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  Eye Care

  The primary goal when having your eyes checked is to ensure that you have the best, clear and comfortable vision you can possibly have for every day life including work, recreation and hobbies.

  Common condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are often not noticed by the person until it is in its advanced stages. Early detection is crucial in preventing total vision loss.

  At Hannaford Eyewear comprehensive eye examinations are recommended once every two years including children. Thao may see you more often if there is a family history of a condition or if she is monitoring a condition.

  A thorough examination by an optometrist and an analysis of your visual needs by a qualified optical dispenser will ensure that you will be given the advice and products which would best suit your requirements.

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  Comprehensive Optical Dispensing

  At Hannaford Eyewear all of our dispensing staff are fully licensed and registered with the NSW Department of Health. Our dispensing staff are also members of the Australasian Dispensing Opticians Association which ensures continuing maintenance of standards for the optical industry. When choosing your spectacles, make sure you use a licensed dispenser. It is your guarantee of quality.

  Because of this we are able to make your spectacles on site using the very latest in fitting techniques coupled with well over a decade of lens crafting experience. As a result, we can also offer you the fastest turnaround times possible. We even have exotic lenses made on site such as Franklin Split bifocals and dive masks. Come in for a demonstration of how your lenses are being made, we have windows into the lab for just that reason and Grant would be happy to walk you through the process!

  Frames

  Frames can be divided into two main categories, plastic and metal, each with its own distinct properties and styles.

  Plastic

  This group of materials is no longer restricted to the old plastic frames from the 1950’s! In fact it contains some of the most exciting new design innovations in recent years. Most frames in this category are either cast in a mould, giving inexpensive frames, or cut from acetate sheets. It is the acetate sheets which enable the greatest variation of styles with some even incorporating lace and fine objects into the frame! While very attractive and durable, plastic frames do have the disadvantage of being unable to repair should breakage occur within the material itself.

  Metal

  By far the largest of the frame families this group contains many interesting designs and shapes as the metal can be worked far more intricately than plastic. Some of the more common frame materials are:

  Mon-alloy

  the most common material in current use, it is strong, easily worked and in the event of disaster, is readily soldered to great effect. The quality of the metal used will directly impact upon the price of the frame. Stainless Steel – This metal will give even finer results while maintaining strength and flexibility. It has a very long service life but can be slightly trickier to repair.

  Titanium

  by far the strongest of the metal materials currently in use, titanium gives long service life, light weight frames and high comfort. One form of titanium is even work to allow the metal to have a ‘memory effect’ whereby the frame will return to shape after it has been bent. One of the most successful uses of titanium has been in the Titan Minimal Art range of rimless frames which weigh under 4 grams for the chassis and has no screws at all! These frames have been selected by NASA as the frame of choice for space missions. Not a bad testimonial at all.

  Gold

  rolled gold is a great choice for those looking for a refined, distinguished frame, while more expensive it is very long lasting and ideal for those with sensitive skin Other material such as magnesium are being developed and may even prove to knock titanium off the ultra light throne, come in and see our range of new lightweight metal frames incorporating some of the latest metal technology.

  Hypo allergenic frames

  do you have sensitive skin? Come in and ask our staff about the wide range of frames available for those with sensitive skin or nickel allergies. We can get you into the styles you love again without discomfort!

  Lenses

  Whatever your lifestyle we can find the right lens choice for you. Our trained and licensed staff can guide you through the seemingly endless array of lens choices, including the following:

  Lens designs

  Single Vision Lenses

  ideal for reading spectacles, distance or driving spectacles or for those who only need one prescription for all tasks. They can also be made in aspheric designs which give greatly enhanced optical performance across the lens surface.

  Bifocals and Trifocals

  these are the more traditional approach to eye conditions like presbyopia. They generally provide a distance zone in the top of the lens with either one or two sections in the lower portion of the lens used for intermediate or near tasks. These lower sections can be of varying sizes and can be set to accommodate specific tasks, for example, golf or needle crafts.

  Progressives (Multifocals)

  providing a lens that accommodates all working distances from long distance down to near tasks, these lenses are fast becoming the only choice for everyday wearers of spectacles. By enabling one pair of lenses to be used for almost any situation the wearer need not change their spectacles every time they want to change task. Many of you will be familiar with the original design progressive lenses that worked very well but still experienced some minor limitations at certain working distances. Thanks to developments in lens surfacing technology it is now possible to completely customise each lens to incorporate your frame choice and your needs. Whether it is for a computer programmer who plays football or an accountant with a pilot’s license, the lens can be built to your exact needs.

  Materials

  Plastic

  the more common resins for lenses are included in this field. In fact most lenses dispensed in the world today stem from the same resin family. It is lightweight, has excellent optical qualities (thanks to the ease with which it can be worked) and when coupled with the advanced coatings now available, is extremely scratch resistant.

  Glass

  glass is the more traditional choice for lenses. It has excellent optical qualities and scratch resistance but does have the disadvantage of low impact resistance and high weight.

  Impact resistant plastics

  polycarbonate and phoenix (trivex) are the two main materials for impact resistance. Polycarbonate possesses high impact resistance and low weight but suffers from low chemical resistance, is easily scratched without extensive coating and is subject to chromatic aberrations (splitting of light into component colours). Phoenix also has high impact resistance and is the lightest material currently available. It also does not succumb to chemical attack, has none of the chromatic problems associated with polycarbonate and incorporates one of the most scratch resistant surface coatings as standard.

  High index plastics

  these materials provide thinner, more appealing lenses by using plastics that can bend light more efficiently, thus enabling a thinner lens to perform the same tasks. When coupled with advance lens designs such as aspheric surface they can also give wider fields of vision to those who have higher prescriptions.

  Coatings and treatments

  Hard coats

  at Hannaford Eyewear all of our lenses come standard with hard coats. This ensures that you lenses will be durable and provide lasting quality.

  Multi or AR coats

  multicoats are a valuable tool for increasing the light transmission of a lens. Much like the coating on a camera lens they remove almost all surface reflection and allow light to pass through to the eye. The net result of this is a great reduction in eye fatigue making them particularly valuable for all lens users.

  UV Treatment

  all lenses made at Hannaford Eyewear incorporate UV protection as standard for your protection, and like hard coats they are part of our service to you.

  Tints

  for sunglasses or even general purpose and fashion lenses we can provide any tint that you require using our onsite tinting facility. Included in our tints is a lifetime warranty that gives you access to free tint adjustments during the life of the lens. Come in and discuss what tints may be best for you.

  Polarised

  polarising lenses use a filter to block out glare. They are particularly useful in high glare situations such as the beach and water sports. Polarising filters are available in all lens types from single vision through to progressives.

  Specific use spectacles

  Sports

  Hannaford Eyewear has everything that the sports person could need for their optical needs including optical solutions for the following:

  • Racquet sports
  • Diving
  • Rock climbing/mountaineering
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • The list goes on!!

  Industry and safety

  cast your mind back to the times that something has almost hit you in the eye. Whether for work, at home or on the farm, we can provide you with a safety solution that can protect your most valuable sense.

  Repairs

  Do your spectacles need some help to see another day? We have an extensive spare parts network and on site soldering to get your spectacles back up and running in no time.

  Spectacles not broken? Come in for a complimentary ‘tune up’ anytime, we can pick up any future problems and get them sorted out before they get out of hand!

  Contact lenses

  There times where you may have felt that your spectacles have gotten in the way such as when playing sports or other times where you just want to go out or that special occasion where you just don’t want to wear glasses! Contact lenses may be an option for you and unlike surgery, it is reversible.

  There are many types of contact lenses available including:

  • Disposables
  • Conventional soft lenses (custom made)
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGPs)
  • Specialty designs for conditions such as keratoconus

  Disposable lenses are commonly advertised and these can be daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or even 3-6 monthly replacement. These can be worn as a daily wear lens or an extended wear (able to sleep in them) lens. There are even coloured contact lenses to change the colour of your eyes!

  Since the contact lens is in ‘contact’ with your eyes, it is of utmost importance that your optometrist not only initially fits the contact lenses but also to have regular check ups to maintain the contact lens performance and eye health. And nowadays, new contact products are becoming available so frequently to address issues which wearers have come across over the years, that there will most likely be one to suit your needs.

   

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  Thao Hannaford M.Optom., B.A.

  Thao graduated with honours in her Bachelor of Optometry degree at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She has worked for a number of years previously as an employed and locum optometrist for various practices in Sydney and regional New South Wales prior to practicing at Hannaford Eyewear. Thao has also acted as teaching supervisor for optometry undergraduate students at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the UNSW. She has also completed her Master of Optometry degree at UNSW with a distinction average and her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of New England. Her final year Master’s thesis is titled ‘The Prevalence of Myopia in Mongolian Children Living in Urban Areas Versus Rural Areas’ in which she received a high distinction for. Her supervisor is the former head of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Professor Stephen Dain.

  Thao is currently undertaking her fellowship with the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists. Fellows of ACBO must pass a rigorous assessment program to achieve Fellowship to the College. The evaluation process includes comprehensive written, oral and clinical examinations and the writing of a literature review or original research. Fellows must also undertake 30 hours of additional continuing education each year to maintain their Fellowship accreditation, and must regularly submit papers for publication.

  Thao is a member of the Optometrist Association Australia (OAA), Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CLSA). These associations stipulate that in order to maintain membership, a number of hours of continuing education are required to be completed. This ensures that Thao is kept up to date of the latest treatment options, products and technology available.

  Grant Hannaford B.A. (Hons.), Cert. IV Opt. Disp.

  Grant has been practising optical dispensing for well over a decade in various practices in New South Wales prior to establishing Hannaford Eyewear. He is a licensed dispensing optician and is registered with the Optical Dispensers Licensing Board of NSW. He is also a director and member of the Australasian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA) and graduated with honours in a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New England. He is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics. Grant is also a member of the Guild of Dispensing Opticians and Association of Spectacle Makers. Grant engages in continuing education to ensure that the practice provides the latest frames and lens technology available.

  Helen Sheather

  Helen has been with Hannaford Eyewear for over two years now. She brings to the practice extensive knowledge in administration and reception duties in a medical/health environment. Helen is responsible for ordering of frames and their parts, contact lenses and accessories.

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  HERE ARE SOME FACTS YOU MAY  NOT KNOW!
  

  HUMAN EYES…

   

  Are the most complex organs you possess except for your brain

  Are composed of more than two million working parts

  Can process 36,000 bits of information every hour

  Under the right conditions, can discern the light of a candle at a distance of 14 miles

  Contribute towards 85% of your total knowledge

  Utilise 65% of all the pathways to the brain

  Can instantaneously set in motion hundreds of muscles and organs in your body

  In a normal life-span, will bring you almost 24 million images of the world around you

  The external muscles that move the eyes are the strongest muscles in the human body for the job that they have to do. They are 100 times more powerful than they need to be

  The adult eyeball measures about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Of its total surface area only one-sixth is exposed – the front portion

  The eye is the only part of the human body that can function at 100% ability at any moment, day or night, without rest. Your eyelids need rest, the external muscles of your eyes need rest, the lubrication of your eyes requires replenishment, but your eyes themselves “never” need rest

  On the retina an upside down image is formed and then you brains puts it the right way up

  The rods and the cones turn the light into electric signals that are transmitted through the ganglionic cells to the optic nerve and from there they reach the brain.

  Human eye can detect 10 million color hues, but cannot see ultraviolet or infrared light

  The human eye sees basically three colors: red, green and blue. These are basic colors. The white is a combination of the three; the black is their lack. Yellow, purple or mauve form through the combination of two basic colors; these are called secondary colors

  We blink once or twice at 10 seconds, and a blink lasts 0.3 seconds. In 12 hours, we blink 25 minutes. Infants starts blinking at the age of 6 months

   

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  Hannaford Eyewear not only services the Southern Highlands, but is also involved in eye care overseas. In fact, Thao and Grant first met in Nepal whilst doing volunteer work under Rotary Australia and ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Agency) in 2001. Nepal eye camps run once to twice a year in April and October while Mongolia occurs once a year in late May due to weather restrictions. Grant in 2006 was appointed the important job of organising the Mongolia trips and after the success in May, it is now an ongoing event. Hannaford Eyewear can be used as a drop off point for donated spectacles as they are always welcomed. For those who are interested in volunteering please contact us for further information. We would also like to thank the following for their support of these projects:

  • Donators of spectacles in the Southern Highlands
  • Soroptimist Goulburn
  • Bowral Junior Rugby League Club
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  With brands like Rayban, Bolle, Lagerfeld, Leona Edmiston, Trussardi, Fiorelli, Nina Ricci, Dunhill, Oroton to name but a few, we can supply the right sunglasses not just for fashion but as part of your good eye health routine.

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