there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with travelers’ dry...

Just because the summer is coming to an end, doesn’t mean that we have to say goodbye to the swimming pool. Whether it means a nice refreshing dip on a warm fall afternoon or a winter swim in an indoor pool, swimming is a great activity for both fun and...

For adults over the age of 65, the right pair of vision correcting glasses can literally be a life saver. Seniors aged 65 and up are at increased risk of falling, which is the leading cause of injury, injury-related death, and hospitalization for this age group. According to the centres...

Eye charts of different variations have become a standard in vision screenings and eye exams. One of the most familiar charts associated with vision is the Snellen eye chart, designed by Dutch ophthalmologist Hermann Snellen in 1862 to measure visual acuity- how well you can see at various distances. Although...

Did you know that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness among adults aged 50 and above? AMD occurs when the part of the retina responsible for your sharp central vision, the macula, begins to deteriorate. Central vision is the visual field...

Do your sunglasses have what it takes to protect your eyes? As the summer heats up and people spend more time outdoors, it is very important to wear UV blocking eyewear to protect against exposure to ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to your eyes. Damage caused by UV from...

Women's eyes are regularly exposed to potential irritants through the use of cosmetics. As eye shadow, mascara and eye liner can breed unseen dirt and bacteria, it is vital to ensure that the products you use to apply and remove your makeup are hygienic to prevent irritation that can cause...

Spring is right around the corner, as the winter begins to wind down and the fresh, warmer air begins to rear its head. Unfortunately for many, it's often hard to enjoy nature's blooming beauty as the warmer weather also brings about the onset of itchy, watery eyes that come with...

We all know how frustrating it can be trying to see clearly through a smudged pair of glasses; clean lenses can really make a world of difference. While it may not be something that you pay much attention to, the way you clean your lenses can also make a difference,...

Dry eyes are a common problem for many individuals particularly during the winter months when exposure to dry air and whipping wind is increased. However, if you are suffering from dry eyes that just won't go away, you may have what is known as Dry Eye Syndrome - a condition...

Ski Goggles are an essential part of proper eye protection when participating in winter sports. In order to choose the best winter sports eyewear for your needs it is first important to know what risks are in the first place. UV protection UV danger is just as much a problem...

Diabetes is a complex disease which can effect you in a number of ways. A lot of people aren't aware of how it can put you at risk of developing a few eye-related diseases. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma, as well as many other conditions that, even...

Do you know the connection between diabetes and your eyes? The raised levels of blood sugar associated with diabetes can harm your eyes in a couple of ways. The risk of damage to your eyes is increased when diabetes is not treated. Diabetic eye disease can actualize in a number...

There may be some assessments that you may have noticed during an eye exam and asked yourself what they measure. Having beams of light shined into your eyes may be one of them. Such as test is used to help determine the refractive error of your eye, and it's called...

Take a look around- you will probably realize that almost everyone is browsing, texting, clicking and playing on mobile devices. These devices guarantee that we have access to our friends, family and work no matter where we are. However because these devices have little screens, many users usually hold their...

Many people begin to notice problems with reading small print and seeing close objects during their 40s. This condition is called presbyopia. If you're already a glasses wearer, and are later on diagnosed with presbyopia, you don't have to carry a separate pair of reading glasses. Multifocal lenses help you...

How can you make your next eye exam even more productive? In order for us to make sure your exam is thorough and worthwhile, there are a number of facts we will need from you. Firstly, it is of great importance to let us know about any recent health conditions...

Lazy eyes are seen in lots of kids, and are also fairly simple to fix. Amblyopia comes about when sight in one eye is suppressed. This may occur if someone isn't able to see well through one eye because of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, or something else that's blocking vision...

Did you ever wonder why people over forty usually wear reading glasses? Because as you age, your eye's lens grows increasingly inflexible, which makes it more difficult to focus on close objects. This is called presbyopia. And it's universal. People with undiagnosed presbyopia may hold books, magazines, newspapers, and menus...

As you might have guessed, a lot of school-based learning is achieved with the use of a child's eyes. Despite the strong link between vision and learning, many parents don't seem to be aware of just how frequently occurring vision problems are, and as a result, don't get their child's...

Everyone has come across the terms visual acuity and twenty-twenty vision. As common as these terms may be, do people really know their meaning? 20/20 vision is used to indicate the accuracy of eyesight measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you've been told you have 20/20 vision, it...

Have you thought about trying coloured contacts? Well, there are plenty of colour contact lenses available to just enhance or radically transform your eye color. There is a whole spectrum of colour contact lenses on the market these days, so you're sure to end up with exactly what you're looking...

Do you have inflamed eyelids, also referred to as blepharitis? Blepharitis is a common eyelid inflammation, often associated with a bacterial eye infection, some kinds of skin conditions, like acne, or dry eye symptoms. Often, symptoms include redness, itching, burning, the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, tearing...

How often do you leave your soft contact lenses in for just a few days extra? It's a fact of life that so many things are at their best when they're fresh. It's important to know that the same can also help you understand how often you should change your...

Do you know that cataracts are the leading culprit of vision loss among adults aged 55 and older? In fact, more than fifty percent of all people aged 65 and older has at the very least, partial cataract development. By old age, it is anticipated that the majority of people...

It's a fact: almost everybody is regularly exposed to UV rays. But the potential risks of years of exposure to these harsh rays are rarely considered, to a point where the majority of people take little action to shield their eyes, even if they're planning on being outside for an...

Low vision describes a set of conditions in which there is significant visual impairment which can not be corrected with traditional means such as glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery.   Low vision includes a loss of visual acuity which can’t be corrected to better than 20/70, significant visual field...

Glaucoma is a serious, vision threatening disease. You can save your eyesight, by knowing the facts. Are you at risk of developing glaucoma? The short answer is yes. Anyone can get glaucoma and because of this it is important for every person, young and old to have a regular eye...

It’s that time of year again…coughs, sneezing, running noses and itchy, red eyes.  How do you know when an eye irritation is something that needs medical attention? First of all, any time an eye infection is accompanied by fever, excessive discharge or pain, you should see your eye doctor immediately....

One of the most common patient complaints during the winter months is dry eyes. In the cooler climates, cold winds and dry air, coupled with dry indoor heating can be a recipe for eye discomfort.  Dryness and irritation can be particularly debilitating for those who wear contact lenses or suffer...

Winter break is in a few weeks and, with college students finding their way home for the holidays, it is a good time for parents to check in and make sure their independent kids are taking care of themselves properly.Vision plays a key role in learning as well as extra-curricular activities...

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Do you know the facts?

You may have experienced this before. Out of nowhere, your eyelid starts twitching uncontrollably. While this can be a cause of aggravation, eyelid twitches, spasms or tics are actually quite common. Here are 7 things you should know about this eye condition: Eye twitches are generally caused by a repetitive,...

October is 'Eye Injury Prevention Month' in the USA and 'Eye Health Month' in Canada. There are about 285 million people living with blindness and low vision all around the world. Children account for some 19 million of them. The vast majority of visual impairment is readily treatable and/or preventable....

The World Sight Day Challenge, slated to take place on October 9, 2014 is an annual awareness day that aims to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment worldwide. The day aims to create awareness that blindness can be avoided if there is universal access to quality vision and...

The new school year has kicked off and you can tick off purchasing all that back to school equipment. Now, it's time to think about what your child will need for after school sports and hobby activities. Making sure they have the right protective eyewear for their sporting or athletic...

A futuristic, yet simplistic, eye implant paired with a smartphone app may change the way eye doctors treat glaucoma.

School is starting: Do you know how to set up your child’s homework and reading spot? Reading and writing are some of the most fundamental skills that your child to facilitate learning in school, so it is important to make sure that your child's eyes are comfortable when they are...

Cataracts affect millions of people nationwide and as the population continues to age, the numbers keep increasing. The good news is, cataracts are often manageable and treatable. Here are some facts you should know to help you recognize cataracts and prevent permanent vision loss. A cataract is a clouding of...

Have you ever wondered what your eyes do when you finally close them after a long day of visual processing and stimulation? Let's take a closer look at what happens behind your closed lids when your head hits the pillow. Firstly, once your eyes are closed, they do continue to...

Q: Is it true that Dry Eye symptoms seem to be more severe during the winter months?  Dry eye is dependent on environmental conditions.  The lower the humidity, the drier your eyes will feel.  The winter months are typically drier and colder, hence the increase in dry eye symptoms.  ...

Spring is on the way. Soon the sun will be shining, the flowers blooming and allergy season will be upon us. If you have allergies, your eyes are often affected by the high pollen count along with other allergens floating in the fresh spring air. Tree pollens in April and...

Your eyes communicate much more than you may realize, in fact they play a huge role in your non-verbal communication. Consciously or not, the way you move your eyes, look at someone, blink or make eye contact can say a lot about what you are thinking and feeling. Here's a...

There are so many people who spend hours a day, if not most of the day working on a computer or mobile device. They usually do so without taking notice of the effect this has on their bodies. Using a computer or handheld device for extended amounts of time can...

It's been said that your eyes are the window to your soul. Well, research is showing that your eyes are a window to a lot more than your thoughts and emotions; it can be an indicator of your overall health.  A study by UnitedHealthcare entitled, “Impact of Eye Exams in...

Low vision is a condition in which an individual suffers significant vision loss that can't be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. Low vision can affect both children and adults, but is more common in the elderly, and requires significant adjustments to daily life. Here are some...

Your child's first pair of glasses will make an important difference in his or her ability to see and interact with the surrounding world. However, a new pair of glasses can also present a big adjustment for both parents and kids as you get used to a new look and...

7 Facts You Should Know About Glaucoma Glaucoma, which refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, is often called 'the silent thief of sight'. This nickname evolved because the disease creeps up unnoticed in its early stages, causing no pain and few, if any symptoms....

The New Year is a time to start fresh and renew our commitment to health, happiness and success. It’s important to include eye and vision health and safety in these resolutions. Here are the top six ways you can make your eyes and vision a priority this year. Schedule a...

The holiday season is on our doorstep. With technology so much a part of our lives, the easy go-to gifts for kids often include an enormous array of hand-held video devices and home gaming systems. Did you know that after extensive use these games can be harmful to children’s eyes...

Diabetes affects people of all ages, races and genders.  An estimated 9 million Canadians suffer from diabetes according to the Canadian Diabetes Association. In fact, diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults in the North America. If you or someone you care for...

If you wear contact lenses, you probably know the hygiene routine you should follow when removing your lenses: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them on a clean, lint free cloth. Remove the lens from your eye and clean the lens immediately (if you wear multi-use...

Did you forget to put on your sunglasses today? Are you constantly sitting in front of a computer screen without taking breaks to look away? Maybe you also skipped your yearly eye exam, again. These are just some of the things we tend to overlook when it comes to our...

Over the centuries there have been a lot of old-wives tales circulating about eyes and vision. You know, like the one that if someone hits you on the back while your eyes are crossed they will stay that way. Unlike this example, some of these myths do have roots in...

There are thousands of eye injuries a year related to sports. According to the National Eye Institute eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children in North America and most injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related. Further 99% of sports-related eye injuries can be prevented simply by...

The hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy can cause many unexpected changes in your body, including your eyes and vision. Most of these changes are temporary and will return to normal once you give birth.  It’s important to know which vision changes are normal for an expecting mother and which could...

A baby’s visual system develops gradually over the first few months of life. They have to learn to focus and move their eyes, and use them together as a team.  The brain also needs to learn how to process the visual information from the eyes to understand and interact with...

There is a lot more that goes into finding the right pair of sunglasses than just fit and fashion.  While it’s important to look and feel great in your shades, sunglasses also have the very important job of properly protecting your eyes from the sun.  Here are a few facts...

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in the United States and Canada. Here are 6 things you need to know. 1. Chances are you will develop a cataract!  Cataracts are considered part of the natural aging process so if you live long enough, you will likely eventually develop...

Canada Day may have passed but fireworks season is still in full swing and fireworks-related injury and death is a real and serious danger.  According to the 2014 Annual Fireworks Report, compiled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission there were at least 11 deaths and 10,500 injuries due to...

Your eyes are constantly at work for you, playing a vital role as you navigate through each day. As May is healthy vision month, here are some things to keep in mind: Know your genes While your eyes may be the same color as your father’s eyes, you may have...

Spring is in the air. But along with the beauty of the blooming flowers and budding trees, comes allergy season. The high pollen count and allergens floating in the fresh spring air can certainly wreak havoc on the comfort level of those suffering from allergies, causing an otherwise nature-loving individual...

Last week, people in South America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and the Middle East saw a solar eclipse. As you may have heard, looking directly at a solar eclipse is very dangerous for your eyes and vision. Nevertheless, this rare event is something that many people want...

March is Save Your Vision Month, a time to raise public awareness about how to protect your eyes and your vision. Most people aren’t aware that 75% of potential vision loss can be prevented or treated. This largely depends on patients being proactive and educated about their eye health. Here...

Digital devices have impacted our world in so many positive ways, allowing us to connect, work, play and get information at the speed of light. But all of this good brings with it a measure of concern: Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Focusing on your vision on digital...

Home Eye Injury Awareness and Prevention

Women go through many changes during their lifetime. Each change could affect her vision differently. Eye disease among the female population is increasingly common, particularly in aging women. Actually, studies indicate that large numbers of women going through middle age experience some degree of eyesight impairment, and risk developing conditions...

It can be devastating for a tween or teen to be told he or she needs to wear glasses, especially if it is sudden. Many tweens and teenagers are concerned about how glasses will affect their appearance, whether they will be made fun of (which unfortunately is a legitimate concern...

The cornea surrounding your pupil and iris is, under usual circumstances, round. As light enters the eye, part of the role of your cornea is to focus that light, directing it toward the retina, which is in the anterior portion of your eye. What happens when the cornea isn't perfectly...

New Options to Look Good and See Better

A decline in strong vision is usually the result of a few factors such as anatomical changes or abnormalities in the eye or visual system, eye diseases, side effects due to medication or eye injuries. Commonly, people also report visual disturbances associated with age or eye strain. Aging and stress...

The heat of long summer days is nearly upon us. As the sun's rays intensify and people spend more time outdoors in the sunshine it is very important to be aware of the potential damage exposure to the sun can have on your eyes. May is UV Awareness month. Here...

Nutrition is a vital part of maintaining vision and overall eye health. Dr. Robert Allaway and health experts have recommended specific foods that have proven to help keep your eyes healthy and your vision good.

Fill in your patient history online, before your next appointment. Find out how...

According to Women’sEyeHealth.org, ⅔ of blindness and visual impairment occurs in women. Additionally, an estimated 75% of visual impairment is preventable or correctable with proper education and care. With the increased risks for women it’s critical for women to know about the risks and prevention to effectively protect their eyes...

Learn how to protect your eyes during the summer months. 

Summer vacation is well under way, but did you know that even when your child is out of the classroom, vision problems can have an impact on his/her daily activities? Look out for these 4 warning signs during the summer months – they could be a sign of vision difficulties...

For those of us blessed with healthy eyes, it's easy to forget about the importance of taking preventative action namely, an optical exam. However, timely detection of eye disease is critical to keeping your eyes healthy. And all it takes is an eye test. Numerous eye and vision problems don't...

Eye floaters are actually more common that you may think. Many people notice specks or cobweb-like images moving around in their line of vision, at some point. Some even report experiencing a "snow globe effect" as if they are swatting at many imaginary bugs. Floaters may be an annoyance, but...

Q & A With Dr. Allaway on the Optomap - The Best in Technology to Bring you the Best Eyecare!

The use of technology has become commonplace in the classroom. So much so that today’s generation of students, from kindergarten to university, navigates computers, smartphones and tablets all the time.  Many schools have even implemented the use of smart boards and bring your own device (BOYD) programs. However, as amazing...

The first weekend of August (August 3rd and 4th) has been marked as the 2nd annual Great Glasses Play Day. The event, which first launched in 2012 was created for parents, eye care professionals, educators and children who wear glasses or have other vision challenges to celebrate and create awareness...

Check out the latest from Shuswap Optometric Centre.

Find out what's new at Shuswap Optometric Centre.

Check out what's new at Shuswap Optometric Centre.