• 09Jan

    You’ve broken out the new calendar, or at least turned the page to a new year.  Are you wondering where 2008 went?  None of us seems immune to this syndrome, perhaps a sign of the busyness of our culture.  So, it should come as no surprise that you’ve probably underestimated how long it’s been since your last eye exam.

    Not all people need a comprehensive eye health exam every year.  Every two years can be adequate for people who are not considered “at risk”.  Having said that, children and students may need more frequent care since their eyes are growing and changing quite rapidly.  That’s why it’s important for parents and teachers be educated to recognize signs of vision problems in children.

    So who needs to been seen at least annually?  Those over age 60, contact lens wearers, anyone who has had eye surgery, people who take prescription or non-prescription drugs that can have ocular side effects, diabetics, anyone with high blood pressure, those who have a family history of ocular disease (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.), those who work in occupations that are visually demanding or with eye hazards, children with a high refractive error, an eye turn, or eyes with unequal refractive power,  children born prematurely, with low weight, or through difficult or assisted labor, children who received oxygen as newborns, children with family history of certain diseases, and people with other health concerns or conditions.  (Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list, and some conditions require more frequent monitoring.)

    After examining and talking with you, Dr. Olson will make a recommendation about how long it should be until you have your next eye health exam.  Our first concern is your health, so we help you keep on track with convenient scheduling and reminders tailor-made to your situation.  But we won’t be surprised if your response is, “Has it really been a year?”

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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.

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  • 27Nov
    Thanks to all our patients!

    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

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  • 03Nov

    Main Street Mt. Pleasant \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!

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  • 30Oct

    Christopher P. Olson, OD, FAAO

    The following has been excerpted from Dr. Christopher Olson’s Curriculum Vitae:

    Professional Awards and Honors

    1992, named “Young O.D. of the Year” by the Iowa Optometric Association

    1992 to Present, awarded Optometric Recognition Award for Continuing Education by the American Optometric Association

    1994 to Present, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry

    2000, named “Optometrist of the Year” by the Iowa Optometric Association

    2001, Iowa Governor’s appointee to the State Board of Optometry

    2009, Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry appointee to the nation’s Accreditation Council on Optometric Education

    Professional Service

    Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, 2009 to present

    Chair, State of Iowa Board of Optometry, July 2006 to Apr. 2010

    Secretary, State of Iowa Board of Optometry, Apr. 2001 to July 2006

    Clinical Examiner, National Board of Optometry

    Member, Education Committee Member, Legislative Committees Member, House of Delegates, Iowa Optometric Association

    Member, American Optometric Association

    VISION USA Provider

    Iowa Lion’s Diabetes & Glaucoma Mobile Unit Doctor

    Iowa Alumni Liaison, Illinois College of Optometry

    Lecturer, IOAA Annual Meeting, 2005 to 2011

    Lecturer, Primary Care Symposium, American Academy of Optometry, 2006

    InfantSEE Provider, 2005 to Present

    Community Service

    Secretary & Member, Mt. Pleasant Public Library Board

    Board Member, Kiwanis Club, Mt. Pleasant

    Actor and Member, Mt. Pleasant Community Theatre

    Board Member, The Rec Center, Mt. Pleasant

    Council Chairperson, Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sunday School and confirmation teacher, choir member, liturgist, instrumentalist

    Fundraiser, Iowa Wesleyan College, Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association

    Education

    Waco High School, Olds, IA, June 1979. Valedictorian

    Iowa State University, Ames, IA, May 1983. Bachelor of Science in Distributed Studies: Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, and Zoology, Graduated with Distinction

    Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, IL, May 1987. Doctorate in Optometry, magna cum laude. Westside V.A. Hospital Externship

    Interests, Activities

    Music (instrumental, vocal), Fitness (mountain biking, jogging), Reading

    1979, Eagle Scout

    1995, Completed Marine Corps Marathon, Washington D.C.

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  • 30Oct

    Theatrical Contact LensesIf your Halloween costume includes theatrical contacts, like Wild Eyes™ brand lenses, make sure you keep in mind that all contact lenses are medical devices.  They must be prescribed by an eye doctor because if they are not properly fit, or are worn improperly, they can cause serious eye problems.  That goes for all contacts–even lenses that do not corrective power in them.

    Lens sharing is a temptation with theatrical lenses, but infectious keratitis can be transmitted by doing this.  It can also begin when a particle under a contact lens scratches the eye, lenses are improperly cleaned, or worn too long.  Keratitis causes eye pain, redness, decreased vision and sensitivity to light.  Untreated, it can develop into a corneal ulcer–an open sore on the cornea.  This requires emergency medical treatment because corneal ulcers may spread and can lead to partial or complete blindness in a short period of time.Hypnotica Theatrical Contact Lenses

    Theatrical contacts can be a fun part of your Halloween costume, when properly prescribed and worn.  Just remember it’s not worth it to sacrifice your eye health for the momentary effect.  We can fit you with these unique lenses, and provide training on proper care and wear regimens so you have a safe and comfortable Halloween.  Wild Eyes™ lenses from Complete EyeCare Center include the following designs: Jaguar, Zebra, Cateye, Knockout, Black-out, White-Out, Red Hot, Wildfire, Zoomin’, Icefire, and Hypnotica.

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  • 23Sep

    Video magnifiers utilizing closed circuit television are a wonderful aid to people with low vision, but because of their large size they aren’t portable.  One unique product, the “Jordy”, can be worn like glasses for portable use, and can also be placed in a stand at home or work and used with any monitor.  This flexibility means you can read, write, or see no matter where you are.

    “Jordy Glasses” Video Demonstration

    Jordy contains a small, high-resolution camera that magnifies up to 30 times.  Jordy’s auto-focus feature allows you to follow an object in motion–near, far or in-between.  In the optional stand, it can provide 50x magnification.

    “Jordy Glasses” product brochure

    “Jordy Glasses” are available for purchase at Complete EyeCare Center, along with other Enhanced Vision products including Merlin, Max, Nemo and Amigo.  You can try them for yourself in our Mt. Pleasant, Iowa office.  Dr. Olson is pleased to offer patients this advanced low vision technology.  To learn more about Jordy and other low vision products, call our office today at 319.385.9534.

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  • 21Sep

    Ever wished you didn’t have to wear glasses or contacts, but find the idea of refractive surgery a bit drastic or expensive?  People who would like all the advantages of not wearing glasses or contacts during the day, but are reluctant to have refractive surgery (such as Lasik) are finding a solution with CRT at Complete EyeCare Center.

    CRT stands for Corneal Refractive Therapy.  With CRT the cornea, or outer surface of the eye, is reshaped each night using a specially designed rigid contact lens while you sleep.  The lenses are removed in the morning and your vision is corrected!  This means you don’t have to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day. 

    Among people who benefit from wearing CRT lenses while they sleep, are those who have dry eyes, because they do not have to wear traditional contact lenses that can contribute to dryness during waking hours.  Those who work in dusty conditions or with fumes don’t have to worry about problems with contact lens irritation.  Anyone who enjoys swimming or exercising and would love to work out without their glasses, yet still see clearly, would benefit as well.  Emergency workers and others who face situations where they would be handicapped if their glasses were knocked off or contacts were dislodged, also appreciate freedom from typical corrective lenses. 

    Another benefit to consider is that CRT is reversible, so when near vision begins to change in your 40s, the correction can be adjusted.  For Lasik patients these vision changes can mean that reading glasses are now necessary, but it’s possible that they could be avoided by a CRT patient using monovision. 

    Anyone who finds the idea of freedom from traditional vision correction appealing, or has thought about Lasik, should consider the benefits of CRT.  Dr. Olson is only eye doctor in the Mt. Pleasant area to offer CRT.  Call his office, Complete EyeCare Center at 319.385.9534, for an eye health exam and he will help you determine if CRT is a good option for you.

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  • 10Sep

    How can we not mention the recent craze to get frames like VP nominee Sarah Palin?  It’s fascinating to see the celebrity phenomena impacting the eyewear industry.  One thing it confirms is that frames are as much a fashion item as they are medical device.  Gone are the days of not wanting to be seen wearing glasses.  They are an accessory, and a means of conveying an image.

    Palin’s frame features drill-mount linear shaped lenses and sleek gray-toned temples.  Drill mounts appear practically “frameless” from the front because the entire lens is rimless and held by mounting screws at the bridge and temples.  Her straight lens shape and frame size may not flatter all facial shapes, but it’s a great choice for Palin’s.  We have several similarly styled drill-mount frames, with variations in color and shape to suit you.  Our Eyewear Consultants can help you find the perfect frame so you look and see your best.  We take into account what’s flattering to your face and coloring, the right size for your lens prescription, as well as your personal tastes, lifestyle and visual needs.

    Complete EyeCare Center’s Eyewear Consultants also keep educated on eyewear trends through current trade journals, conferences, and regular meetings with eyewear industry representatives.   Other celebrities setting recent trends in eyewear include Tina Fey, Amanda Peete, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Gardner.

    To see an image of Palin’s frame select style 704.

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  • 31Aug

    2008 Burlington Hawkeye #1 Reader\'s Choice RecipientRemember 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

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  • 29Aug

    Please call 319.385.9534 or email us at email@completeeye.com to request an appointment today!

    In the future we’ll have a convenient way for you to request an available appointment time online.

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  • 20Aug

    Complete EyeCare Center\'s Optovue RTVue Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT) has ultra-high speed, high resolution.  It creates 3-D scans, maps and images of the eye and can even allow Dr. Olson to visualize discrete layers of the retina for the first time.  This means earlier detection, earlier treatment, and better outcomes for his patients. 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.”

    *Optovue RTVue Optical Coherence Tomographer

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  • 13Aug

    Most people have heard of macular degeneration, or know of someone with the condition.  It is the leading cause of blindness for those 50 and older.  The macula, which is the center and most sensitive part of the retina, thins and in some cases bleeds.  The result is gradual loss of central vision.  Until now, there has been little that can be done to help patients prevent macular degeneration progression.

    Complete EyeCare Center’s optometrist, Dr. Christopher Olson, offers his patients a product that gives new hope to victims of progressive macular degeneration–a newly developed nutritional supplement called TOZAL.  A landmark study first released in the British medical journal BioMed Central Ophthalmology indicated TOZAL can stop the progression of macular degeneration and in some cases, actually reverse the symptoms.  56.7% of subjects experienced an improvement in visual acuity as a result of consistent use of TOZAL.  It also helped reduce the risk factors of age-related visual decline.  In the study, TOZAL even surpassed the positive benefits of the initial AREDS study–which has been widely adopted by eye-care professionals as the standard for nutritional supplementation.

    Dr. Olson can determine if you would benefit from TOZAL.  He has the clinical skills and instrumentation to measure macular pigmentation, which is often an early indicator of macular degeneration, and will take the time to evaluate your medical history and exam findings to make a recommendation.   Call our office today at 319.385.9534 to schedule an eye health exam.  If you are someone who may benefit, TOZAL can either be purchased in our Mt. Pleasant office or ordered online anytime (with representative number 24894.)  As always, be sure to return for regular eye exams so your maculas and overall health can be monitored.

    Order Tozal for Macular Degeneration Here (Click this photo button, then click “Order Now”, “Add to Cart” and use rep# 24894 to make an online Tozal purchase.)

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  • 30Jul

    Amidst the sighs of children, the back-to-school messages have begun.  When you begin thinking about school supplies and sports physicals, don’t forget to make sure your children’s eyes are healthy.  During a child’s first 12 years, approximately 80 percent of all learning comes through vision!

    Dr. Olson wants your children to have a positive experience at school, just as you do. One of the best things a parent can do is to schedule an eye exam that includes an optomap® Retinal Exam before schools starts to ensure your child is ready for the school year.

    Complete EyeCare Center offers the optomap® Retinal Exam as part of a comprehensive eye exam to patients of all ages because it is important that everyone to have their retina checked regularly.  The majority of eye health problems arise without you knowing.  Even patients that report that they can see just fine and have no complaints can not be assured they are healthy.  Dr. Olson has found undetected conditions including retinal holes, early macular degeneration, even brain tumors, in such symptom-free patients.  The optomap® allows Dr. Olson to get an ultra-widefield view of the retina in a fast, painless, and comfortable way–appealing to children and adults alike.

    Undetected or untreated vision problems can hinder a child’s ability to reach their full potential.  Numerous studies have found a direct link between vision and children’s learning, behavior, and school performance. At least 10 to 15 percent – or 8 to 12 million – children have undetected vision impairments. Yet most of these conditions can be easily treated by Dr. Olson.

    Help ensure that an undetected vision problem won’t rob your child of the opportunity to succeed in school.  Call Complete EyeCare Center (319.385.9534) to schedule your child’s eye exam today.  While you’re at it, schedule your own exam too!

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  • 27Jun

    Our pledge:  We won’t compromise when it comes to caring for you.  (You don’t have to either.)

    Some vision plans sound great on paper to employers, and they may not realize that the plan sacrifices quality of care for their employees, our patients.  Unfortunately, this is how some other providers are able to participate with low reimbursing vision plans–by sacrificing quality of care.  We will never be content to offer you a quickie refraction and call it an eye exam.  Your eyes, your health, and your family are too important to us.

    As a health care consumer, you should understand that any savings given in a participating doctor’s office is only possible because the doctor has agreed to accept significantly less than the usual and customary fee for services and materials.  In some cases, the vision plan’s reimbursement isn’t even adequate to meet the expenses the practice incurs to provide the services, so we must refuse to participate.  Some practices may decide instead to offer the plan, and reduce their costs by scaling down on the care provided, or the quality of the eyewear.  We think every patient deserves excellent care.

    It’s very difficult when our existing patients are subject to an employer’s change or introduction of a vision plan that we do not participate with.  From what they can see, it looks attractive.  You’ve heard the expression “you get what you pay for.”  It applies here.  There have been situations where patients have gone to another doctor that participates in their new vision plan, only to return to our office because they recognize the value of Dr. Olson’s professional eye health care, or the quality of Complete EyeCare Center’s products and the way we stand behind them.  All eye exams, frames, and lenses, are not created equal.

    A little known fact is that most vision plans allow you to continue to receive care from your preferred doctor and get reimbursed from the vision plan when you submit proof of payment.  Plans often don’t promote this “out-of-network” option, so you may have to ask questions to be fully informed.  It gives you the ability to maintain the trusting relationship you have with Dr. Olson, and assures continuity of care close to home.

    Dr. Olson has access to a network of other eye doctors throughout the country who have had experience with various vision plans.  This helps us to assess their track records as well as patient’s satisfaction.  When you inform us of your company’s vision plan decision, we consider how it will affect our own patients and evaluate the plan to determine whether it can be offered without compromising our standard of care.  Then we do our best to make a sound business decision so Complete EyeCare Center will be able to continue to serve our region and provide employment opportunities in our community for years to come.  That’s responsible stewardship.

    So it’s a complex question when a patient asks if we will participate in a particular vision plan, why we don’t, or when we will.  Be assured that we have weighed these questions carefully.  We want to continue to serve you, a member of our patient family.  Part of our responsibility in that role is to be sure you understand the value of all that we do, and that we have your best interest in mind.  We are always striving to improve and become more efficient,  but there are some things that should not be compromised.   ”Cheap” just isn’t a good choice when it comes to your health, your eyes, your eyewear, or your eye doctor.

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  • 05Jun

    Dr. Olson Leads Iowa in Offering Patients iZon Customized Lenses

    Until now, there was nothing your eye doctor could do to identify or address tiny imperfections unique to your eyes.  As the first practitioner in Iowa with a Z-View Aberrometer, Dr. Olson is able to detect microscopic abnormalities in the eye and map your unique iPrint.  This means you’ll receive a much more comprehensive prescription–one that can result in vision with enhanced depth perception, contrast, crispness, color perception, and night vision.

    To learn more about your unique iPrint, and the benefits of iZon lenses watch this brief video from the iZon website.  Then call Complete EyeCare Center for an appointment with Dr. Olson and see if your a candidate!

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  • 01Jun

    See our Products page for links to frame and lens photos and manufacturer’s information.  Better yet, stop in our office and our knowledgable Eyewear Consultant will help you find the very best choice for your prescription, lifestyle, face shape and coloring, and personality!

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  • 30May

    MPCHS Interact Club\'s See-Saw for Sight held at Complete EyeCare Center, Mt. Pleasant, IA

    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.

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  • 12May

    Don\'t miss this event on Saturday, May 17, 2008!

    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!

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