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Home » News and Events » This month we acknowledge national Sports Eye Safety Month

This month we acknowledge national Sports Eye Safety Month

Apr 09, 2012

As the springtime arrives, as well as a greater chance to participate in a new set of sports, comes an increase in the number of eye injuries related to sports. Each season, far too many people, both young and old sustain sports related eye injuries that could be averted with suitable protection and awareness. Protecting your eyes while playing sports is essential particularly in high-impact sports or those that expose you to the sun's rays such as hockey, softball, lacrosse, tennis, full-contact martial arts, soccer, or fishing.

Most sports eye injuries can be avoided by investing in the correct protective eyewear right for the activity you might be participating in. This will keep you injury-free and will often also have additional protection to minimize your exposure to UV light for outdoor play. This sort of eye wear is designed especially to protect your eyes from common accidents. Regular frames and lenses usually aren't adequate for full protection, meaning that a minor hit can mean an actual eye injury that could potentially threaten your eyesight.

Eye safety is more than just choosing the appropriate protective eyewear. Eyesight is an important factor of your ability to perform, so you must have strong vision. If you ordinarily need eyeglasses, you can get protective sports glasses with a prescription to make it easier to be safe. For contact lens wearers, you might need a different lens than those you normally wear. Call your optometrist about the choices at your disposal.

All sports have different dangers and demands, so let your optometrist identify your specific situation and fit you with the right glasses or contact lenses that best fit your visual skills. This is key in helping you gain the winning edge that'll help you succeed and have fun safely.

All sports have different dangers and demands, so let your optometrist assess your unique needs and fit you with the correct eyeglasses or contact lenses that best fit your vision. This is key in helping you give you the boost that'll help you succeed and have fun safely.

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