As you relax with loved ones or enjoy some time to yourself over the holidays, you may find yourself thinking about ways to enhance your personal health in the new year.
That may include starting a new fitness or activity regime, or working to eat more healthily. But one of the most impactful things you can do is ensure your vision is where it should be.
“Taking steps toward seeing more clearly on a daily basis is one of the most beneficial ways to take care of yourself,” says Chris Calve, a licensed optician and dispensary manager at Ponoka Eyecare, part of a family of vision clinics and eyewear centres in Central Alberta.
If you’re having trouble focusing on your computer screen, reading a menu or seeing objects at a distance, you might just be amazed at the difference a new pair of glasses or contact lenses can make, Chris says.
So what are some first steps you can take?
- Call ahead You can set up an appointment by calling the Lacombe Vision Centre at 403-782-6077, Ponoka Eyecare at 403-783-5575 or Blackfalds Eyecare at 403-885-4040.
- New year, new look? – If you’re hoping to cultivate a new image for yourself or simply freshen things up, the optical dispensaries in Lacombe, Ponoka and Blackfalds each carry a broad selection of frames, with many styles and colours available. Trying on some frames to see how they look can be a fun first step!
- Check your benefits – Many companies provide employees with vision care benefits, which can reduce the cost of a new pair of eyeglasses, contact lenses or protective sunglasses. If your coverage qualifies you for savings on new prescription eyewear, it’s like giving a Christmas gift to yourself!
Beyond writing a prescription
Donna Bailey, dispensary manager at Lacombe Eye Centre and Blackfalds Eyecare Centre, says the clinics’ optometric team are specialists who do more than determine the right prescription to help you see better. Dr. Dennis Heimdahl, Dr. Wardell ZoBell and Dr. Salina Kanji are experienced professionals trained to watch for indicators of other health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, Donna says.
*****
You can learn more about vision care and find other valuable information at 4youreyesonly.ca. You can also head over to Facebook where you’ll find the latest from Ponoka Eyecare, Lacombe Vision Centre or Blackfalds Eyecare.