Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: October’s Omnibus of Events

Our “weekend events” edition is on tap for today’s reading on the Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog.  After all, next week is Halloween, which will be a special edition in itself (be sure to check in for that one). So, without further ado…check out what’s brewing in Berkeley. Oh, and Happy UN Day. (That may read like a non-sequitur, but today is UN Day and you’ll find out later why we mention it.)

Anyone who is into apps (mobile, back-end, front-end), along with marketers, students and visual/UX designers – should give serious thought to what’s going on tonight at the Ed Roberts Campus. Today, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and then picking up tomorrow from 10:00am to 9:00pm, attend the “AT&T Mobile App Hackathon Berkeley – Accessibility” event. (Don’t be fooled by the name…it’s NOT about how to become a hacker.) This two-day workshop will provide instruction on how to build apps, present the latest in cutting-edge app technology, and serve as a place to network with like-minded individuals and possible tech teammates. Dinner tonight, breakfast and lunch tomorrow, with coffee and other beverages to be served. As you eat and learn, listen to guest speakers and get instruction from Alex Gaber, Mobile App Evangelist at Crittercism. (Our guess is that Mr. Gaber knows of what he speaks, as his company manages mobile apps on one billion devices, globally.) Reserve your tickets online. (Oh yeah, admission is free, and prizes will be given to the best newly created apps. It does NOT get better than this.) Once you know you have a space, get your laptop ready and bring it down to the Ed Roberts Campus at 3075 Adeline Street. To find out more, call 510.225.6300. Happy app learning!

Saturday’s event is one for serious gourmets, gourmands and foodies who reside in Berkeley. We emphasize “serious” because we will be upfront and let you know that this offering costs more than others – $75.00. If that admission price doesn’t intimidate you, and you have a love of Italian food, you may wish to take in some “Italian Tapas: A Taste of Sicily” at 3:00pm at Playing Life Academy. Still with us? If so, come and meet Chef Maria Capdevielle, who will not only present you with some delicious and zesty tapas (i.e., small plates), but show you how to create them as well. Authentic dishes on tomorrow’s menu include Sicilian pizza with onion sauce, stuffed rice ball, bread with eggplant relish, warm olives with fennel and lemon, and Sicilian cannoli. Sound good? If so, find your way to Playing Life Academy at 1645 Fourth Street, where Sicily comes to Berkeley for one memorable Saturday. You can find out more information by calling 510.528-2133, or you can reserve your space online by clicking here. Mangia!

Now for that reference to UN Day that we made earlier. Although UN Day is today, International House at the University of Berkeley will be hosting “UN Day Celebrations/9^th Annual Global Citizen Awards” on Sunday. For the past eight years, this event has filled International House to maximum capacity each and every time. Partial proof of the importance and respect that local residents pay to this gathering is that start time is 9:00am (VERY early for a Sunday morning). Among the topics of discussion are for contenders who are worthy of being nominated for “Global Citizen Awards.” Do you know of any organizations or individuals who have made a positive difference to East Bay society? If so, they may be deserving of a nomination. So, why not make a difference by attending this celebration of UN Day? Make your reservation online, or call 510.642-9490. Admission by the way is free. So set your alarm clocks, and remember to be at 2299 Piedmont Avenue bright and early for this worthwhile event.

Well, this weekend certainly has a cross-section of happenings. Whether you choose app technology, culinary curiosity, or civic-minded socializing (or something else, as this list can offer), remember – if you require eyewear, please keep your eyeglasses polished or contact lenses clean and ready for wear.

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Costume Contact Lenses, Anyone?

Yeah, Halloween is two weeks away, but everyone here at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley is keyed up and excited for October 31st! What can we say? Between the ghostly and ghoulish decorations and displays that adorn every door and window around Constitution Square, to the fact that a city that is as arts-and-crafts-oriented as Berkeley is – we are in full Halloween mode.

Within the next couple of weeks, colorful costumes will be put together, assembled, or purchased. True Halloween-enthusiasts go all-out. And we also notice (as well we eye care professionals should), that some fanatics will costume themselves up to the last detail – to their very eyes. Are you one of these individuals? Read on…

Yes, specialized contact lenses that will make you look scary, mysterious…or just different and can stamp some memorable spark to your costume. And the variety! Even we were amazed at the costume contacts that are available. You can find any type of vampire (well, the ones from Anne Rice and “Twilight” kind. We were disappointed we could not locate a replica of Christopher Lee as “Dracula,” but we digress). Additionally, werewolves, zombies, wild animals and ghouls of any sort are available. (There is even a set of contacts for “My Little Pony.”) In short, name a creature of some sort or other, and there is a set of contact lenses to match.

But take care. One very important thing we want to alert you about is be mindful of the place you shop for your costume contact lenses: Be sure that the store sells lenses that are FDA-approved, and that you present the sales person with a prescription. Why is this so important? Keep reading…"

We don’t mean to put a damper on your Halloween happiness, but we must be responsible in ensuring that YOU are responsible when it comes to obtaining a pair of costume contact lenses. In the excitement of getting your ghoul get-up together, don’t just buy a pair of contacts in some souvenir shop just because they look cool (or are inexpensive). This would not only be careless on your part, but it is illegal for a merchant to sell these without a prescription. These costume lenses require the same delicate care and tending that standard contacts do.

So…now you know some facts about finding costume contact lenses, be they fun or freaky. For more detailed information on choosing and caring for contact lenses at Halloween, check out this article on EyeSmart.com.

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on Halloween-healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Salutes “World Sight Day”

Good afternoon, dear readers. Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley wishes you a happy-day-after “World Sight Day.” While this is not a recognizable holiday to many (as Halloween is), for reasons we are sure you understand, “World Sight Day” is worthy of our personal recognition and respect.

What exactly, some are asking, is “World Sight Day”?

For those of you who are interested (and we hope more than a few are), since 1998, every second Thursday in October has been designated as “World Sight Day.” Among the forces behind this day of eye care commemoration are Lions Clubs International, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Together, these organizations work to raise public awareness about everything from blindness to cataracts to any and every issue that is related to vision health. (Oh, were you aware that the World Health Organization is the direct authority for health and wellness to the United Nations? How’s that for credentials?)

In addition to public awareness, other activities on “World Sight Day” include alerting and asking world governments to contribute funding to blindness prevention programs. Additional awareness is made regarding VISION 2020.

What is VISION 2020? SO glad you asked…

VISION 2020: The Right to Sight is a global initiative. Its purpose is to eliminate – worldwide – all treatable causes of blindness by the year 2020. (Interesting play on the term “2020,” isn’t it? Eliminate blindness by the year 2020 – which is also the number ratio for “perfect” vision.)

This is an especially important development in today’s world. Think about it. The “baby boomer” generation is, believe it or not, growing older. Eye-related conditions and concerns are growing right along with this aging generation of the world’s population. The good news is that many of these conditions can be either avoided or treated by timely and proper intervention. (Does this give you enough reason to schedule an eye exam?) And intervention is a result of knowledge, which is a result of awareness. This is why “World Sight Day” is as important as it is to us. We hope that it will be important to you and your family and friends as well.

Here’s to hoping for a ripple effect of awareness – throughout the world – for “World Sight Day.”

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision. (And again, a happy-day-after “World Sight Day” to you…)

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Vision Awareness That’ll Make Your Eyes Pop

Hello, and happy first week of October from Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley. So, it is “Halloween Month.” One familiar image that we see in everything from greeting cards to movies to video games is that of a dark, mysterious looking house. What’s inside? Did you hear that door creak? What’s around that corner? Yes…houses can take on a sort of scary atmosphere at this time of year.

You know what? Be afraid, and of not these homes…but your own.

Not only is October “Halloween Month,” but it is also “Home Eye Safety Month” AND “Eye Injury Prevention Month.” Is this a coincidence? Or was October deliberately chosen by vision health experts at Prevent Blindness America as the month to acknowledge home eye safety and injury prevention – as a way to scare people into awareness? Who knows? But the fact remains – and sorry to scare you, but – more eye injuries occur in and around one’s home.

Pick your favorite expression: “There’s no place like home,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Home is where the heart is,” or any other that comes to mind. And yes, we should feel safe in our homes.

This feeling of safety, however, lulls us into taking important issues (in this case, vision) for granted. Let’s say you are doing yard work. This is a chore that we tend not to think about; we just do it. Or, you may be into DIY home improvement projects. Lawn mowers and trimmers can send all kinds of debris ricocheting in any direction – even at you. Paints, staining solution can splatter and sawdust can scatter.

You get the picture? These at home activities may SEEM ordinary and have no risk involved – but they do.

O.K. – Now we go from “scare” to “aware.”

When you perform these tasks, do you wear protective eyewear? If so, great. If not…please pick up a pair. (Oh, according to a most reliable source, “Optometry Times,” protective eyewear should be approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and have should be stamped with a specified seal of approval [“Z-87” logo]).

Remember to keep a First Aid for Eye Emergencies set of instructions within reach, just in case you should hurt your eye.

We’ll stop there. For further information on eye safety within the home (as well as what to do in case your eyes should get hurt), please click here.

We know that this may have given you some serious stuff to think about. We don’t mean to scare you, but let’s be honest…wouldn’t you prefer just being a little bit frightened if it meant you learned something about any potential dangers to your vision – that can happen right where you live?

O.K. Now take a deep breath. Relax, and unwind with a DVD of your favorite horror movie. It’s Halloween Season, after all.

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: So Much to Do in September

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley sings its swan song to September (say THAT fast three times) in our end-of-the-month events blog. Before Halloween-time in October gets here, see what’s up this weekend.

Tonight’s offering combines visual art with environmental awareness in “What Is Missing?” This is a lecture and exhibit given by artist Maya Lin at the David Brower Center at 7:00pm. In what promises to be a thought-provoking evening, Ms. Lin will present her work along with a commentary on the inspiration and meaning behind her art, the theme of which is the world’s natural environment and what we must do to save it. If this sounds like an interesting (not to mention worthwhile) event to you, get down to 2150 Allston Way early, because seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (510) 486-0286. You can also find out more about Maya Lin by visiting her website.

Tomorrow afternoon at 2:00pm, Wine Thieves (it is a store, not a gang that steals wine) will be celebrating the season by hosting a Harvest Festival. For the admission price of $5.00, you can taste some of the latest samples from our neighbors in the Napa and Sonoma wine countries, accompanied by some neat artisan foods. Call (510) 666-0565 for any other details. Side note: We don’t mean to sound preachy, but if you do attend this event, please consider either walking there (hey, it’s local) or taking a cab, bus, or other mode of transport. If you imbibe, do so responsibly.

We end this weekend’s selection of events with a truly impressive example of the culture and creativity that define our city of Berkeley. From noon until 7:00pm, Cesar Chavez Park will be the setting for “A Day on the Water 2.” Sorry to use a cliché, but this event truly has something for everyone! Browse through an “Arts & Crafts Fair” if that’s your thing. Sample some snacks from local eateries if you’re a foodie. There is also laser tag, bubble soccer and video games for the younger set. All of this (and much more) is accompanied by a cross-section of bands that will play a variety of music ranging from Reggae to rock. Sound good? It gets better. Admission is free! So call (510) 677-9425, and be at 11 Spinnaker Way this Sunday afternoon at 12:00pm SHARP.

How’s that for a windup to the week (as well as the month of September)? Now for a word from the sponsors (that’s us at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley). Polish your eyeglasses if you attend the “What is Missing?” event tonight. (Or keep drops with you for your contacts.) Do the same if you plan on visiting Wine Thieves on Saturday. (Feasting your eyes on the food and drink is part of the feast itself.) And if it is sunny out on Sunday, keep your sunglasses with you if you go to “A Day at the Water 2.” Whatever you choose, these or other weekend happenings, keep your eyewear with you (or on your forehead).

Thanks for reading…enjoy the weekend…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Fashion Fix: Big Eye Catchers for Fall 2014

Well, it looks like fall is… falling upon us again! Bittersweet though it may be, saying farewell to the carefree months of summer means it’s time to transition your wardrobe. So…what are the hottest eyewear trends for fall 2014, you ask?

Good news! Large, emphatic frames (that are reminiscent of more conservative styles) are a major player again this fall. We’re seeing a lot of bold, thick frames translated into favorite silhouettes which include the Wayfarer and “cat eye.” Among other more offbeat eye catchers are frames that are square, triangular, oval and even heart-shaped.

Oversized retro Wayfarers are here to stay!

Likewise, dark frames are clearly making a statement for the season – showing off their appeal in both modern and retro-style shapes, as this chic pair of “cat eyes” demonstrates! Their Wayfarer-meets-round “cat eye” gives off a cheeky, feminine touch while at the same time maintains a trendy, professional vibe.

Into more of a modest, classic look? Go for a minimalist round shape in a thin metallic frame. Or, consider a pair like these in a tortoiseshell pattern!

While we typically default to neutrals during autumn, don’t be afraid to pair nude, grey or black shades with bold color accents to give a little more “pop” to your look. If you feel confident in your frames, chances are they’re working for you. Don’t be afraid to show a little personality!

Due for a pair of new frames or an eye exam? Visit us at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley this fall and browse our collection!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Considering Contact Lenses – That Go a Long Way?

Good afternoon, happy Friday, and all other good salutations to our readers of the Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog.

This week, our topic of choice is contact lenses. Even if you wear glasses, you might want to take some time to read this, just in case you should ever decide to change to contacts.

Contact lenses. What a wonder to the world of vision! Those small, spherical, bendable circles have a big impact as eyewear. There are as many different brands and types of lenses to suit as many different customers. Many people use the daily wear contacts (in at morning, out at night, into the small case with saline solution, and repeating the same procedure the next day). Then there are one-day disposables (where you dispose of one pair at night, and place new ones to your eyes the day after, and so on). Then…there are the kinds you can actually sleep in for days, weeks, and (dare we say it), nearly a month.

That is the type of contact lens we would like to focus on.

One brand, Air Optix® Night & Day® Aqua Contact Lenses, is FDA-approved and may be worn for up to 30 days – continuously. Most eye care professionals (and we include ourselves among them) recommend this brand for those who choose to have the option of sleeping without having to remove their lenses.

But please remember, ladies and gentleman – 30 is the operative number (or magic number, whatever you like). Please don’t think, “Well, I’ve worn them for 30 days straight, and I’m too tired to set up the new pair…what difference does one more night make?”

Our answer: “Plenty.”

Although contact lenses can help your vision, they can harm your eyes – if you don’t follow the instructions about how long to wear them, and how to care for them. Read some clear-cut facts from Louise A. Sclafani, O.D., F.A.A.O., in regard to contact lenses.

Your eyes need oxygen. Period. And although they are closed when you sleep (at least we hope they are), the outmost portion of the cornea (the clear dome that covers the colored part and pupil) gets oxygen that is dissolved from tears. Contact lenses block this. Additionally, protein deposits and lipids will build up on the lens and cause infection. We don’t want that, and you don’t want that.

In short, if you take care of your contact lenses, your contact lenses will take care of your eyes.

For those of you who are considering going the 30-day route, please make an appointment to have your eyes checked first to find out if your eyes are suited for this type of contact lens as well as a prescription.

Contact lenses are cool and comfortable – if you’re careful with them. (We thought that up ourselves.)

Thanks for reading. Keep your sites on healthy vision.