Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Says Goodbye to July.

With the last weekend of July upon us, the summer season has one month to go (man, time flies!). If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would like to offer up a few suggestions of things to do and places to visit.

If you want to do something different and you have the time tonight, consider some Thingamajigs. No, we are not being casual with our English. The Thingamajigs Performance Art Group will present a pastiche of music, art and improvisational theatre at University of Berkeley’s Art and Pacific Film Archive, at 7:30 this evening. For more information, call 510-642-0808.

Kite enthusiasts, young and old, take note: this weekend, the Berkeley Kite Festival will be flying high (literally and figuratively). Between 10AM to 5PM, a multitude of colors, shapes, sizes and types of kites will be adorning the sky above Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina. Click here for further information. If you have never experienced this unique event, take a chance and make a visit (it should be easy to find – just follow the crowd of flying kites). Remember to wear your sunglasses!

School spirit meets local history at the “Glorious Past, Glorious Future: Celebrating California Memorial Stadium” exhibit at the Bancroft Library. This exhibit pays tribute to the arena that has been the home playing field for the University of Berkeley’s football team, the Golden Bears. You can visit this event today, and next Monday through Wednesday. Call 510-642-3782 for further information. (Just an FYI, this exhibit finishes on Wednesday, July 31).

We close this blog with an event that is dear to our hearts, which is Steps to Natural Eyesight Improvement. Again, this is one night event, and it is happening tonight, beginning at 7:00 at Books Inc., located at 1760 Fourth St. As often as we entreat our readers to take care of their vision by scheduling eye exams and keeping their eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions up-to-date, an in-person lecture about eye care can sometimes make more of an impact. For ticket information, call 510-525-7777.

Well, we hope that we’ve given you some ideas on how you can end July in Berkeley. For more choices, visit the Entertainment and Events page of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Thanks for reading. Be safe…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Explores the summer’s Hottest Sunglasses

Sunglasses without a doubt are a summer essential. They not only protect our eyes, but also let us show off a bit of style. This summer has introduced not only new eye-catching trends, but has also made some changes on more classic styles. We at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley have compiled a list of some hot summer sunglass trends to keep you looking cool during this hot season!

Cat Eye: One of the biggest trends this summer is a great pair of retro-inspired Cat Eye sunglasses. Cat Eye glasses have been a favorite for years among Hollywood stars since the days of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Today, they’re a style that has been transformed from the runways to the streets. These frames are flattering on a wide variety of face shapes, which always makes them a favorite. Pair them with a casual yet, girly outfit, or for a classier look – match red cat eye sunglasses with clean and modern colors.

Round: Think John Lennon meets 90’s throwback. For a little more chic and up-to-date feel, stick with plastic frames. Round sunglasses go perfect with just about any summer outfit. Add some colored or embellished frames to a basic outfit, or match a more subtle pair with bold colors or prints.

Oversized: Channel your inner chic with a pair of oversized shades. These Jackie-O inspired frames play off a mysterious Hollywood image. These are perfect to wear on any occasion this summer, and as an added bonus, they cover a wide area of your face while protecting a greater area from UV rays.

Colorful or Embellished: Sport some bright or embellished frames and be the center of attention! Freshen up any look with classic glasses that play with a pop of color or faded design. Be sure to choose a style that goes well with your face shape. Coordinate frames with jewelry, or clash to make a statement.

So whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, or just heading outdoors this summer Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley has the perfect pair to keep you looking “cool” and stylish. Head over to our store in the Constitution Square Building on Shattuck Avenue and inspire your inner fashionista (or fashionister) today!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley – Google Glass…will it last?

Several months ago, the Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog discussed meeting the challenge of maintaining healthy vision in this demanding digital world. (To reread this post, click here.) One of the advancements mentioned was an invention called Google Glass. This was to be the next big thing: contests were being held, and some lucky winners were going to get to try it.

The apparatus is worn around the forehead (like a visor), and you can:

•          Take pictures and record video (hands free).
•          Share what you are seeing (as it is happening) with family and friends.
•          Utilize a built-in GPS system.
•          Search for information as you would online.
•          All of this (and more) is accomplished without the aid of a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Google Glass is a device that rivals any science fiction or spy thriller. James Bond, are you reading this? Do you feel envious? You may not have to.

Recently, ABC News reporter Joanna Stern summarized her experience of experimenting with Google Glass, and it may not be all it’s cracked up to be. One thing to bear in mind is that connectivity can be an issue; you must own a phone that supports Bluetooth data tethering. Also, this only works for relatively short spurts of time, before you need to plug in the battery for recharging. Much of the time, according to Ms. Stern, her set is not used as much as she anticipated.

There is also some controversy surrounding privacy issues with Google Glass, and this is discussed at length by James Rivington at TechRadar.av. Going to the movies, concerts, sporting events, and any other performance venue will make permission to wear this device tricky. Consider then, if the (very high) price tag is worth it, if you are prohibited from using it in certain settings. (As was the case with Ms. Stern, you are limited by where you are and what circumstances you are in.)

By now, you may have figured out that the staff of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley leans toward traditional eyewear. Prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses still work for us as the way to helping others see better and make the most of their vision. If you are still tempted toward going for the Google Glass – all the best. If you are waiting for an improved version, consider first improving what you already have, and keep that regularly scheduled eye exam in connection with an up-to-date prescription for eyeglasses, contact lenses (or both).

Thanks for reading. Be safe…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Healthy Eyes for Healthy Travels!

Fourth of July is over and that means summer is in full swing! This also means a summer trip may be around the corner, right?! While you’re busy planning a fun-filled vacation, Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would like to provide you with some tips to help keep your eyes healthy during your travels.

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in a foreign country or roughing it camping, protecting your eyes is important. According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of many eye diseases. When traveling (and even when you’re not), make sure to wear sunglasses. Your sunglasses should block 97%-100% UVA and UVB rays. Don’t let the clouds fool you; it is just as important to wear sunglasses on those days as it is on the sunny ones. Need a new pair of sunglasses? Stop by Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley and shop the vast array of designer brands today! A great big floppy sun hat or baseball cap will also provide some extra protection against harmful rays.

When traveling, be mindful of low-humidity in airplanes and hotels that can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. Moisturizing eye drops are great to keep on hand. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to pack an extra pair, since they can easily be torn during all the fun and exciting activities. It’s also a smart idea to bring along a pair of eyeglasses (just in case). If you are planning on driving long hours, you may want to head over to Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley for an eye exam, which will ensure perfect vision on the road! So while you’re packing for summer vacation, don’t forget those sunglasses, contact lenses, and eyeglasses to give you peace of mind that your vacation will be full of fun and relaxation!