Alberta Association of Optometrists

06/28/2024

Happy Canada Day from the Alberta Association of Optometrists. We hope you have a safe and “eye-healthy” weekend! 🍁

Optometrists are a primary source for all your vision, eye health and eye wear needs.

06/25/2024

Do you wear safety eyewear when you mow the lawn? 🦗

The yard is a common site of household eye injuries, and it’s important to protect your eyes when mowing the lawn or gardening.

Common hazards when mowing your lawn:
- Flying debris
- Chemicals such as pesticides or fertilizers dispersed in the air by the mower
- UV rays

Always wear your safety eyewear to protect your eyes when the activity warrants.

⚠️ If you get injured: Call your optometrist immediately for same-day urgent care. There is Alberta Health coverage for these appointments.

Visit our website to learn more about accessing urgent eye care: www.optometrists.ab.ca/Urgent.

Optometrists are a primary source for all your vision, eye health and eye wear needs.

06/21/2024

Every child deserves the best start in their learning journey, and clear eyesight will help them succeed. Eye See ... Eye Learn™ is dedicated to helping Alberta's kindergarten students thrive in the classroom and beyond — so we provide them with a comprehensive eye exam and free prescription glasses.

🍎 Visit www.optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL to schedule their eye exam and give them the best start.

Optometrists are a primary source for all your vision, eye health and eye wear needs.

06/18/2024

Seven tips for keeping your eyes safe and healthy this summer:

1. Wear sunglasses. Consider polarized or transition lenses.
2. Don’t forget your hat.
3. Wear swim goggles.
4. Avoid peak UV hours, typically 10 am to 3 pm.
5. Stay hydrated!
6. Eat a balanced diet.
7. Get your rest.

🔗 Visit our website for more eye health tips and information: www.optometrists.ab.ca/Patients

Optometrists are a primary source for all your vision, eye health and eye wear needs.

06/14/2024

Tasty, healthy, and beautiful! This easy and colourful grilled vegetable skewer recipe is a cornucopia of eye-healthy ingredients and is perfect for summer!

🫑 Bell peppers and zucchini are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect your eyes from damage caused by free radicals.

🌽 Corn on the cob provides lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases.

💛 Summer squash adds to the mix with potassium, maintaining proper eye pressure.

🧑‍🍳Chef's Tip: When grilling on the BBQ, select a vegetable oil with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or extra virgin olive oil for better health and flavour.

🔗 Find this recipe and more eye-healthy foods on the AAO Recipes page: www.optometrists.ab.ca/recipes.

Optometrists are a primary source for all your vision, eye health and eye wear needs.

06/05/2024

Many common eye diseases have no early signs or symptoms.

By the time you notice a problem, your vision may have irreversible damage. Early detection and treatment of chronic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma can help slow their progression and preserve your sight.

Don’t let undetected eye issues impact your quality of life. Get your eyes checked regularly.

Visit our website to find an optometrist near you: www.optometrists.ab.ca/FindAnOptometrist

05/30/2024

Hey there, parents! 🌟 Let's team up for your kiddo's success with Eye See ... Eye Learn™!

We understand the importance of your child's vision for their learning journey — so we offer an eye exam and free eyeglasses to help your kindergartener start school with crystal-clear vision.

Visit https://optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL to find an optometrist and schedule an eye test for your littles!

📚👓

05/24/2024

Investing in employee safety isn't just a legal requirement – it's a strategic advantage. Prioritizing the visual well-being of your workforce with Eyesafe™ not only reduces the risk of workplace injuries but also enhances productivity, morale, and retention. By providing prescription safety eyewear, you empower your employees to work confidently and efficiently, knowing they are appreciated and protected.

A safe workplace isn't just a responsibility – it's a competitive edge. Invest in Eyesafe™ and safeguard your workforce while reaping the benefits of a healthier, happier team.

🔗 Visit Eyesafe.ca to learn more about our employer program and safeguard your workforce!

05/21/2024

Research shows – Regular exercise is very important for maintaining eye health. 🚴‍♂️

Making a habit of moderate physical exercise can help you:
- Lower your risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration
- Keep conditions such as diabetes and hypertension under control, lowering the risk of damage to your eyes
- Lower intraocular pressure
- Improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve

📣 What are your favourite ways to get active? Share some ideas in the comments!

05/15/2024

How often should you and your family get your eyes checked?

In general, optometrists recommend the following schedule for routine eye exams.
✅ Infants – First eye exam between 6 to 9 months
✅ Preschool – At least once between the ages of 2 to 5 years old
✅ School-aged – Annually starting in kindergarten
✅ Adults – At least every two years
✅ Seniors 65+ – Annually

🔗 Visit www.optometrists.ab.ca to learn more about Alberta Health coverage and how your optometrist can help keep your eyes healthy for years to come!

05/14/2024

Healthy eating = healthy eyes.

With barbeque season upon us, it’s a great time to bring your chips & dip game to the next level. Say goodbye to store-bought salsa and hello to this antioxidant-rich grilled salsa.

Served hot or cold it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Featuring: lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, betacarotene, vitamin C, and quercitin.

🔗 Find this recipe, and more eye-healthy foods, on the AAO Recipe page: www.optometrists.ab.ca/recipes.

05/08/2024

Here are a few tips to help keep your little one’s vision in top shape:

⭐ Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Routine check-ups help detect any vision issues early on.
⭐ Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children.
⭐ Limit Screen Time: Set reasonable limits on screen time to prevent eye strain and fatigue.
⭐ Promote Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients supports overall eye health.
⭐ Practice Proper Hygiene: Teach your child to wash their hands regularly to prevent eye infections.

Eye See . . . Eye Learn™, is dedicated to nurturing healthy eyes and bright futures. Check out https://optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL to learn how we can work together to protect the vision of Alberta’s youngest learners!

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05/07/2024

May is Vision Health Month.

Your sight is a gift that’s worth preserving. Do your eyes a favour and book your next comprehensive eye exam this month.

Visit www.optometrists.ab.ca/patients to learn more about how your optometrist can help you keep your eyes healthy for years to come!

05/02/2024

Did you know? Studies show that spending more time outdoors can help protect children from developing myopia.

Take advantage of the spring weather and plan a few hours of outside play time each day.

Some ideas to get outside this spring:
- Playground
- Family walk
- Bike ride
- Swimming
- Helping in the garden
- Sidewalk chalk
- Bubble wands

📣 What are some of your favourite outdoor activities? Let us know in the comments.

04/26/2024

Prioritizing your child's eye health isn't just about clear vision today – it's about making sure they unlock their full potential tomorrow.

Undetected vision problems can impact academic performance, social interactions, and overall confidence. With Eye See . . . Eye Learn™, you can ensure your kindergarten child starts their learning journey with the best possible vision.

Check out the link in our bio to find an optometrist near you!

Learn more about the program and find a participating optometrist here: https://optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL

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04/23/2024

🚨 New recipe alert: Fresh Fennel Salad.

This fresh and versatile salad is a medley rich in eye-healthy antioxidants and bursting with colours, flavours, and textures.

Choose your path: Enjoy a simple salad with just fennel and pistachio. Or go all out and add your favourite seasonal produce. Oranges, radishes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and more!

Fennel and oranges bring vitamin C and the pistachios are a great source of vitamin E. Together they protect against oxidative damage and support the health of your eyes’ connective tissues.

Find the recipe, and more eye-healthy foods, on the AAO Recipe page: www.optometrists.ab.ca/recipes.

04/18/2024

With Eyesafe™, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your employees’ vision while on the job. Our prescription safety eyewear offers advanced lens coatings and shatter-resistant materials that meet or exceed safety standards.

🔗 Visit https://eyesafe.ca/ to learn more about our employer program and safeguard your workforce!

04/17/2024

Remember: Protecting your eyes from UV rays is just as important as putting on sunscreen to protect your skin. 😎

Make sure to find sunglasses that block UV rays in addition to the light we can see. This is especially important for children, whose eyes have little to no protection from UV.

Ask your optometrist if you have questions about finding the best sun protection for your eyes.

🔗 Learn more: www.optometrists.ab.ca/sun.

04/12/2024

Unsure if your child has a vision problem? Here are a few things to look out for!

✅Squinting: Have you noticed your child squinting while watching TV or reading? It could be a sign of difficulty seeing clearly.

✅Frequent Headaches: Regular bouts of headaches, especially after school or screen time, might be an indication of eye strain.

✅ Avoiding Reading: Does your kiddo seem uninterested in reading or complain about words being blurry? It could signal trouble with focusing or tracking.

✅ Rubbing Eyes: Excessive eye rubbing could be a sign that your little one is experiencing some eye discomfort.

✅ Poor Academic Performance: Is your child struggling academically despite putting in effort? Undiagnosed vision problems may hinder their ability to learn effectively.

Don't ignore these signs! Eye See ... Eye Learn™ offers an eye exam and, if required, free glasses to ensure your child's success in school and beyond. 📚👓

Visit www.optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL to get started!

04/10/2024

Seasonal allergies can begin at any age, but your child may not understand what is wrong.

Signs your child may be experiencing ocular allergies:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Forceful and repeated blinking
- Rolling eye movements in response to itchiness
- Complaints that their eyes hurt or that they can’t see well
- Red, watery eyes
- Mild swelling of eyelids
- Darkened discoloration of the skin under the eye

⚠ Remember, these symptoms can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue. When in doubt, visit your optometrist.

Learn more about common causes of childhood allergies, ways to find relief, and next steps on our website: optometrists.ab.ca/allergies. 🌼

04/04/2024

Alberta will experience a partial solar eclipse on April 8th. ☀

In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon partially covers the Sun, but doesn't completely block it. A portion of the Sun remains visible as a bright crescent or as a partially obscured disk. A partial eclipse DOES NOT mean that you don't need full protection.

Here’s how to watch safely:
1. Use approved solar eclipse glasses or viewers.
2. Create a pinhole projector to indirectly view the eclipse.
3. Watch a live stream online.

Enjoy the celestial show responsibly and protect your eyes!

For more information on eclipse safety, visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists website: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety.

04/04/2024

📆 Registration is open! Don’t miss this webinar on vision and seniors’ health.
Tuesday, April 9 from 10-11 AM (MDT)

AAO has partnered with the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta to deliver a webinar on eye health and fall prevention for Alberta's seniors.

The webinar is part of the Finding Balance public awareness campaign designed to educate and empower older Albertans to stay independent and prevent falls.

Registration is free and open to the public. Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/3IJ3Ol4.

04/02/2024

Are you planning to view the partial solar eclipse on April 8th?

⚠Remember that safety comes first! A partial eclipse does not mean that you don't need full protection. Ensure your viewing experience is both awe-inspiring and eye-safe.⚠

Use safe viewing options like solar eclipse glasses, online live streams, or DIY pinhole cameras.

For more information on eclipse safety, visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists website: https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/solar-eclipse-safety.

03/28/2024

1 in 4 school-aged children has a vision impairment.

Bring your kindergarten kid into an Eye See…Eye Learn™ clinic to receive a comprehensive eye exam. The exam has coverage from Alberta Health and, if needed, your kindergartner will receive a FREE pair of prescription glasses. Book an eye exam for your little one now and get them off to a good start.

Learn more about the kindergarten Eye See…Eye Learn™ program and find an optometrist: https://optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL

📷 Photo features “Quirky” frames by , one of 12 models offered through the Eye See … Eye Learn™ program in a range of colours. Modern Optical Canada

03/26/2024

🚨 Recipe alert: Melon and Mint Salad.

This fresh and fruity salad is full of betacarotene, vitamin C, and lycopene. These antioxidants can lower your risk of developing cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Betacarotene can also help prevent night blindness.

Ingredients:
- watermelon
- honeydew
- cantaloupe
- cucumber
- onion
- feta

Dressed with mint, lime juice, and honey, it’s a tasty way to show your eyes some love. 🍉

Find the recipe, and more eye-healthy foods, on the AAO Recipe page: www.optometrists.ab.ca/recipes.

03/22/2024

What hazards do your employees deal with? Work hazards range from dust and projectiles to chemicals and radiation. Different hazards require different solutions for adequate protection — so Eyesafe™ optometrists provide the “perfect fit” solutions for your unique needs. 🦺🥽

How will it affect job performance? The prescription safety eyewear you choose should be designed to improve employee job performance. With options like tint and anti-fog, we factor in your workplace conditions with each solution.

Is it CSA-approved? The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark on safety eyewear is proof that it meets or exceeds safety regulations.

Eliminate the guesswork and get custom CSA-approved solutions when you choose Eyesafe™ for your company's prescription safety eyewear needs.

🔗 Find out more here: www.eyesafe.ca

03/20/2024

🚨 New recipe alert!

Try your hand at homemade Whole Wheat Pita.

Featuring 100% whole wheat flour – a good source of iron, thiamin, niacin, calcium, and vitamin B6. Whole grain flour helps control cholesterol levels, weight, and blood pressure. Healthy blood pressure lowers your risk for eye disease and vision loss through hypertensive retinopathy.

Serve with hummus or any other healthy dip for added benefit!

Find the recipe, and more eye-healthy foods, on the AAO Recipe page: www.optometrists.ab.ca/recipes.

03/19/2024

By providing Alberta’s kindergarten students with free glasses if needed, Eye See . . . Eye Learn™ supports their learning journey.

80% of learning is visual – schedule an eye exam for your child and give them the best start! 📚

Find out more about Eye See…Eye Learn™ and connect with an optometrist near you: https://optometrists.ab.ca/ESEL 👓