Post Pandemic eye health review

woman sitting with her little daughter on a kitchen with laptop computer

This year, like many other businesses, we had to close our doors at Ian Donald Optometrist in Manly for non-urgent services during the Sydney lockdown.

We did however continue to work behind the scenes to ensure we would be ready to respond to your eye health and optometry needs once our team was back on deck.

Whilst there has been quite a lot of discussion about the impact of lockdown and the pandemic on our physical and mental health, there has been less of a focus on ocular health – but it is vitally important.

In our annual wrap for 2021, we focus on the year’s potential impact on your eyes, we take a look back at our activities this year and we introduce something that may be the perfect gift for yourself or your family this Christmas – our new Ray Ban prescription sunglasses.

“Lockdowns have left many of us with tired, strained eyes — a clear reminder of the impact of too much screen time.”

Businesswoman having a meeting using Webcam conference on laptop

The pandemic and eye health

The pandemic is affecting people’s eye health in a couple of ways, and the most obvious is to do with lifestyle changes.

As more people are working and studying from home and communicating and socialising online, it’s had a flow-on effect.

Lockdown essentially is not a good environment for our eyes, and both adults and children are facing eye strain, tired eyes and other eye health issues due to the significant uptake in screen time.

Dry eye, for instance, is one condition that may arise after extended periods in front of a computer. It can manifest as uncomfortable, stinging, red, sensitive or watery eyes with effects ranging from an inability to comfortably wear contact lenses to poor night-time vision. As with all eye health issues, the first step if you experience any symptoms is to book an eye examination.

Neglecting eye care

Even out of lockdown, many optometrists have seen a decrease in appointments during the pandemic, with patients hesitant to book in for eye examinations and avoiding regular check-ups. While this is understandable, it’s unfortunately not a good choice for our eyes.

Whilst our eye health has been suffering during lockdowns, the best way to monitor and treat any issues is still early detection.

Regular eye examinations can discover the early onset of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes or the onset of eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

To help keep your eyes in good shape, it’s essential to have regular eye examinations, even during the pandemic. Should you experience an eye injury or eye pain, floaters or spots in your field of vision, red-eye or a sudden change in sight, then it’s very important that you make an appointment as soon as possible with one of our optometrists.

“Regular eye exams remain the best way to detect silent conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration before they cause lasting damage.”

Young happy smiling pretty couple posing in hot summer day, wearing retro sunglasses,

Our eye health 2021 focus

At Ian Donald Optometrist, our team is dedicated to helping our customers look after their eyes over the long term, and one way we help achieve that is with our regular articles on eye health.

In 2021 we provided a range of blogs on eye conditions including myopia, macular degeneration and dry eye. We provided guides to Ortho-K and outlined all of your options for glasses and contact lenses. We also let you know why choosing an expert dispenser matters.

We will continue to keep you informed on eye health issues and the latest news from the practice, including our latest optometry technology – so that you’re in the best position to monitor and maintain your family’s eye health.

Ray-Ban for Christmas?

In June this year, we reported on the importance of sunglasses for everyday eye care. As the temperature and UV indicator continue to climb, that’s more imperative than ever.

So we’re also pleased to advise one of the newest additions to our range – Ray-Ban prescription sunglasses.

From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Tom Cruise in Top Gun, from the Blues Brothers to Men in Black, Ray-Ban sunglasses have been making a mark for more than 70 years. Perennially popular on-screen and off, they feature classic styling and most importantly, premium materials and quality polarised lenses.

At Ian Donald Optometrist, we continue to follow NSW health procedures and our COVID-19 response to protect all of our valued customers. To ensure your eyesight is the best it can be, please contact us for your next eye assessment.

Meet the Author

Ian Donald

Optometrist

Ian Donald had a vision.

He was going to become a dentist. It seemed like a good plan, until his careers adviser gave him a brochure on optometry. It opened up a whole new world. The eye intrigued him. It fascinated him. Optometry captivated him. And so his whole focus changed.

Ian went on to do work experience in the very office he owns today. While studying Optometry at the prestigious UNSW, he spent hours working in that same office, doing all the things no one else wanted to do. Filing. Filing. Filing.

Learning, learning, learning. It’s part of who he is.

Even today he is constantly training and retraining, studying and staying up to date with the latest technology in eye health.

So what else energises Ian?

‘Riding my bike, being part of the community, and helping people see. It gives me the best feeling possible. We take it for granted, because we do it all day, every day. It’s such a gift to be able to give people peace of mind.’ Read More

FAQs

How has the pandemic affected eye health?

The post-pandemic eye health review explains that increased screen time from remote work, study, and socialising has led to more cases of eye strain, tired eyes, and dry eye.

What are common symptoms I should watch for after spending long hours on devices?

According to the 2021 eye health review, symptoms include eye tiredness, dryness or watering, redness, burning sensations, light sensitivity, and discomfort with contact lenses.

Why is it important to maintain regular eye examinations during or after lockdowns?

The eye health review highlights that regular eye exams are vital for detecting issues like glaucoma, myopia, hyperopia, or macular degeneration before they worsen.

What preventative steps can I take to protect my eyes in a post-pandemic world?

The review of eye health in 2021 suggests limiting continuous screen use, taking breaks, adjusting screen ergonomics, using artificial tears, and wearing UV-protected eyewear.

What new options or awareness did Ian Donald Optometrist highlight in their 2021 review?

The Post Pandemic Eye Health Review introduced Ray-Ban prescription sunglasses, highlighted expert frame dispensing, and focused on educating patients about conditions like dry eye, myopia, and macular degeneration.

Areas We Serve

We have cared for Northern Beaches locals' eye health for over fifty years. Ian Donald Optometrists are here for you with the latest technology and an extensive range of frames from local and international designers.

Manly

Servicing Manly with high-quality eye care and an extensive range of boutique fashion eye wear brands.

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Balgowlah

Servicing Balgowlah and surrounding areas with high-quality eye care and boutique fashion eyewear brands.

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Freshwater

Servicing Freshwater locals with professional eye care and an envious range of boutique fashion eyewear from local and international designers.

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Dee Why

Dee Why locals have been travelling south to Manly to visit our optometrists for decades. For specialist eye care and professional service.

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Brookvale

For generations, the locals of Brookvale have been turning to Ian Donald Optometrists to care for their vision.

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Collaroy

Our reputation for service, quality, and professionalism is why so many customers in Collaroy come to Ian Donald Optometrists for eye care.

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Have questions?
Chat with our team today

Shop 2, 37-39 The Corso,
Manly NSW 2095

Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday - 8.30am to 4.00pm

Ian Donald Optometrist is a private billing practice. Please contact reception for our consultation fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance rebates apply.