*** April 23, 2024: “Don’t Let the Eyes Fool You” 3-part Series. Part 1: Not all pink eyes are the same
Dear Blink families and friends,
How are you doing? Body and soul? If you’re good, we’re glad 🙂. If you’re not, how can we help?
There are some myths and muddled facts that I call “The Great Eye-Pretenders” circling around. To clarify them, I’m going to introduce you to a three-part series called “Don’t Let the Eyes Fool You!”
Part 1: Not all pink eyes are the same.
Lately, we’ve been seeing more of you. The common reason is: “I’ve got pink eye. I’ve been to the ER/urgent care (once, sometimes twice already) and it’s not getting better.” Now, you know I love books. My happy place is among books. I spend a lot of time and money; and I wear out my own eyeballs reading books. I’d skip my last meal for a book. The Amazon delivery people love me. I give them snacks every time I see them; because I know they’ll bring me books.
The reason I mention books is because if I get a dollar every time I hear you, our dear dear patients, say “I have pink eye, I need antibiotics”, I’d have enough to open my own bookstore. (secret dream, but I digress…)
The term ‘pink eye’ describes how the eye look; it looks pink. That’s it !
Pink eye does not always mean an eye infection. Even if it were, we can’t treat it with any antibiotic.
In clinic, these are questions that you asked me, “What is ‘pink eye’? What caused it? How do we treat it? Will it come back? What will we do if it does? Is it contagious? Can I give it to my boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, kids, cats, dogs? Can I still get married tomorrow? Can I go to Belize? Can I play pickle ball tomorrow? I have a date, should I cancel?”
So, pink eye can be:
An eye infection. What type? Viral ? Bacterial? Fungal?
An eye allergy. What type? Acute? Chronic?
An acute attack of glaucoma. Oy! a sight-threatening emergency.
An accidental or intentional meeting with a fist.
What should you do?
If it were my eye, I’d call Blink team. You’ll get the fastest, most efficient care possible, so that you can go to Belize, or play pickleball, or go on your date today. Let my colleagues at ER/urgent care take care of colds and flu and broken bones. They may not have an eye doctor on call, and they’d end up sending you back to Blink anyway.
Coming up next…
Part 2: Not all blurry vision needs new glasses.
Part 3: Not all 20/20 vision is perfect vision.
Stay tuned…
Best,
Wendy Tran
*** March 22, 2024: Happy Easter!
Dear Blink Friends and Families,
How are you doing? May you and your families always have Health, Hope and Joy. Happy Easter!
Thinking about Easter coming up, I started asking myself: “What do I know and don’t know about Easter?” Here are some facts to share with you...
Easter is a celebration of Hope and Joy. To Christians, Easter began as a love story, thousands of years ago. In fact, John 3:16 tells us of such love. This bible verse was so important that, to date, people have googled it 94 millions times! More on this love story later…
Anyway, what happened was that Jesus died on a cross on a day called Good Friday. He was then resurrected and came back to life on Easter Sunday.
More interesting facts about Easter:
Easter is celebrated ever year on the Sunday after the full moon following March 21st.
The origin of the Easter Bunny began in Germany, as symbol of the Pagan Goddess of Spring and Fertility.
Easter was named after the Fertility Goddess and a Goddess of Dawn and Light named Eostre.
Cadbury’s makes 500 million Creme Eggs every year! If you piled them on top of each other, it would be 10 times higher than Mount Everest.
Egg painting originates from a Ukrainian tradition- as a symbol of Gods and Goddesses of health and fertility.
The world’s largest Easter egg was made in Alberta, Canada, weighs 5000 lbs, standing 31 ft tall and 18 ft wide, and took 12,000 hours to complete.
Pretzels used to be Easter’s food of choice because the twists resemble arms crossing in prayer.
In Germany, it is illegal to dance on Good Friday, out of respect for Christians, who mourn the death of Jesus on Good Friday.
In 2007, a Faberge Easter egg sold for 18.5 million.
The white color of Easter lilies represents purity and innocence. There's also a symbolic representation between the lily's blooming process and Christ's resurrection. The flower bulb placed beneath Earth's surface is attributed to Jesus' death, while the actual sprouting of the flower symbolizes his resurrection
Dressing up for Easter comes from a superstition that wearing new clothes on Easter meant that you'd have good luck for the rest of the year.
Other interesting statistics:
$24 Billion: Easter-related spending made in 2023.
What’s in an Easter basket: 44% chocolate egg, 20% jelly beans, 18% egg shaped candies and 12% marshmallows.
180 millions of eggs are purchased on Easter.
81% parents confessed to stealing candies from their kids’ stash.
Top Easter activities: Easter egg hunt 83%, Eating candies 69%, Dyeing eggs 69%, Taking family photos 58%, Making Easter dinner 58%.
78% share of people who eat chocolate bunnies’ ears first.
Church attendance: #1 Easter, #2 Christmas, #3 Palm Sunday, #4 Mother’s Day.
Back to the love story. When my kids were little, we would play a game called "I love you this much!" I would start by putting my palms facing each other, about 12 inches apart, and I'd say: "I love you this much!" Then my kids would have their little palms wider then mine and they'd say: " No, I love you this much!" We would try to put our arms farther and farther apart, saying it louder and louder: "I love you this much!" Then we'd love each other to the ceiling, to the trees, then all the way to the moon and back. My kids would go to "infinity and back" and I would go with "I love you to infinity times infinity and back!"
Easter begins with that kind of love. John 3:16 tells us that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Who? "God so loved the world". That means all of us, the loveable and the un-loveable, believers and non-believers, everyone!
How much? So much love that "he gave up his one and only son",
Why? so that we may have eternal life. What's more lasting than eternal life? The cars we want? The houses we must have? The perfect career? Perfect marriage? Perfect life?
So, Easter is about Love, and the Hope of knowing Perfect Love!
Source:
*** February 29, 2024: Eye care during colder months.
Dear Blink families and friends,
How are you doing during this cold season? In clinic, we've noticed an increase in symptoms of dry eyes, itchy and irritated eyes, eye pain or even headaches. For your physical symptoms, here are some practical tips to improve eye health during these colder months:
Food: Eat carrot, sweet potato, guava, leafy greens, red beets, broccoli.
Eat Omega-3 fatty acids food such as salmon, cod, nuts or take omega 3 supplements.
Drink more water.
Use a humidifier or air purifier.
Heat: turn your heaters and heating vents away from your face and eyes, both at home and in the car. In the car, turn on the seat warmer or point the heat vents at your feet instead of pointing them at your face. This will reduce dry eyes.
Use lubricant eye drops.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind, cold and UV glare. Snow blindness, a form of photokeratitis or sunburn on the eye, is a painful condition that can cause blurred vision, light sensitivity, and even temporary vision loss. Snow blindness can further lead to serious conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Screen use: set the brightness of your screen to match the room lighting. This helps reduce eye strain. Take regular screen breaks. Use the 20-20-20 rule. “every 20 minutes, look at a distant object 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.”
How about emotional symptoms? How are your hearts? To you whose hearts are full of joy and gratitude, I'm there. To you who feel lost, or hurting; to your hearts filled with regrets or resentment, I see you and hope that this season will pass. To your hearts that miss someone so much that it hurts, I know. May you be blessed with the strength and comfort you need to get through what you're going through right now.
Speaking of hearts. Funny story... So this past Valentine, one of my team and I had no romantic plans except to sleep. So I bought us heart-shaped pizzas. The man at Papa John's asked me if I wanted the pizzas pre-cut into slices. I said "No. I don't want a broken-heart pizza!" 😂
Hang in there!
Wendy Tran
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2-Corinthians 1:4 NLT
*** January 30, 2024: Contact Lenses. The question is… Why not?
Blink Families and Friends,
Contact Lenses have had significant development within recent years. Here some updates...
Contacts can now correct all refractive and medical conditions, common or uncommon. They have high oxygen content, have built-in UV block and blue light block. They are super comfortable, super convenient, just wear and toss- no more cleaning solutions. Contacts move with your eyes, giving you wider peripheral vision. They can eliminate distortions or reflections that come with glasses. They're ideal for active lifestyles. Recently, we've been able to slow down the progression of near-sightedness using contacts.
Contacts are life changing too. Here are stories in our clinic that will make you smile..
We've seen shy, awkward teenagers, face full of acne, teeth covered in metals, get transformed into confident smiling people, just by wearing contact lenses!
How about a competitive swimmer who, by wearing contacts, knocked seconds off her time, winning competitions after competitions?
What about a widower who after trying contacts for the first time, finding joy again? He took up ballroom dancing and met his new love at a dance hall.
If you're interested, you can now try contact lenses even if you:
Have Astigmatism.
Wear Bifocal or Progressive Glasses.
Have dry eyes or allergies.
Have irregular-shaped corneas since birth or from eye diseases or surgeries.
Are too young, too old, or not too keen on putting something in your eyes.
The reasons why you couldn't wear contact lenses before now have become why not?
See you soon.
Wendy Tran, O.D.
Audrey Nguyen, O.D.
Blink Team
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light." Mathew 6:22 NLT
*** January 24, 2024: Digital Eyestrain
Dear Blink Friends and Families,
In clinic, everyone tells me "my eyes feel tired when I'm using the computer." It's almost an accepted universal problem in our digital age. Fortunately, the eyestrain has a name, Digital Eyestrain Syndrome (CVS) or Computer Vision Syndrome and it has management solutions:
When using your computer, do you have:
Headaches? Blurred vision?
Tired, burning or watery eyes?
Neck and shoulder pain from having to tilt your head or lean forward while using the computer?
You may have CVS - Digital Eyestrain Syndrome.
Causes:
Uncorrected vision problems (farsighted or astigmatism)
Eye muscles not aligned properly.
Dry cornea surface caused by infrequent blinking.
Improper glasses for computer use.
Glare and poor lighting, improper working distances, poor seating posture.
Management:
Wear eyewear appropriate for computer use. (Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be adequate for computer work).
Take Omega 3 fatty acid supplement
Reminder to Blink frequently.
Reminder to take breaks.
Ergonomic work station: use glare-reduction coating on glasses and computer screen, place document holder besides the computer screen, put screen height below eye level.
For severe symptoms, Vision therapy, also called visual training, is a structured program of visual activities prescribed to improve visual abilities. Treatment may include office-based as well as home training procedures.
During your eye exam, we have testing that evaluate how the eye muscles focus and function as a team. There are special lens designs, prism, tint and coating that will help to alleviate eyestrain. If your symptoms are severe, we can refer you to see a Vision Therapy Specialist. If you've been experiencing digital eyestrain, why don't you contact our office and schedule an eye exam?
See you all soon,
Wendy Tran, O.D.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light". Matthew 6:22 ESV
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012423001179#sec5
Source: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y
*** January 5, 2024: New Year Updates
Dear Blink Families and Friends,
Didn't we just say hello to 2023? Now it's goodbye 2023 and Hello 2024 again! How are you feeling coming into this new year? Are you glad? Are you grateful and hopeful?
Blink Team hit the ground running at the start of this year. Audrey and I are in a good rhythm, with Blink Team in good spirit and having a good time. Even during our busiest times, we hear laughter from you and our team, so that's good, right?
To recap 2023:
Dr. Audrey Nguyen joined our team.
Clinic hours are extended.
Myopia Management Clinic is open.
Urgent care Eye Clinic is open.
What's ahead for 2024:
AI (Artificial Intelligence) assisted innovation that will take patient care to a new level. Our 3D eye scan has an AI algorithm that will present predictive value to improve diagnosis, leading to timely care in a collaborative setting. in other words, our 3D eye scan will help us diagnosis eye problems sooner, guide our treatment plan better, give your medical team more data to better care for you. All patients will benefit, but I see the most urgent need with patients who have diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, etc.
Speaking of life-changing technology... In May 2023, a surgical team from NYU Langone Health performed the world’s first whole-eye and partial-face transplant. The patient was a 46-year-old military veteran from Arkansas, The surgery (which lasted approximately 21 hours and included a team of more than 140 surgeons, nurses and other health-care professionals) included transplanting the entire left eye and a portion of the face from a single donor. Read the whole story here: https://nyulangone.org/news/nyu-langone-health-performs-worlds-first-whole-eye-partial-face-transplant
As much as we try to keep up with technology and innovation, what's still the same is how we care for you. You're more than just a set of eyeballs to us. You are unique people who deserve to be seen, heard and spent time with. At each and every exam, you'll have the-personal -touch care from us. A wise pastor once said to me, "People don't care how much you know; they care how much you care!" Yep! Our team strive each day to adopt that statement.
Until next time... Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran, O.D.
Audrey Nguyen, O.D.
Blink Team
*** December 15, 2023: Happy Holidays! What’s in your heart?
Dear Blink Friends and Families,
How are you all feeling this Holiday Season? Does the outside circumstance match how you feel inside? I mean, is it joyful outside and inside? Like the Christmas cards that say, "Peace and Joy". What does this season look like for you?
From our grateful hearts to yours, Blink team thank you for the opportunity to serve your vision needs, 28 years and counting! (Gosh Golly!)
Just so you know, our thoughts and prayers are with you this holiday season. May i share with you some of them?
For those of you who are in ill health or in pain physically, we lift you up in prayers for a complete and fast recovery.
For those of you who are hurting, emotionally, spiritually, we lift you up in prayers that peace and comfort will find you.
For those who are in the waiting, for direction or a decision, or for a child, a marriage proposal, a career opportunity, a school acceptance, a purpose in life, we lift you up in prayers for a favorable outcome, for wisdom and discernment...to go or wait, to do or don't.
For those who are lonely, or lost, or grieving, or deep in worry; For you who don't see light even it's sunny outside; For you who just want to lay in bed with the shades drawn; For any tears you have cried and more to come; For you, we want to sit quietly with you for a moment...
For you who are in midst of broken or fractured relationships, Oy... We see and feel your pain. We lift you up in prayers for the tears to stop flowing, hearts to open, forgiveness to come, and if possible, reconciliation to follow. When you can see your losses in the rear view mirror, may you look for the possibilities ahead.
For your hearts who lift with joy and happiness this season; for a new birth, new job, healed bodies and minds, relationships restored; for you who are in love or finding love, Gosh Golly! We share your dance of joy and triumph!
We lift you in prayers for Hope to find you, Faith to sustain you and Love to keep you upright.
Here's a blessing for you...
"May God grant you always...
a sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
an angel to guard you,
laughter to cheer you,
faithful friends near you, and...
whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you!'
Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran
*** November 3, 2023. Did You Know? Fun Facts about The eyes.
Hello there Blink Families and Friends!
Audrey and I want to check-in and send you some interesting and important facts about our eyes:
Our eyes are about 1 inch across and weigh about 0.25 oz. Interesting, right?
Newborns don’t produce tears. They make crying sounds, but the tears don’t start flowing until they are about 4-13 weeks old. Hmm. what about those silent mad tears?
The most common eye color is brown. 1 in 4 people have blue eyes. 1 in 100 people have green eyes.
Heterochromia is when someone has two different colored eyes. I once had a patient requesting a different colored contact lens in each eye.
People with blue eyes are more tolerant of alcohol and less tolerant of the sun. Hmm. Didn't know the first part, the second part I knew.
We blink about 15-20 times every minute. Much less when staring at the computer. That's why our eyes feel dry. We do have natural options for dry eye treatment. See us!
Life span of an eyelash is 5 months. Lash-extension serum only work temporarily until the lashes fall out.
Our eyes contain 7 million cones which help us see details and color, and 100 million rods which help us see in the dark.
We can get sunburn in our eyes. Eyes can develop freckles and moles, running similar risks of eye cancer, just like skin cancer. Get your kids to wear sunglasses, you too!
It is a myth that you can lose your contact lens behind the eye. The conjunctiva, a moist lining inside they eye will block it from falling to the back. Yep! So if you want 'em, get 'em. Don't be afraid.
Having 20/20 vision does not mean our eyes are perfect. It only means that we have excellent central vision. We can have eye diseases and not know it. True fact! If you haven't already, schedule your eye exam today!
Children with vision problems are often misdiagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning difficulties. I can tell you stories of how often this is true. It's sad. Parents, schedule your children's eye exams asap!
There are NO pain nerves inside the eye, you could have serious eye conditions, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, and not feel it until you have permanent vision loss. 100% scary fact. Be pro-active, schedule your eye exam today if you haven't already.
80% of vision problems worldwide are avoidable or even curable. True. and True!
Let us know when and how we can help.
Keep smiling!
Wendy Tran, O.D.
Audrey Nguyen, O.D.
Source:
https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/eye-facts
https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/fun-eye-facts
https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/eyesight-facts
*** September 28, 2023 Feast for The Eyes
Dear Blink Families and Friends,
As promised, the following are recipes that are good for Eye Health.
More yummy recipes:
https://www.macular.org/care-and-treatment/nutrition/feast-for-the-eyes
May you be blessed with health and be guided in wisdom and strength.
All my best,
Wendy Tran
***September 28, 2023
Dear Blink Family and Friends,
How have you been lately? Have you been well? If you're facing challenges right now, my thoughts and prayers are with you to get through them soon. Hang in there! As you know, Eye Health and Mental Health are exquisitely connected.
Here are my favorite Do's and Dont's for Good Eye Health:
1. DO eat healthy foods: kale, spinach, collard green, red and orange colored fruits.
2. DO eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna.
3. DO use olive, canola or flaxseed oil in moderation.
4. DO exercise for 1/2 hour a day: walking, yoga, aerobic activities.
5. DO wear sunglasses and a hat outdoors. UV rays causes cataracts and macular degeneration. Remember you can get sunburn on a cloudy day.
6. DO take frequent breaks from electronic devices. Follow 20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at the distant for 20 seconds.
7. DO take supplements which include lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, D, E zinc and omega-3 fatty acides (fish oil) if there is a history of macular degeneration.
8. DON'T smoke.
9. DON'T indulge on alcohol, processed snack foods such as cakes, cookies, potato chips, candies, soda drink, etc.
10. DO find reasons to laugh. Me? I laugh when rain drops tickle my face. I laugh when I see children or animals at play. I absolutely laugh when a child cups her hands over my ears and whisper a secret.
Here are some laughs to share:
What's an optometrist's favorite dessert? Eyes cream!
What's an optometrist's favorite pick-up line? Hey! Something's wrong with my eyes - I can't take them off you!
Why do optometrists die late? Because they often dilate!
What does an optometrist say when her patients complain about her jokes? That's just how eye roll!
Thanks for all your love and support!
Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran
P.S. Stay tune, I'm sending you free recipes, They are "Feast for The Eyes"
***September 12, 2023
Dear Blink Optometry friends and families,
Hope you are doing well. Blink Optometry hits our 27th year mark this year. Yay! You've been a big part of our journey. Thank you! Thank You!
As you know, we welcome Dr. Audrey Nguyen (pronounced "Win") this summer. She brings to our team a wealth of energy, compassion and expertise, especially in the area of ocular diseases.
Audrey and I are different, but the same in so many ways. Clinically, we approach patient care the same way, with diligence and compassion.
Personally, Audrey dances; she bakes; she loves competitive swimming and tennis; she travels around the world.
Me? I don't dance; I eat more than I bake. Sports? Um.. no, I don't like sweat, and I have a definite objection to pain.
We both love people! We love our families and spend lots of time with them. Audrey is exceptionally close to her family. So close that she's planning her brother's wedding this summer.
With both of us co-managing patient care, Blink will have the following change in schedule:
1. We're open Tuesday through Saturday, closed on Monday
2. After-hour Urgent care is by appointments only on Monday. For all after-hour urgent care needs, please call 949-581-8222 or email us at info@blinkoptometry.com.
We look forward to seeing you. Stay healthy, body and mind.
Gratefully yours,
Wendy
***August 15, 2023
Dear Blink families and friends,
We're proud to introduce Dr. Audrey Nguyen (pronounced "Win") to you.
Who is Audrey Nguyen?
Dr. Nguyen is a California native, born and raised in Orange County. Dr. Nguyen’s passion is eye care and life adventure. She loves traveling around the world and living an active lifestyle. She enjoys competitive swimming, ballet and tennis. Inspired by her family’s medical background and combined with her deep desire to help others, she found her passion in Optometry.
Dr. Nguyen completed her doctorate training at the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry, followed by a residence program specializing in ocular diseases in Gainesville, Florida. She worked at the Malcom Randall Veteran’s Affair Medical Center in the ocular disease department.
In her spare time, she enjoys baking, traveling, swimming, long walks on the beach, and spending time with her friends and family. Fun fact: She is currently planning her brother’s wedding at the end of September!
Dr. Nguyen is passionate about preserving sight. In addition to primary eye care and contact lenses, Dr. Nguyen will head our ocular disease clinic at Blink.
Welcome aboard, Dr. Nguyen!
***March 7, 2023
Dear Blink Optometry friends and families,
I struggled with how I should start this email. I could start with “Good New! Myopia management clinic is now open at Blink!” or I could open with “I had emergency retina surgery.” How do I announce the good news while not sharing the bad? How do I continue to care for your eyes with the same skills and compassion as I now would have to care for my own eye? Blink’s good new and my bad new are related. The doctor just became a patient. Myopia management has just become personal, very personal…
What happened…?
The day started like any other day, Blink team and I in good spirit. It was a full day in clinic. I was at my desk and suddenly my left eye saw an explosion of black and grey curvy lines and dots and spots. I’ve had floaters before, but these were different. “No, no! Not now! Not now!” was my first thought. My next action was to finish clinic, because I wanted to act like nothing had happened. “May be this will get better, or go away”, I told myself.
What came next was a diagnosis of vitreous detachment, a retina tear with hemorrhage, followed by emergency retina surgery. The sequence of events was surreal. I felt like I was in the middle of a science fiction movie. Scenes of my surgeon, Dr. Gupta, taking her shoes off. Patient (me) wondering “Why in the world would she take off her shoes right now?” (So that she could press the laser paddle on the floor). Images of blinding white lights followed by an explosion of neon-colored flashing lights. Patient (still me) saying over and over “This is soooo cool!”. Wobbly-sounding words from Dr. Gupta, “Patients don’t often say that. I’m glad you think this is so cool!” Then the whole thing went pitch black, Poof! as if the show has ended. “Hmm. This cannot be good, right?” The light abruptly turned back on, foggy as can be, but it did turn back on. Pheww…! Close up to the patient (still me) mumbling…“Thank God I have a spare eye.”
The days after that were filled with flooding emotions… “Woe is me” is one of them. "Scared? Yes. Very scared. “Frustrated?” Yes. That too. “Why me”? was an odd one. I kept thinking “Why me? Why now?”
Then they came… Faith surfaced from beneath it all. Hope followed. Then Peace next. The question “Why me?” became “Why not me?”
Why it happened…
I am extremely nearsighted, to the tune of 12 diopters of myopia. It all started as a child. As myopia increases, my eyes grew longer, making it weaker structurally. Statistically “for each 1D increase in myopia, the risk of myopic maculopathy increases by 67%. Conversely, every 1D reduction in myopia reduces the lifetime risk of myopic maculopathy by 40%.”* There was no intervention available at that time. Had my myopia been managed, my eye would have a different trajectory. So, the question is legitimate, “why not me?”
With timely diagnosis, excellent surgical outcome and lots of prayers, I am on my way to a complete recovery. Each day that I can see is a gift. Each day in clinic brings a renewed understanding and compassion of what some of you have gone through, are going through. I am now a relentless ‘sight defender’. Controlling the damaging effect of myopia is now my mission. This cannot happen to another of my patients, to any of your kiddos. Not if we can help it! Will you help me? Will you spread the word?
On a personal level, will you keep me in your thoughts and prayers? For the past 27th year, you’ve been a big part of Blink. Thank you for being a big part of my now personal journey.
Gratefully yours,
Wendy
Blink Optometry Myopia Management Clinic is now open!
Click here if you want to learn more about myopia and the need to control its progression.
Click here if you want to schedule an evaluation. Priorities are kids with a family history of myopia or are already wearing glasses or contact lenses. Next priority are kids between the ages of 5-11.
Click here if you have floaters and want to schedule an exam. Or if you’ve had Lasik and had not had an exam within a year.
*Source: https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(21)00326-2/fulltext
***February 14, 2023
Dear Blink Optometry families and friends,
How are you doing? I want to share with you some notable trend in clinic. Since Covid where online learning and remote work schedule became the norm, we’re seeing an increase in prescription, more noticeably in our kiddos. Kids are needing glasses at a younger age; and if they already wear glasses, their vision changes more frequently. There is a plethora of research on this current topic of concern for children: the progression of myopia. While not a cause-and-effect relationship, researchers suggest that children who spend more time indoors doing near-focused activities and on their electronic devices have a higher rate of myopia than those who spend more time outdoors. On that note, I want to share with you some clinical details:
The problem:
Myopia (near-sightedness) is very common. Fifty percent of the people who wear glasses are nearsighted. Without intervention, the global prevalence is projected to reach 50% by the year 2050. Statistically, “each additional 1 diopter of myopia is associated with a 58%, 20%, 21%, and 30% increase in the risk of myopic maculopathy, open-angle glaucoma, posterior subcapsular cataract, and retinal detachment, respectively”. Yikes!
Risk Factors:
Studies show myopia is more common among children. The following factors will increase a patient's risk for myopia progression:
Age of onset—younger than 10 years old or less than 0.75 diopters of myopia by age six.
Genetics—having two parents increases risk more than one parent.
Behavioral—patients that routinely spend more time on near-focused activities, eg. electronic devices and less time outdoors.
Female gender
Asian ethnicity
The solution:
While myopia cannot be reversed, doctors are looking at treatment to slow down its progression. Current therapies include spending time outdoors, frequent breaks from near-focused activities, low-dose atropine drops, glasses, dual-focus contact lenses, and overnight-wear contact lenses (Ortho-K).
Plan:
Blink Optometry is adding a new specialty clinic: Myopia management. I’ll update you with details, the launch date, criteria for inclusion, treatment modalities etc. If you have kids in your lives, you''ll want this information. Stay tuned!
**Source: Risks and benefits of Myopia control. American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(21)00326-2/fulltext
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light”. Matthew 6:22 (NLT)
***January 15, 2023
Dear Blink Optometry friends and families,
For those of you who likes to skim, the middle part of this email is the juicy updates. Or you could just read on…
Happy New Year! How are you doing? Hope the new year brings you health, hope and joy. What are you wishing for this year? Have you made any New Year resolutions? Any new plans?
Blink celebrates our 27th year anniversary this year. It’s all because of you and for you! Thank you! For 27 years, you’ve motivated us to try our best, to do our best.
As I’m writing this email, I started thinking… What if there’s another way to do life? a more satisfying way? What about the idea of not trying to do our best, but trying to do “better” - one day, one month, one year at a time? What if our personal best is to do better than what we did before? Our goals/resolutions would be more attainable, more fulfilling, wouldn’t you agree?
OK. Below is a rapid-fire ‘First-of-its-kind’ advancement in eyecare. I’ll give you more updates when I get them.
Contact lens that has both UV block and blue light filter: Acuvue Max.
Contact lens that can deliver antihistamine medication – relieves allergy symptoms for up to 12 hour:Acuvue Theravision.
Treatment for dry eye: a nose spray called Tyrvaya is available, for people who don’t like drops.
Use of green lenses in pain management therapy.
Technology to create new eye tissue using 3 D Bio printing.
Dilation reversal drops - Ocuphire Pharma has started clinical trials for Nyzol.
Other new developments:
Glaucoma – first line treatment now includes both drops and laser treatments.
New presbyopia drop (increased ability to read without glasses):In addition to Vuity (now available), CSF-1 (Orasis Pharmaceuticals) is waiting for FDA approval.
New treatments for dry macular degeneration. Quit smoking! Researchers find that can worsen glaucoma and macular degeneration.
How is Blink Team going to do better this year?
In addition to glasses and contact lenses, Blink’s services include management of eye diseases, eye infections and ocular trauma. In 2023, we are adding a new sub-specialty clinic: Myopia management. I’ll send you details on this much needed service, the launch date, criteria for inclusion, etc. If you have kids in your lives, you’ll want this information.
In the mean time, Cheers to being a better spouse, parent, grandparent, sister, brother, mentors, bosses, employees… Here’s to a better You!
Happy New Year!
Wendy Tran, O.D.
***April 15, 2022
Dear Blink families and friends,
How are you and your families doing? I admit I've been struggling with writing this letter to you. With all that's been going on in our world...the war in Ukraine, the lingering effects of Covid, the struggle with illnesses, both physically and mentally, the financial difficulties, broken relationships. My heart is heavy and for days I struggle with my words. How? How do I offer words of support and comfort in the midst of all this?
My heart begins with gratitude. By God's grace, my family and friends are healthy and well. Blink celebrates our 26th year anniversary this year. Our team thank you for your encouragement and support. We feel blessed and grateful....What about you? What are you grateful for?
The word "Endurance" kept entering my mind. You've shared with me some heart-wrenching amazing stories of pain and suffering. The world is going through much of that right now. I too have my share of heartaches and tears. May I tell you a story of a wooden ship name "Endurance"? Her Captain, Ernest Shackleton and his crew had a story to tell; a story of survival and strength under horrific desperate overwhelming circumstances. The men survived but the Endurance disappeared beneath10,000 feet of icy water in the Antarctic sea. This month, she was found, 106 years later, still intact. In mesmerizing detail, her name, "Endurance" is still visible on the stern. Click here to read about the Endurance story... In the midst of our circumstances, how do we go through it and come out the other side?
How? How do we do this thing called life and help others? May I share some simple yet profound tips found in my all time favorite book?
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:6-18 NLT
Let me know what I can do for you. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be blessed with health, joy and discernment. May whatever burden you still carry be lifted and resolved. May you always feel loved and appreciated. May those prayers for jobs, for healing in sickness or broken relationships be answered with a resounding "Yes!" from Heaven above. Have a joyful Easter!
Hang in there,
Wendy Tran
***December 20, 2021
Dear Blink Optometry families and friends,
How are you doing? As we head toward the holidays, Blink Team and I want to thank you again for your support. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your vision needs, but also, on occasions, to share in your personal lives. Through your stories, I hear a common theme of "Hope". We are still going through the pandemic. Our economy is recovering. Our health and financing are getting better. Our loved ones are going to back to in-persons schools or work. Baby steps by baby steps we are moving forward, with HOPE in our hearts.
I also hear your words of "Gratitude". Amen to that! We are blessed that we are still here. We've lost lives, and possessions and ideals. But we are still here, and grateful to be here. Last year, when doubts entered my mind (for a second, a mere too long of a second), I thought that my career would end in 2020. An optometrist who ends her career in 2020? We were shut down for so long I thought "what if i forget how to do my job?" or "Who am I if I couldn't do my job?" With your support, we rolled up our sleeves. We made donations. We pulled out old sewing machines and we made masks; to the tune of 2000 pounds worth of supplies to people experience homelessness and over 2000 masks to nursing homes and people in our communities. I'm humbled beyond words how you helped.
So, I asked many of you what you wanted for this holiday? Your responses are not lists of things, but words of compassion, prayer requests. You asked for health, peace and joy; not only for yourselves but for your families and our communities. So our concerns are no longer about our individual selves, but our global selves. Many of us are still in the midst of challenging circumstances. Yet we exited the woe-to-me train, with grateful hearts for a hopeful future, we're moving forward again. Thank you for inspiring me!
So this holiday, I pray for strength and wisdom. May we be blessed with health, peace and joy despite our circumstances. May we always feel loved and appreciated. May we never feel alone. May we find comfort in our loved ones who are here and those who are not. And best of all, may we be loving in our words and actions. (I'm quoting from a dear friend), "When unsure of what to do and say, ask what love requires of you."
Have a great holiday!
Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran, O.D.
P.S. 2022 brings new advancement in eye care. I will brief on them soon. So stay tuned...
***May 14, 2021
Blink friends and families,
How are you doing?
As you may know, the CDC just updated their masking guideline. The new CDC masking guidelines states that "fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, health care settings, including local business and workplace guidance." Furthermore, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines still require masks in all health care settings.
In that light, we will be continuing our current health and safety guidelines for our team and our patients. The following are some important details for your next visit with us:
* Prior to the visit, you'll be asked to submit all forms on-line by using this link: https://blink.primenexus.com/public/patient-form/all/
* You'll be asked to wear a mask during your visit. If you don't have your own, one will be provided.
* Please wait in the car and call us at 949-581-8222 when you arrive.
* As soon as your exam room is available, we'll ask you to come in.
* You'll be asked to wash your hands upon entering and existing our clinic.
Our team and I pledge to make Blink Optometry a "Covid 19 Free Zone". Your patience and understanding is much appreciated, as we try our best to serve you.
On a personal level, I've joined my fellow optometrists to volunteer delivering the vaccines. Hope to see you there.
May you be blessed with health and peace. Let me know if there's anything I can do.
Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran
***April 1, 2021
Dear Blink families and friends,
Happy Easter! How are you doing? Is each new day better than the last? How is your health, both physically and emotionally? How are your families? Everything is fantastic on our end. Our team is in great spirit. We've had our vaccines and our office continues to follow health and safety protocol to serve you. Many of you have had the vaccines; and with that comes a sense of joy and expectancy that this pandemic will soon be over.
In the same spirit, I've been credentialed to deliver the vaccines. I will be volunteering at vaccine clinics to help in the 'back-to-normal' public health effort.
More good news... By God's grace, we're celebrating our 25th year anniversary this year. Our team takes a collective bow and extend our THANK YOU! for your encouragement and support. We're grateful for you!
Let me know what I can do for you. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be blessed with health, joy and discernment. May whatever burden you still carry be lifted and resolved. May you always feel loved and appreciated. May those prayers for jobs, for healing in sickness or broken relationships be answered with a resounding "Yes!" from Heaven above. Have a joyful Easter!
In Health and Friendship,
Wendy Tran
***December 21, 2020
Dear Blink friends and families,
Hi there! How are you holding up? We have vaccines now, so that's great, right? We're seeing the light at the end of a tunnel...
How are you doing as we head toward the end of this very difficult year?
For many of us, the year 2020 begins with HOPE, and lots of plans. Plans to expand busineses, to jumpstart meaningful programs, to celebrate milestone events, a graduation, a wedding, a birth, retirement, plans to travel, plans to start a new career, new school. The plans were there; the timing seemed right. 2020 started out full of promises to be a meaningful year.
Then our world came to a screeching halt. The pandemic turned our world upside down. 2020 turned out meaningful, but not in the way we had planned. Pain and losses came, completely unplanned, with immeasureable intensity. We suffered. We cried buckets of tears. Yet we hung on. Yet we showed up in multitudes to help others. We learned how to sew. We pulled out old sewing machines to make masks. We baked to give away. We went to work to rescue, to care for the sick. We put one foot in front of the other, not knowing when or how it will end. We just showed up. We leaned into our faith, and as we prayed, we showed up.
So through 2020 we were sifted in the muck of darkness, pain and suffering. Yet we emerged as survivors, in our most authentic selves.
I hope 2020 will end for you the same way it will for me-- with GRATITUDE. I praise God who gave me the strength and stamina to make it through. I hope you were able to lean into your faith and overcame too. I thank you for your prayers and your kind words of encouragement. A friend shared with me the song “Keep me in the moment” by Jeremy Camp. I find the words meaningful; I hope you will too:
"I've been thinking 'bout time
And where does it go
How can I stop my life from passing me by, I don't know
I've been thinking 'bout family and how it's going so fast
Will I wake up one morning just wishing that I could go back
I've been thinking 'bout lately, maybe
I can make a change and let you change me
So, with all of my heart this is my prayer
Singing oh Lord, keep me in the moment
Help me live with my eyes wide open
'Cause I don't wanna miss what you have for me
Singing oh Lord, show me what matters
Throw away what I'm chasing after
'Cause I don't wanna miss what you have for me
Keep me in the moment
Oh, keep me in the moment
Keep me in the moment
'Cause I don't wanna miss what you have for me"
May you and your families be blessed with health and joy this holiday. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran
***November 17, 2020
Dear Blink Optometry family and friends,
How are you all? I don't have the right words to express how much we appreciate you. Your kind words of encouragement, either in person, or by phone or emails, have made our job do-able and purposeful. So our team takes a collective bow and thank you for your support.
This Thanksgiving, I pray that we will be safe and healthy. May we be given the strength and resources to rebuild, whether it's our relationships, our health or our finances. May our faith be renewed.
May I share with you some poems that are meaningful to me. Hope you can relate to them.
Thanksgiving (Author: Unknown)
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of on yourself.
Night's Blessings (Author: Eldred Herbert)
When I go to bed and cannot sleep,
I don't waste time by counting sheep;
I count all my blessings, one by one,
From the early morn till the settling sun;
The day so new, the sunrise so clear,
I started my day with thankful prayer;
Thanked God for my spouse and children too,
Freckled-face boy, girl with eyes of blue.
Thanked God for ability to work,
And from life's battle I did not shirk;
thanked Him for guidance through the day,
He is my Buckler from tempter's sway.
And when I was tempted to be rude,
I turned to my Lord in solitude;
His strength sufficient, my soul restored,
Just one more blessing from the Lord.
When day is done and I lay in bed,
I feel God's blessing upon my head.
If you are restless and cannot sleep,
Just count your blessings instead of sheep;
You will find the solitude is right,
You will feel His presence in the night;
Then rest shall come, repose in sleep,
When you count blessings instead of sheep.
And my personal favorite…
Doubt sees the obstacles. Faith sees the way
Doubt sees the darkest night. Faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step. Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions "Who believes?"
Faith answers, "I"
Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran, O.D.
October 27, 2020
Dear Blink families and friends,
How are you holding up? I'm thinking about not only my own family but yours as well. I'm writing this as I look through the window at the smoke filled sky and ash debris flying everywhere. My heart is heavy as I pray to our merciful God to lead us away from harm, for families to be safe, for protection over our firefighters who risk their lives saving ours. I pray for yet more strength for us to endure, to get through these fires and the pandemic. I pray for the right leadership to lead our nation to be strong and whole again.
During this wildfire season, experts agree that wearing mask would offer extra protection from Covid-19, but also to help reduce smoke exposure.
"All of us will get double duty by wearing a mask," According to Dr. Bosetti, an ophthalmologist in Napa Valley, "Wearing a mask may not help our eyes, but it will decrease inhalation of smoke and particles while preventing the spread of COVID-19."
There are five simple ways to relieve burning eyes when the air is heavy with smoke**
Over-the-counter artificial tears. I recommend Blink tears, Refresh tears or Systane drops, to be used every 4 hours.
Cool your eyes. Keeping artificial tears in the refrigerator is a great way to have something cool ready to lubricate your eyes. Lying down with a cold compress over your eyes is also soothing.
Stay indoors. Particularly if you have medical conditions that makes you more sensitive to the smoke, it’s best to close the windows and stay indoors as much as possible. Staying indoors will keep poluttants from getting into not only your airway, but your eyes.
Wear glasses or goggles. Specialty goggles that are often prescribed to patients with dry eye can be a great option for anyone experiencing sensitivity to smoke in the air. And close-fitting glasses or sunglasses will provide at least some barrier that slows the stream of air going into your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to use contact lens rewetting drops every 4 hours. I recommend Blink for Contacts made by Johnson and Johnson.
Improve your indoor air with an air filter. A HEPA air purifier can help keep wildfire smoke out of your home.
If these measures don't bring quick relief, please contact us for assistance.
Let me know what else I can do to help.
Hang in there,
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran, O.D.
** Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology
***September 30, 2020
Blink Optometry friends and family,
How are you holding up? Our external circumstances are still tough, but internally I hope you are better than where you were. I pray for blessings in your lives, for strength and stamina, both physically and mentally.
Since families are home more, eating is our favorite past time. Grab your fork! 😊. Let’s talk about Superfoods that Protect Your Vision. (source: thinkaboutyouryes.com)
Cataracts and macular degeneration are the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness in the U.S. More than 25 million adults over 40 are impacted by these impairments. Believe it or not, there are foods you can easily include in your regular diet that can help reduce your risk of getting these eye diseases. Most people associate carrots with good eye health. Carrots are just one option.
Which Foods Top the List for Eye Health?
Spinach and kale are the superfoods are the best! They come packed with largest amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids and antioxidants with important health benefits in many parts of the body, including your eyes. Specifically, those antioxidants lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. The American Optometric Association reports, “…antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin likely play a role in preventing cataracts. In fact, a recent study demonstrated that higher dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin and vitamin E was associated with a significantly decreased risk of cataract formation.”
How Much Should You Eat to Maximize the Benefits to Your Eyes?
According to The Scripps Research Institute, studies have shown that those who ate spinach three times per week had a 43 percent lower risk of developing macular degeneration. The body cannot make lutein, so you must get it from food or supplements. You can also give your body a boost with these antioxidants through supplements, but if possible, you don’t want to only count on popping a pill to get these nutrients. Your best sources of vitamins and antioxidants are from whole foods, since it may be a food’s combination of nutrients that have a synergistic effect. While in many cases eating raw vegetables is preferred, studies show that the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in spinach is actually HIGHER and becomes more easily absorbed when cooked.
Not Big on Veggies? Here Are Some Other Foods High in Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
These antioxidants are also found in egg yolks, kiwi and red seedless grapes. Some research has even shown that due to an egg yolk’s fat content, the lutein and zeaxanthin from an egg may be more easily absorbed by the body than from other sources.
A key point to always remember is that the use of antioxidants cannot reverse the damage caused by age related macular degeneration or cataracts; however, it may prevent or slow the progression.
Try This Eye-Healthy (and Mouth-Watering) Recipe
Getting hungry yet? Here’s a recipe that includes both spinach and eggs for a great one-two punch of eye nutrition. Try this overnight savory breakfast casserole from our friends at Neighbor Food Blog: https://neighborfoodblog.com/2019/11/overnight-breakfast-casserole-with-bacon.html
Uumm…What else?
I’m excited to tell you about what’s NEW in technology at Blink Optometry (Please indulge my geeky side). We’ve brought in new equipment to help us do a better job:
1. Digital Phoropter –to determine your glasses prescription. Advanced benefits:
Accuracy: crystal clear optics, built in – prescription range in smaller increments, allowing for better precision.
Fast and efficient: fully automated touch screen functions allowing faster and more accurate testing. Fast digital transmitting of data to electronic medical record. No more manual data transfer, save time! Bonus: testing done at 6 feet away, allowing for physical distancing.
Advanced diagnostic capabilities: wider field of view for testing, better contrast sensitivity testing for evaluating cataracts.
Comfort: Ergonomic design, comfortable forehead rest and back positions, allowing for more relaxed sitting position for both the doctor and patients.
2. Updated 3D Eye Scan – Optical coherence tomography
Uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the internal layers of the eyes. The technology is similar to ultrasound imaging
Detect eye diseases before any symptoms. “Silent” disease such as glaucoma can be detected early before any eye damage.
Better imaging to monitor the success of the treatment, especially in diseases such as wet macular degeneration – where the eye disease progresses rapidly.
What else may I offer you? If you and your families are in the midst of a devastating diagnosis, or relationships are broken, or your hearts are broken, or lives are upside down and reversed, or days are dark and full of despair, or you may feel, ‘what’s the point in all of this?’ May I pray for hope, for protection, for faith that we will get through this?
Hang in there!
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran
“Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible” Luke 1:37
***August 19, 2020
Blink Optometry friends and families,
How are you holding up? Are you good? Are you working from home or transitioning back to working in the office? Children going back on campus or studying online? By the Grace of God, we’ve been back for a few months and clinic is going well. Based on our experience seeing patients during the last few months since Covid, I want to share with you some trends and make some recommendations:
Clinical trends:
Prescriptions are going up. I find that our patients are needing to update their glasses and contact lenses more frequently. Children are needing glasses at a younger age.
Dry eyes / red eyes symptoms are prevalent. We see more visits with ocular symptoms.
Neck strain and tension headaches are commonly listed as reasons to see us.
These symptoms are most likely caused by increased screen time. In fact, according to the American Optometric Association, “ Computer vision syndrome”, also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computers, tablets, e-readers and cell phone use”.
Blue light emitting from our digital devices also causes eyestrain, increase eye prescription, disrupt sleep patterns, especially in children. Glasses are now available with blue light block treatment in them. For more details, I recommend these resources:
7 facts about blue light: https://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/blue-light.htm
Blue light impact on children: https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/About%20the%20AOA/Get%20Involved/Blue%20Light%20Impact%20in%20Children.pdf
The good news is there are easy solutions. For adults and children alike, I would recommend the following:
Follow a 20/20 rule while using digital devices. For each 20 minutes of use, take a 20 seconds break. Get up, stretch, go get a drink of water, etc.
Use artificial tears to relieve irritated, red or dry eyes. Refresh tears, Blink tears, Systane, Thera-Tears are excellent over-the-counter products. If symptoms persist, please see me. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Wear glasses that have blue light block treatment in them. Right now, when you purchase any frame, you'll get non-prescription blue light blocked lenses at no charge. I recommend getting them for you and your kids, even if you see 20/20. Until contact lenses have built-in blue light block, I recommend getting these glasses to wear on top of your contact lenses while using your digital devices. On a side note, a quick google search online shows a plethora of 'blue light block' glasses ranging from $20-$150. I hesitate to vouch for any of them, since there are no standardized guidelines on their optical qualitties. As a vision clinic, we're under strict federal and state guidelines to provide only optically-pure glass lenses. So stop by Blink and see what's available
Lastly, a much-needed product is finally available: Anti-Fog wipes that would prevent glasses from fogging up while wearing facial masks. Free samples are available in our clinic. Don't hesitate to send me a text or an email if you have any questions.
On a personal level, may you be protected with good health and be guided in wisdom and strength.
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran
“Dear friends, we are praying that all will be well with you and that your body will be as healthy as we know your soul is." 3 John 1:2
***August 3, 2020
We are open for all services! The last few weeks have been going well; patient flow is smooth, safety protocols perfectly executed, our team in great spirit, and I am grateful to be back. Thank you for your patience as we do our best to safeguard the health and safety of everyone. Your next eye exam appointment will be streamlined and efficient. In that light, I want to give you some important details of what you should expect.
* Prior to the visit, you'll be asked to submit all forms on-line, including insurance information by using this link: https://blink.primenexus.com/public/patient-form/all/
* You'll be asked to wear a mask during your visit. If you don't have your own, one will be provided.
* Please wait in the car and call us at 949-581-8222 when you arrive.
* As soon as your exam room is available, we'll ask you to come in.
* You'll be asked to wash your hands upon entering, or put on disposable gloves provided by our clinic.
* At the door, we'll ask the following Covid 19 symptom questions: "Have you experienced any fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste in the past 14 days? Have you been diagnosed with Covid-19 or been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 14 days? Have you traveled, or been in close contact with someone who has traveled to areas affected by the corona virus?"
If the answer is No to the above questions, we will take your temperature using a non-contact thermometer. If your temperature is below 100, you’ll be admitted inside the clinic. If not, your exam appointment will be rescheduled.
Our Masks Project’s goal of 2000 masks was a success. Fifteen (15) organizations benefited from our donations:
Mental Health Association of Orange County.
Isaiah House (helping homeless people)
IHope (Interfaith Homeless Outreach Project for Empowerment
Saddle Back Church
Calgary Church Community Church
Saddle Back Motel Church Ministry
Serve the People Community Clinic
Huntington Terrace Retirement Home
Casa Doctora 3 Nursing home
Heritage Pointe Retirement Home
CVS Pharmacy in Laguna Woods
Venture Academy Adult Transition program (helping adults with disabilities)
Town and Country Manor Nursing Facility.
Blink Optometry patients and families.
San Clemente Villas by The Sea Skilled-Nursing Facility.
Production Team, please take a bow and accept our thanks for a job well done!
On a personal level, are you all right? You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God put a hedge of protection around you, your family, your jobs and businesses. May He continue to give us peace in our hearts, trust in our minds that this too, shall pass and we will overcome.
Gratefully yours,
Wendy Tran
***May 8, 2020
Friends,
We are open! Our first week is going very well. Patient flow is smooth; safety protocols perfectly executed; our team in great spirit, and I am grateful to be back.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and your help to make our return a successful one.
Your next eye exam appointment will be streamlined and efficient. In that light, I want to give you some important details of what you should expect.
* Prior to the visit, you'll be asked to submit all forms on-line, including insurance information by using this link: https://blink.primenexus.com/public/patient-form/all/
* You'll be asked to wear a mask during your visit. If you don't have your own, one will be provided.
* Please wait in the car and call us at 949-581-8222 when you arrive.
* As soon as your exam room is available, we'll ask you to come in.
* You'll be asked to wash your hands upon entering and existing our clinic.
* At the door, we'll ask the following Covid 19 symptom questions: "Have you experienced any fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste in the past 14 days? Have you been diagnosed with Covid-19 or been exposed to someone diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 14 days? Have you traveled, or been in close contact with someone who has traveled to areas affected by the corona virus?"
If the answer is No to the above questions, we will take your temperature using a non-contact thermometer. If your temperature is below 100, you’ll be admitted inside the clinic. If not, your exam appointment will be rescheduled.
Our team and I pledge to make Blink Optometry a "Covid 19 Free Zone". Your patience and understanding is much appreciated, as we try our best to serve you.
Our Masks Project produced 1700 masks to date; our goal is 2000 masks. We're so close, 300 masks to go.
If you need masks, or know someone who needs masks, click here.
I still have a list of organizations waiting for masks. If you can help sew more masks, click here. I will provide you with fabric and elastics. Be sure you watch this Do's and Dont's tutorial sent by our Production Team.
On a personal level, are you all right? Are you troubled, deeply troubled about what's been going on right now? There's still so much pain and suffering; and death, death by the pandemic, by human choices. People are still sick, or hurt, or unemployed. Businesses just starting to open are being boarded up. It feels like we are being attacked from all sides. For this to end, may we pray for sins no more. Sins of racism, of hatred, of rioting. May we pray for healing for all those who are affected. May we pray for new hearts, not full of hurt and anger, but of forgiveness. May we hold on to our faith. "For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, mutual affection; and the mutual affection, love" 2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran
***May 1, 2020
Friends,
We're almost there. Together we've had to go through the different stages of dealing with this crisis; shock, fear, denial, defiance, acceptance. I hope you're at where I'm at, the final stage: "Determination", determined to rebuild, to face the new normal with gratitude and courage.
June 1st, 2020 Blink will be re-open for services. To ensure the health and safety of everyone, we'll plan to do it in phases.
Phase 1: Communication: Your feedback is important in how we re-open. Everyone, Click on this survey and let us know how we may best serve you!
Phase 2: Planning: Blink Team and I will implement safety protocols to minimize exposure and maximize patient flow. We'll plan it, rehearse it, tweak it, rehearse it again, until we've got it down.
Phase 3: Operation/Stage Setting: We'll organize our office layout, public area, exam rooms and modify equipment to keep physical distancing. We'll clean every single one of the frames, disinfection every spot of our office, floor to ceiling. We'll have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our team and if needed, for you. You'll get pre-visit and post-visit intructions, as well as how you'll get glasses and contact lenses. We'll schedule your exam appointments in tiers and groups, allowing for cleaning/disinfection in between. We'll plan it, rehearse it, tweak it, rehearse it again, until we've got it down. Your help is needed in this phase. Your feedback and your patience will be greatly appreciated. And then.... And then.... Drum roll, please.
Phase 4: Curtain call: Our team will be in the best possible shape to Welcome you back! I'll cry. I know I will. Opening night, opening weeks and months will be busy. So please be patient. Help us to Best Help you!
Make-Masks-to-Donate Project produced 1200 masks so far; our goal is 2000 masks. Mask are being distributed to Blink families, clinics, homeless shelters and churches.
If you need masks, or know someone who needs masks, click here. Tell us how many masks you need, for personal use or for an organization, whether you can pick up or need us to mail them.
If you can help sew more masks, click here. Tell us how many packs of 10 mask supplies you want, curb-side pick up or mail. Be sure you watch this Do's and Dont's tutorial sent by our Production Team. If you're the 15-minute-per-mask record holder, please volunteer to do more. I'm the 4-hour hand-sewn trophy holder, definitely not on the Production Team
Because Blink has been closed for so long, my restlessness would occasionally turn to this self-dialogue...'I'm an optometrist. The year 20-20 is not the year I have to close my office and end my career. It's just not!' Thankfully, my Fear is replaced by Faith. As I put one foot in front of the other, on this journey of 'pray-and-wait', I got to know you more, learn how you overcame, and gave of yourselves in spite of your circumstances. Your kindness inspires me. Thank you! and Thank God for you!
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran
"Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible" Luke 1:37 (NIV)
***April 14, 2020
Dear Blink Optometry friends and families:
How are you doing this week? Did you have a good Easter, together or online with your family? I want to thank you for your well wishes and words of encouragement. They are oxygen between the deep breaths I take as I go through my day. Blink’s re-opening date is May 1, 2020, pending state and federal recommendations. I’ll update you each week as I know more. So far, we’ve been able to take care of your requests to reorder contact lenses, replace lost, stolen, broken glasses. Our Tele-Health exams have worked well in accommodating your urgent care requests.
As a reminder, we can keep in touch by one of the following ways:
For all urgent care, please contact me at wendy.tran@blinkoptometry.com or call my cell at 949-280-3869. Tele health visits are available via face time or zoom, using secured ID and password. I’ll send you the details if we need to use it. For all medical emergencies or if you need immediate assistance, please dial 911.
For non-urgent requests, send us an email at info@blinkoptometry.com or leave a message at 949-581-8222.
If you need to order glasses and contact lenses, please send your request to info@blinkoptometry.com. We would be happy to ship your glasses and your contact lenses home.
For contact lenses, online ordering is also available at: https://blinkoptometry.lensferry.com/login/. Please note that due to high demand the website might be busy. Also try our home page www.blinkoptometry.com, click on online ordering. Or email us at info@blinkoptometry.com
With all of us home-bound and using the computers, eye strain, headaches and dry eyes are common. I recommend a 20-20 rule: every 20 minutes at the computer, look away at a distant target for 20 seconds. There are also glasses with built-in blue light block treatment that will protect your eyes from the digital devices. Let us know if you want them. As a reminder, drink a ton of water, wash your hands constantly, stay home except for getting necessities, wear masks and gloves in public places. It’s essential that if we do our parts, this pandemic will pass quicker, life will return to a new normal sooner.
In getting ready for our Come Back, my team and I are working on our Play Book to modify safety procedure and transform our office. Speaking of ‘transformation’, you and I know that this too, shall pass. But from this, from this horrendous far reaching pandemic, we will be forever changed. We will change in how we live, how we love, what we value. COVID-19 has brought a transformation in me, and hopefully in you too. We will be transformed from being afraid to courageous, from being indifferent to passionate and grateful, from being self-centered to selfless. As we remind ourselves that as the world may change for better or worse, we can put our trust in what is constant and true: our Faith.
Friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Let me know what else I can do for you. I thank God for his protection and guidance as we go through this together. Hang in there! Hope to see you soon, honestly, soon soon…
In health and friendship,
Wendy Tran
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” Romans 12:12 NIV