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As the celestial stage prepares for a rare spectacle, the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th promises to captivate audiences across the globe. This natural phenomenon occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on our planet and temporarily dimming its brilliance. In Ontario, the solar eclipse is expected to start at 2:04 PM and last for about two and a half hours on Monday, April 8th. Many parts of Ontario will experience a total eclipse (the sun is 100% blocked by the moon) at about 3:20 PM. These times will vary by a few minutes depending where in Ontario you are located.   *information from Ontario Association of Optometrists While such an event is a sight to behold, it's crucial to remember the importance of safety precautions to protect your eyes and fully embrace the experience. Safely Viewing the Eclipse While witnessing a solar eclipse is an unforgettable experience, it's crucial to protect your eyes from the Sun's intense rays. Looking directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Here are some safe ways to observe the eclipse: Solar Eclipse Glasses  Use certified solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2  international safety standard. These glasses are specially designed to protect your eyes from the Sun's harmful rays. Pinhole Projector Create a simple pinhole projector using two sheets of cardboard or paper. Make a small hole in one sheet and hold it between the Sun and a second sheet, allowing the Sun's image to project onto the second sheet. Do not look through the pinhole directly at the Sun. Telescopes and Binoculars  If you're using telescopes or binoculars to view the eclipse, make sure they are equipped with solar filters that meet the ISO 12312-2  standard. Never look at the Sun through these devices without proper filters. If it happens that you are driving during the eclipse, please take note of the following: Be aware of pedestrians, particularly those who may be distracted by the eclipse. Give extra time for travel to activities. Do not look at the sun or try to take photos while driving. Do not stop your vehicle to view the eclipse. And remember! If anyone experienced blindness after viewing the eclipse (immediate or delayed), seek emergency care immediately. Did you know?  Many public libraries and science centers often participate in distributing free solar eclipse glasses to the public before a solar eclipse. Check out the links below: https://www.hpl.ca/hours https://tourismhamilton.com/contact-us/   Contact them now and grab a pair! Glasses are available only until supplies last.  It’s a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and grandeur of our solar system. So take the necessary precautions and choose a prime viewing location you can safely enjoy. Gather your friends and family, set up your viewing gear, and prepare to be amazed as the Moon and Sun perform their dance in the sky.

Eye protection is vital in the workplace to prevent injuries caused by hazards like debris, chemicals, and intense light. Safety glasses are crucial for safeguarding vision and minimizing the risk of permanent damage.  Let's find out why safety glasses are so crucial and how to pick and use them right. Why Wear Safety Glasses: Preventing Injuries: Safety glasses shield the eyes from potential harm, reducing the risk of injuries from flying debris, chemicals, and other workplace hazards. Maintaining Vision Health: By wearing safety glasses, workers can avoid eye injuries that may lead to long-term vision problems or vision loss. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with safety regulations ensures employee safety and minimizes legal liabilities for organizations. Types of Hazards and Glasses Selection: Impact Hazards: Choose safety glasses with impact-resistant lenses for protection against flying debris and blunt force trauma. Chemical Hazards: Select glasses with sealed frames and chemical-resistant coatings for environments with chemical splashes and fumes. Optical Radiation: Opt for specialized glasses with shaded lenses or filter plates to shield the eyes from welding arcs and intense light. Choosing Safety Glasses: Fit and Comfort: Ensure glasses fit comfortably and securely to encourage prolonged wear. Impact Resistance: Look for glasses meeting ANSI Z87 standards for impact resistance.  Lens Options: Choose clear, tinted, or shaded lenses based on workplace hazards. Coatings: Consider glasses with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings for improved visibility and durability. Using and Taking Care of Safety Glasses: Wear Them: Always wear your safety glasses in areas where there's danger. Check Them: Regularly look at your glasses for damage. If they're broken, replace them! Keep Them Clean: Wash your glasses with mild soap and water.  Store Them Safely: Put your glasses in a clean, dry place when you're not using them. Use a case to keep them safe. Safety glasses are a big deal for keeping your eyes safe at work. By wearing the right ones and taking care of them, you're protecting yourself from harm and following the rules. It's not just about staying safe—it's about keeping your vision strong and making sure you can do your job well.  We encourage our patients to come in for regular inspection by our dispensing specialist and come in to update your safety glasses!

March 23d ; It’s time to send all our appreciation to Optometrist’s and Optician’s around the world! Oftentimes we take our sight for granted but without it, our lives would be much different. Dr. Jang and associates provide comprehensive eye exams which check your vision, ocular health, and manage eye diseases. Our doctors also do color vision testing, police testing, thorough optic nerve testing, macular degeneration testing, glaucoma testing, visual motor skills, visual perception, peripheral vision testing and much more!  Drs. Jang & Li specializes in Vision Therapy as well!  What is Vision Therapy might you ask??  Well…it's an in-office and at-home based vision treatment program that utilizes a variety of specialized tools and equipment. The therapy aims to retrain and enhance visual motor functioning and visual processing ability!  Did you know…  Our SIGHT is the most  important  of all five senses!?   We often forget to check our eye health as much as it’s recommended by our optometrist, yet seem to brush off what our eyes really do for us! Remember, a visit to your Optometrist should not be delayed. Put your eye health first. Today is a reminder for you to book your next eye exam at LivingHope Vision Clinic!

Have you ever noticed that at the end of a long day at the office, your eyes are dry, itchy, burning, tired, and your vision is blurry ?  This is caused by the increase in computer use in our lives. We go from work at the office, to our homes, to watch TikTok on our phones or read on a tablet. We tend to blink less when we are looking at screens all day which can cause our eyes to be dry, itchy and feeling tired. If you are noticing any of these symptoms after a lot of screen time there are a few things that you can do to help: Blue light glasses Anti reflective lenses The 20/20/20 rule-  Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break from looking at your screen and look 20 feet away. You could be suffering from digital eye strain, come in for a comprehensive eye exam, and the doctor can recommend proper eyewear or any dry eye care products that will be beneficial to add to your daily visual hygiene.

Ophthalmologists: Masters of Eye Medicine Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (MDs) specialize in the comprehensive care of the eyes. Their extensive training encompasses both medical and surgical aspects of eye care. Here are some key points about ophthalmologists: Medical Training: Ophthalmologists undergo rigorous medical training, including four years of medical school and a minimum of four years of ophthalmology residency. Some may pursue additional fellowship training to specialize in specific areas such as cornea, retina, or glaucoma. Surgical Expertise: Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform eye surgeries, including cataract removal, LASIK, retinal detachment repair, and more. Their surgical skills extend to complex procedures that require precision and advanced technology. Diagnostics and Treatment: Ophthalmologists treat a wide range of eye conditions and diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others. They accept referrals from optometrists for complex cases that require surgical intervention. They can prescribe medications, perform laser procedures, and provide long-term management of chronic eye conditions. Conclusion In summary, both optometrists and ophthalmologists contribute significantly to eye care, but their roles and expertise differ. Optometrists focus on primary eye care, vision correction, early detection and management of eye conditions, binocular vision, vision therapy, brain injury visual assessment, low vision rehabilitation, myopia control, and more, while ophthalmologists are medical doctors trained to handle a broad spectrum of eye conditions, including surgery. Collaborative care between these two professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to  maintaining and enhancing your vision. Regular eye check-ups with an optometrist and timely referrals to an ophthalmologist when needed are essential for preserving the gift of sight. Written by Xaiojing (Katrina) Li, OD. Residency Trained in Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision, Binocular Vision, and Brain Injury)

When it comes to eye care, many people may be familiar with the terms "optometrists" and "ophthalmologists," but understanding the distinctions between the two can be crucial for making informed decisions about your eye health. Both professionals play vital roles in preserving and improving vision, but their scopes of practice, education, and services differ significantly. Optometrists: Your Primary Eye Care Provider Let’s talk about optometrists first! Optometrists are healthcare professionals with a focus on primary eye care and certain areas of special interest. They earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree after obtaining a four-year bachelor's degree and provide essential eye care services. Here's what sets optometrists apart: Routine Eye Exams: Optometrists play a crucial role in preventive eye care by conducting routine eye exams. These exams can help detect early signs of eye diseases, ensuring timely intervention and maintaining overall eye health. Vision and Refraction: Optometrists specialize in vision and refraction, helping patients achieve optimal visual acuity through eyeglasses and contact lenses. They conduct eye exams to assess visual clarity, prescribe corrective lenses, and identify common vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Detection and Management of Eye Conditions: Optometrists can also diagnose and manage eye conditions. They detect early signs of eye conditions and decide whether to continue monitoring it in the office or to refer the patient out for surgical intervention. Optometrists in Ontario are certified to prescribe medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, allergy medications, and more. Eye diseases that can be managed by optometrists include dry eyes, red eyes, eye allergies, eye infections, eye inflammations, and etc. Optometrists can co-manage eye conditions with ophthalmologists; this includes cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and more. For complex cases that require surgical interventions, such as cataract surgery and retinal detachment repair surgery, optometrists will refer patients to ophthalmologists with different urgency levels. Special Interests Area: Nowadays, optometrists are expanding their scope to practice in various areas of special interest. These include: Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy (for lazy eyes, eye turns, eye tracking and teaming issues, and visual processing issues) Brain Injury Assessment (post-stroke, traumatic brain injury, concussion, and more) Low Vision Rehabilitation Myopia/nearsightedness Control Dry Eye Treatment Written by Xaiojing (Katrina) Li, OD. Residency Trained in Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision, Binocular Vision, and Brain Injury)

What is AMD might you ask? AMD is Age related Macular Degeneration. What is Macular Degeneration might you ask? It is a disease that slowly decreases your vision and affects the retina. Ultimately, it causes the cells to stop working. Some risk factors that may play a role in AMD are: -> Vascular disease -> Smoking -> Age -> Genetics If you are diagnosed with AMD, your symptoms can range from: -> vision being low and distorted -> straight lines appearing wavy -> objects appearing smaller Don't be discouraged! Changing some lifestyle habits can prevent your ocular health from deteriorating. If you are already diagnosed with AMD/ Low Vision, rest assured you can improve simple things in your daily life: Improving lighting in your home can help reduce glare Using a magnifier Using high contrast lenses for reading and writing At LivingHope Vision Clinic, we have Early Defence vitamins at your next eye exam at LivingHope Vision Clinic! itamins, “Contain 3 macular protective pigments to reduce risk and protect sight in the face of retinal disease”. Learn more about AMD at your next eye exam at LivingHope Vision Clinic!

Hydrophobic, Scratch resistant, Anti-glare/ Anti-reflective, and UV coating are some options that might be given to you by your eye doctor or optician to add onto your lenses! Choosing one coating or choosing multiple? Adding protective coating over your lenses can benefit your lifestyle on a day to day basis, as well as ultimately help you to see your best. Below, we will go over different types of coating options available for YOUR lenses! Hydrophobic: Hydrophobic coating is a soap-based coating. It works by repelling and dispersing the fog moisture as it hits the lens. This coating weakens the surface bonding among the water drop and surface of the lens; this repels the water drops from going on the lens surface. How does it work? Did you know that Hydrophobic actually means ‘water resisting’? Since this coating is soap-based, once the moisture spreads across the lens, it eliminates the fog. Hydrophobic coating requires less cleaning as it repels stains and grease from our fingers, and is anti-static! Ensure that dust and dirt particles will be gone from your brand new lenses! Who is it for? Everyone can benefit from Hydrophobic coating! Infact, most glasses are made with this coating on it. If you live in an area with frequent rain, find yourself constantly going indoors and outdoors, are athletic, or sweat frequently this coating can be very helpful. Scratch Resistant: Yes please! No matter what your lenses are made of, scratches and blemishes are bound to happen. Though scratches won't impact your vision, they can be distracting and degrade the quality of your lenses (Clear lenses = Happy Vision). Having this coating on your lenses will help against scratches that are liable through everyday usage. How does it work? Today, most lenses have a built in scratch-resistant coating however nothing is ‘scratch proof’. This coat is an extremely durable film that is placed on the surface of the lens. Who is it for? If you're a glasses wearer, then look no further! Kids’ lenses especially benefit from a scratch-resistant coating to ensure greater durability. Anti Glare/ Anti Reflective: This special coating eliminates the glares and reflections from both front and back surfaces. Anti-glare/ Anti-reflective coating makes your lenses invisible so people can focus on your eyes and not the distracting reflections from your glasses! How does it work? The Anti-glare/ Anti-reflective coating is applied as a microscopically thin layer that you don't notice at all! The coating is similar to the coatings found on microscopes/camera lenses, and include several layers of mineral oxides on both sides so that reflected light can be effectively blocked. Who is it for? YOU! If you're a person that enjoys visual comfort, having your night vision enhanced, and do not like glare, then you will love this coating. It especially makes reading and screen viewing much more enjoyable. UV Protection: This coating effectively blocks off 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Don't worry, you won't see the coating at all since it is applied as an invisible dye! Overexposure to UV light is thought to be a cause of cataracts, retinal damage, and other eye problems. How does it work? This UV coating can be applied quickly to most lenses to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. Who is it for? Everyone! It is especially important for people who spend a lot of time outside to have UV protection on their glasses. Think of this coating as sunscreen for your eyes…

Progressives, polarized, hydrophobic, and anti reflective are some terms you might hear while trying to select the lenses for your next pair of glasses. These are all fantastic options, but what do they mean and how do they fit with your lifestyle? Trying to choose the right lenses can be overwhelming! We’re here to help you feel confident, choose the perfect frame, and fully understand before making any choices. Let's break down some common terms and how they affect your glasses. Progressive: Progressive lenses really are the best of both worlds (you don’t see the line like you do with bifocals and younger people are wearing them too)! They correct your vision on a spectrum, allowing you to switch from distance, intermediate, to reading with the same pair of glasses! Getting used to progressives takes practice - if you are having trouble check in with your local optician. An optician can make sure you are getting the most from your progressive lenses. How does it work? Progressives start by correcting your distance vision at the top of the lens with a gradual change to your reading prescription at the bottom of the lens. There are no harsh lines, allowing for a smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and reading. Who is it for? If you find yourself constantly switching between your reading glasses and your regular day to day glasses, progressives lenses are the way to go! Anti Fatigue: As more and more people are spending the majority of their day on near vision tasks (reading, screen time, ect.) the need for anti fatigue lenses only grows. The purpose of anti fatigue lenses is exactly as it sounds, to reduce the stress and strain on your eyes. This improves comfort and can help reduce headaches How does it work? When a pair of glasses are made with anti fatigue lenses, there is a very slight magnification near the bottom of the lenses. This adds a slight boost to your prescription to help you with reading. Who is it for? If you find your eyes straining and are having headaches; anti fatigue lenses might be for you! Your doctor will take your lifestyle into account when writing out your prescription. Make sure to let them know during the exam if you find yourself spending a lot of time reading, working on the computer, or any other tasks you need to focus up close. Transitions: Photochromic or Transition lenses help protect against harmful UV rays. They’re a convenient option to keep in mind if you enjoy spending a lot of time outside and hate switching between glasses and sunglasses. How does it work? The special coating can be put on almost any lens and reacts to UV rays. Depending on how much UV rays you’re exposed to, the lenses will darken or lighten as needed. Who is it for? Do you forget your prescription sunglasses at home regularly? Hate switching between the two? Transition lenses are very convenient and allow you to protect your eyes. Transitions are also perfect for kids, ensuring they get all the UV protection they need during school and outdoor activities. Polarized: Polarized lenses are a great option for outdoor enthusiasts- protect your eyes from glare and see you best! How does it work? The special polarized lenses prevent light glare from hitting your eye at specific angles. Why does that matter? When light bounces off uneven surfaces (water, pavement, snow, etc.) it can appear much brighter - polarized lenses help filter out this light. Who is it for? Do you spend a lot of time outside? Driving? Do you garden? Or play sports? Sun protection is a key component to healthy vision - and polarized lenses are formulated to offer the best protection while cutting down on glare. Blue Light Filter: We’re exposed to a lot of blue light throughout our day - some from natural exposure (sunlight) and some from artificial light sources (computer, phone, tablets, fluorescent lighting, etc). This can cause headaches, eye strain, disrupt your sleeping patterns, and in some age related cases cause Macular degeneration. Blue light filters can help alleviate these symptoms! How does it work? The clear or yellow tinted coating helps filter out light at specific wavelengths (blue light!). Roughly 27% - 35% of people report experiencing these symptoms. Who is it for? Do you find yourself getting headaches after working on your computer for a few hours? Do your eyes feel tired? Do you work with 3 or more screens a day? Or are you a gamer? Blue Light filter is calling for you! Still have questions? Come in and ask our optician! They love any opportunity to talk about lenses and how they can help you.

What is Keratoconus? Keratoconus is a vision disorder that happens when the front part of your eye becomes thin and shaped like a cone. Keratoconus usually impacts both eyes, and begins to affect people between the ages of 10-25. Keratoconus is associated with excessive eye rubbing, eye allergies, as well as tissue disorders. What happens to your eye when you have Keratoconus? Keratoconus affects the structure of the cornea, resulting in vision loss. Moreso, the cornea thins and bulges into an irregular shape which causes distortion in vision, mild blurring, increased sensitivity to light, redness in the eyes, and swelling. Are there any treatments? Yes! In most cases, eyeglasses or soft contact lenses may be used to correct mild nearsightedness and astigmatism. If the Keratoconus has progressed our doctors usually prescribe rigid gas permeable contact lenses to correct vision. How do these special contact lenses work? These contact lenses must be carefully fitted, and frequent checkups as well as lens changes may be needed to maintain good vision and progress. Our clinic has the equipment necessary to manage Keratoconus cases and can help offer a better quality of life for you! If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Keratoconus, don't get discouraged, there are options for better vision! Book your next eye exam with us today at LivingHope Vision Clinic! 👀

Dear Patients, Along with our recent move to Rymal Rd. East and our new clinic name, we have more exciting news to share! LivingHope Vision Clinic will have a second location in Downtown Burlington opening very soon. Dr. Tina Jang will be working in both locations and we can offer our services closer to some of our patients traveling from the Toronto and Halton regions. Her hours of patient care will be split between the Hamilton and Burlington locations. Dr. Sheran Sahota and Dr. Brittany Mascarenhas will continue working full time at our Hamilton location. Our current operating location is: 2200 Rymal Rd East Unit 3 Hamilton, ON 905 561 1110 Our second location is coming very soon! The new location address is: 566 Brant St. Burlington, ON 905 247 6161 Appointments are available this fall, we look forward to seeing you at our new clinic!

Have you received a letter like this in the mail recently? We can help! The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) recently began addressing letters to Seniors aged 80 and above, 90 days before their driver's license expires. What does it mean? Every two years, seniors will be required to attend an in-person appointment, which may include a mandatory vision screening as well as a group education session. The letter is requesting drivers to schedule an appointment for their Group Education Session by calling 1-800-396-4233 (toll free) or 416-235-2579 (GTA or out of province). What do you need to know before scheduling your appointment with the MTO? You will be required to write two written in-class screening assignments. Brush up on your knowledge by either watching this YouTube video (which will also be available at the Group Education Session) or review the Official Ministry of Transportation Driver’ Handbook. There will also be a vision assessment. We recommend ensuring you have had a recent eye exam (seniors are covered with their OHIP card once a year!) and that your glasses are up to date and working well for you. Before calling to book, make sure you are prepared to provide your current driver’s license number. While booking, be sure to inform them if there is a language barrier or you require any accommodations. At your driver license renewal session: You will need to bring: your current driver's license, renewal application form (if available), any glasses/ hearing aids. Have a vision assessment completed (5 minute vision screening test at the MTO) If you fail the Vision Assessment: You will need to complete a Vision Report (provided by ministry) To complete the form, you would need a recent, comprehensive eye exam along with a full visual field test (this specialized testing is not covered with your health card) OR If you do not wish to complete the vision assessment at your renewal appointment, you can complete the Vision Report ahead of time! The report will need to be completed within 6 months of your license renewal to be valid. Still have questions? Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/renew-g-drivers-licence-80-years-and-over