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Happy February 2020!

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Happy February And Happy Valentine’s Day from Dr. J & staff. We hope your heart is feeling especially full of love today!

Even though it’s been cold and rainy, we’re happy to be seeing a little bit of light return every day.

And on that note, here’s some other good news, also involving the power of the light: Researchers are exploring the use of green light to reduce pain, and in particular, chronic migraines.

Though there’s not enough evidence to prove anything yet, this news is exciting because many pain meds have negative side effects–but light seems to have none at all.

green light
blue filter

Other colors (wavelengths) may be helpful for other conditions, too. Blue light is involved setting our internal clocks. This can create problems when exposure is with phones/tablets shortly before bedtime, reducing a sleep hormone, but maybe good (especially post-concussion) to kick-start rhythms early in the day with the use of specific devices.

We also find blue filters reduce eyestrain and other visual symptoms for our mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients.

in front of devices

February often means more time indoors which often means more time in front of a device. Combine that with lower humidity and you have a great recipe for dry, irritated eyes. Dry eye is more than a minor inconvenience, impacting eye health and quality of life especially as one gets older. Knowing more about its causes and treatments can keep your eyes sparkling and your face smiling.

We’re still rolling out BrainTap and will soon begin offering free trial sessions in the reception area. Look for our binder listing hundreds of titles available and try one out.

We’ll be the first office where you want the Doctor to be running behind!!

BrainTap

Thanks for reading, and for being with us! See you next month!

Sincerely,
Dr. J, Dr. S, & staff

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