Keith Holland's Blog

New Vision & Learning Website Launched

davina — Tue, 08 May 2007 11:26:11 +0000

We have now launched our new website specifically for the Vision & Learning part of our work. It’s packed with information and downloads - and is even going to be linked to the BBC’s website for information on dyslexia and learning! The redesign of our entire web presence is slowly coming to an end - we would hope to have all of our new sites active by the end of the month - all accessible from www.keithholland.co.uk

But for now, if you would like to take a peak at the website which is causing such a stir please go to: www.visionandlearning.co.uk

Comic Relief - have you given yet?

davina — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 10:40:06 +0000

With comic relief only a few days away, our plans are in hand for raising tons of money. We unfurled our giant banner today - so that all those wealthy punters on their way to the races can give us some of their money! What do you think of the banner? The image of children was taken by James Holland whilst on a Gap year project to Ghana, and featured on our practice Christmas card last year. It sums up what Comic Relief is really about. If you an help us raise even more money, just click on our website to donate on-line.

Recognition for our work in promoting eye health

davina — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:38:33 +0000

Keith Holland & Associates have just been short-listed for the prestigious Optician Eye Care Awards 2007, for their work on promoting healthy eyes for all agegroups. Speaking for the team, Clare Holland said “It’s fantastic - the whole team are delighted that their hard work and dedication is recognised this way!”. The finals for the awards take place in April - so watch this space for more news!

Optician Awards 2007

davina — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:37:38 +0000

The Optician Awards are held annually to celebrate the best in optical practice.

Ten trophies in total are up for grabs and there are four new categories for 2007, offering practices the opportunity to be rewarded for excellence in various areas alongside some of the better known awards.

This year we will be entering under three different categories; Technology Practice of the Year, Healthy Sight Practice of the Year and we are proud to be participating in one of the new categories - Independent Practice Website of the Year Award sponsored by Essilor. Entries in this category are welcomed from practices that are utilising the internet to grow their business and inform patients.

The Awards presentation ceremony will be held alongside Optrafair on Saturday April 21 at the Hilton Metropole Birmingham next to the National Exhibition Centre. More than 500 guests are expected to attend the 007-themed black tie presentation ceremony which once again promises to the biggest night in the optical calendar.This gala night is all about rewarding and recognising the industry’s top achievers.

New online information resource: www.keithholland.info

davina — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:22:54 +0000

Keith Holland regularly lectures at conferences and events around the world and due to popular demand - we are now able to bring you the lecture notes in downloadable format!

Please go to www.keithholland.info and click on the lecture which you are interested in. Download times currently take about 5 minutes per lecture however in the next few days we will be working on compacting the file size so that you will be able to view them online.

We hope you enjoy them!

Have you ever wondered why some children don’t seem to be able to learn to read?

davina — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:14:07 +0000

Over the years many teachers have referred children to us for visual assessment, but may have wondered just what we do when we see a child and how we are able to assist.

Throughout the year we offer a number of free evening training events for both parents and teachers. These evenings are an opportunity to visit the practice and to hear about some of the latest research into vision, dyslexia and dyspraxia - and how our work is able to help.

The evenings start with a complimentary light buffet from approximately 6.30pm and are followed by a talk from Keith Holland at 7.30pm, lasting about an hour. There is also an opportunity to ask questions over coffee and to see some of the specialis equipment and tests that we use.

For details of events at both of our practices, please go to our new website at www.keithholland.co.uk and go to the vision and learning section.

Colour Me Beautiful Evening Success

davina — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:12:57 +0000

On Thursday 22nd Feb, we held an exclusive evening at our St Pauls practice for some of our patients. On an invitation only policy, patients were invited to come along to the event along with a guest of their choice. After a light buffet, we all sat down to watch a colour demonstration by Colour Me Beautiful representitive - Sue Trevoski. By looking at aspects such as colouring and body shape, as well as personality, lifestyle and budget, she was able to advise patients on how to achieve the image they really wanted.

It was a fantastic atmosphere - and we are truly grateful to all those patients who attended. We hope they and their guests had a fabulous time! I think we all learnt something from the evening and it was so enjoyable we are looking to hold some similar events later in the year. If you wish to be put on our events guest list please email davina@keithholland.co.uk with your name, address and date of birth. Also, please don’t forget to say which practice you are registered with!

We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Lastest technology at our St Pauls Practice

davina — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 10:11:03 +0000

Varilux® Ipseo TM is a real innovation, in terms of future lens designs.

Here at Keith Holland & Associates we are part of the Varilux® Specialist Optician programme and as such are one of the few opticians who have access to this new concept which enables patients to benefit from this technological revolution.

Our St Pauls Medical Centre branch, now offers patients IpseoTM lenses - which offer better vision, increased comfort and less distortion compared to average varifocal lenses! Measurements are carried out using specialist equipment allowing our Dispensing Opticians to define the head/eye pattern for each wearer whatever their prescription.

When looking at an object at the edge of their visual field some wearers tend to turn their eyes, keeping their head fixed (eye movers). Others keep their eyes fixed and turn the head (head movers). Intermediate patterns exist and vary from one person to another.

Advanced research has proved that the head/eye ratio has a direct influence on the quality of vision and on the use of varifocal lenses by each individual.

Eye movements effect the perception of clear images and head movements have a direct influence on the swimming effect and the perception of distortions.

So are you a head mover or an eye mover? Call our St Pauls practice now on 01242 269 686 to book your appointment and find out!

See you on the slopes!

davina — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 10:09:43 +0000

This ski season thousands are heading for the slopes in search of an exhilirating break. However, correct equipment is vital to your enjoyment and safety during the holiday. But what is the most important piece of equipment you will need? Skis? Snowboard? Warm clothing?

Award winning opticians ‘Keith Holland & Associates’ are urging all those seeking snow this winter to look after their eyes on the slopes by wearing appropriate eye protection.

Short term snow blindness occurs when the eyes are exposed to too much UV light and leads to eye pain and extreme light sensitivity. Higher altitudes mean that the suns rays are stronger, giving a more harmful dose of ultra-violet (and infra-red) light than you would get at sea level. To add to this, fresh snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV rays, which according to the ‘World Health Organisation’ can double an individuals exposure – easily causing sun burn.

Whilst the eye can recover, it takes days to do so and there can be long term consequences.

It is also important to protect your eyes from the other elements – particulary the cold wind and shards of ice or hard snow.

Keith Holland & Associates are proud to be able to offer the latest range of high quality and well fitting Addidas Ski Goggles and Sports Sunglasses. Prescription inserts are also available for many of the pieces, giving the wearer greater comfort and protection from the snow and ice.

For more information on any of their products or services, please contact Keith Holland & Associates on 01242 233 500 or 01242 269 686.

Keith Holland in Dubai

davina — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:08:45 +0000

Keith has just returned from his eleventh trip to Dubai. Working in Jumeirah Primary School, keith spent the week carrying out assessments of children with learning difficulties - who flew in from several countries around the Gulf area, as well as from the Emirate itself.

This has become a regular event for Keith, and has allowed children in the area to gain access to the latest in eye care methods.