The technical term for shortsightedness is myopia.  And if you are shortsighted, you know all about myopia.  The ever changing prescriptions, the need for glasses full time, the cost of those thinner light weight lenses that makes your glasses more expensive than normal.

But you may not know that myopia has many serious consequences on your overall eye health.  It can increase your risk of... 
👓 myopic macular degeneration
👓 retinal detachments
👓 glaucoma
👓 cataracts

Attempts to control or slow down myopia by optometrists  has in the past involved basic solutions.  Often there was very little evidence to show how well these methods actually worked.  In the last few years, research has focused on myopia and how we can better control it in our younger patients and reduce their risk factors of those condition listed above.

At Valarie Jerome Optometrists, we have accreditation to fit not only the MiSight contact lenses for myopia control but have now received accreditation to fit our patients with MiyoSmart spectacle lenses.  

It's not just about vanity or keeping your kids prescription lenses less thick, it is about reducing their risk of sight threatening condition so they will lead a long life with great vision.

And remember to reduce your child's risk of developing myopia make sure to alway encourage your child to
👓 play outdoors as much as possible
👓 limit screen time
👓 take frequent breaks with close work

If you are wondering if either one of these treatments for your child's myopia is right for them, please book in for a complimentary consultation and more information.

Give us a ring on 01635 528844 or email hello@drvalariejerome.com to learn more.

On Global Recycling Day, we are happy  to announce our new  recycling program for contact lens wearers!

In partnership with Terracycle, we are able to accept the following items for recycling
♻️ contact lenses - yes the ACTUAL lens
♻️ contact lens blister packs - what the contact comes in
♻️ contact lens cases - the storage case with the R and L on it
♻️ contact lens solution bottles - emptied of any solution

So no need to bin it the bottles, flush the lenses down the toilet (some people do)  or leave contact lens cases scattered around. 

You don't have to be a patient of ours to participate in the program.

We just ask that all items be emptied of any solution and dry.  

​We also ask that you only drop off during opening hours which may vary and not to leave any items outside the practice.

​Any questions, please give us a ring on 01635 528844.

I am thrilled to have been named as one of the UK’s most 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain’s f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ campaign.
 
There are 100 female entrepreneurs from across the UK, being showcased as part of the campaign’s recognition of the multi-achievements of women that have proved critical to society during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Now in its fourth year, f:Entrepreneur was launched in 2017 to highlight amazing female role models to help and inspire all small businesses, through content, stories and events. It particularly aims to showcase trailblazing female entrepreneurs that lead small businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support, activities.
 
From beekeepers to PPE, tech entrepreneurs to gin makers, this year’s campaign celebrates inspiring and resilient female entrepreneurs that have flourished despite Covid-19, with many still growing or starting new ventures.

I moved to Newbury from the USA over 11 years ago and worked for various local opticians. I worked for many years at Tesco Opticians at the Newbury Retail Park and some still refer to me as the "American Lady from Tescos"  In 2019, I made the bold decision to open my own practice. Having this recognition so early after starting my own practice is an absolute delight. I am truly honoured to be in the company of such inspiring female entrepreneurs.
 
Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens CBE, who is also the director of Small Business Saturday UK. “Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year’s #ialso100,” said Michelle Ovens. “Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish. We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.” “We have seen so many women embracing change, generating and exploring new ideas, rallying around their communities and supporting their peers. This resilience is hugely valuable and will set them up for success as they will be at the very heart of the UK’s recovery.”

To see the full list of women in the list visit ​https://f-entrepreneur.com/ialso-100-2021/

We are delighted to introduce our The Berkshire Collection - a carefully curated selection of beautifully stylish frames, available complete with standard single-vision lenses with anti reflective coating for as little as  £ 129.

Now you can treat yourself to stylish eyewear to suit any occasion.  Whether you're looking to expand your eyewear wardrobe with a serious pair for work, a casual pair for the weekend, or something else entirely, look no further than The Berkshire Collection.

Call 01635 528844 to book a style consultation with a member of our talented dispensing team and discover the Berkshire Collection today.

Tier 4 restrictions allow for eye care to still take place with us and at all opticians in the affected areas.

From 21 December 2020 - 3 January 2021, we will be working reduced hours due to staff spending time with our families during the Christmas and New Year holidays.  We can be reached remotely via email.  You can also leave us a message by phoning 01635 528844 and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.  During these last 2 weeks of 2020, if you are experiencing any sudden changes to your vision or having an eye emergency, we ask you to phone 111.

We continue to operate with the highest levels of hygiene in our practice.  We continue to ask all this attending the practice to wear a mask and not to visit if you are feeling unwell or been exposed to any one who is COVID+ in the last 7 days.

We hope you are all keeping safe. We wish you a Happy Christmas and Better New Year in 2021.

-Valarie and Staff

​

Meet Adriana, our experienced optical assistant and frame stylist.  Working many years with a large multiple opticians in the area, this loving mummy took off a few years to raise her beautiful children and focus on family.  We are so happy to have Adriana as a valued team member at the practice.  

Adriana has previously worked as a practice manager for Boots Opticians in Didcot.  With a wealth of knowledge and experience in optics, Adriana is able to help to patients chose the perfect frames and lenses for all your needs.

Not only talented in optics, Adriana is a well know local artist and often teaches art classes locally.  Check out her website http://www.pieladypapercuts.co.uk to see her amazing work.  Adriana also recently published an adult colouring book called Colour Me Slingy that is dedicated to celebrating baby wearing parents and families.  

Originally from Venezuela, Adriana has lived in the UK for many years and is happy to help make our Spanish speaking patients more at ease.  I know a little Spanish from my time in Florida but "hablo un poquito espanol" so happy that Adriana speaks it properly.

During National Eye Health Week 2020, I would like to focus today on kids and how you can prevent them from having eye damage that could lead to vision loss when they are older.

Now I know, it is hard to think of that young wild child of yours ever growing up, raising a family, growing grey.  But it will happen.  And you can do things now to ensure their vision stay at it most healthy reducing your child's risk of eye disease.

The easiest way is to protect them from UV damage to their eyes.  Most of our UV damage happens before we ever turn 18!  Not all kids sunnies are created equal, so make sure they have proper UV protection.  You may see something like UVA/UVB, UV400 or the CE mark.  These all indicate great UV coverage not just a dark lens.

Want to do a fun activity?  
Visit http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/downloads/sunglasses-design-kids-activity-sheet-nehw-2020.pdf

Download it and have your talented kid create their own sunnies! Then head over to our Facebook Competition and post a photo of it.  

After all, they only have one pair, so take good care of their eyes!

We are now open to see all routine eye examinations and eyecare appointments.  In order to maintain social distancing during this global pandemic, all appointments, spectacle repairs and purchases will be by appointment only.  

Continuing to maintain the highest levels of hygiene in our practice, we will be asking all those who enter to wear a mask.  If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.  Staff may look a bit different, but rest assured, there are smiles under our masks.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask.

To book an appointment to speak to the optometrist or member of staff, please phone 01635 528844.

​As I have a lot of my previous patients, family and friends living in the USA, I wanted to say that I am heartbroken over the current state of affairs in America.  I know there are many of you who will peacefully protest and march over the following days. You all may become exposed to gases and chemicals that can possibly injure your eyes.

Just a note to say that if you get any chemical in your eyes - pepper spray, tear gas, repellents, or anything else, remember in addition to wearing your mask...

· DO NOT RUB YOUR EYES - as hard as it it, try not to as rubbing can result in more damage to the surface of the eye.

· RINSE EYES WITH SALINE OR WATER - milk has not been shown to be any more effective. I have always told patients when they get a foreign body or chemical in the eyes....Rinse, Rinse and Rinse some more. If you have any re-wetting or lubricant eye drops, use those as much as possible

· If you are going to be near any danger to your eyes (chemicals or objects such as paintball, squash, racquetball), please WEAR SAFETY SPECTACLES. The chemicals won't melt the contacts but safety spectacles are more ideal.

· Consider visiting your optometrist as soon as you can to have your eyes checked as sometimes injuries to it may need an antibiotic eye drop.

Photo credit: Dr Lori Vollmer. Review of Optometry, 24 May  2006,