From toddlers to parents, DeonOptom sees clearly for all! Gentle care & playful solutions for every family member’s eyes. Grow together, see together.
A Big Milestone for Your Little One Starting grade one is a significant milestone in your child’s life. While they’ve been through grade R, transitioning to the “big school” can feel overwhelming. It’s also a clear sign of how fast your child is growing up! But beyond the excitement and nervousness, an important question remains:…
Multifocal spectacle lenses have been around for many years, yet I often encounter patients who are hesitant about using them. Some have heard negative feedback from friends, while others have tried multifocals in the past and had a poor experience. In many cases, these patients switched back to single-vision lenses before addressing key issues that…
When a child struggles with handwriting—whether it’s unusually large, very small, or consistently messy—there can be many contributing factors. Of course, aspects like holding the pencil correctly, having sufficient hand strength, and developing fine motor skills (the connection between the brain and the hand) play crucial roles. But another key factor that often gets overlooked…
The Misunderstanding of Farsightedness What is Farsightedness?If you search for “farsightedness” or “long-sightedness” online, you might come across a definition like this: “Farsightedness or long-sightedness is when distant objects are clear, and near objects are out of focus or blurry.” But this isn’t always the case, especially in young children and young adults. Understanding Accommodation…
It’s not uncommon for parents to suspect their child might be pretending to need glasses, especially if a classmate recently got a pair or if the teacher suggested an eye exam. The term “malingerer” often comes up, suggesting deceit for attention or other gains. However, I prefer to see such situations as opportunities for understanding…
Many patients express concern when scheduling their first eye exam, often associating it with the anxiety of school tests. The phrases “eye exam” or “eye test” can seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that these assessments are unique to each individual. It’s common for patients to worry about providing the “wrong” answer during their…
During eye exams, it’s not uncommon for patients to ask if they have “the stigma.” While they mean astigmatism, this mix-up highlights a common misconception about this type of refractive error. Let’s clarify astigmatism and assure you it’s nothing to worry about. What is Astigmatism? Astigmatism is often grouped with other refractive errors like nearsightedness…
In the 1970s, the concept that coloured lenses or overlays could enhance reading efficiency for children was introduced and gave rise to what is now known as Irlen Syndrome. This topic remains a contentious issue within optometry, with some professionals advocating for its benefits while others dismiss it entirely. The Debate Over coloured Lenses and…
By Deon Hattingh, B.Optom (UJ) Rubbing your eyes might seem like a normal response when you’re feeling tired or after prolonged periods in front of a computer screen. However, this seeminglyharmless action can be linked to various eye health concerns. In this article, we will explore the common reasons behind eye rubbing and emphasize the…
Your Eyes Deserve the Best: Why General Optometry Matters Vision, our window to the world, often gets taken for granted until something goes wrong. But taking care of your eyes isn’t just about good hygiene – it’s about preserving your precious ability to see and experience life to the fullest. This is where the magic…