CNIB - A Great Canadian Organization

We are very fortunate in Canada to have the CNIB.  Most Canadians have heard about the CNIB but many  aren't aware of the many great resources that the CNIB has and provides to visually impaired Canadians.  Throughout my 13 years of practicing optometry, I've referred many patients with various levels of visual impairment to the CNIB.  However, not until recently did I learn of all they really have to offer.

CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. 

Yesterday, I participated in the CNIB open house event at the St. Catharines office to celebrate their re-location.  The CNIB is very active in communities with many community based offices.  However, they also provide services to people in their own homes.  Here are just a few of the services they provide:

• Low Vision Evaluation - Low vision specialists work with patients to find various low vision aids such as magnifying glasses and telescopes to help with reading, crafts, watching TV and other tasks and activities
• Independent Living - Specialists work one on one in a person's home to help with daily living tasks such as using a stove, microwave, doing laundry or other activities.
• High-Tech Low Vision Aids - Specialists demonstrate various technological devices such as computers with specialized programs and CCTV (closed circuit televisions). 

This is the tip of the iceberg.  The services provided by the CNIB run deep.  They have helped so many Canadians.  I encourage everyone to take a look at their website and support this worthy charity.

http://www.cnib.ca/en/

Eyefoods at Pelham Library

Dr. Barb and I will be at the Pelham Library (43 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill, Ontario) on Tuesday, January 24 at 6PM.  We will be talking about Eyefoods:  Why they are important, What they are and How you can incorporate them into your diet.

Visit the Pelham Library website for more information.

We'd love to see you there.

Eat more green leafy vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are extremely high in lutein and zeaxanthin.  They also contain beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and fiber.  This balance of eye nutrients makes them a staple in an Eyefoods diet. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin are absorbed better by the body when consumed with healthy fats.

• Eat leafy green vegetables daily. 
• Enjoy them both cooked and raw.
• Eat a variety of leafy green vegetables ensuring to include kale at least once a week.
• Add a small amount of healthy oil to your leafy greens.

To learn more about eyefoods, visit:

http://www.eyefoods.com/index.html

It's winter; so what? You still need to protect your eyes from the sun!

UV light exposure increases the risk of AMD and cataracts.  Even children need to protect their eyes from the sun as we receive 80% of the tolerable amount of UV before the age of 20.

Follow these recommendations when choosing sunglasses:

• Consult with your optometrist
• High quality lenses will have UV 400 protection and filter blue light
• Polarized sunglasses will help reduce glare and enhance visual performance
• Inexpensive low quality sunglasses will often have the UV coating sprayed on. This UV protection eventually wears off.  As a result more UV light enters the eye because your pupls are elarged behind the dark lens. 

Stick to your New Year's resolutions for your vision's sake!

The number one New Years's resolution is to start a fitness program.  Sticking to it is the challenge.  Motivation sources are often helpful to keep going.

Excersizing at least 3 times per week can slow the progression of macular degeneration.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends:

Adults:  2 ½ hours moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per week

Children:  60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per day

Create a fitness plan that is easily integrated into your lifestyle.  Exercise with the entire family, or a friend. Take the stairs, choose the furthest parking spot at the mall and do a few jumping jacks during TV commercials.  As funny as it may sound,  every little bit helps.

Adding Eyefoods to Holiday Meals

During the holiday season, we often indulge in food and drinks that may not be the healthiest.  However, a great celebratory meal can be filled with delicious nutritious food.  Tonight, I'm hosting a Christmas dinner for friends and the menu is filled with Eyefoods.  This meal is loaded with lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and zinc.

Christmas with Friends

Clams Casino (Baked clams with red peppers and whole grain bread crumbs)

Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Carmelized Onions
Sauteed Orange, Red and Yellow Peppers
Carrot Fries
Kale Chips

Mixed Berries and Pineapple

October is Eye Health Month

October is Eye Health Month and we'll be promoting Eyefoods to optometrists across North America throughout the month.

October 12-14:  American Academy of Optometry Meeting - Boston  October 12-14.

If you're attending the meeting, come and visit us at booth 1862.

October 21-22:  CNIB Perspectives Conference - Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Capogna is giving a lecture on October 21 and Eyefoods has a table in the exhibit hall on the 21st and 22nd.  The exhibit hall is open to the public.

October 22-23:  Le Salon Vision - Montreal, Quebec

Aliments pour les yeux will be launching in Quebec.

October 29:  Alberta Association of Optometrists Conference