Why buy Quality?

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.
William A. Foster

I have always felt that it makes sense to buy quality. Perhaps I inherited this ethic from my parents, who very carefully purchased the best of things that they could find. Being the oldest of ten children, I grew up beneath the governments established poverty level guidelines. We didn't know we were poor, but I understood early in my life that when we bought things, we were buying the best quality available because we couldn't afford to buy them twice. For example, Maytag's reputation for long lasting dependability (which it no longer deserves) sold my Mom on her washer/dryer combo which lasted for eons of time. Back when the Troy Built name was synonymous with quality (which it no longer deserves either) my Dad bought the garden tiller that he still uses nearly 30 years later.

I'll never forget the day in my youth when my Dad told me, "Son, we are becoming a throw away world. You'll see the day when everything is disposable." Appreciating quality isn't just an ethic or nostalgic rejection of today's marketplace full of cheaply manufactured junk...finding and appreciating quality is my passion.

I think in times like these, buying quality makes more sense than ever. As much as we hope you will buy a new pair of glasses to match every outfit every year, we have always provided eyewear that is made to last as long as you wish it to last. Well made European or Japanese frames can last a lifetime, and there is no time limit to the scratch warranty on our lenses. Some of our patients realize very low cost for their eyewear when you compare its lasting quality over time to the frequently replaced lower quality glasses that are built to planned-obsolescence standards. Durability is its own reason for buying good craftsmanship--the benefits of the advanced technology found in premium quality lenses is the subject for another complete post.

The higher initial cost of quality may sting, but the sting shortly becomes satisfaction when the technology performs its lasting duty. Poor craftsmanship causes lingering disappointment--usually intensified by the realization that the product was dressed up to look like quality, but really was not. It reminds me of the rural wisdom found in this mock add for hay I saw in a diner once: "Hay, $200 a ton, or $5 a ton. Price depends on which end of the horse you buy it from."

--Dr. Gooch

Fabulous Readers!

Here is our lovely new patient Toni Johnston in her new gorgeous green readers! Frames by Kliik, made in Denmark.

MARIUS MOREL 1880

It is time for Contemporary Retro Chic! Vintage styling comes to St George with the addition of Marius Morel's 1880 line. This distinctive frame line is a fresh, but nostalgic take on quality and style, without rehashing today's boxy retro styles.

This new line consists of some titanium offerings and some handmade acetates. The fit and finish of the Morel 1880 line fits our criteria for select, top shelf quality. These French made frames are not the mass produced disposable stuff that floods the market, rather, are of an heirloom quality that are made to last as long as you want them--which is just how we like it.

Consistent with all of our lines, these frames are warranted, unlimited for two years. They are very reasonably priced because their label is the manufacturers own, not requiring designer licensing. Come see how we can customize your look today with timeless styling that is fresh Retro Chic!

Thanks to our Model and fantastic Frame rep, Jay Hornsby for taking the runway...

New Schnuchel frames handmade in Germany!

Southwest Vision is introducing their newest frame line-Schnuchel. This one of a kind tailor made eyewear is all handmade by a german artisan named Dr. Wolf Schnuchel. We are able to tailor your specific frame by choosing color, shape, size, etc. for a truly unique custom tailored look! These frames are classic, retro and unlike anything else you will see in this area. Our new president Barack Obama recently stopped into a NYC optical shop and left with two pairs!Stop in today and have a look for yourself! Schnuchel frames modeled by Greg.

INTRODUCING SILHOUETTE'S NEWEST EYE-CATCHING COLLECTION-ENVISO!

Silhouette has just relased their newest collection-Enviso! Enviso's unique temple design and bold colors offer something new and different in the world of rimless eyewear designs. Rimless designs have been in the limelight this year with the discovery of Sarah Palin. Her drilled rimless frames have been all over the media since her nomination for Vice president. Enviso frames are extremely light weight and with no screws to loosen or loose they are virtually maintenance-free! Stop in today and try on the latest Enviso styles! You won't be disappointed! Happy New Year from Southwest Vision.

Myopia (So, I am near sighted)

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the easiest of the eye's focus problems to understand. As a myope, your near world is in focus and your distance vision is blurry. This happens when the light rays that enter your eye focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina.

Incidence:

• In the United States and Europe 25-40%
• In some developed Asian countries 70-90%
• In some indigenous populations from undeveloped countries 1-8%

Causes:

The arguments regarding the cause of myopia are very heated and sway between Nature/Nurture. Twin Studies show a genetic predisposition to myopia, and literacy studies show extended near-focus to be the major contributing factor. No one really knows how genetics and environmental factors interplay, but surely, both sides of the equation contribute, and it probably varies on an individual basis.

The Internet is full of information about the causes of Myopia. In my opinion, this Wikipedia article about myopia is about the fairest comprehensive treatment for the lay person that I could find: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myopia

Some promoters of the Nurture school-of-thought go so far as to blame eye doctors and the optical industry for Myopia as part of a grand conspiracy. The Myopia Mafia causes an increase of myopia by prescribing glasses to correct the vision of children with myopia, is the crux of one argument. Another claims the problem is nutritional in nature and has a vitamin to fix it. These extreme and entertaining examples usually have their own product to sell (so BUYER BEWARE) and while espousing some truths, they fundamentally over-simplify the problem.

Correction:

With today's technology, Myopia is a mere annoyance for most of us. In developed countries, it is easy to correct with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery using MINUS dioptric power--all of which use impressive new technologies. Stay tuned for upcoming articles on advances in lens and surgery technologies.

Prevention:

Because of the evidence that near stress induces myopia, there may be some things you can do. Children who spend more time outdoors and less time in front of TV, computers, or books tend to have less incidence of myopia. The problem is, we learn most of what we need to survive in today's world by reading and using the computer, so avoiding these activities to prevent myopia might cause other life-problems. And if not putting glasses on a nearsighted kid could prevent further myopic progression, would it make sense to keep your child in a constant state of blur? Like everything else, there is wisdom in balance.

Several alternative "cures" are out there, like "The See Clearly Method" and "Rebuildyourvision.com." You will often find them long on testimonials and short on credibility. We get patients who try these things occasionally thinking they will surprise us. So far, I haven't seen anyone with verifiable improvements to their refractive state via these programs.

I personally like to prescribe bifocals or progressives to myopic children who show signs of excessive accomodative convergence (misaligned eyes with close focus) or other signs of near stress. Some studies have shown a 40% reduction in myopic progression with bifocal use, and I seem to see that played out clinically in these cases of over-convergence.

Schnuchel's

Come in and see our brand new hand made German eyewear! These frames are custom made to fit all your wants and needs. Come see what the fuss is all about.

New Arrival- Ed Hardy Readers!

Come check out our newest frame collection. Ed Hardy readers have just arrived! These are original designs from the tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy who is known as "The godfather of tatoo. These unique "Vintage Tattoo Wear" designs are like nothing else! Stop down and try on a pair and be the first in town to have them! Happy Holidays from Southwest Vision!

Welcome to the blog

Welcome to the office blog. This project is designed to be an adjunct to our web site where we can keep you up to date with all the HOT news in the eye world. From trends and technologies in the Optical realm to, current topics in medicine, the Doctors and staff will keep you interested in the latest happenings. IF YOU CLICK ON A POST TOPIC AND ONLY GET THIS WELCOME POST, COME BACK SOON. THESE TOPICS ARE BEING UPDATED WEEKLY.