A 3-story eyeball sculpture is coming to Chicago's Loop in July 2010!
For a CNN story on this unusual piece of public art click here. Need we say more?
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22Jun
Tags: Chicago, eyeball sculpture, July 2010, public art
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22Jun
Tozal is one supplement for Macular Degeneration approved by Dr. Olson
June is Vision Research Month. The American Optometric Association website features an excellent summary of one of the most important vision research findings in recent years. Because of the AREDS studies Dr. Olson recommends supplements to certain at-risk patients. The AOA article follows:
In the last 20 years, eye health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A major clinical study of older adults concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression in some people. Additionally, today there is significant evidence that vitamin D plays a role in preventing AMD.
AREDS Made it Clear
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute. It enrolled 3640 subjects, age 55 to 80, and was released in October 2001. This landmark study provided evidence that nutritional intervention in the form of supplements could delay the progression of AMD. The study concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement reduced the risk of advanced AMD progression by about 25 percent and showed a 19 percent reduction in visual acuity loss in some of the subjects.
The Case for Lutein and Zeaxanthin
It was not clear in the original AREDS report which vitamin, mineral or combination of nutrients was responsible for reducing the risk of AMD. When the study was planned, the lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids that constitute the macular pigment were not assessed because they were not commercially available. Since then, several studies have provided growing evidence specific to the beneficial role of lutein and zeaxanthin intake, and their positive effect on eye health and AMD risk reduction. The AREDS Report No. 22 published in 2007 described the relationship between dietary intake of various nutrients and AMD among the AREDS subjects. This report concluded that high dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin is associated with a reduction in the risk of geographic atrophy, advanced AMD, and large or extensive intermediate drusen, the waste byproducts of cellular metabolism (activity).
New Study Builds on Long Term Nutrient Benefits
A follow up to the original AREDS trial, AREDS2, began in June 2008. This multi-centered, five-year study builds on a multitude of existing science supporting lutein and zeaxanthin’s role in maintaining healthy eyes. It is the largest human clinical trial to evaluate lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, and includes 4,000 patients at high risk for AMD. The study is focusing on the protective effects lutein (10 mg/day), zeaxanthin (2 mg/day) , and omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day) have against AMD, as well as the link between nutrition and macular pigment optical density, cataract development and visual function.
Vitamin supplements selected by Dr. Olson for appropriate content and quality are available through Complete EyeCare Center–either in stock or direct-shipped to your home. Call 319.385.9534 for an evaluation with Dr. Olson, or to inquire about whether you may benefit from these products.
- Tozal Eye Health Formula (To order Tozal online click the link and use rep# 24894 to complete your purchase.)
- Omega Max
- Total Focus Superior Omega 3
- Viteyes
- Viteyes Advanced Formula
- Viteyes AREDS Companion
- Viteyes Smokers Formula
- EyePromise Restore
Tags: AMD, American Optometric Association, AREDS, Dr. Olson, EyePromise Restore, lutein, Macular Degeneration, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, Omega 3, Tozal, vision research, Vision Research Month, Vitamin Supplements, Viteyes, zeaxanthin
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22Apr
You may have noticed it. When we refer to our doctor we sometimes call him Christopher P. Olson, OD, FAAO. But what’s that FAAO part all about and why is it part of his professional name?The letters stand for Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. FAAO credentials behind an optometrist, scientist or other qualified person’s name signify to colleagues and patients that rigorous qualifications for Fellowship have been met. For optometrists this involves presenting written and oral case studies and posters, being evaluated through interviews and clinical assessment, and meeting the highest educational and licensure standards. It is a discipline that only 20 Iowa optometrists (currently seeing patients) have successfully completed.
According to the AAO website, “Fellows of the Academy are committed to the premise that learning is a lifelong obligation of a professional, as is the commitment to expand the profession’s knowledge base through ongoing Fellowship and exchange.”
So those letters, FAAO, are yet another way of assuring you that Dr. Olson is committed to maintaining high professional standards through lifelong education and improvement. All with the goal of providing the best professional eye health care he can for his patients.
Tags: American Academy of Optometry, Christopher P. Olson, credentials, education, FAAO, Fellow, highest standards, lifelong learning, professional eye health care
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13Apr
An 1881 political cartoon depicts Guiteau, assassin of President Garfield.
An upcoming theatre production will feature Mt. Pleasant performers, including Complete EyeCare Center’s Dr. Christopher Olson, portraying a historic court trial with Mt. Pleasant ties. The prosecutor in the case was George B. Corkhill of Mt. Pleasant, who graduated from Iowa Wesleyan in 1859 and was District Attorney for the District of Columbia at the time of the trial.
The real-life drama entitled The Trial of the Assassin Guiteau is about the man who shot President James Garfield in 1881 and draws comparisons between the political and legal climate then and now. Images of the times and people will be projected behind the actors and readers. Cast members are Jim Beasley, David Edwards, John Hemsworth, Terry Hemsworth, Mark Kimzey, Christopher Olson, Lon Pugh, Angie Thomas, Kevin Wiley, Rick Williamson, and Brad Workman. The Director is David File.
Performances will be on April 23 and 24, 2010 at 7 PM at the Heatilator Center for the Performing Arts in Mt. Pleasant. Sponsored by the Harlan-Lincoln House, the shows are being offered to the public free of charge.
(If you would like more information about the play the Executive Director of Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House, Lynn Ellsworth, can be reached by calling 319.385.6320.)
Tags: community theatre, Complete EyeCare Center, Dr. Christopher Olson, Dr. Olson, George B. Corkhill, Guiteau, Iowa Wesleyan, Mt. Pleasant, President James Garfield, theatre
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08Apr
Has your child had a comprehensive eye exam?
Does your child…
…have a short attention span?
…find it hard to concentrate on reading?
…get headaches or blurred vision when using the computer?
…avoid homework?
…tire easily when reading?
…suffer eyestrain?
…get car sick?
…get labeled as an “underachiever”?
The answers to these questions may indicate the need not only for vision correction in the form of eyeglasses or contacts, but the need for improved visual skills such as eye teaming, convergence, fixation, accommodation, or tracking. So much of learning is done visually, so a vision impairment can directly affect a child’s behavior and academic success.
Dr. Olson evaluates vision, eye health, and visual skills during a comprehensive eye exam. If he finds visual skill deficiency, vision therapy may help the patient with vision-related problems affecting learning.
Our office offers an in-home vision therapy program from HTS. After receiving instruction on how to use the program, parents have their child use their home computer to do therapy “games” approximately 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. After 2-3 months they return for the doctor to review the results. This is often a sufficient amount of time to retrain the eye muscles to work properly.
We have heard success stories from many of our vision therapy patients. For more information, learn why 20/20 vision isn’t enough at the HTS website or call Complete EyeCare Center at 319.395.9534 for an appointment with Dr. Olson.
Tags: eyestrain, HTS, learning disability, Vision, vision and learning, vision therapy
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29Mar
The entire Complete EyeCare Center staff just attended the Iowa Optometric Association’s annual educational meetings. Not only did they learn about many of the latest developments in eye health care and technology, they enjoyed the fellowship, and the opportunity to network with other professionals from across the state and nation.
Ongoing education will always be a priority for our staff, because these activities and classes help our practice continue to offer the best eye health care and optical products to you, our valued patient.
On Friday, Dr. Olson and colleague, Dr. Michael Ohlson, were also guest lecturers, teaching a class on Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Medications to the Iowa Optometric Assistant’s Association.
Isn’t it reassuring to know that your doctor is committed to being a life-long learner?
Tags: Dr. Olson, education, eye health care, IOA, IOAA, medications, ocular
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17Mar
Christopher P. Olson, OD, FAAO
Christopher Olson, OD, FAAO, of Complete EyeCare Center in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, has been appointed to the national Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Dr. Olson serves the public as part of this 11-member Council “…to establish, maintain and apply standards to ensure the academic quality and continuous improvement of optometric education that reflect the evolving practice of optometry.”
The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) is the only accrediting body for professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs, optometric residency programs and optometric technician programs in the United States and Canada.
Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation recognize the ACOE as a reliable authority concerning the quality of education of the programs the Council accredits.
Dr. Olson will soon be making his first ACOE site visit to the New England College of Optometry, where they have a Residency program in Pediatric Optometry.
Tags: Accreditation Council, ACOE, Complete EyeCare Center, Dr. Christopher Olson, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, optometric education
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22Jan
Our once-a-year eyewear event is something patients don’t want to miss. Maybe it’s because of the $50 savings, the greatly expanded selection of ultra-fashionable frames, or it could be the door prizes & refreshments!
Stop in Saturday, March 6th, between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to save $50 on the full line of Kliik “eyewear with an edge,” Fysh “urban cool eyewear,” or Takumi “luxury eyewear with magnetic sunclips”purchased with prescription lenses.
We look forward to seeing you then! (Need an eye exam? Give us a call.)
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31OctBlindness, Diabetic Retinopathy, Eye Health, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, OCT, Practice News No Comments
Complete EyeCare Center utilizes quality diagnostic instrumentation like the award winning Optovue RTVue
The RTVue visualizes the retina and underlying nerve fiber layers
When it was featured on Good Morning America in May 2007, the Optovue RTVue spectral OCT was one of only 100 worldwide. As soon as May 2008, Dr. Olson was introducing that same instrument to his patients in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, at Complete EyeCare Center.
The GMA reporter was “able to get access to one”, and you have that same benefit without traveling to a metropolitan center or university. Spectral OCT with the Optovue RTVue is a new generation of Optical Coherence Tomography for detection, classification, and management of ocular diseases and pathology.
Why should that interest you? Because this exciting tool has the ability to help Dr. Olson detect and treat progressive eye diseases at a much earlier stage. Slowing or stopping disease progression early means less likelihood of vision loss or blindness, and better health for you.
Several eye diseases, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms in their early stages. But a skilled eye doctor using the RTVue can detect and manage them. Painless and quick, the ultra-high speed and high resolution features of the RTVue enable Dr. Olson to visualize retinal, anterior segment, and corneal tissue with ultra-high clarity.
Watch this interesting Good Morning America segment by clicking here.
Tags: Complete EyeCare Center, diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Olson, eye doctor, Glaucoma, Good Morning America, Macular Degeneration, nerve fiber layer, OCT, Optical Coherence Tomography, Optovue RTVue, Technology
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20JulBlindness, Eye Health, Eye Problems, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Optomap, Practice News, Technology, Vision No Comments
Many eye problems can develop without you knowing. You may not even notice any change in your eyesight. But, diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears or detachments, and other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be seen with a thorough exam of the retina. Until the optomap®, the only way to evaluate the retina for these abnormalities was to dilate the eyes–which can be time consuming and uncomfortable. Now a wide retinal image can be captured quickly and painlessly. Convenient for patients, while providing critical eye health information–that’s why we were the first in Iowa to introduce the technology! That’s also why optomap® technology was featured on an episode of the popular TV show “The Doctors.” (You can see the TV clip by clicking here.)
An optomap® Retinal Exam provides:
- A scan to show a healthy eye or detect disease.
- A view of the retina, giving Dr. Olson a more detailed view than he can get by other means.
- The opportunity for you to view and discuss the optomap® image of your eye with Dr. Olson at the time of your exam.
- A permanent record for your file, which allows the doctor to view your images each year to look for changes.
The optomap® Retinal Exam is fast, easy, and comfortable for all ages. To have the exam, you simply look into the device one eye at a time and you will see a comfortable flash of light to let you know the image of your retina has been taken. Your optomap® is immediately captured so Dr. Olson can evaluate and review it with you on a computer screen during your exam. Click here to see a video demonstration of the optomap experience.
Please schedule your annual optomap® Retinal Exam today by calling our office at 319.385.9534 .
Tags: Complete EyeCare Center, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Christopher Olson, early detection, eye health care, Glaucoma, high blood pressure, Macular Degeneration, melanoma, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, Optomap, retina, retinal detachment, retinal exam, retinal tears, Technology, The Doctors TV show, thedoctorstv, video
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15Jul
If you haven’t already heard of them, you soon will. On July 31st spokesperson Shaquille O’Neal, better known as Shaq, will launch enlyten products into the public’s attention. We strive to stay informed about the latest technologies available. Enlyten is a new rapid-acting, side-effect-reducing way of taking a supplement. A quick-dissolving strip replaces traditional tablets or high calorie, high carb, sugary beverages.
Antioxidants tend to draw the attention of eye doctors because of research linking them to a reduction of macular cell damage. The reduction of free radicals is known to have multiple health benefits, including benefits to some age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and those who have the potential for it. For adults who have difficulty taking pills, the enlyten antioxidant dissolving strip is an alternative to consider.
Being health minded, Dr. Olson has also noted the benefits of enlyten’s electrolyte plus product. This no-calorie, no-carb, no-sugar alternative for electrolyte replacement has great benefits over typical sport drinks. If you’re an exercise or sports enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
You can learn more about enlyten products by clicking this link. If you’re ready to purchase Enlyten, click here to buy enlyten strips now.
Tags: AMD, antioxidants, buy enlyten strips, Christopher Olson, Dr. Olson, electrolytes, enlyten, enlyten iowa, enlyten sportstrips, Macular Degeneration, Shaq, Shaquille O'Neal, sports drinks, strips, supplements
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08Jul
Current patients may be wondering what’s going on. Some have recently received a letter notifying them that we’ve updated their appoint time. There are some positive changes underway at Complete EyeCare Center and we are doing all we can to keep our patients informed.
We recently implemented a new patient schedule. The primary difference is that we’ve clustered eye exams together and other office visits together. After a trial period we’ve learned that this makes a significant difference in our ability to stay on time. Our aim is to improve our efficiency and minimize wait times for our patients!
The process of transitioning all our scheduled patients into this new format is complicated. Please read the letter carefully. As it says, discard any old appointment cards you have and please update your calendar. If the new time just won’t work, don’t hesitate to call our office to reschedule. We’ll gladly find a time that works better for you. Our phone number is 319-385-9534. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to serve you better.
Tags: appointment, Complete EyeCare Center, letter, patient, schedule, time
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01Jul
All summer until RAGBRAI, buy a Rudy Project Sunglass Kit and get a free backpack or duffel, free cycling helmet, free spare lenses, free hat & free T-shirt. The value of the free gear alone is $250, but you get it all for only $220. On Fridays we’ll pay the shipping when you wear your official Mt. Pleasant RAGBRAI T-shirt, so you get the whole Rudy Project Gear Deal for just $200!
Free Shipping is offered exclusively at Complete EyeCare Center as part of Mt. Pleasant’s “RAGBRAI Fridays” during July. Your purchase includes Rudy Project’s Replacement Lens Guarantee and 3-year Limited Frame Warranty. The last day of this offer is July 24, 2009.
“Have a Blast” in Mt. Pleasant when we host RAGBRAI July 24, 2009!
Tags: authorized dealer, Complete EyeCare Center, free cycling helmet, free T-shirt, Gear Deal, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, performance sunwear, RAGBRAI, Rudy Project, Sunglasses
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01Jun
Koali, Oga, Lightec…these frame lines were featured at our annual Fashion EyeWear Event, but are available in our eyewear gallery throughout the year. By stopping in our office both men and women will find unique, fashionable frame designs inspired by the natural world. Some even feature real wood components. (You can view these collections from our Products tab.)
Once again, the Fashion EyeWear Event was held in conjuction with the Mt. Pleasant High School Interact Club’s See-Saw for Sight on May 9, 2009. Not only did they have fun, students were motivated by the knowledge that their efforts will help restore sight to the blind in India. The volunteers raised over $850 that will be matched several times by Rotary International. With the matching funds it is projected that their efforts will help another 270 of India’s afflicted, who will regain functional vision for work and daily life after having cataract surgery at a subsidized outreach clinic.
After learning of Rotary’s sight-saving clinic Dr. Olson and his family suggested the first Interact Club See-Saw for Sight event and have helped organize it each year. Complete EyeCare Center donated food, equipment, and radio time for the See-Saw for Sight event, and HyVee provided hot dogs. This local event, held annually at Complete EyeCare Center since 2006, has already helped over 1000 people.
Visitors to the dual events in May were offered free hot dogs, popcorn, beverages, and cookies, and twelve were door prize winners. Be watching for our next special event, to enjoy special savings, prizes and refreshments for yourself!
Tags: Complete EyeCare Center, Fashion Eyewear Event, Koali frames, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, See-Saw for Sight
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05May
It’s a sunny day in Mt. Pleasant, at least for now! During this spring’s activities I’ve been thankful for a good pair of sunglasses, whether I’m driving, doing yard work, or watching a high school tennis match. What a difference it makes in my comfort and enjoyment! If you are a contact lens wearer you especially know what I mean. We keep hearing more and more about the necessity of proper sun protection, for your skin and your eyes.I’ll let you in on a little known fact. We have an expanded selection of great sunwear right here in Mt. Pleasant, in our eyewear gallery. Why not stop in and try some on during your lunch break today? If you’re interested in prescription sunwear, we have that too. (In fact, this Saturday you can save $50 on a pair of prescription sunglasses, during our annual Fashion & Eyewear Event!)
Hope you can get outside and enjoy the weather!
Tags: Complete EyeCare Center, Contact Lenses, Dr. Christopher Olson, eye health care, eyewear, Fashion Eyewear Event, Mount Pleasant IA, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, Sunglasses
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23Mar
You’re invited to help protect your baby’s eyes with a no-cost eye assessment.
Governor Chet Culver has declared InfantSEE Week as Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27, 2009. If your infant is six to twelve months old, this is the perfect time to schedule an InfantSEE eye assessment with Dr. Olson–at no cost.
“I encourage parents across Iowa to take advantage of the InfantSEE® program,” said Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA). “… I applaud our local optometrists for providing free InfantSEE® assessments, and encourage families to take advantage of this useful service.”
Tags: Complete EyeCare Center, Dr. Olson, Gov. Chet Culver, infant eye exams, InfantSEE, InfantSEE Week, no-cost eye assessment, parents, Rep. Dave Loebsack
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20Feb
Dr. Olson has been successfully fitting a revolutionary new contact lens called SynergEyes. It is a hybrid lens, with a rigid center, and a soft lens skirt. It allows for the best of both worlds–crisp clear vision and all-day comfort. Whether you are near or far sighted, have astigmatism or keratoconus, even presbyopic (over 40? you probably are), then you may benefit from SynergEyes.
Call our office, 319.385.9534, to schedule a corneal evaluation and tear analysis and our doctor will determine whether you would be a good candidate. And right now, you can get a $50 rebate when you purchase an annual supply!
Tags: astigmatism, comfort, far sighted, hybrid contact lens, keratoconus, near sighted, presbyopic, rebate, SynergEyes, Vision
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19Dec
Due to the severe ice storm in our area, travel is not advised. No patient appointments were scheduled today so we have decided it is safest for our staff and patients that the office be closed. If you have an eye health emergency requiring medical attention please call 319.385.9534.
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16Dec
Do you find that you are relying more on electronic communication and less on the telephone lately? I know I have noticed this trend in my own situation. It’s convenient, less intrusive, and fast. We recognized that our patients could easily benefit from streamlining our appointment confirmation process. If you prefer, we can now send appointment confirmation messages and reminders by email, text or pager! Simply click a button on the email to confirm or call back when it’s convenient for you, if that’s better for you.
You can also just click a button from the email if you want to add the appointment to your personal electronic calendar in Outlook, iCal, etc.
Of course, we need to know your email address, cell phone or pager number to provide this new service. We’ll ask about it at your next visit. Or, we can set it up now if you contact us.
Tags: appointment confirmation, appointment reminders, cell phone, Complete EyeCare Center, Dr. Christopher Olson, electronic calendar, email, eye exam, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, new service, text
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27Nov
Thanks to all our patients!
Thanks to all of you, our patients and friends who have placed their confidence in us. We consider it a privilege to serve you and help with all of your eye health care needs. We know we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you! Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Dr. Olson and the staff of Complete EyeCare Center
Tags: Complete EyeCare Center, Dr. Olson, eye health care, Mt. Pleasant Eye Doctor, patients, Thanksgiving
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