Complete EyeCare Center

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.”

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!

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.

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.

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

You can rack up holiday shopping savings very quickly by purchasing your eyewear at Complete EyeCare Center’s downtown Mt. Pleasant, Iowa office.  Not only that, you could win a prize valued at $300 or more!  We are participating in Main Street Mt. Pleasant’s “Get Punched” promotion, which starts November 3rd, 2008.  For each $100 you spend at participating businesses, take your completed punch card to the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber office to receive a free gift certificate worth at least $5 to spend downtown, plus a chance to win the weekly prize.  That’s an automatic reward of at least 5% on your purchase, perhaps more!  Large weekly prizes will be awarded November 14th, 21st, December 5th, 12th, and 19th.  You can have a new look for the holidays, and these added bonuses, by getting those new eyeglasses or contacts you’ve been wanting now!

Remember the once popular game show Family Feud?  Before the show, 100 people were asked a question and their top answers were tabulated.  During the show, contestants tried to guess how they had answered.  Knowing the most popular answer would earn the most points.  Excitement mounted as the host dramatically shouted “…and the survey says…”

A regional newspaper with a circulation of over 20,400, the Burlington Hawkeye, recently conducted their own survey in August 2008.

They asked all those readers, “Who is your favorite Mt. Pleasant Optometrist?”  And the survey says…Dr. Christopher Olson is #1!

Not only that, they also asked readers, “What is your favorite optical center in Mt. Pleasant?”  And the survey says….Complete EyeCare Center is #1!

Thank you to all of you who have encouraged us in this way.  We are honored.  We will continue to do our best to earn your trust and serve you well.

If you’re aren’t familiar with our practice and you’re wondering, “Which eye doctor should I choose for my family’s eye care needs?” there’s no need to guess how your neighbors, friends and family would answer the question.   When asked, they said that Dr. Christopher Olson and Complete EyeCare Center is most preferred.  We’d love to show you why!  Why not call us today for an appointment?  (Our phone number is 319.385.9534.)

See the Burlington Hawkeye Readers Choice Page

A new instrument gives Complete EyeCare Center patients a distinct health advantage.  The RTVue OCT* creates ultra-high speed high resolution 3-D scans, maps and images of the eye.  It can even allow Dr. Olson to visualize discrete layers of the retina.  This is the first instrument to provide such high resolution capabilities.

What does this mean for Dr. Olson’s patients?  Early detection, early intervention and better patient outcomes.  In other words, slowing or stopping disease progression, and reducing potential vision loss.

Why is early detection important to you?  Most people have no knowledge of serious eye problems in their early stages.  As medical knowledge has progressed, doctors have learned that there are discreet changes taking place in the eye which can be pre-indicators of such diseases.  When Dr. Olson detects these early signals, intervention can begin before your eyesight or health has been dramatically affected by serious diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or macular disease.

This instrument is the latest addition to the Mt. Pleasant, Iowa practice of Dr. Christopher Olson, Complete EyeCare Center–which has been the first to introduce technology to the state of Iowa on more than one occasion.  Today OCT technology is viewed by experts as the most clinically superior way to detect and manage glaucoma and macular degeneration.  Dr. Olson prefers the RTVue over other OCT instruments for several reasons, including its being 65 times faster, and having twice the resolution for significantly clearer images.

With a few months of experience with the RTVue OCT, Dr. Olson says, ”I can’t imagine going back to diagnosing or managing glaucoma without this valuable new tool.  I am very thankful to be able to provide this important service to our patients and Southeast Iowa.”

Dr. Christopher Olson, of Mt. Pleasant, is one of only 3 optometrists in Iowa to receive a respected national award, the American Optometric Association’s 2008 Continuing Optometric Recognition Award.  The other two Iowans practice in Elkader and West Union.

The award is given to doctors of optometry who have completed 50 credit hours of continuing education in their field over a one-year period and, in addition, have previously received the Initial Optometric Recognition Award.  The American Optometric Association honors the ORA recipients recognizing that the doctor’s efforts to pursue continuing education reflect a deep desire to provide patients with the best vision care available today.

This is Dr. Olson’s 18th consecutive year of being an Optometric Recognition Award recipient, completing twice the continuing education required for Iowa optometrists every year since his graduation.

2007 AOA President (left) presents the ORA to Dr. Olson (right).

Mount Pleasant High School students recently paired up in a relay to keep two see-saws active for five hours, motivated by the knowledge that their efforts will help restore sight to the blind in India.  A MPCHS Interact Club service event, See-Saw for Sight was held May 17, 2008, at Complete EyeCare Center, in downtown Mt. Pleasant.  Cataracts are a severe problem in India, where Rotary Club International is working to assist the needy.  Cataract surgery can be done for $50 at a subsidized outreach clinic there, so each participant was challenged to raise at least that amount before the Saturday event.  Rotary, Interact’s parent organization, matches the funds students raise at the local to international level, multiplying its impact as much as eight times.  This local event, held annually since 2006, has already resulted in assistance to over 500 people.

See-Saw for Sight was held in conjunction with Complete EyeCare Center’s annual Fashion Eyewear Event.  Visitors to the dual events were offered free hot dogs, popcorn, beverages, cookies, and were eligible for an array of door prizes.  Local optometrist, Dr. Christopher Olson, and his daughters, Ashley and Nicole, have spearheaded the Interact Club’s See-Saw for Sight event each year after learning of Rotary’s sight-saving efforts from the Interact Club’s advisor, Mr. Cal Litwiller.  In 2005, Litwiller traveled to India and was impressed by the needs there, as well as the impact cataract surgery could make on an individual’s life and livelihood.  Olson’s practice, Complete EyeCare Center, and Dave’s Foods, donated food and equipment for the club’s 2008 event.  The participation of Interact members and friends, along with the support of this year’s contributors, is projected to aid more than 100 of India’s afflicted, who will regain functional vision for work and daily life.

We’re glad that you’ve found our new website!  Thanks for your patience as we develop it into what will be a useful and informative site.  We’re looking forward to enhancing your experience with our office by offering the convenience of 24-hour resources online.   So, when you’re home after a long day at work and remember that you needed to reorder your contacts, request an appointment, or find an answer to your question, you’ll be able to do that, no matter what time it is.  Of course, until these features are established on the internet, you can always call our office while it’s on your mind.  Our phone number is 319.385.9534.  If it’s after our regular office hours, you can leave a message, and our staff will get back to you the next business day.  If you have an eye health emergency just call the same number any time.

Our new website will be changing frequently as technology, products, and treatments, develop in our industry and practice.  Dr. Olson keeps abreast of the latest in eye health care, for the benefit of his patients.  He’ll be sharing his expertise and perspectives regularly so that you are well informed, so be sure to return to this site regularly.

You’ll probably notice that we’re just beginning to build this site and there are lots of improvements to be made.  If you have other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment.  We welcome your input.

Fresh, funky, fashionable frames

Tasty, tempting, treats,

Desirable, don’t-miss, door prizes

See-sawing, smiling, students

Koali Eyewear Event for Men & Women

and

MPCHS Interact Club’s See-Saw for Sight

ONE DAY ONLY…Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

$50 savings! Food & Prizes!