Help for Dry Eyes – The Dry Eye Clinic in Charlottesville, VA

Dry Eye Syndrome is a common chronic condition in which the sufferer has dry, irritated eyes and accompanying symptoms that are not relieved by over the counter medications. The doctors at Primary Eyecare have long understood how pervasive this condition is in our community and have offered The Dry Eye Clinic at Primary Eyecare – a specialized clinic for those who have Dry Eye Syndrome or suffer from dry eyes. Our dry eye doctor, Dr. Carlene Rosado-Martin specializes in the most current treatment of dry eyes, which includes a multitude of prescription medications, over the counter medications, and lifestyle and eye wear changes.

Recently, Primary Eyecare launched an informative website about dry eyes and Dry Eye Syndrome. HelpForDryEyes.com is home to information on the definition of dry eye; its causes, tests, and treatments; and helpful information on how contact lenses might cause or increase dry eye symptoms.

Many of our patients don’t realize that Dry Eye Syndrome is a treatable condition, and they live needlessly with eye irritation. We hope to encourage anyone who has symptoms of dry eye to visit The Dry Eye Clinic at Primary Eyecare and be evaluated and tested for Dry Eye Syndrome. Dr. Rosado-Martin will customize a treatment plan for your specific case and help you manage this chronic but treatable condition.

To request an appointment at The Dry Eye Clinic, please call our Barracks Road location at 434.977.2020 or request an appointment online.

Featured Oliver Peoples Eyeglass Frame – The Dannie

At the end of 2009, Oliver Peoples, the California-based leader in eyewear design and fashion, debuted its newest collection, the Spring and Resort Collection for 2010. With many wonderfully stylish and quality eyeglasses and sunglasses from which to choose, it was hard to make a decision on our featured Oliver Peoples frame. In the end, we chose the Dannie frame, a throwback design reminiscent of some of the most popular Oliver Peoples eyeglass frames, including the O’Malley (a classic), the Sheldrake, the Riley, and the Emerson. A semi-round lens shape constructed of high quality, durable acetate, the Dannie is at once both modernly fashionably and nostalgically retro. Available in three rich colors, including the signature Oliver Peoples Cocobolo tortoise, the Dannie is for sale now at AwesomeEyeglasses.com. Be the first to wear this new Oliver Peoples frame!

Interested in shopping other Oliver Peoples eyeglasses and frames? Looking for a pair of Oliver Peoples designer sunglasses? Visit AwesomeEyeglasses.com to shop the entire Oliver Peoples collection. And remember, AwesomeEyeglasses.com is an authorized dealer of Oliver Peoples, purchasing the frames directly from the manufacturer and upholding all manufacturer warranties.

Primary Eyecare Voted Favorite Optometrist by Albemarle Family Magazine Readers

In December 2009, the popular local magazine, Albemarle Family, announced that Primary Eyecare was its number one winner for the category “Favorite Optometrist” in their first annual “Albemarle Family Favorites” competition. Primary Eyecare is honored that the Charlottesville and Albemarle communities have chosen us for this award. Last year marked Primary Eyecare’s 22nd anniversary in this area, and we are grateful and happy to be a part of a community that does so much to support local businesses and organizations.

Thank you, Charlottesville. We hope to be able to continue to support our community in the same way we’ve been for the last 22 years!

Oliver Peoples 2010 Sunglass Collection – Shop Online!

Just recently, AwesomeEyeglasses.com has debuted the new Oliver Peoples 2010 Spring and Resort Sunglass collection – available now for viewing and purchase online!

Hollywood-based eyewear brand Oliver Peoples launched their newest lookbook for the upcoming Spring 2010 Resort Collection. The classic images feature some of the brands forthcoming selections, including the Danni, Rees, Barries, Riley and Sacha. Featured in the lookbook are the familiar faces of actor Elijah Woods and Shirley Manson. With 12 new retro-inspired sunglass styles, Oliver Peoples has truly touched a wide audience with their newest offerings. Two new aviator styles, multiple over-sized glam frames, and two new flip-up, clip-on convertible sunglass options for two classic frames (the Riley and the Sheldrake) round out an alluring collection that will set the style standard in eyewear for the 2010 season. Elijah Woods and Shirley Manson appear in a beautiful campaign designed to juxtapose classic elegance with fun and endearing style. Visit AwesomeEyeglasses.com today to shop Oliver Peoples sunglasses online now! Free shipping to the U.S. and all colors and styles available for each 2010 sunglass frame!

New Study Finds Nearsightedness on the Rise

A recent study, conducted by the National Eye Institute, finds that myopia, or nearsightedness as it’s commonly called, is on the rise in the U.S. Statistics from the study show that cases of myopia have risen 66% from the 1970s. Currently, it is estimated that 41% of the U.S. population has some degree of nearsightedness – a marked increase from the 1970s figure of 25% of the population.

Nearsightedness is easily corrected through glasses or contacts, but it is estimated that this increase in cases is currently costing the U.S. government $2-$3 billion annually. Though the aforementioned study did not examine causes for this significant increase, experts have cited a number of possible reason for the sharp increase in myopic individuals. A few possible causes include genetics, a lack of exposure to outdoor light, and the increase of “near work” that we all do daily, including computer work, reading, text messaging, or using a handheld PDA or smart phone. Though near work and computer use cannot be specifically pinned as the culprit, it is suspicious that the increases found occurred during the time when computer use became such a large part of each person’s life. Last year alone, 110 billion text messages were sent in the U.S.

Though we cannot know what’s causing this increase, optometrists agree that there are a few things we can do in response to this news. First, it is extremely important to have regular eye exams. You may be struggling with a distance vision problem and not even realize it. Eye exams also screen for other vision-damaging diseases that cannot be detected by changes in day-to-day vision alone. Second, experts recommend stimulating your “far vision” regularly while doing any extended computer or near work. The American Optometric Association recommends the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. And third, experts urge parents to encourage their children to leave the computers and video games and play outside. Not only is it helpful to fight childhood obesity, a growing concern in America, but it may also strengthen and protect your child’s eyes.

Holiday Sales Event – Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off!

Our first ever Holiday Sales Event at Primary Eyecare! Visit The Optical at Primary Eyecare in December and purchase one complete pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses and receive your second pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses at 50% off!*

Now is the time to replace your eyewear! All in-stock frames and sunglasses are included with this promotion. Contact us today to make an appointment for your yearly eye exam, or bring in your current prescription to replace your eyewear between regular exams.

Our expert opticians are trained to help you find the perfect frame to suit your face. Choose from hundreds of in-stock frames and sunglasses. The promotion applys to both our Barracks Road and Hollymead Town Center locations.

And remember, many Flex spending accounts expire December 31st – use your remaining Flex dollars this month or lose them! Flex spending dollars can be used on contact lenses, prescription frames, or prescription sunglasses!

*Some exclusions apply. Insurance discounts cannot be used in conjunction with this promotion. The lesser expensive of the two pair of frames will receive the discount. Frames must be in-stock to receive the promotion. No other discounts apply. Expires 12/31/2009.

Preview some of our optical lines at AwesomeEyeglasses.com!

Primary Eyecare and Fink’s Team Up to Showcase David Yurman Collections

On Tuesday October 27th, 2009, The Optical at Primary Eyecare and Fink’s Jewelers partnered to host an exclusive David Yurman Preview Event at Fink’s in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. The Fall 2009 David Yurman eyewear and jewelry collections were previewed for all the attendees. The event was a lot of fun for all involved and Primary Eyecare was so thankful to the great staff of Fink’s, who allowed us to set-up display cases of David Yurman Eyewear in their beautiful store. Below are some images of our frames displayed in cases.

Two lucky attendees’ names were drawn for our magnificent door prizes. One attendee won a David Yurman necklace with rose quartz accents and another won a free pair of David Yurman sunglasses!

Look out in the spring for more events of these type as The Optical at Primary Eyecare debuts the Spring 2010 collections of some of our most famous designer lines of eyewear!

For more information on the David Yurman eyewear collection, visit AwesomeEyeglasses.com or our Hollymead Town Center location.

To shop Fink’s Jeweler’s David Yurman jewelry, visit Finks.com or their Barracks Road Shopping Center location.

Start Your Holiday Shopping at Mistletoe Market!

On November 8th, 2009, The Optical at Primary Eyecare will be participating in the famous Mistletoe Market at the Downtown Omni in Charlottesville. Hosted by the Charlottesville Junior League, Mistletoe Market is an annual event that brings unique and fun vendors into one location for a one day shopping event. This year’s event will be held Sunday November 8th from 10am until 7pm at the Downtown Omni.

Stop by our booth for special deals on our newest lines of sunglasses and prescription eyewear, including collections by Coach, kate spade, Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban, SALT. Optics and many more!

From the Charlottesville Junior League website:

The Mistletoe Market is a one day holiday gift mart featuring artisans, craft-makers, and retail merchants from Charlottesville, other parts of Virginia and beyond.  The event fosters a festive environment with a wide variety of merchants.  The event cost is $5 per ticket, and tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

To see a current list of participating vendors, visit the Junior League website.

SAVE THE DATE! David Yurman Eyewear Preview Event…

Primary Eyecare and Fink’s Jewelers will be partnering on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 from 2 pm until 6 pm to hold an exclusive David Yurman eyewear and jewelry event that allows you to view some of the newest pieces available in the exclusive David Yurman collection.

Renowed around the world for his classic bracelets, rings, and other signature jewelry, David Yurman recently debuted a collection of prescription eyeglass frames and sunglasses that complement any Yurman jewelry piece, or stand alone as a beautiful, quality choice for your next eyewear investment.

During this event, Fink’s Jewelers will also be able be allowing an exclusive preview of the Fall 2009 collection of David Yurman jewelry.

Finger foods and beverages will be served. Both Primary Eyecare and Fink’s Jewelers will be contributing a door prize that each attendee will be eligible to win at the event!

There is no cost to attend, and please feel free to bring your friends!

When: Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 from 2 pm until 6 pm
Where: Fink’s Jeweler’s at Barracks Road Shopping Center
1025 Emmett Street North, Charlottesville
No RSVP required
Please contact us with questions or for more details – kperkins@cvilleeyecare.com

Technology and Chic Eyewear Meet in the Newest Sunglass from Calvin Klein

The newest eyewear creation from fashion giant Calvin Klein, the CK3083S is a chic and stylish sunglass that just happens to include a conveniently hidden 4GB USB data drive. Camouflaged by a removable temple piece, the USB data drive cannot be seen during normal wear of the sunglasses. Perfect for graphic designers, photographers, individuals who work from a home office, or people who just like to have the newest and coolest of technology, this Calvin Klein sunglass is definitely high fashion meets modern practicality.

The CK3083S is available in three different colors (havana, light havana, and black) and is a great style for both men and women. It is available for sale now!

Though it may remind you of something right of a James Bond movie, we think this new example of merging technology into classic areas of our lives has practical, every day applications. Are you interested in ordering the CK3083S? Or do you want more information on Calvin Klein sunglasses and eyeglasses? Please visit AwesomeEyeglasses.com to find out more about Calvin Klein eyewear in Charlottesville, VA. Or Request a Quote online now for the CK3083S!