New for the department of visual corrections

New technology means people who are short sighted can have their vision corrected while they sleep, simply by wearing special correcting lenses at night.
The latest technological advance in corneal refractive therapy frees people from wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day. The result is they are free from any worries about breaking glasses, losing contact lenses during sporting or other vigorous activity or from experiencing uncomfortably dry eyes.
"The corneal refractive therapy system is a revolution in correcting astigmatism and short-sightedness. You wear a rigid contact lens overnight while you sleep and you take it out in the morning and, after the treatment's bedded in, you can see perfectly during the day - you don't need glasses, you don't need contact lenses - so it's a revolution in freedom for people who normally wear glasses or contact lenses," optician Craig Robertson says.
"Particularly for short sightedness and astigmatism - those are the two things we can work with - you have to be within a specific range for us to be able to work with you."
Whangarei's Visualeyez Boutique Optometrists offers a full range of optometry services as well as corneal refractive technology.
For Craig, becoming a dispensing optician involved a mid-life career change from his previous profession as a broadcaster and studying for a new qualification.
"This [profession] is a fascinating mix of science and people, and it's incredibly rewarding when we put some new eyewear on someone and they can finally see well - everything's clear for them - that's incredibly rewarding. And for me personally, I just love the science of it as well - the physics in the lenses and the mechanics in the frames."
Craig, Des White, the owner/optometrist of Visualeyez, and administrative assistant Pam White all aim to provide friendly and efficient service. "We pride ourselves in our personalised service and we try to view every person who comes in as one of our personal friends or family members," says Des .
If Margarita Smithson, who came into Visualeyez while Craig was being interviewed, is any example, clients appreciate the service they receive.
"I've been coming here about five years, but it's only in the past two years I've actually needed spectacles - Craig and Des are excellent - it's enjoyable," she says. "I give them heaps, too, and I wouldn't go anywhere else."
What is corneal refractive therapy
Corneal refractive therapy is a sophisticated, non-surgical process that reshapes the cornea during sleep.
The individual wearing CRT lenses removes them upon waking and is able to go through the day without needing vision correction such as spectacles or contact lenses.
Corneal refractive therapy utilises recent advancements in three highly technical areas: computerised corneal mapping, computerised manufacturing and oxygen permeable contact lens materials. Each of these produce a therapeutic contact lens design that is unique.
Corneal refractive therapy offers freedom from glasses and the need to wear contact lenses during the day. Active individuals can freely participate in sport without the interference of glasses or need of contact lenses. Since the lenses are only worn during the night, eye irritation or dryness, sometimes associated with contact lens wear because of outside dust and pollutants, is eliminated. The process is completely reversible.
Some individuals report good vision the first day. Most, however, find improvement in the first few days of treatment. Optimum vision is usually achieved in 10-14 days.