January - Welcome to a new year! π
REMINDER - We have a NEW address -
5317B Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
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We are starting off this year getting settled in the new place!
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This move did not come without challenges, but we are so happy to be here at this new location. Better parking, natural light, and wonderful neighbors have made this move overall positive. We did have some challenges with the telephone lines, and would like to thank everyone who made us aware of it and helped us to get it fixed! We have the most amazing customers here and are so grateful for your help. Other challenges were getting signs up with snow delays and having new doors installed. But we have worked though them all and are moving forward to give you the best possible experience here.
Speaking of new neighbors, we have a few! Francos Fine Clothier is here in the building for all of your fine clothing needs. Right next door, we have Fusion Fitness to help you get in shape. Upstairs in the building there is EV Stamps and Auctions for all of your collectibles. We are so excited to be in great company and working alongside other small businesses in this community.
If we can help you in any way at all, give us a call at (804)261-0222! π₯° Cliff, Sheila, and Catherine
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DO YOU FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES? Please do! This is where you find up to date weather schedule changes, and many other things. To keep up to date on our most recent shop updates, plus a little entertainment and positivity, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram by the links below! We appreciate every single like and follow, and share with your friends! βοΈ
We sincerely appreciate your support and every like, share, and follow! π§‘
Would you like something fun and useful? Here is a freebie for you!
This month's freebie is again a physical item! Eyeglass cleaning cloths! Don't use your shirt, use a cloth to keep your lenses from being scratched. Stop in and we will give you one!
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OUR NUMBER COMES UP AS "HEALTHCARE"
Because we are technically a "health care" establishment, our phone number will come in in your caller ID as just generic "healthcare", and sometimes people think that our calls are spam. Please take a moment to label our number - (804)261-0222 as "Brooks Optical" in your phone, to avoid us getting mixed up with spam calls. We typically call you to schedule pick ups or with any questions that we have.
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we are surrounded by beautiful places
With all of the construction that has been happening on Lakeside Avenue, it is hard to tell that we are surrounded by beautiful places! π³πΈBut we are uniquely situated just two miles from Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, and one mile from Bryan Park. Make a day of it when you come to Lakeside and the beauty is here when you seek it out! It won't be long until spring arrives and you can catch all of the new blooms.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
This month our product spotlight is magnifying bookmarks for all of our book lovers! π These are both fun and practical with a vintage feel to help you not lose your place while reading. Sometimes you need to look a little closer and these bookmarks will help.
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FRAME SPOTLIGHT
This month we are highlighting men's frames! We have three sections of mens frames as well as men's in the Rayban and sunglasses displays. Stop by and take a look, we can help you to get refreshed with a new look for the new year! π
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JANUARY EDUCATIONAL ARTICLE
Types of Eyeglass Lenses and How They Work
Which Type of Eyeglass Lens Is Right for You?
Picking stylish frames isn't the only choice you'll make when selecting new eyeglasses. You'll also need to consider the best type of eyeglass lenses. Lenses come in a variety of materials and types, each designed to correct specific issues. Learning about the options available will help you make the best choice.
Types of Eyeglass Lenses
Your eye captures light rays, converts the rays to electrical signals, and sends the signals to the brain for processing. As light enters the eyes, the rounded cornea over the iris and pupil and the lens inside the eye bends (refracts) light and focuses it on the light-sensing retina at the back of the eye.
Sometimes, the light doesn't bend (refract) correctly, which causes refractive vision errors. Light may focus in front of the retina or might extend behind the retina, both of which cause blurry vision.
Refractive vision errors include:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness). If you have myopia, your near vision is sharp, while your distance vision is blurry.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness). Hyperopia causes blurry near vision and sharp distance vision.
- Astigmatism. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at any distance.
- Presbyopia. This age-related vision problem causes blurry near vision and is the reason people over 40 often need reading glasses.
Eyeglass lenses change the way the light bends when it enters the eyes, improving the sharpness of your vision.
Eyeglass lens types include:
- Single Vision Lenses. Single vision lenses include one lens power throughout the entire lens. They correct one type of refractive error only, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Bifocal Lenses. Bifocal lenses include two lens powers separated by a line. The upper part of the lens corrects distance vision, while the bottom section helps you see close objects clearly.
- Trifocal Lenses. Trifocal lenses include three lens powers and are divided into three distinct sections for near, far, and intermediate vision.
- Progressive Lenses. Progressive lenses include several lens powers, but aren't separated by lines like bifocals and trifocals. Instead, each lens power gradually blends into the next. If you work on computers, one of the lens powers can be set to the ideal distance for viewing screens if you prefer.
- Sunglass Lenses. Dark sunglass lenses improve comfort outdoors and protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light. Prescription sunglasses may offer a more convenient or comfortable option than clip-on sunglasses or sunglasses that fit over your frames. Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare while providing crisp vision.
- Photochromic Lenses. Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, darken when you're outside and lighten indoors. They're a good choice if you don't want to switch between sunglasses and everyday glasses.
Choosing a Lens Material
You'll also need to select a lens material for your new eyeglasses. Choices include:
- Plastic. Plastic lenses, the least expensive option, are lightweight and resistant to breaking. However, plastic lenses scratch more easily than other lens types.
- Polycarbonate. These lenses are more impact-resistant than plastic lenses, weigh less, and are thinner. They're a good option for sports or safety glasses, in addition to everyday glasses.
- Trivex. Trivex lenses are impact-resistant and even lighter than plastic or polycarbonate lenses. If you're looking for exceptionally crisp vision, they're a good choice.
- High-Definition. Ideal for people with high (strong) prescriptions, high-definition index lenses are extremely thin and use digital technology to create distortion-free lenses. If you're bothered by halos or starbursts around lights, these lenses may be ideal for you.
Adding a Coating
Coatings aren't absolutely necessary, but may extend the life and comfort of your lenses. Coatings include:
- Scratch-Resistance. A scratch-resistant coating can't prevent scratches completely, but may reduce the risk for scratches.
- Anti-Reflective. Anti-reflective coatings decrease glare and can be very helpful when using screens or driving.
- Ultraviolet. These lenses prevent UV light from reaching your eyes. UV light exposure raises your risk of cataracts and eyelid cancer and might increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the National Eye Institute. Cataracts cloud the clear lens of the eye, while AMD damages central vision.
Need a new pair of eyeglasses? Get an updated prescription from your optometrist and come and see us at Brooks Optical. Cliff and Sheila will help you choose the ideal lenses for your eyes. Contact our office to schedule an appointment! (804)261-0222
Sources:
National Eye Institute: Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun's UV Light, 7/5/2022
βhttps://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-lightβ
All About Vision: Choosing the Best Lenses for Your Glasses, 2/26/2019https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/eyeglasses/lenses/how-to-choose/β
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eyeglasses: How to Choose Glasses for Vision Correction, 6/14/2023
βhttps://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/glassesβ
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Pros and Cons of Progressive Lenses, 4/4/2023
βhttps://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/pros-cons-progressive-lenses-computer-glassesβ
American Optometric Association: Myopia
βhttps://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/myopiaβ
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