Happy New Year!

Remember, if you're celebrating with a bottle of champagne, use caution with that cork!  Handled incorrectly, it's like a small missile and can cause a severe eye injury.
Proper method is to twist the cork out, holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others.  As an added benefit, it helps preserve the sparkle!

We wish you and your family a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Optical coloring contest winner!

Congratulations to Gina N. of Fitchburg, age 11.  She is the winner of the Optical Department holiday coloring contest!

2011: Two Thousand Eleven or Twenty Eleven - which will you say?

I'm leaning toward  20-11 - how about you?

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Prevent Blindness America has designated January 2011 as National Glaucoma Awareness Month.  This is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.  Our understanding of this disease, along with the ways in which we can diagnose and treat it, have improved considerably.

The key to successful treatment of glaucoma is early detection and intervention.  Please share this information with friends, and especially with relative, if you have glaucoma as the family predisposition toward getting glaucoma has been demonstrated to be pretty strong.

At our three offices in Lancaster, Acton, and Gardner, Massachusetts we are pleased to be able to offer the full scope of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment through our eye doctors.  Patients at D'Ambrosio Eye Care should feel particularly confident as Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D. is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist who can attend to even the most complex glaucoma problems and needs.

Types of contact lenses we offer...

There are two major categories of contact lenses we offer:  soft contact lenses and gas permeable (GP) lenses.

Within these two categories are several types we use to solve different vision problems.  They are:
~ soft daily wear
~ gas permeable (GP)
~ astigmatism
~ extended wear
~ disposable or planned replacement
~ multifocal (presbyopic)
~ specialty
~ orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
~ colored lenses

No matter which lens you need, we're pleased to offer a thorough examination, expert consultation and fitting to provide you with the most appropriate lenses to help you see and look your best!

Did Santa deliver?

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and Santa filled your Wish List!  If not, stop by any of our Optical Departments and treat yourself to a new look for the new year!

Merry Christmas!

All offices will be closed today, Saturday, December 25, to observe the Christmas holiday.

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas!

Should you have an eye emergency, please call
978-537-3900 to reach our on-call doctors.

Offices closed for Christmas Holiday

All offices will be closed Saturday, December 25, to observe the Christmas holiday.

We wish you a wonderful holiday!

Should you have an eye emergency, please call 978-537-3900 to reach our on-call doctors.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration or macular disease is an eye disease of the retina where the central portion of the retina becomes damaged.  Central vision is the sharpest or clearest area of your vision and is required for activities such as reading, driving and anything that is visually demanding, whether far or near.
Macular disease is quite common and affects more people in the United States than either cataracts or glaucoma. In fact, macular disease is the most frequent cause of blindness for patients aged 55 and above in the United States and is estimated to affect over 10 million Americans in some fashion.
For more information, the American Macular Degeneration Foundation web site is a good resource. 
Sahana Vyas, M.D. is our retina and macula specialist. 

#1 Optical Department

Thank you all the readers of the Leominster Champion that voted our Lancaster Optical Department #1!  We're excited and honored that you chose us!

Be a fan of ORANGE!

Foods such as carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin all contain betacarotene that has been shown to keep eyes healthy.  Good news for this time of year! 

Eyewear packages start at $99.00

Did you know our eyewear packages start at just $99.00?  Stop by any of our three optical departments for more information.

TRUNK SHOW TODAY - Lancaster only!

Today's a great day to stop in our Lancaster optical department - 35%* off complete eyewear!  See the latest frames from our top vendors and be ready to ring in the new year with a new look and a "sweet" deal!

*Excludes prior order, Value Line, Maui Jim, Nike Max and may not be combined with any other discount, including insurance.

POLARIZED SUNWEAR

Boy, the sun was SO bright earlier this week and I was thankful to have my polarized sunglasses with me!  We have a great selection of frames from which to choose - stop by our sale on Saturday, 12/18, from 9:00am - 1:00pm - you'll be glad you did!  It will make your winter driving much more pleasurable and you'll be ready for summer!

Lens Implants

If you are having cataract surgery, you will be discussing the replacement lens options with our eye surgeons.  In the past, a monofocal lens was primarily chosen by the ophthalmologist, but now lens options have progressed to allow you a choice to best fit your lifestyle.

The monofocal lens provides excellent vision after cataract surgery, but is only for one set distance, generally for seeing at a distance.  Eyeglasses would be needed for up close and intermediate vision.  Today, we are able to offer a multi-focal lens option to our patients.  This choice of lens corrects vision up close, at intermediate and distance, and for most patients, potentially eliminates the need for eyeglasses. 

These options will be discussed in detail with you at your evaluation.  Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions you have, we'll take whatever time is necessary for you to make the best decision for your individual needs.

LASIK post ops

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.

Busy day in the LASIK area with post-op appointments for Dr. Chang's LASIK patients

from yesterday!





"Sweet Sale" on Saturday, 12/18, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Don't miss out on our last trunk show of the year - great time to use your flex plan account - or purchase gifts for those folks on your holiday list!  

Come see what the D'Ambrosio Eye Care staff has planned and meet the reps with the latest styles and receive 35%* off your complete eyewear.  Lancaster location only. 

* Refreshments * Gift with Purchase * Raffle Drawing * Bring a Friend *

Hope to see you there!

*Excludes prior order, Value Line, Maui Jim, Nike Max and cannot be combined with any other offer, including insurance.

Computer Eyewear

Do you spend a lot of time at your computer?  Did you know that your prescription can take this into account for your eyeglasses or contact lenses.      

Personally, as a progressive lens wearer, I found I was looking out the bottom area of my glasses to see my monitor and getting neck strain.  After a complete eye examination and discussion with my Optometrist, my new prescription takes into consideration the amount of time I'm seated at my computer screen.

Voila!  No more stiff neck!

At your appointment, tell our Optometrist about your lifestyle and work habits, we're here to help!  You'll be glad you did!

Pet safety for the holidays

Other tips to keep your pets safe and happy throughout the holidays:

Make time for them!  Don't forget to keep their schedules consistant with walks and exercise. 

Don't let your guests feed them table food as they could become ill.  Make certain to have plenty of fresh water; pets get stressed, too, and pant more, increasing their need for water.  Watch out for candy wrappers and aluminum foil pieces which can cause choking.

Watch for 'adult beverages' - they can cause nausea, vomiting and even coma when over-indulged!

For more tips, check out the ASPCA hoilday pet safety list.

Wishing you and your four-legged or tailed friends a happy and safe holiday season.

You've been told you have a cataract, now what?

There is no need to be overly concerned if you, or someone you know, has a cataract.  It is a natural part of the aging process and nearly everyone develops one (or two). 

It is the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye, making it difficult to see.  You may find that things don't seem as bright or are having difficulty doing tasks you previously found easy. 

Today, cataract surgery is performed by our surgeons on an out-patient basis in the comfortable and close-to-home Cataract & Laser Center in Gardner.  The procedure is accomplished by our surgeon making a small incision in your eye to remove the cloudy lens (cataract) and replacing with a permanent, artificial lens.   The entire procedure takes minutes and afterward you'll rest for a bit and then return home.  Generally, we will see you the following day for a post-operative visit and most folks return to the routine activities within a few days after the procedure.

Next week we'll cover some of the lens options available to you.

Solar glare?

Solar glare can make your commute difficult at best and dangerous for those not wearing proper sunwear.

Polarized lenses will significantly reduce the amount of glare you experience.  Sunwear isn't just for summer - it should be worn year 'round to  reduce glare reflecting from the snow or water. 

In addition to the danger aspect, over time the sun's rays can cause serious damage to the eyes and surrounding skin, leading to vision loss and conditions from cataracts and macular degeneration to eye and eyelid cancers.

The best defense is lenses that absorb and block the harmful rays.

Our Optical staff will recommend the appropriate sunwear for your lifestyle and needs.  Polarized lenses come in prescription and non-prescription options.

Holidays and pet safety

Whether you share your home with a large and furry or small and scaley friend, it's important to take special care of their health and safety during the holidays.

PLANTS: Be careful what you place within their reach:  pointsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies can cause injury to them if ingested.

TREE:  Don't let your pet drink the water from the tree!  Sometimes trees contain fertilizer or preservatives and may harbor bacteria.  Also, don't put aspirin in the water - it could be fatal to your pet.  Pine needles can puncture holes in your pet's intestines, so be faithful in keeping the area free of needles. Be watchful of cords - animals love to chew and could be electrocuted.  Tinsel, when ingested, can cause a block in the intestines, particularly with cats.
It's a good idea to anchor the tree to avoid it getting knocked over, too.

  

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

Wishing you and your beloved pets and happy and safe holiday!

Ringing the bell for Salvation Army

For several years, D'Ambrosio Eye Care has contributed to the Salvation Army kettle campaign for the holidays with a donation and 'ringing the bell'.

Here is photo of some of the folks at the Leominster WalMart last year.  What a cold night it was!  We 'treated' their customers to some holiday carols while ringing the bell.

 We'll be there again this year, on Wednesday, December 8, from 6:00pm-9:00pm.  Stop by and see us!

"My Arms Are Too Short"! Or...what is presbyopia?

Presbyopia means "old eyes" and is a normal part of the aging process. When you notice your "arms are too short" to read and do close work, you may be experiencing presbyopia.

The crystalline lens of the eye is flexible when you are younger and as you age, it becomes harder and less flexible. As you approach your 40's and through your mid-50's you may notice your close vision becoming gradually worse and, for those who wear eyeglasses, it may necessitate bifocals or progressive lenses. For those who haven't worn eyeglasses previously, it may be time for reading glasses.


If you find doing daily activities is becoming difficult, it may be time to schedule and eye examination. Our doctors will check your vision and discuss the options available to you.

Happy Hanukkah!

Today begins the eight day Festival of Lights.  Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all!

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month

We all get excited about selecting just the right gift for those special folks on our list.  However, it's important to think about safety and, in particular, eye safety when making the selection!

Sharp objects can injure children, as well as adults and small parts can be a choking hazard to children and pets.  Better to err on the side of caution and make it a safe holiday season for everyone on your list.

Happy Holidays to All!

Turkey coloring contest winner!

Congratulations to Rafael F., age 8, of Fitchburg!  
Great job!!

Opticians visit Senior Housing

Two groups of D'Ambrosio Eye Care opticians recently went to The Gables of Fitchburg and Heywood Place in Gardner for an eyeglass repair clinic as part of our Community Outreach program.

Opticians had an opportunity to socialize with residents while making minor repairs to their eyewear. 

Residents at both locations were very happy to have the service come to them and we had fun visiting!

Here is a picture of the team in action at The Gables...

D'Ambrosio "Elves" making ornaments for charities

Several employees joined in to make ornaments to sell to benefit charities.   The "elves" were busy in the workshop creating several designs and styles.  There are beaded snowflakes, Merry Christmoose (Christmice?) items, candy cane reindeers, clothespin reindeers, glittery pine cones and more!  Each will be sold for $1.00 at all three offices and 100% of the proceeds will go to either Heifer International (Lancaster and Acton offices) and ..... in Gardner.

 

Stop in and check 

out

the ornaments!

Holiday shopping season begins

Well, the 2010 holiday shopping season has officially started!  Don't forget, we offer gift certificates in any denomination - they make great gifts for stocking stuffers!  They can be used for anything our optical departments offer:  eyewear, contact lenses and solutions, sunglasses - something for everyone on your list.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

From all of us at D'Ambrosio Eye Care, we wish you and yours a happy, enjoyable Thanksgiving. 

We're thankful to have you as our patient!

All offices are closed today, 11/25 and tomorrow, 11/26 to allow us to spend time with our families. 

All offices open at 8:00am on Saturday, 11/27.

Lancaster Angel Tree



2009 Lancaster Angel Tree donations

 As we have for many years, we support Lancaster in its Angel Tree.  Employees will select one or more children to purchase a gift for the holiday.  It's a very rewarding effort and fun to shop for just the right present.
Here are the  presents we donated last year!

Fundraising for Heifer International

Our Lancaster location has three beautiful and unique gift baskets made by employees to benefit Heifer International as part of our community outreach effort.

There is a Deluxe Winter Basket with all kinds of cozy, comforting items.  For the dog lover, there is a "Doggie Dreams" basket filled with lots of items to make Man's Best Friend happy!  And for the kids, there's a wonderful basket full of games and toys for the kids, plenty to keep them occupied on a snowy day. 

Deluxe Winter Basket

Doggie Dreams

Kid's Basket

Stop by and take a chance - tickets are $1.00 each - and 100% of the proceeds goes to a good cause. 

Drawings will be Christmas week.

Book sales to benefit Heifer International will continue through the end of December.

National Alzheimer's Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month.  This short video demonstrates what it is like to suffer from this disease and how it impacts family members.

Nashoba Unified Sports - soccer - congrats on a successful season!

Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and volunteers on another successful soccer season for Nashoba Unified Sports. Nashoba Unified Sports is a local community program serving Bolton, Stow, Lancaster, Harvard and
surrounding towns by pairing up special needs athletes with a "buddy" (an experienced soccer player)
 providing one-on-one instruction.

They recently wrapped up their season with a pizza party for all the athletes!  D'Ambrosio Eye Care is proud to be the tee shirt sponsor for the team!

For more information contact Bob Moalli at bmoalli@comcast.net .  This is a wonderful program for all involved.  Check out their web site for more information and some heart-warming photos.

Happy Birthday to Mickey Mouse!

Mickey, the world's most famous mouse, turns 82 today!  Young patients at our Lancaster office had the opportunity to enter a contest coloring a picture of Mickey in honor of his birthday. 

... and the winner is Emily A., age 4, of  Gardner.  Great job and congratulations, Emily!

The winning entry is pictured here...

Employees donate to Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes

Once again employees of D'Ambrosio Eye Care have donated filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  The boxes are filled with presents and personal supplies for children who might otherwise not receive a gift this holiday season. This year over 30 boxes were filled with lots of goodies for children.

Here is a photo of the boxes ready to go!

Nursing Student from Fitchburg State University job shadows today...

We would like to welcome Stephanie M., a fourth year nursing student at Fitchburg State University who is working with our nurses and technicians today to job shadow our Medical Doctors.

Morning solar glare?

If you're in the commute heading east, most mornings the solar glare can impare your driving vision.  Stop by any of our Optical Departments and check out our line of drive wear and polarized sun lenses, you'll be glad you did!

Follow us...

Become a D'Ambrosio Eye Care blog follower!  Just click on the "follow" button and go from there!  If you have an account on google, twitter, or yahoo simply log in to that account and follow instructions to add us!  If you don' have an account currently, it's easy and free!
You won't want to miss any of our eye health updates and notices on sales, etc. so "follow" us today!

Raffle to benefit The Caring Place in Gardner

Our Gardner office is running a New England Patriot's gift basket raffle to benefit The Caring Place in Gardner.  This is part of our committment to give back to the communities we serve.  Stop in and check it out and take a chance!

Here is a picture of the basket

We salute our Veterans

All of us at D'Ambrosio Eye Care thank those who have served our country!

Do you know we offer a discount in our Optical Departments for Active Military? 

Ask us about it...

Nursing Student from Fitchburg State University job shadows today...

We would like to welcome Gail I., a fourth year nursing student at Fitchburg State University who is working with our nurses and technicians today to job shadow our Medical Doctors.

Gardner MA kicks off Project 3/50

In an effort to remind residents to shop locally, Gardner Square Two, the downtown merchant group in Gardner, Mayor Mark Hawke, Community Development and others gathered to kickoff Project 3/50 and the holiday shopping season.

A simple concept; it's moving across the nation.  The idea is for individuals/families to purchase a total of $50  from three independent, local merchants monthly.  Local merchants generally offer unique items, but also many offer the same things a national, or 'big box', store offers.  When the money is spent locally, it stays local and helps everyone!  It also evolves into employment opportunities, as well.

So think of your local restaurant, clothing, shoe, and hardware stores when making your next purchase.

Sauflon Contact Lens Solutions Available

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is pleased to offer Sauflon contact lens solutions.

Both the One Step and

All In One Lite are available at all of our three locations.

See our front desk staff for more information.

Sunday hours

Effective Sunday, November 7, 2010 our Lancaster office will have Sunday hours for urgent care and follow up appointments.

We can be reached at 978.537.3900.
  

"FALL BACK"

Don't forget to turn back your clock one hour before going to sleep tonight! 

Enjoy that 'extra' hour of sleep ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Pediatric Ophthalmologist

Three cheers to Dr. Oren Weisberg and his technicians for attending the Sacred Heart School (Gardner) Race for Education and cheering on Grade 1 students!

Students were challenged to raise funds and we were proud to participate!

Oren L. Weisberg, M.D.

Way to go Dr. Weisberg & Crew!



Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D.

Recently, Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D. spoke at Kindred/River Terrace Health Care in Lancaster on "The Importance of Screening for Glaucoma".  River Terrace opened the talk to the public and there were several attendees.  Those in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Wu and to speak with him individually after the presentation.  

In addition, we provided a free vision, glaucoma and cataract screening for those in attendance.  River Terrace treated all to a lovely selection of treats from their kitchen!

Thanks River Terrace Health Care for hosting us! 

Nursing Student from Fitchburg State University job shadows today...

We would like to welcome Jennifer L., a fourth year nursing student at Fitchburg State University who is working with our nurses and technicians today to job shadow our Medical Doctors.

Don't forget to VOTE today!

Polling locations in Massachusetts are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm, so don't miss your opportunity to vote! 

More Halloween pics...

No lions or tigers, but we do have a penguin loose in the building!

 And a couple of sherrifs to keep us in line!

Happy Halloween from all of us at D'Ambrosio Eye Care!



Runner Up - Optical Fairy

Once again, the ghouls and princesses have arrived at D'Ambrosio Eye Care!  Check out some of the costumes...

and the winner & runner up in the contest!









Henry Potter







The High School Crew...











A couple of adorable visitors stopped by today, too!

Deck the halls with Halloween...

Patients today will be "treated" to some interesting characters throughout the halls...  here are a few of our "visitors"...

Coloring Contest Winner

Congratulations to Leanna, age 9, of Townsend!  She is the winner of the October optical department coloring contest.  Great job, Leanna!


Leanna, age 9



Another pumpkin has joined the contest!

Not to be left out.... here is one more entry!  Looks good enough to eat!

And here is one of our technicians working in the background!

Pumpkin Contest

The pumpkins have been decorated and what a great job everyone did again this year!  It's going to be a tough job picking a winner...
 Here are some photos:



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All the entries

Fitchburg State University Nursing Student job shadows...

We would like to welcome Jessica H., a fourth year nursing student at Fitchburg State University who is working with our nurses and technicians today to job shadow our Medical Doctors.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care screens seniors in Winchendon

On October 20, 2010 the Winchendon Senior Center hosted a health fair and D'Ambrosio Eye Care was invited to participate.

We provided vision, glaucoma and cataract screening to attendees.

Here is a picture of some of the staff at work...