Newsletter - Summer Edition

We have had a lot going on here at Richard Lindsay and Associates this year.  We have welcomed Lynne, welcomed back Priscilla and farewelled Will and Luke.  We've updated systems, streamlined procedures and discovered new and exciting products for our patients.  It’s the time of year many people reflect, refresh and plan for the year ahead.  Please also make it a time to stay safe and spend time with the loved ones.

Eye exams for kids starting school

There are many vision problems that can be experienced by school-aged children.  These include longsightedness (difficulty focusing up close), shortsightedness (blurred distance vision) and astigmatism, which is a distortion of vision. Some signs of vision problems are obvious like turned eyes, squinting to watch television or covering one eye when concentrating; other signs can be more subtle, such as headaches, difficulty concentrating and red,sore eyes.  Approximately 1 in 4 Australian children suffer from an undetected vision problem, and this makes it very important to be aware of the early signs of a vision problem.  The earlier this is detected, the more chance your child has of reaching their full learning potential.  Early detection is the key.  It is strongly recommended that children have a full eye examination before starting school (and the regularly as they progress through primary and secondary school).

Welcome to our new optometrist, Regina Leung

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Regina Leung to our practice.  Having recently graduated with her bachelor of Optometry from the University of Melbourne, Regina will be joining Richard and Jessica to ensure our patients receive the highest possible quality of eyecare and contact lens management. Regina pursued a career in optometry because she wanted to help others preserve what she feels is the most precious gift we are given: sight.  Having worn glasses and soft contact lenses herself from a young age, visits to the optometrist were routine and became her natural career choice.  In addition, her mother is a long-term rigid contact lens wearer and this has given Regina an insight into the patient's perspective of the complex fitting of these lenses. Regina is passionate about reaching out to provide eye care to disadvantaged communities and recently went on an externship to Nepal, which was an amazing and insightful experience.  She also maintains a strong commitment to professional development, being a member of both the Australian College of Optometry and the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia.

Farewell to Luke Arundel

Some of you may have had the pleasure of seeing Luke as a patient over the last 18 months. Luke shared with us his specialist knowledge of the KATT mini-scleral lenses and his wonderful and kind manner.  It is with some sadness that we have to bid Luke farewell from our practice as he pursues an exciting opportunity as Education Development Officer with the Brien Holden Vision Institute.  In his new role, Luke will be helping to get optometry schools started and directing learning projects in developing countries.  This isn't goodbye forever, as Luke will occasionally be doing sessions with us, and continuing to share his expertise.

Kids in contacts Xmas party

Some of you may know that each year in the month leading up to Christmas, we hold a party for all our paediatric contact lens wearers and their families.  This is our way of providing an opportunity for all these families to come together to share their stories and experiences with each other.  Previous years’ have seen between 50-60 people come along and celebrate, but this year we exceeded our expectations with around 100 adults and children in attendance. Santa turned up as usual – on a motorbike with a personalised number plate – with a bag full of presents and plenty of jokes and laughter. We also had face painters who provided enjoyment for our young patients – and some of our staff! If you want to check out some of the photos, we have an album up on our facebook page - you can see it with this link.