Between 1975 and 1979, Tien Dinh and Mui Luong tried unsuccessfully six times to escape from Vietnam with their six children.
Many escaping families split up hoping to improve the chances that at least some of them would make it, said son Hanh Dinh. “But my parents said, ‘Whoever God gave us is family. If we die, we all die. If we live, we all live.’ ”
The seventh attempt in 1979 was successful for all eight family members. They arrived in Indonesia and then in Garden Grove.
Hanh Dinh tells the story to explain why his family makes all their personal and business decisions as a unit.
Hanh and his brother Hai are listed as owners of NQ. Jewellers that recently opened in Fountain Valley. But the whole family really owns this newest store, Hanh emphasizes, just as the whole family owns four other jewelry stores in the Asian Garden Mall in Westminster.
They succeed or fail as a family.
It is an unusual achievement. Only about a third of family-owned small businesses survive into the second generation. Different goals, ambitions and management styles have disrupted more than one Thanksgiving dinner for families that jointly own businesses.
After the Dinhs moved to Garden Grove, family members old enough to work got jobs sewing clothes in the Southern California garment industry, says Hanh, who was nine when the family escaped Vietnam.
“But my mom’s passion, even when she was young in Vietnam, was to have a jewelry store,” he said.
Family members pooled their assets and in 1988, the Dinhs opened their first jewelry shop, Ngoc Quang, in the Asian Garden Mall, one of the largest Vietnamese retail centers in the United States with about 400 stores, more than 150 of them selling jewelry from tiny stalls as well as enclosed stores. Despite that competition, Ngoc Quang became known as a store with quality merchandise, Hanh says.
The children went to the Gemological Institute of America, at that time in Santa Monica, to learn diamond grading and jewelry manufacturing.
As the first shop prospered, the family opened another shop with the same name in the same mall, which built on the reputation the Ngoc Quang brand already had. Tien Dinh and Mui Luong became known in the Vietnamese community as Mr. and Mrs. Ngoc Quang, Hanh said laughing.
Each business was still part of the family enterprise. Everyone pitched in money and labor to build each new enterprise.
“My dad always saw this as a country of opportunity,” Hanh said, “All these years my parents work for the kids, and they wanted to keep us all close.”
Two years ago the family started thinking about the need to reach out to the non-Vietnamese community.
That idea built on the 2002 success of the Euro-Asian Furnishings store that daughter Van Dinh and her husband Peter Phan opened in Fountain Valley for mainstream shoppers.
“The new generation is coming and (the grandchildren) will be American,” Hanh says. “We try to keep them in the family business, but if we’re not approaching the mainstream, there won’t be opportunities for all of them.”
A discount store, Factory 2 U, was closing next to Phan’s furniture store, and the Dinhs thought the location would good for a different, grander jewelry store that Ngoc Quang has built in Westminster.
However, the entire family had to agree on every decision.
“Every meeting we discussed ideas. Some (family members) rejects, some agreed. We continued until everyone agreed on each idea,” Hanh says. “My parents wanted something that flowed and didn’t block the (customer’s) view (of the entire store) so we discussed how to make that work.”
Hanh shrugs at that process as though every family runs its enterprises on unanimous votes.
The resulting store is 8,000 square feet, built in glass and lined in cherry wood. The cases carry such brands as Verragio, ESQ Swiss and Michael B. Flat-screen televisions mounted around the store show videos of various jewelry products.
In the back, jewelry designers and repair technicians work in a windowed room so customers can watch. Security is heavy but not heavy handed.
The family decided on a less Vietnamese name, NQ. Jewellers – deliberately misspelling the word to get attention – in the hope of attracting a broad customer base.
In the weeks leading up to the opening, dozens of people cleaned glass, stocked cases and hung crystals from the dozens of orchid plants around the store.
2008年7月23日星期三
2008年7月21日星期一
Truth Behind Eye Care Myths
We have been hearing some myths about eye care from our childhood and we sometimes are guided by those. So it is very necessary for all of us to know the actual truth behind these myths to take better care of not only our eyes but also that of our children. Some of the famous doctors uncovered the truth.
Eating carrots improves my eyesight.
This is a very popular and as well as an ancient myth of eye care. This myth influences us in such a range that we often eat carrot without cooking it and think it as the best eye care. Now it is the time to look up the truth. Dr. David Kercheval, OD, of Kercheval Eye Care says that this story stems from the days when folks didn’t get enough vitamin A in their diet and needed carrots for an extra boost.
“It is a rare deficiency in the U.S., so eating a lot of carrots will do nothing but turn your skin yellow,” Kercheval said.
According to Dr. Amy Walden, OD, an optometrist for Family Eye Care at LensCrafters, lot of beta-carotene in carrots is indeed very good for eyes, but it hardly improve eye sight.
UV protected glass is not necessary for me
“You definitely need that filter,” Walden said. “Most of our glasses and sunglasses have the UV protection — and some have UVB protection to filter out rays from the sun that can cause cataracts.”
It is highly recommended even if you are a contact lens user.
Can I use my disposable contact lenses for much longer than the recommended duration.
You cannot do so. According to Walden, lens wearers who overextend their lens’ recommended lifetime are prone to infections, corneal ulcers and swelling in the cornea, and ultimately they starve the eye of oxygen. Eventually, the lenses break down and stretch to the point they no longer fit the eye properly.
“Hygiene and replacing of the lenses offer the best opportunity for eyes to do well and see well,” McCormick said.
Only those who need glasses require to go for their eye check up regularly.
Sometime we think that as we do not have glasses our eye is perfect and their is no need of regular eye checkup. But these check up not only can indicate whether you need glasses or contacts, they also screen for retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and other potentially harmful conditions.
Walden said many other illnesses show up in the eyes first, including high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Even when a person’s vision isn’t impaired, these conditions can be detected in the retina, she noted.
Eating carrots improves my eyesight.
This is a very popular and as well as an ancient myth of eye care. This myth influences us in such a range that we often eat carrot without cooking it and think it as the best eye care. Now it is the time to look up the truth. Dr. David Kercheval, OD, of Kercheval Eye Care says that this story stems from the days when folks didn’t get enough vitamin A in their diet and needed carrots for an extra boost.
“It is a rare deficiency in the U.S., so eating a lot of carrots will do nothing but turn your skin yellow,” Kercheval said.
According to Dr. Amy Walden, OD, an optometrist for Family Eye Care at LensCrafters, lot of beta-carotene in carrots is indeed very good for eyes, but it hardly improve eye sight.
UV protected glass is not necessary for me
“You definitely need that filter,” Walden said. “Most of our glasses and sunglasses have the UV protection — and some have UVB protection to filter out rays from the sun that can cause cataracts.”
It is highly recommended even if you are a contact lens user.
Can I use my disposable contact lenses for much longer than the recommended duration.
You cannot do so. According to Walden, lens wearers who overextend their lens’ recommended lifetime are prone to infections, corneal ulcers and swelling in the cornea, and ultimately they starve the eye of oxygen. Eventually, the lenses break down and stretch to the point they no longer fit the eye properly.
“Hygiene and replacing of the lenses offer the best opportunity for eyes to do well and see well,” McCormick said.
Only those who need glasses require to go for their eye check up regularly.
Sometime we think that as we do not have glasses our eye is perfect and their is no need of regular eye checkup. But these check up not only can indicate whether you need glasses or contacts, they also screen for retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and other potentially harmful conditions.
Walden said many other illnesses show up in the eyes first, including high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Even when a person’s vision isn’t impaired, these conditions can be detected in the retina, she noted.
2008年7月16日星期三
Jewelry Making Findings Can Make Or Break A Jewelry Project
Jewelry making findings are the essential pieces which make the bead and wire a piece of jewelry. Jewelry making findings are simply the components of any piece of jewelry; the findings consist of clasps, head pins, ear clutches, jump rings and any other manufactured or hand made component. Separate headings of 'Findings" are listed in all jewelry making supply catalogs or websites. A craft or hobby store will have the header listed in their jewelry supply area. Jewelry making findings is a major revenue business all by itself.
Ear Wire
Ear wires are the jewelry making findings that are used to connect a beautiful earring body to the wearer's ear. Ear wires are essential when making earrings; they are generally silver, gold and copper. There is also silver and gold plated, as well as, gold filled. The 22 gauge is the size which is most used in ear wires.
The ear wires are inexpensive to manufacture and are sold in bulk. Ear wires can also be made by hand, and this could be a way to distinguish your work from a manufactured earring. There are many books and websites which contain instructions for different patterns of ear wires.
Small zip lock bags are also considered tiffany jewellery making findings. Plastic zip lock bags or small fabric pouches are items which must be considered when selling your jewelry or keeping it safe. Oils and everyday pollution will harm your jewelry making findings and, therefore, must be kept in containers before and after they are made into jewelry.
Sizes of these bags depend upon your necklace, bracelet and earring projects. But jewelry making findings must always include small bags of some capacity.
Clasps
Toggle clasps, jump rings, lobster clasps, S clasps and magnetic clasps are all examples of jewelry making findings. These are all necessary components to make any necklace or bracelet work. Your beads or crystals, wire or chains and clasps is all that it takes to make a spectacular necklace or bracelet. But your findings are absolutely essential in the making of these necklaces and bracelets.
There are many more examples, but the ones that are listed above are the essential pieces. When researching for jewelry making findings, look for quality first. In jewelry making findings you really do get more 'bang for your buck'.
Spend a little more for your findings and your customers will turn into repeat customers and you won't turn into a jewelry repair business. When all is said and done, jewelry making findings can literally make or break your jewelry making projects.
Ear Wire
Ear wires are the jewelry making findings that are used to connect a beautiful earring body to the wearer's ear. Ear wires are essential when making earrings; they are generally silver, gold and copper. There is also silver and gold plated, as well as, gold filled. The 22 gauge is the size which is most used in ear wires.
The ear wires are inexpensive to manufacture and are sold in bulk. Ear wires can also be made by hand, and this could be a way to distinguish your work from a manufactured earring. There are many books and websites which contain instructions for different patterns of ear wires.
Small zip lock bags are also considered tiffany jewellery making findings. Plastic zip lock bags or small fabric pouches are items which must be considered when selling your jewelry or keeping it safe. Oils and everyday pollution will harm your jewelry making findings and, therefore, must be kept in containers before and after they are made into jewelry.
Sizes of these bags depend upon your necklace, bracelet and earring projects. But jewelry making findings must always include small bags of some capacity.
Clasps
Toggle clasps, jump rings, lobster clasps, S clasps and magnetic clasps are all examples of jewelry making findings. These are all necessary components to make any necklace or bracelet work. Your beads or crystals, wire or chains and clasps is all that it takes to make a spectacular necklace or bracelet. But your findings are absolutely essential in the making of these necklaces and bracelets.
There are many more examples, but the ones that are listed above are the essential pieces. When researching for jewelry making findings, look for quality first. In jewelry making findings you really do get more 'bang for your buck'.
Spend a little more for your findings and your customers will turn into repeat customers and you won't turn into a jewelry repair business. When all is said and done, jewelry making findings can literally make or break your jewelry making projects.
2008年7月15日星期二
The Magic And History Of Aquamarine Jewelry
While all gems found on this world are special in their own way, the aquamarine is very unique. This gem that symbolizes the month of March has always had magic and mystical elements surronduing it. March, for many of us, is a month that is said to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb; in others words, this month is a very speacial time for those who experience all four seasons as March brings them from winter into spring. Aquamarine jewelry is very special in its own right and has a wonderful history.
aquamarine jewelry
Aquamarine jewelry is very special jewelry. The aquamarine stands for the month of March. Birthstones were chosen long ago by ancient civilizations to represent the months of the year, and all of the stones that were chosen were preciios ones.
Over time, the gems have changed to make what is now known as the official list of birthstones. The list kept changing so much that the National Association of Jewelers created a standard list for the stones. The United States, as well as Australia and other counties now follow this standard.
Aquamarine jewelry is made from one of the most beautiful gems, the aquamarine which means water of the sea in Latin. This is a proper name for such a stone, as it has almost a see-through appearance while maintaining its sparkling blue color. Aquamarine jewelry is actually made from beryl and when it is found in blue, it is usally what we all know as aquamarine. Beryl also can be found in yellow, white and pink.
Aquamarine jewelry is crafted from stones that are found in mines all over the world. One of the biggest mines is in Russia; however they produce the yellow beryl. Clear to white beryl can be found in Brazil and the United States has many aquamarine mines. Blue beryl can be found at the base of the Colorado Mountains. It is most likely for that reason that the aquamarine is the official stone of the state of Colorado. If beryl is found in a color other than blue, jewelry crafters can heat the stone, causing it to turn to the shiny blue color that we are used to seeing in aquamarine jewelry. Generally, the darker the blue, the more expensive the aquamarine jewelry.
If you think that aquamarine comes in a standard size, think again. In the year 1910 in Brazil, an aquamarine stone was found that weights more than one hundred and ten kilograms. While we may not all be able to have a piece of aquamarine jewelry that boasts such a collosal gem, we can still all hold onto a piece of the magic. The most interesting history involving aquamarine is the fact that people used to believe that aquamarine is what made up the tail end of mermaids. For that reason, sailors would wear aquamarine jewelry to protect themselves while they ventured across the seas.
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that aquamarine jewelry would cure someone if they were poisoned. As aquamarine jewelry does not actually cure poison, it is wondered why this belief would last very long! It may not have those special powers, but it certainly can keep the magic alive; aquamarine jewelry is the popular jewelry to be given on a couple’s nineteenth wedding aniversary.
aquamarine jewelry
Aquamarine jewelry is very special jewelry. The aquamarine stands for the month of March. Birthstones were chosen long ago by ancient civilizations to represent the months of the year, and all of the stones that were chosen were preciios ones.
Over time, the gems have changed to make what is now known as the official list of birthstones. The list kept changing so much that the National Association of Jewelers created a standard list for the stones. The United States, as well as Australia and other counties now follow this standard.
Aquamarine jewelry is made from one of the most beautiful gems, the aquamarine which means water of the sea in Latin. This is a proper name for such a stone, as it has almost a see-through appearance while maintaining its sparkling blue color. Aquamarine jewelry is actually made from beryl and when it is found in blue, it is usally what we all know as aquamarine. Beryl also can be found in yellow, white and pink.
Aquamarine jewelry is crafted from stones that are found in mines all over the world. One of the biggest mines is in Russia; however they produce the yellow beryl. Clear to white beryl can be found in Brazil and the United States has many aquamarine mines. Blue beryl can be found at the base of the Colorado Mountains. It is most likely for that reason that the aquamarine is the official stone of the state of Colorado. If beryl is found in a color other than blue, jewelry crafters can heat the stone, causing it to turn to the shiny blue color that we are used to seeing in aquamarine jewelry. Generally, the darker the blue, the more expensive the aquamarine jewelry.
If you think that aquamarine comes in a standard size, think again. In the year 1910 in Brazil, an aquamarine stone was found that weights more than one hundred and ten kilograms. While we may not all be able to have a piece of aquamarine jewelry that boasts such a collosal gem, we can still all hold onto a piece of the magic. The most interesting history involving aquamarine is the fact that people used to believe that aquamarine is what made up the tail end of mermaids. For that reason, sailors would wear aquamarine jewelry to protect themselves while they ventured across the seas.
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that aquamarine jewelry would cure someone if they were poisoned. As aquamarine jewelry does not actually cure poison, it is wondered why this belief would last very long! It may not have those special powers, but it certainly can keep the magic alive; aquamarine jewelry is the popular jewelry to be given on a couple’s nineteenth wedding aniversary.
2008年7月14日星期一
Eye conditions Optometrists commonly treat
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition that inhibits clear vision from far away. About 13,253* people will visit Cheyenne Optometrists for vision obstructed by myopia. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be 2.5 billion people in the world, and approximately 20,073* in Cheyenne, Wyoming with nearsightedness. Myopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or Refractive surgery.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia, patients have difficulty seeing up close, but clear vision far away. There are approximately 11,662* cases of people having hyperopia in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Over half the people with farsightedness are above the age 65. Hyperopia, like myopia, is most frequently treated with corrective lenses or refractive surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the natural loss of your eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects. This is an age related condition, usually developing after age 40. 1 in 11, about 5,831* people in Cheyenne, Wyoming now have their vision compromised by presbyopia. Difficulty reading is the most common early warning sign used to detect presbyopia. Text seems to have less contrast and must be well lit, and held further away to see clearly. There are about 590 million presbyopes in the world, which equals about 4,737* in Cheyenne, Wyoming. By 2020, it's estimated to rise to 8,029* in Cheyenne, WY and 1 billion in the World.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism causes blurry vision due to an irregular shaped cornea. The normal shape of the cornea is round, but astigmatism occurs when it's shaped more like an oval or a football. With an irregular shaped cornea, light enters the eye and focuses at 2 points instead of one. Over 45 Million Americans have astigmatism. About 7,993* patients in Cheyenne, WY see Optometrists for problems with astigmatism. The most common treatment is with special prescription Toric lenses, that bend light along two axis. Another treatment option is refractive surgery which corrects the shape of the cornea.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises. This damage results in gradual visual changes and eventually loss of vision. In the US, more than 2 million glaucoma related visits are made to Optometrist's office each year. Another 1.1 million cases go undetected. In Cheyenne, Wyoming that would equal about 392* detected and 196* undetected. Most patients with glaucoma require only medication to control the eye pressure. With early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is commonly known as lazy eye, a condition affecting approximately 3% of children under 15, about 436* in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This condition develops at an early age and is commonly caused by either one eye having stronger vision than the other, strabismus (cross-eye or wall-eye), or blockage of an eye due to trauma or lid droop. Treatment for amblyopia is done by strengthening the weaker eye with medicated drops or an eye patch. Children age 7-17 are likely to benefit most from the treatment, with a much lower success rate in adults.
Strabismus
Strabismus, also known as cross-eyed or wall-eyed, is a disorder that causes one eye to be misaligned with the other when focusing. Due to a lack of coordination, the eyes look in different directions and do not focus at the same time on a single point. Approximately 177* visits are made to optometrists in Cheyenne, Wyoming concerning strabismus. Treatments for strabismus include glasses, medication, eye exercises, or surgery if non surgical means are unsuccessful. When left untreated, 30-50% of children with strabismus develop secondary vision loss in the form of lazy eye.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition that inhibits clear vision from far away. About 13,253* people will visit Cheyenne Optometrists for vision obstructed by myopia. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be 2.5 billion people in the world, and approximately 20,073* in Cheyenne, Wyoming with nearsightedness. Myopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or Refractive surgery.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is the opposite of myopia, patients have difficulty seeing up close, but clear vision far away. There are approximately 11,662* cases of people having hyperopia in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Over half the people with farsightedness are above the age 65. Hyperopia, like myopia, is most frequently treated with corrective lenses or refractive surgery.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the natural loss of your eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects. This is an age related condition, usually developing after age 40. 1 in 11, about 5,831* people in Cheyenne, Wyoming now have their vision compromised by presbyopia. Difficulty reading is the most common early warning sign used to detect presbyopia. Text seems to have less contrast and must be well lit, and held further away to see clearly. There are about 590 million presbyopes in the world, which equals about 4,737* in Cheyenne, Wyoming. By 2020, it's estimated to rise to 8,029* in Cheyenne, WY and 1 billion in the World.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism causes blurry vision due to an irregular shaped cornea. The normal shape of the cornea is round, but astigmatism occurs when it's shaped more like an oval or a football. With an irregular shaped cornea, light enters the eye and focuses at 2 points instead of one. Over 45 Million Americans have astigmatism. About 7,993* patients in Cheyenne, WY see Optometrists for problems with astigmatism. The most common treatment is with special prescription Toric lenses, that bend light along two axis. Another treatment option is refractive surgery which corrects the shape of the cornea.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises. This damage results in gradual visual changes and eventually loss of vision. In the US, more than 2 million glaucoma related visits are made to Optometrist's office each year. Another 1.1 million cases go undetected. In Cheyenne, Wyoming that would equal about 392* detected and 196* undetected. Most patients with glaucoma require only medication to control the eye pressure. With early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is commonly known as lazy eye, a condition affecting approximately 3% of children under 15, about 436* in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This condition develops at an early age and is commonly caused by either one eye having stronger vision than the other, strabismus (cross-eye or wall-eye), or blockage of an eye due to trauma or lid droop. Treatment for amblyopia is done by strengthening the weaker eye with medicated drops or an eye patch. Children age 7-17 are likely to benefit most from the treatment, with a much lower success rate in adults.
Strabismus
Strabismus, also known as cross-eyed or wall-eyed, is a disorder that causes one eye to be misaligned with the other when focusing. Due to a lack of coordination, the eyes look in different directions and do not focus at the same time on a single point. Approximately 177* visits are made to optometrists in Cheyenne, Wyoming concerning strabismus. Treatments for strabismus include glasses, medication, eye exercises, or surgery if non surgical means are unsuccessful. When left untreated, 30-50% of children with strabismus develop secondary vision loss in the form of lazy eye.
2008年7月13日星期日
Reading Glasses and Fashion
Many people find themselves in need of single-vision reading glasses. It's not a sin. In fact, reading glasses can be fashionable, colorful, and fun to coordinate with your wardrobe. There are full size, half-eyes, bifocals which are "plano" or no added Rx on the top so you can actually walk in them without getting dizzy, sun readers, and wallet readers which work great for restaurant menu reading.
Reading glasses can be custom-made for each individual through an optical dispenser, or they can be purchased "ready-made" at retail shops or online at stores. Ready-made readers became popular in the 1990s: three times more pairs were purchased during that decade than ever before, at an estimated rate of 30 million pairs per year. They are less expensive than custom eyewear, allowing you to own several pairs for a reasonably small amount of money.
Reading glasses can be custom-made for each individual through an optical dispenser, or they can be purchased "ready-made" at retail shops or online at stores. Ready-made readers became popular in the 1990s: three times more pairs were purchased during that decade than ever before, at an estimated rate of 30 million pairs per year. They are less expensive than custom eyewear, allowing you to own several pairs for a reasonably small amount of money.
2008年7月10日星期四
Binocular Vision
Having 20/20 eyesight doesn't guarantee that you have perfect vision. Reading an eye chart is a specific, static visual task. But most daily activities require our eyes to perform more demanding, dynamic functions.
Clear, comfortable vision depends on how well our eyes work together as a team. This teaming of the eyes is called binocularity, or binocular vision. If each eye has 20/20 eyesight but the two eyes are not properly aligned to work together efficiently as a team, blurred vision, eyestrain and headaches can occur.
Computer use and other near vision tasks require our eyes to work together while pointing slightly inward. This inward direction of the line of sight of each eye is called convergence.
Reading and computer work also require our eyes to move quickly and accurately from point to point on a page or screen. And the closer objects are, the more focusing effort our eyes have to perform.
Many visual tasks also require that we change the focus and position of our eyes quickly and repeatedly (taking notes during a classroom lecture, for example). This changing of the focus point of our eyes is called Accommodation.
People who have perfect 20/20 eyesight can have binocular vision problems that can cause headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. Binocular vision problems may also cause reading problems among school-aged children.
If you or one of your children are experiencing frequent headaches and eyestrain, see your eye doctor to determine if you have a binocular vision or accommodative problem. Many binocularity and focusing problems can be successfully treated with vision therapy or special prescription eyewear.
Clear, comfortable vision depends on how well our eyes work together as a team. This teaming of the eyes is called binocularity, or binocular vision. If each eye has 20/20 eyesight but the two eyes are not properly aligned to work together efficiently as a team, blurred vision, eyestrain and headaches can occur.
Computer use and other near vision tasks require our eyes to work together while pointing slightly inward. This inward direction of the line of sight of each eye is called convergence.
Reading and computer work also require our eyes to move quickly and accurately from point to point on a page or screen. And the closer objects are, the more focusing effort our eyes have to perform.
Many visual tasks also require that we change the focus and position of our eyes quickly and repeatedly (taking notes during a classroom lecture, for example). This changing of the focus point of our eyes is called Accommodation.
People who have perfect 20/20 eyesight can have binocular vision problems that can cause headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. Binocular vision problems may also cause reading problems among school-aged children.
If you or one of your children are experiencing frequent headaches and eyestrain, see your eye doctor to determine if you have a binocular vision or accommodative problem. Many binocularity and focusing problems can be successfully treated with vision therapy or special prescription eyewear.
2008年7月9日星期三
Coach Eyeglasses
Coach Eyeglasses feature exceptional shapes and tremendous detailing, and are manufactured to meet the high standards of their customers. The Coach style is known for style and modern simplicity. Their eyeglasses feature streamlined detail using advanced plastics and specialty metal alloys.
Founded in 1941 in Manhattan, New York, Coach is famous for their ladies' handbags. The first work-shop, located in a Manhattan loft, was family-run. Six artisans handcrafted leather goods of a very high-quality using the skills passed down through the generations. Over time, discriminating consumers began to seek out their products.
Interestingly, Coach's first handbag was inspired by a baseball glove. Coach's founder enjoyed the distinctive markings and how sinuous it became with use. He refined it, making it softer and stronger and made Coach's first handbag.
Today, besides ladies' handbags, Coach offers luggage, briefcases, wallets, and other accessories (belts, shoes, silk scarves, umbrellas, key chains, etc.). Coach also offers watches, footwear, office furniture and eyeglasses.
Marchon is the licensed manufacturer of Coach Eyeglasses.
Co-founded by co-presidents and co-owners Al Berg, Larry Roth and Jeff White in 1983, Marchon Eyewear designs and distributes eyeglasses and eyeglasses in more than 80 countries. Marchon sells frames under its own name as well as licensed brands such as, Calvin Klein, Coach, Fendi, Nautica, Michael Kors, and NIKE, along with the patented Flexon metal memory frames.
Founded in 1941 in Manhattan, New York, Coach is famous for their ladies' handbags. The first work-shop, located in a Manhattan loft, was family-run. Six artisans handcrafted leather goods of a very high-quality using the skills passed down through the generations. Over time, discriminating consumers began to seek out their products.
Interestingly, Coach's first handbag was inspired by a baseball glove. Coach's founder enjoyed the distinctive markings and how sinuous it became with use. He refined it, making it softer and stronger and made Coach's first handbag.
Today, besides ladies' handbags, Coach offers luggage, briefcases, wallets, and other accessories (belts, shoes, silk scarves, umbrellas, key chains, etc.). Coach also offers watches, footwear, office furniture and eyeglasses.
Marchon is the licensed manufacturer of Coach Eyeglasses.
Co-founded by co-presidents and co-owners Al Berg, Larry Roth and Jeff White in 1983, Marchon Eyewear designs and distributes eyeglasses and eyeglasses in more than 80 countries. Marchon sells frames under its own name as well as licensed brands such as, Calvin Klein, Coach, Fendi, Nautica, Michael Kors, and NIKE, along with the patented Flexon metal memory frames.
Eye Doctors Disciplined For Wrong Treatment
The Florida Board of Medicine has decided to take action against two Polk doctors for wrong treatment. Both the doctors were charged with mistakes in treating patients. The Florida Board has decided to accept the disciplinary settlement made by Dr. Alan Lingenfelter, a Winter Haven anesthesiologist. The accused doctor is fined with $ 5,000. Other than that, he will deliver a one-hour lecture on wrong-site surgeries, as well as doing 50 hours of community service.
Dr. Lingenfelter, was accused of applying applied anesthesia beside the wrong eye, while preparing a patient for the cataract surgery in 2005 at Sebring. He later on documented his error medical records and told the eye surgeon what had happened.
Another complaint accuses a retired Lake Wales doctor for wrong treatment. The board however accepted the accused Doctor, Dr William Hardman's offer to relinquish his Florida medical license to resolve a 2003 medical complaint. The charge against him of damaging bladder and intestine of a woman during a tubal litigation he performed. The next day, she complains of severe abdominal pain. Hardman gave her antibiotic only to harm her health. The complaint said this is a known complication of tubal ligation and that Hardman hadn't kept sufficient medical records to justify the treatment he provided.
Dr. Lingenfelter, was accused of applying applied anesthesia beside the wrong eye, while preparing a patient for the cataract surgery in 2005 at Sebring. He later on documented his error medical records and told the eye surgeon what had happened.
Another complaint accuses a retired Lake Wales doctor for wrong treatment. The board however accepted the accused Doctor, Dr William Hardman's offer to relinquish his Florida medical license to resolve a 2003 medical complaint. The charge against him of damaging bladder and intestine of a woman during a tubal litigation he performed. The next day, she complains of severe abdominal pain. Hardman gave her antibiotic only to harm her health. The complaint said this is a known complication of tubal ligation and that Hardman hadn't kept sufficient medical records to justify the treatment he provided.
2008年7月6日星期日
Building Solid Relationships
Throughout our twenty-six years of producing SuperCamp learning and life skills academic summer camp programs for teens and youth, we have also endeavored to give parents some of the tools they might need to support the continued personal growth of their children after their return from our summer camp.
We have found the following to be worthwhile elements in building rapport with children:
• Know what they like, how they think, and how they feel about what’s happening in their lives.
• Imagine what they say to themselves, about themselves.
• Know what keeps them from getting what they truly want. If you don’t know, ask.
• Speak the truth to them in a way they can hear it, clearly and gently.
• Have fun with them.
• Treat them as equals.
Many of the beliefs that we teach and practice at SuperCamp are worth sharing with SuperCamp families. We strongly believe that:
• Respect and caring – for ourselves and for others – is vitally important.
• Every person is gifted and capable of learning.
• There are no failures, only learning experiences through which we gain greater self-understanding.
• Positive support, a nurturing environment, and good communication are essential – for learning and for life.
Parents who make an effort to build their relationships with their children will also build their feelings of acceptance and trust – which will in turn build their self confidence. Self-confidence is a vital ingredient in the happiness and academic success of our children.
Learn More at SuperCamp
At SuperCamp, our exceptional staff go in-depth with campers from age 9 to 18 on how to build strong relationships with friends and family and on many other life and learning skills that help build grades, confidence and motivation. Our Youth Forum is seven days long and is for students going into grades 4-5 in the fall. Junior Forum and Senior Forum are 10 days long. Junior Forum is for incoming 6-8 graders and Senior Forum is for incoming 9-12 graders. We even have a college boot camp, Quantum U, an 8-day programs for incoming college freshmen.
SuperCamp is held at eight beautiful colleges across the U.S. throughout the summer. Quantum U takes place at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. More information on our programs is available at www.supercamp.com and www.quantum-u.com.
We also offer a unique 3-day Parent Weekend at which parents of kids in SuperCamp gain an insight into what their children are learning in their programs. In the process, parents tell us they learn a lot about themselves, as well.
We have found the following to be worthwhile elements in building rapport with children:
• Know what they like, how they think, and how they feel about what’s happening in their lives.
• Imagine what they say to themselves, about themselves.
• Know what keeps them from getting what they truly want. If you don’t know, ask.
• Speak the truth to them in a way they can hear it, clearly and gently.
• Have fun with them.
• Treat them as equals.
Many of the beliefs that we teach and practice at SuperCamp are worth sharing with SuperCamp families. We strongly believe that:
• Respect and caring – for ourselves and for others – is vitally important.
• Every person is gifted and capable of learning.
• There are no failures, only learning experiences through which we gain greater self-understanding.
• Positive support, a nurturing environment, and good communication are essential – for learning and for life.
Parents who make an effort to build their relationships with their children will also build their feelings of acceptance and trust – which will in turn build their self confidence. Self-confidence is a vital ingredient in the happiness and academic success of our children.
Learn More at SuperCamp
At SuperCamp, our exceptional staff go in-depth with campers from age 9 to 18 on how to build strong relationships with friends and family and on many other life and learning skills that help build grades, confidence and motivation. Our Youth Forum is seven days long and is for students going into grades 4-5 in the fall. Junior Forum and Senior Forum are 10 days long. Junior Forum is for incoming 6-8 graders and Senior Forum is for incoming 9-12 graders. We even have a college boot camp, Quantum U, an 8-day programs for incoming college freshmen.
SuperCamp is held at eight beautiful colleges across the U.S. throughout the summer. Quantum U takes place at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. More information on our programs is available at www.supercamp.com and www.quantum-u.com.
We also offer a unique 3-day Parent Weekend at which parents of kids in SuperCamp gain an insight into what their children are learning in their programs. In the process, parents tell us they learn a lot about themselves, as well.
2008年7月3日星期四
High Index Eyeglass Lenses
As anybody who has had to wear thick lenses can tell you, it can make you a little self-conscious and you would do anything for something a little thinner. Lenses are made from a variety of materials. Many of these materials are designed to be thinner than a conventional lens. This means that they have a higher Index of refraction. Index of Refraction refers to the lenses ability to bend light. The prescription of a lens is determined by two main factors; the lens?s index of refraction and lens curvature. The higher the index the less curvature that is needed thus the lens can be processed thinner. The lower the index the more curvature is needed for the desired prescription thus making it thicker.
Often you may hear the Optician or doctor referring to these lenses by numbers such as such as 1.60, 1.66, and 1.70. These numbers represent the refractive power of the lens. The higher the number the thinner the lens. There are several other benefits to a high index lens. Lenses with a higher index often have a greater tensile strength than other conventional materials. This tensile strength is around 15,000 psi! This makes them suitable for drill mount glasses.
But because a lens is thinner and tougher does not mean that it is without flaws. The higher the index the more reflection that occurs off of the lens surface. The higher the index the more resistance is given to light. This resistance increases the amount of light that is bounces off. For instance a conventional plastic lens with an index of 1.498 will cause 8% of the light to reflect off of the surfaces creating 92% transmission. A lens with the index of 1.70 will cause 13.6% of the light to be reflected creating only 86.4% transmission. The application of an Anti-reflective coating can greatly increase light transmission.
Often you may hear the Optician or doctor referring to these lenses by numbers such as such as 1.60, 1.66, and 1.70. These numbers represent the refractive power of the lens. The higher the number the thinner the lens. There are several other benefits to a high index lens. Lenses with a higher index often have a greater tensile strength than other conventional materials. This tensile strength is around 15,000 psi! This makes them suitable for drill mount glasses.
But because a lens is thinner and tougher does not mean that it is without flaws. The higher the index the more reflection that occurs off of the lens surface. The higher the index the more resistance is given to light. This resistance increases the amount of light that is bounces off. For instance a conventional plastic lens with an index of 1.498 will cause 8% of the light to reflect off of the surfaces creating 92% transmission. A lens with the index of 1.70 will cause 13.6% of the light to be reflected creating only 86.4% transmission. The application of an Anti-reflective coating can greatly increase light transmission.
A Window of Light Into the Heart of Darkness
Dr Jeremy Joseph volunteered to perform cataract surgery on patients in Zimbabwe in 1995, and participated in his first expedition for SEE International (Surgical Eye Expeditions). This London-based ophthalmologist knew to expect hundreds of patients prematurely blinded by cataracts; their condition compounded by poor facilities and lack of medication.
What he had not anticipated was the powerful impact this experience would have on his own life. "My work with SEE International is challenging and inspiring; very much a two-way process," says Dr Joseph. "I have gained just as much from my experience as I have given back. Many of the cases are not ordinary cataracts. Patients are often young with traumatic cataracts, or they are old with complex cataracts. I've had to learn to operate in less than ideal circumstances, where the water or electricity supply or both can stop at any time. But I've had the pleasure of working with some of the world's most dedicated ophthalmologists, and the experience has been one of personal growth and confidence for me".
This seems to be an ongoing learning process. At the end of a follow-up Eye Camp in Namibia, where Dr Joseph and his colleagues operated on more than 125 patients, they walked into a local hall where the patients had gathered to say goodbye. "Every patient, who had previously been brought in blind, and who could now see, came forward and in turn clasped each surgeon's hand in thanks. The room spilled over with emotion," says Dr Joseph.
Cataract-induced blindness in this part of the world robs the individual of the ability to work and earn a living, and the social and economic consequences of blindness, are staggering. Dr Joseph expands, "Our work isn't just about giving people back their sight; we are helping them get their lives back."
Since that first expedition, Dr Joseph has participated in nine more. He is one of hundreds of ophthalmologists from around the globe, that have teamed up with SEE International to devote their time and energy to fight cataract induced blindness, and other eye diseases in the developing world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cataracts account for about half of the world's preventable blindness and bilateral cataracts (cataracts in both eyes) currently blind at least 20 million people. Harry Brown, a Californian ophthalmologist, launched SEE International in the early 1970s with a group of trained ophthalmic surgeons, nurses, and technicians from around the world.
Dr Brown's aim was to transform languishing lives into productive ones. Now that this dream has reached fruition, thousands of blind people in more than 40 countries including the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Kenya, Ecuador, and Malawi are successfully treated. More than 600 volunteer ophthalmologists offer their services each year. Despite the help dispensed to many patients; there are still some who are not receiving treatment due to the fact that SEE International can only operate in one location for a limited period of time.
Often, other problems such as glaucoma, corneal blindness, or retinal diseases remain untreated due to limited resources. Because they recognize that their high volume of cases represent only a tiny fraction of the curable or preventable cases of blindness in developing countries, SEE International fund a separate education programme for ophthalmologists in Third World countries. The Eye Camp programmes team up with a host ophthalmologist, to provide some training if it is required, and to help provide equipment, such as microscopes and autoclaves (used for sterilising surgical instruments). Repeat visits are made to the same country to maintain the projects' momentum.
What he had not anticipated was the powerful impact this experience would have on his own life. "My work with SEE International is challenging and inspiring; very much a two-way process," says Dr Joseph. "I have gained just as much from my experience as I have given back. Many of the cases are not ordinary cataracts. Patients are often young with traumatic cataracts, or they are old with complex cataracts. I've had to learn to operate in less than ideal circumstances, where the water or electricity supply or both can stop at any time. But I've had the pleasure of working with some of the world's most dedicated ophthalmologists, and the experience has been one of personal growth and confidence for me".
This seems to be an ongoing learning process. At the end of a follow-up Eye Camp in Namibia, where Dr Joseph and his colleagues operated on more than 125 patients, they walked into a local hall where the patients had gathered to say goodbye. "Every patient, who had previously been brought in blind, and who could now see, came forward and in turn clasped each surgeon's hand in thanks. The room spilled over with emotion," says Dr Joseph.
Cataract-induced blindness in this part of the world robs the individual of the ability to work and earn a living, and the social and economic consequences of blindness, are staggering. Dr Joseph expands, "Our work isn't just about giving people back their sight; we are helping them get their lives back."
Since that first expedition, Dr Joseph has participated in nine more. He is one of hundreds of ophthalmologists from around the globe, that have teamed up with SEE International to devote their time and energy to fight cataract induced blindness, and other eye diseases in the developing world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cataracts account for about half of the world's preventable blindness and bilateral cataracts (cataracts in both eyes) currently blind at least 20 million people. Harry Brown, a Californian ophthalmologist, launched SEE International in the early 1970s with a group of trained ophthalmic surgeons, nurses, and technicians from around the world.
Dr Brown's aim was to transform languishing lives into productive ones. Now that this dream has reached fruition, thousands of blind people in more than 40 countries including the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Kenya, Ecuador, and Malawi are successfully treated. More than 600 volunteer ophthalmologists offer their services each year. Despite the help dispensed to many patients; there are still some who are not receiving treatment due to the fact that SEE International can only operate in one location for a limited period of time.
Often, other problems such as glaucoma, corneal blindness, or retinal diseases remain untreated due to limited resources. Because they recognize that their high volume of cases represent only a tiny fraction of the curable or preventable cases of blindness in developing countries, SEE International fund a separate education programme for ophthalmologists in Third World countries. The Eye Camp programmes team up with a host ophthalmologist, to provide some training if it is required, and to help provide equipment, such as microscopes and autoclaves (used for sterilising surgical instruments). Repeat visits are made to the same country to maintain the projects' momentum.
2008年7月1日星期二
The ABC's of Cleaning Your Contacts
There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses and over the years since they first came on the market they have become safer and more durable. Today users can choose from a variety of different contacts some of which are even able to be worn for extended periods of time. However some things about these lenses have stayed the same.
For example there is still a real need to understand how to care for the contacts in a proper manner and not only how to put them in and take them out but what kind of cleaning solution is the best to use. Contact lenses are a big investment and looking after them properly can help increase your peripheral vision as well as your ability to play sports effectively. However there's no way around the right cleaning solution.
As well, there are different kinds of contact lens and one of the more common ones is called the daily wear contact. These must be cleaned and disinfected at the end of the day and stored in a special case since there is always a risk of infection to the eye when the lens are not looked after properly.
Remember here that the lens can only be worn again after they have been properly disinfected and to do that the safest bet is to go with a solution that either your eye care professional or the manufacturer of a contact lens recommends. It's also important to change the plastic lens cases often and to ensure that they stay closed whether or not the lenses are in them. It's also a good idea to use the same solution disinfect on the case on a regular basis.
Continuous wear contact lens must be cleaned and disinfected in much the same manner and with the same kind of solutions as daily wear lenses although not as often. The difference between these continuous wear varieties and the daily lenses are the continuous wear often require wetting drops to be placed in the eyes at regular intervals since these lenses can be worn for up to six days and nights.
The last type of contact lenses is called daily disposables because they're thrown away at the end of every day and a new pair is inserted the next day; eliminating the need for cleaning solutions.
Of course there is a procedure that you should follow when you actually go through the mechanics of cleaning your contact lens and the first step is to wash and clean your hands thoroughly and close any sink drains that you might be standing over. There are many products on the market today for cleaning contact lenses and multipurpose solutions are one of the more popular since they can be used for rinsing and disinfecting at the same time.
You need to keep a clean container around at all times to store your lens and it's a good idea to have a bottle of saline solution close by for rinsing them off. Hydrogen peroxide, which is a common household item used to treat cuts, can also be used to disinfect your contact lens in a two-step procedure that you can learn more about from your eye care professional.
Remember to fill the contact lens case with the right amount of disinfectant. It's important for the lens to stay in the solution for a period of time to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause a serious eye infection.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)
