Holly's Telescope

Not only is Holly immersed in optics at work and studying in her own time, to relax she still turns to optics! She has a telescope and enjoys the chance to gaze skyward. Here are some stunning photos she took recently on a clear night.

If you are interested in details here are the specs from Holly:

The telescope is an Astronz Dobsonian 6' Newtonian telescope.

I typically have bright wide-field views of deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae and at times the spiral structures of some galaxies. My view of the moon and planets are sharp, seeing the detail in the moon's craters to Saturn's rings and Jupiter's atmosphere.

The telescope has a 6 inch primary mirror located toward the bottom end of the barrel. The mirrors are made with optical quality BK7 glass, which is considerably better than the industry norm.

The telescope is easy to carry around. The tube is 9kg and 1100mm long (it just fits in my Swift). The plyboard base is a bit heavier at around 14kg.

What we are wearing - Claire's new glasses

Claire has chosen a Face a Face frame, acetate with a detailed pattern.

Frame: Face a Face Bahia 4 Col 4321

Lens: Hoya Mystyle Profile Detail progressive, 1.67, clear lens with a Diamond Finish anti-reflection coating.

Another acetate (plastic) frame - is this your preference now?

The fit of the Face a Face frame is exceptionally comfortable - this is the 4th pair of these I have had. I do have a very light metal frame (Blackfin) but the acetates are fun.

How do you find the vision?

This new prescription is an improvement for reading - which is appreciated. I am staying with the same progressive design, Detail because I like the clarity. I switch between different pairs of glasses and don’t notice a difference apart from the close range - clearer with the more recent prescriptions. The field of view is easy, and if I am gardening on a steep bank everything seems good.

With all your glasses how do you chose what to wear?

Having different frames is definitely a fun part of being an optometrist. Mostly I coordinate with whatever I am wearing for work. On a day off it is usually less curated! Days off I choose glasses with photochromic lenses - way more comfortable and suits being outside.

You are invited to Glaucoma NZ Symposium - 15 August 2021

Glaucoma New Zealand - Annual Symposium Sunday 15 August 2021 9am-11.30am, in the Great Northern Room at Ellerslie Racecourse.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘thief of sight’ because the most common form of glaucoma has no symptoms. The damage to the optic nerve happens over time and is irreversible.

The symposium is a chance for people living with glaucoma, and their families and/or caregivers, to access information and valuable insights regarding living with and managing the disease.

This is a unique opportunity to access the expertise as the meeting will be lead by Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialists Dr Jim Stewart, Dr Hussain Patel and Dr Divya Patel.

Topics include: Treatment & Surgery in Glaucoma, Lifestyle Factors, Types of Glaucoma, The latest Glaucoma Research.

For more Information:

info@glaucoma.org.nz

Website: Glaucoma New Zealand

Registration for the Event

Phone number: 0800 452 826 (0800 GLAUCOMA)

Eyelash serum information

A recent item on NZ TV program Seven Sharp highlighted potential side effect of using eyelash serums.

These over the counter products have been developed using prostglandins, a medicine used in glaucoma treatment. One of the side effects of using prostaglandin eye drops is eyelashes grow longer, stronger and darker. So serums have evolved to be applied to the lashes only.

However it good to read the fine print as there can be other side effects associated with long term prostaglandin use. These include darkening of skins and pigmentation around the eyes, and eye can become more deep set.

For more information see the following Consumer information.

Magnifier - Use Your Phone!

Here is a handy tip about your phone - you can use it as a magnifier.

After a year of scanning the Covid QR code we are used to having our phones at the ready. So next time you are at the supermarket without your glasses, trying to read the fine print on a label give it a go.

For people with good vision, enlarging things is not a vital need. But knowing how to access a simple tool can be handy to share with people who may be struggling. Many of the excellent digital devices available to help people with Low Vision can be tricky to master if and when you actually can’t see well. Using Siri on your phone is another example of helpful technology. Setting up to call family members on a verbal instruction can be helpful if you struggle to see the number on a phone. For an older person who is not familiar with using a smart phone mastering the technology to begin with can be a barrier.

So there’s no time like the present to give it a try. Look under Settings in the Accessories folder to install the magnifier.