Thursday, March 31, 2011

Happy Post-op Patients

Dr. JoAnn C. Chang was busy seeing her LASIK & PRK post op patients today in Lancaster. It was great to see everyone's reaction from their procedures yesterday!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

LASIK in Lancaster, MA today

Today, JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. and her technicians were busy today in our LASIK suite. We had several patients having LASIK & PRK amid resounding cheers from those in the waiting area!


Andrea made her famous chocolate chip cookies, providing a little TLC for our patients!

D'Ambrosio Eye Care at Rollstone Bank employee health fair


Milly Mui, O.D.

Our team is pleased to provide vision, glaucoma and cataract screenings for the employees of Rollstone Bank and Trust at its Fitchburg location today.

Milly Mui, O.D. is the Optometrist scheduled for the screening.


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

April is Sports Eye Safety Month

April has been designated as Sports Eye Safety Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Most people are aware of the importance of proper eye protection in sports such as hockey or racquetball, and wear face masks or appropriate safety goggles. Unfortunately, many people are injured each year in a variety of other "less dangerous" sports which also require proper eye protection. D'Ambrosio Eye Care wants to remind patients about the importance wearing protective eyewear when participating in team sports. Some facts for each and every patient to consider are:

  • An estimated 40,000 sports eye injuries occur every year. The majority of those being affected by sports eye injuries are children and teenagers, too many of whom suffer permanent visual impairment.

  • For young athletes, baseball and basketball account for the largest number of injuries.

  • Little League pitchers may throw the ball up to 70 mph - fast enough to break bones and do serious damage to the eye.

  • In basketball, you can't prevent contact with flying elbows and fingers, but the serious eye injuries they can cause can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear.

  • Many other popular sports, such as tennis, soccer, football, golf, water sports and hockey, also put unprotected players at risk for serious eye injury.

Studies have shown that by wearing the right protective eyewear more than 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented.


  • Specific eyewear is available for just about all activities. We can recommend the appropriate eyewear for your sport.

  • Most protective eyewear, including goggles, face shields and guards should be made of polycarbonate plastic.

  • Protective eyewear must be properly fitted by an eye care professional.

  • Regular street glasses and contacts do not offer enough protection for sports.

It's up to parents to ensure their children wear eye protection when they play sports.


  • Many children's sports leagues, schools and teams don't require children to wear eye protection. Parents should insist that children wear eye protection every time they play and set a good example by wearing eye protection themselves whenever they play.

  • One-eyed athletes need to be especially careful by wearing eye protection at all times during sport and recreational activities.

  • There's no evidence that wearing eye protection hampers athletic performance. Many famous athletes have excelled in their respective sports while wearing protective eyewear.

  • It's a fact! If you play sports, you can get hurt.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Eye Health Vitamin: MacularProtect Complete D-S

MacularProtect Complete D-S  This vitamin from ScienceBased Health is the same multi-nutrient formula as MacularProtect Complete except without betacarotene which has been linked to health risks in smokers.

Make certain to tell your eye doctor if you smoke or have a history of smoking.



~ Convenient, all-in-one formula provides powerful protection for macular and whole body health –
no additional multinutrient is needed.
~ Based on the AREDS clinical trial and other advanced scientific research.
~ Features a robust 10 mg of lutein and a diverse array of other important antioxidants.
~ New! Now provides trans-resveratrol – a heart-healthy component of red wine, as well as turmeric for colon health, and higher levels of B-vitamins.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Opticians repair and clean eyewear for Seniors and Residents

Today our Opticians gave the eyewear belonging to residents at Prescott Mill Housing in Clinton a little TLC!  Our Opticians took a couple of hours out of their schedules to provide a little conversation to residents while making much-needed repairs.

Residents were thrilled to have them there!  Thanks to all who participated!  A little TLC goes a long way!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

April is Sports Eye Safety Month

Every month should be sports eye safety month, however the American Academy of Ophthalmology has chosen April 2011 to make people aware of it's importance.  Most people are aware of the importance of proper eye protection in sports such as hockey or racquetball and wear face masks or appropriate safety goggles.  Unfortunately, many people are injured each year in a ariety of other "less dangerous" sports which also require proper eye protections.  D'Ambrosio Eye Care wants to remind patients about the importance of wearing protective eyewear when participating in team sports.

Stop by any of our three optical departments and discuss your individual sporting activities with our licensed opticians to ensure the optimum protection.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

D'Ambrosio Eye Care at MWCC

John Marabello, O.D.
On Monday, D'Ambrosio Eye Care participated in a health fair at Mt.Wachusett Community College in Gardner.  It was well-attended by visitors, students and faculty.  There were quite a few tables present with representatives of different health-related offerings, insurance, assistive devises for the vision/hearing impaired, diabetic information and community health information.


We have been participating in this fair for many, many years and are happy to provide vision screenings to the attendees.  John Marabello, O.D. was our Optometrist at the fair.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

First day of spring

FINALLY!  It's official - spring has arrived!  We've had a long, snowy, cold, windy winter and I think we've all been axiously awating the official arrival of spring!

At D'Ambrosio Eye Care, Inc. we're celebrating with a potluck lunch!  Hopefully, we've seen the last of Ol' Man Winter for awhile!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Eye Health Vitamins: MacularProtect Complete

MacularProtect Complete



~ Manufactured by ScienceBased Health, it provides the AREDS formula vitamins and minerals found to preserve eyesight in the landmark AREDS clinical trial, sponsored by the National Eye Institute.
~ An excellent value, this convenient, all-in-one formula provides powerful protection for macular and whole body health. In addition to the AREDS formula, MacularProtect Complete also includes a robust multivitamin component. No additional multivitamin is needed.
~ Appropriate for individuals concerned about preserving their eyesight and overall body health.
~ Contains a blend of antioxidants and zinc at levels found to preserve eyesight in the AREDS clinical trial.
~ Provides 10 mg of bioavailable FloraGLO® lutein and 1 mg zeaxanthin, consistent with the latest scientific findings.
~ Features complete multinutrient support with 30 additional nutrients, including a diverse array of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals to protect the health of the whole body.



Friday, March 18, 2011

D'Ambrosio Eye Care goes to college...


John Marabello, O.D.



Yes, we're heading to Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner!  The "Mount" is holding a health fair on Monday, March 21, from 10:00am - 1:00pm and we'll be there with John Marabello, O.D. and technicians for vision, glaucoma and cataract screenings.  Stop by and say hello!


Wednesday, March 16, 2011

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. performs LASIK vision correction surgeries today

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.
JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.  treated several patients this morning with laser vision correction surgery - LASIK - here in our Lancaster surgical suite.

Before and after the procedure, Andrea our LASIK Coordinator, treated patients to some delicious cookies along with a healthy dose of TLC.

We're looking forward to seeing these patients post op tomorrow!

Vision Screening at Carlin's Tavern Ayer

Kristen Stanley, O.D.
Today we'll be at Carlin's Tavern in downtown Ayer, MA for a vision, glaucoma and cataract screening in conjunction with the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health.  The community nurse will be conducting a blood pressure clinic at the same time.
We'll be there from 2:00pm - 3:30pm and Kristen Stanley, O.D. will be the Optometrist.


Monday, March 14, 2011

Eye Health Vitamin: Macular Protect

MacularProtect is an antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplement from ScienceBased Health designed to help maintain the health of the macula, the area at the center of the retina where the sharpest central vision occurs. The nutrients in MacularProtect reflect the findings of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), advanced research on the role of lutein in eye health, as well as new evidence of the protective role of B-vitamins.



MacularProtect Highlights:


   􀁦 Scientific nutritional formulation for individuals concerned about preserving macular health

   􀁦 Contains blend of antioxidants and zinc at levels found to support eye health in the AREDS clinical trial

   􀁦 Contains 10 mg of FloraGLO® lutein and 1mg of zeaxanthin, consistent with the latest scientific findings

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Daylight Savings Time begins today

D'Ambrosio Eye Care wants to remind you that Daylight Savings Time begins today.  If you haven't already done so, "spring" your clock forward now! 


Unfortunately, that hour of sleep we lost won't be regained until November!  However, I think it's a small price to pay for the extended daylight hours!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

S-P-R-I-N-G ahead



Tonight is the time to move your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed! 



And... I think S-P-R-I-N-G weather appears to be ahead, too!



Dr. Vyas to speak at MWCC Silver Sneakers


Sahana Vyas, M.D.
Sahana Vyas, M.D., retina specialist at D'Ambrosio Eye Care is looking forward to being at Mount Wachusett Community College on Tuesday, March 15, to speak to the Silver Sneakers group on The Importance of a Dilated Eye Examination.

Our speaking and vision screening services are a way to provide a little TLC to the communities we service.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Importance of Polarized Sunglasses

Don't forget, even though it's only early spring, it's important to wear your polarized sunglasses.  If you need an updated prescription, give us a call at 1-800-325-EYES.  We are open seven days a week in Lancaster and Monday - Saturday in Acton and Gardner.  We have a great selection of frame for men, women and children. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Busy day in our refractive area!

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.
JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. has been busy today performing laser vision correction procedures in our LASIK area.  Andrea, our Refractive Coordinator, baked some yummy treats providing a little extra TLC for our patients!

Thank you for your support

A great big THANK YOU to all who came out in support of TEAM D'AMBROSIO EYE CARE to benefit the Greater Gardner Relay for Life at Friendly's Restaurant in Leominster.  We won't know our total for awhile so stay tuned, but we do appreciate your support!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Fundraiser tonight at Friendly's Restaurant in Leominster

Come join us tonight for take out or eat in at the Friendly's Restaurant at 482 North Main Street.  Friendly's will donate a portion of all sales between 5:00pm and 8:00pm for TEAM D'AMBROSIO EYE CARE for the Greater Gardner Relay for Life.

Celebrate the warmer weather and disappearing snow with your favorite sundae! Yummmm.....

Monday, March 7, 2011

ScienceBased Health Vitamins

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is committed to our patient's eye health.  One of the ways we do this is to offer a line of supplements from ScienceBased Health®.  We believe these are the highest quality eye vitamins available.

Stay tuned each Monday for the next several weeks as we'll cover the types of vitamins and their recommended use.

Starting the series will be the four formulations for patients with macular conditions followed by three additional supplements for eye health.

Relay for Life - Friendly's Leominster fund raiser

You're invited!  Come join us tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 8 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Friendly's Restaurant on Rt. 12 (next to Staples/Super 8)  at 482 N Main Street.  The restaurant will be donating a portion of the proceeds during this time to the Greater Gardner Relay for Life under TEAM D'AMBROSIO!  Eat in, take out or just stop by to make a donation - it all goes to a great cause.  They even have a large selection of meals under 555 calories!

Our goal for 2011 is $5,000.  So far we've reached $1,652.  WHOO HOO!  While we've made some good progress, we still have a way to go...

Hope to see you there!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Vision screening at Concord Senior Center

Khyla Lance, O.D.
D'Ambrosio Eye Care staff was recently at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center in Concord for a vision, glaucoma and cataract screening.

Khyla Lance, O.D. was the Optometrist conducting the screening. 


Thursday, March 3, 2011

D'Ambrosio Eye Care announces new Vision Plan

We are pleased to announce a new Vision Plan for our patients, and their household members, with exceptional discounts on eyewear, contact lenses and LASIK.  Please ask us about it at your next visit or call today.  Our opticians will we happy to discuss the details of the plan with you!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

LASIK in Lancaster


JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.

Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D.

Dr. D'Ambrosio, Jr. and   Dr. Chang are performing laser vision correction surgeries in our Lancaster surgical suite today.

Andrea, our Refractive Coordinator, has added a little TLC to the day with her peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for patients and guests!

March is National Eye Donor Month

March has been designated to bring awareness to the importance of being an organ donor.  Did you know that through organ donation healthy corneas can be utilized to give the give of sight to another individual or possibly two?


JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.

The US Department of Health & Services has a website http://www.organdonor.gov/default.asp  that gives more information and links to sign up.  The link to the Massachusetts site is http://www.donatelifenewengland.org/register.html .  Many of us have signed up as Organ Donors at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and have a sticker on our licenses.  The site above provides another way to register.  The online registry will allow you to select which organs you choose not to donate. 

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D., ophthalmologist at D'Ambrosio Eye Care is our cornea specialist and performs cornea transplants as appropriate for her patients.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Prevalence of Sight Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy Considerable

According to an article published Family Practice News, published by International Medical New Group on September 1, 2010, the rate of diabetic retinopathy may be 29% in adult diabetics pointing to a high prevalence of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy in the United States.  "We are working very hard to help diabetic patients preserve their eye health and vision", said Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D.  "In order for us to be effective in providing advanced diagnostic testing and care for diabetic retinopathy, we need patients to help by maintaining good dietary control and their overall health." 

D'Ambrosio Eye Care provided Boston diabetic patients with complete diagnosis, treatment and management of diabetic eye problems.