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All You Should Know About Children’s Protective Eyewear

Did you know that annual statistics show that sports-related eye injuries account for 40,000 visits to the hospital? This is one accident every 780 seconds! Eye Care professionals report that 90% of those damage could be easily avoided by wearing protective eyewear. The majority of injuries take place when people of all ages are enjoying sports or doing work at the home. Youth are particularly at risk for eye accidents, which often occur during active play.

Children should guard their eyes with safety glasses during most sports such as soccer, tennis or karate. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of a sports related eye injury. Allowing your child to choose the safety glasses they like best will also increase the likelihood that they will be more willing to wear them.

In order to purchase safety glasses wisely, ask an experienced optician for advice. Our professionals can help you in buying the right pair of goggles for your child, depending on your child's particular needs. If your child wears glasses, protective eyewear can be customized with prescription lenses from your eye care center. Trivex or polylcarbonate lenses are recommended for a child that plays rough sports . They are not only more shatter-proof, but also lighter than plastic lenses, which tends to be more comfortable.

Be informed when investing in a pair of protective goggles. It's a simple step to safeguard your child's vision!

BIG NEWS!

We’ll soon be “Eyes on Main”! And that’s not the only news... please offer a warm welcome to Dr. Mike Gowen.

From Dr. J:

I opened my office in 1990 – That’s 30 years coming up on August 1st!!   In some ways it feels like yesterday, and in others, like forever.  Along with so much else that has changed this year, one more occasion is on the horizon.  I am excited to announce that I am selling my practice to Dr. Mike Gowen.  Dr. G and his wife, SallyAnn, met at Virginia Tech close to 40 years ago. They have been proud and loud Hokies ever since and dreamed of returning to live in Blacksburg.  Both are strong supporters of the arts, athletics and the civic engagement that make this a very special place to live, work and play!

I am thrilled to be handing the baton to a doctor who believes as I do in community service. Plus, he is laser focused also on individualized patient care, personal and professional intellectual advancement and enjoying the good things and kind people who come along every day.

Better yet, I’m not going anywhere!  I will continue seeing patients, focusing on visual rehab for those suffering from concussions/TBI, working to control the progression and consequences of nearsightedness through orthokeratology and other treatments, and counseling all regarding the inter-relation of the eyes, brain and body, along with the importance of nutrition, exercise and mental well-being.  There’s so much I yet want to learn and do, and now I won’t have to worry about arguing with insurance companies.  I’m excited!

From Dr. G:

It’s impossible to express how pleased I am to be moving to Blacksburg. It has long been the dream of my wife and I to become a part of this unique town, where we met as Virginia Tech students and continued to frequent as alumni.    I look forward to the privilege of serving the people of Blacksburg and bringing my lifetime of experience in the field of eye care to serve one and all. I'm delighted that Dr. Steve Jacobs will remain with the practice, which will now be “EYES on Main.” I consider it a great privilege to continue the exemplary patient care and community service that Dr. Jacobs has and will continue to provide to the New River Valley. Together we will serve the Blacksburg community with the same culture of care and community involvement that has always been a part of this practice.

 More updates to follow.  Send us a message or give us a call with questions, comments, or to set up an appointment.

We can always be reached at 540-953-0136!

Sincerely,Dr. J, Dr. S, Dr. G & staff