And the best thing that people are doing for themselves again is taking care of their healthcare.   Vision care is a big part of the healthcare picture as it is widely accepted that the eyes are the windows to the body.  So many disease processes can be discovered from examining the eyes.  These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood disorders, thyroid disease, brain tumors, skin cancer, HIV, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and a host of other problems. Of course, testing your vision quality so that you can see at your best is a primary focus of an eye examination.

Some people think that an eye exam can be very intimidating but of course, most of us know better.  If you want a good laugh, there is a very funny video of comedian Brian Regan talking about his eye exam experience on youtube.com.

Probably the best gift you can give for the holiday season is the gift of sight.  Think about what you spend on frivolous gifts that are either put in the closet, re-gifted or returned.  An eye care or eyewear gift certificate will be used with enthusiasm as your family or friend chooses that sunglass or contact lenses they always wanted or gets the great news from their optometrist that their eyes are healthy.

How long has it been since your family members have had their eyes examined?  Has it been more than a year or two?  Likely you have gone to the dentist perhaps even twice a year.  Why is that?  You have over thirty teeth but you only have two eyes.  Many insurers will cover or partially cover the fee for an eye examination and some will even give you some money towards eyeglasses.

Flexible Spending Accounts can also be used for eye examinations, eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Remember to use yours in 2010 so your benefits don’t go to waste.

GIVE THE GIFT OF SIGHT.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS AND FAMILIES

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
www.optixeyecare.com

What’s Your 2010 New Years Resolution?

New Years 2010 is upon us.  It’s not only the end of a tumultuous decade; it’s the beginning of a new one.  I for one have a lot to look forward to in this next decade.  It is my feeling that my visions will only be achieved if I set goals for myself.

As a baby boomer, good health is at the top of my list.  So I resolve to eat better, exercise more, and attempt to reduce as much stress in my life as possible.

As a husband married almost 30 years, special time with my wife is up near the top too.  So I resolve to take more time off to spend more quality time with my wife Judy.

As a father of two grown sons, more quality time is needed there too.

As an optometrist in practice 30 years, I resolve to continue to provide the quality of care that I have provided in the first 30 years of practice…….and better.

As a business owner and person in charge of a terrific staff, I resolve to be a role model, educator and compassionate leader while promoting a rewarding work environment.

As a person, I resolve to be a good friend and neighbor, increase my charitable contributions, to smile and to be HAPPY.

So what is your New Year’s Resolution for 2010?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum

www.optixeyecare.com

So many of the patients I see in the office are wearing Mets or Yankees hats into the exam room.  Since I am a diehard Met fan, I always ask the Yankee fans to turn their hats backwards.  Of course it is a joke, but it does make it easier for me to see their eyes.

I think of baseball season as the start of a wonderful time of the year.  Flowers are starting to bloom as the weather is getting warmer.  Everything is getting greener and people are coming out of their winter cocoons.  Think of the visuals.  Better yet, get your eyes prepared to see the beauty that spring brings.  Have your eyes examined.  Schedule an appointment for your children or your spouse if it has been more than a year since their last eye exam.  Now is a great time to purchase those sunglasses that you have been putting off getting.

And by the way, Optix is offering $35.00 off a pair of sunglasses with a contact lens fitting or as a second pair purchase until May 31, 2009.

Make sure that the beauty that is spring and the games that you play or watch are seen at their best.

LETS GO METS.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum

This is a big vacation week and we’re very busy at Optix.  It seems that whenever we have a holiday week, my associates and I are examining more teachers and students.  Contact lens fittings are increasing for both teenagers and their parents.  One day (or single use) disposable contact lenses seem to be the most popular choice. Patients are realizing that these lenses are the healthiest possible lenses that can be worn.  Today, there are more choices than ever in this category of contact lens.

This is also the big season for sunglasses.  In the last few months, we have increased our inventory of sunglasses with the addition of Maui Jim, Ray Ban and Coach.  The ever-popular Oakley sunglasses will be arriving very soon for our young at heart crowd.  Other popular brands include Bvlgari, Tiffany, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Carrera, Prada, DKNY, Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Marc by Marc Jacob, Nike, and Michael Kors.

This weekend my golf season starts and I get to break in my Bvlgari sunglasses.  I’m convinced that these sunglasses will help improve my score by providing me with clearer vision on what I predict to be a gloriously sunny day.   Of course it has to be sunny.  It’s Easter Sunday.
Happy Easter
Happy Passover

Joel Kestenbaum, OD

My staff and I just got back from a weekend at the New York Vision Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.  This venue offers eyecare professionals and their staff both continuing education classes as well as exposure to the myriad of new frames, lenses and technology.  Hundreds of vendors are there to educate the “optical community” so that the optometrists and opticians may bring their newfound knowledge back to their patients.

Frame designers like Gucci, Dior, Prada, Tiffany, Bvlgari and others were there to display the new spring styles of sunglasses and present a look into the future of their designs.  Lens technology is also changing.  Thinner and lighter lenses are being developed to improve patient comfort.  Transitions lenses, lenses that darken in sunlight, are constantly improving, as are progressive multifocal lenses for those of us over 40.

Last year, Optix added new lens lab equipment to improve prescription accuracy, carpeting, wallpaper and a new computer system.  All of these improvements were made with the intent of improving our patient’s experience in our office and when they leave our office.  This year, we will be adding  to our examinations.  This special testing makes examining the retina easier for the patient and may reduce the need for dilation in many cases.

As everyone knows, famous people lend their name to fashion.  Eyewear is no different.  This trade show saw stars like Mike Piazza, Randy Jackson, Mickey Rourke, and Paris Hilton.  They of course, come with their bodyguards to protect them from the vicious optometrists and opticians roaming around out there.

If you have ever been to the Javits Center, walking the aisles can be very tiring.  Entrepreneurs set up shop for distribution of gel pad shoes inserts and back and foot massages.  Thankful people were eagerly waiting in line for their services, including yours truly.  As I write this article, I am now relaxing with my feet up on the ottoman.
It’s good to be home.

Joel Kestenbaum, OD

(Top Row: Judy Kestenbaum, Jan Axelrod, Cathy Brandwein, Gilma Mejia)
(Bottom Row: Jack Lawless, Eileen Rosen, Sharon Sutker, Dr. Michelle Zalaznick)
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Anyone who runs a business knows that employees are the backbone.  Practicing optometry at Optix almost 25 years, I have been lucky enough to see very few employees leave for other employment.  I guess I was smart enough to hire good people and those good people have stayed with me to help build our eyecare practice.

My longest employee, Jack Lawless is also a close friend.  Jack now spends the winter in Florida and returns to Optix for the balance of the year.  He is a true people person and has helped shape our practice to what it is today.  Eileen Rosen has also been an integral part of our Optix family for over 20 years.  It is nice to know that people enjoy their working environment.  It tells me a lot about myself and about the atmosphere we’ve created for our patients in the office.

How long have the others worked at Optix?
-    My wife Judy, over 15 years.
-    Gilma Mejia over 7 years.
-    Jan Axelrod and Sharon Sutker, over 6 years.
-    Evan Kestenbaum, 3 years
-    Cathy Brandwein almost 2 years

I am proud to call those who are not family, my friends.  I am proud to say that each loves working with our wonderful patients and has made Optix their second home.

I want to congratulate Matt Geller who will be attending SUNY College of Optometry in August, 2009.  Matt is an optometric intern at Optix and has taken on the responsibility of organizing and posting all these blog articles.  We look forward to having Matt back in the office after he graduates SUNY Albany in May.

Great people have made Optix a great place to practice optometry.  Thank you to my valued staff and friends.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum

So when The Solomon Schechter Day School/Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island came in to tell us about their fundraiser program we where quick to get involved.

Solomon Schechter of Long Island is a non-profit Jewish day school serving Long Island for quite some time. They currently have over 550 students enrolled in grades K – 12.

The Solomon Schechter Schools of Long Island’s rich heritage is the result of the dream of a few special people. In the days when Nassau County lacked an educational center for Conservative Judaism, a dedicated group of families had a vision, took a chance and started a day school in 1967. The original home of this small, but vibrant and quickly growing school was Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn.

Like any organization, Solomon Schechter needs money.

On January 31st, 2009, the Parents’ Association is holding their third annual Fundraising Art Auction. This wonderful event is fully supported by everyone here at Optix and we felt it necessary to help out the students of Solomon Schechter by donating eyewear for their auction.

On Monday, January 5th we gave Solomon Schechter roughly $400 of merchandise to help in their efforts. This included 2 pairs of Michael Kors sunglasses and various cleaning supplies to care for these sunglasses.

Through the years, OPTIX has donated thousands of dollars in cash and eyewear to various charities and organizations, including Lions Club, Local PTA’s, Churches, Synagogues, YMCA’s and Schools.

We look forward to giving back to the community in the future.

Matt Geller – Intern
Optix Family Eyecare Center
431 South Oyster Bay Rd.
Plainview NY 12803
(516)931-6330