Dr. Neukirch competed in the 2015Chicago Triathlon to help raise money for The ChicagoLighthouse!

The Chicago Lighthouse is a local non-profit organization that offers services to help the blind and visually impaired members of our community, as well as Veterans and those with disabilities.

Through world-class programs in rehabilitation, education, employment and independent living, it improves the quality of life for individuals of all ages.  In 2011, they opened a second location at 222 Waukegan Rd.

This was Dr. Neukirch’s 2^nd Olympic Distance Triathlon.

WE RASIED $1542 THIS YEAR!!!

This will become an annual drive at Carillon Vision Care every year. We hope to raise even more money next year!

Thanks for your support! –Dr. Andrew Neukirch & the Carillon Vision Care Staff and Doctors

Dr. Andrew Neukirch practices at Carillon Vision Care located in the North Chicago suburb of Glenview, Illinois

March Madness 2015 Eyewear Special

I am very pleased to announce the greatest eyewear sale in the 57 year-old history of Carillon Vision Care! All of the details are found below. This is not a "bait and switch" offer by any means - it really sounds too good to be true.

We were approached by a high-end optical laboratory that manufactures prescription lenses that go into glasses. In an effort to gain our long-term business, this optical lab has offered us absolutely free lenses for the entire month of March 2015, thus we decided to extend this to our patients as well!

If you are a contact lens wearer and have outdated "backup glasses" now is the time to update. Want to get a prescription pair of sunglasses, backup specs, funky specs, computer glasses, transitions, or reading glasses? Now is the time!

We will very likely never be able to provide an offer quite like this again, so come on in this Month!

A sincere thank you from our family to yours for being a patient or customer of Carillon Vision Care.

Happy Holidays from Dr. Andrew Neukirch and Carillon Vision Care!

It is difficult to believe that I will be celebrating my 4th anniversary with Carillon Vision Care this next month. The time has gone by so quickly. I would like to genuinely thank everyone for continuing to help our practice grow.

I am excited as I have even more plans going forward into 2015. We are presently evaluating more designer frame lines, waiting for some new exciting medical technologies to gain FDA approval, and we are considering transitioning in another full-time doctor allowing extended doctor hours to serve you better.

The following is an excerpt form our Holiday Newsletter that went out to our patients this month:

Dear Patients,

I wanted to start this letter, first and foremost, by congratulating our very own Dr. Agrest who recently received a “50 Year Membership Award” in front of hundreds of our professional colleagues at the Illinois Optometric Association’s annual meeting in Springfield. As you know, Dr. Agrest opened Carillon Vision Care’s doors over 56 years ago with the mission of providing the highest quality eye care to his patients, and he is so deserving of this recognition!

I am also pleased to announce two new, friendly faces that you may see around Carillon. Vanessa is a full-time, licensed Optician with more than 10 years experience. She has a uniquely talented eye for finding patients the perfect frames! I would also like to welcome Dr. Vince Brandys, a licensed Optometrist and Glenview local. In addition to his full-time faculty position at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Dr. Brandys is now available to see patients on Fridays and and some Saturdays at Carillon.

Lincoln shows off the new touchscreen

The office also boasts new medical equipment, including a cutting edge Topcon Automated Phoropter (you know, the instrument where the doctor asks, “What’s better: 1 or 2?”), which enables faster and more accurate glasses prescriptions than ever before, and a new, 27-inch, touch-panel computer screen in the optical. The touch-screen allows our opticians the ability to display various color and size options for prospective eyewear, which we may not have in house at the time. It also gives patients with a new prescription the opportunity to “test out” their computer vision while wearing their new specs.

Last but not least, I am so grateful for the opportunity to care for you and your families, and I sincerely appreciate all of the new referrals (of family, friends, and co-workers) that we received from current Carillon patients throughout the year. I, along with the Carillon staff, wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy start to 2015!

Sincerely,

Dr. Andrew Neukirch

What exactly are Cataracts?

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases, affecting up to 17% of Americans each year. This number increases to over 91% after the age of 85*. Cataracts form in the lens of the eye, which is a clear structure made of water and protein, located directly behind the pupil (the black circle in the middle of the iris). Light or images are directed past the normally transparent lens to reach the retina and finally into our brains for interpretation. However, as we age, the shape of the lens gradually becomes thicker and less flexible. This process causes the proteins to deform and clump together, resulting in a cloudy/hazy lens. It resembles a dirty camera lens, and as you can imagine, the result is similar - a blurry image!

What causes Cataracts?

It is known that ultraviolet (UV) light contributes to the formation of cataracts. The lens has protective function in the eye, blocking UV light from reaching the much more sensitive retina. But over time, this absorbed UV light damages the lens itself.  Also, certain common prescription medications may accelerate cataract formation, as does trauma to the eye. It may take years or even decades for the onset of pharmaceutically-induced or trauma related cataract formation.

What can I do to protect myself from developing cataracts?

The easiest step is to wear UV protection, like sunglasses. However, be mindful that not all sunglasses are created equal; in fact, many are not designed to block UV light at all, be sure to look for UV-blocking certification. Furthermore, many of the contact lenses eye doctors prescribe possess UV blocking properties, and our doctors typically opt for these contact lenses as their first choice. Prescription eyeglass lenses can have a UV blocking coating added to them as well. Last, but not least, do not forget the UV protection for your little ones, as the absorption during developmental years compounds and can have consequences later in life!

I know that I have Cataracts. Do I need surgery?

The first step is to see your primary eye care provider, who will determine if it is truly time for cataract surgery. During this visit, he or she can also discuss the possible risks of surgery (although uncommon), as well as the benefits.

What are the Benefits of Cataract Surgery?

First and foremost, clear vision! The surgical implant technologies used today have continued to advance. In some cases, patients may not require full-time spectacle or contact lens correction for distance vision after the procedure. Advanced multifocal implants like ReSTOR, TECHNIS, and Crystalens may provide post-operative vision requiring no spectacle correction at all!

Who do I see for Cataract surgery?

The doctors at Carillon Vision Care do not perform cataract surgery. However, we are directly affiliated with several Ophthalmologists that are Cataract surgery specialists possessing the newest surgical equipment and best reputations in the North Shore.  We often refer patients to Drs. Tamara Wyse (Northbrook) and Randy Epstein (Highland Park) as well as a handful of other trusted surgeons. As a Carillon patient, our doctors will arrange a consultation appointment for you with a surgeon that best fits your needs. We also co-manage patients with these doctors after your surgery has been completed.

If you or a loved one are interested in discussing cataract surgery, please schedule a visit or let us know when you are in the office!

References: 

*Sperduto RD, Seigel D. "Senile lens and senile macular changes in a population-based sample". Am J Ophthalmology #90: 86–91

What is new at Carillon Vision Care? Fall 2014

I wanted to take a minute and summarize all of the new, exciting things that we are up to at Carillon Vision Care.

Dr. Jerome Agrest

Dr. Agrest was awarded the “50 Year Illinois Optometric Association Membership Award” this past weekend at our state convention and gave a great speech to over 300 of our fellow optometrists.

Our newest full-time employee, Vanessa, is a welcome addition to our optical staff. Vanessa possesses more than 10 years of experience as a licensed Optician, and she has a talented eye for finding our patients the perfect frames. The increase in staff has also allowed us to expand the optical’s hours; our opticians are now available during extended full business hours Monday through Saturday.

Dr. Vince Brandys

We are also pleased to welcome Dr. Vince Brandys, a well-respected, licensed Optometrist that has joined our practice on a part-time basis. Dr Brandys is available to see patients on Fridays and/or Saturdays. His professional biography was featured in last month’s blog entry.

Our optical now boasts a 27-inch, touch-panel computer screen, which has already been a big hit with patients! The screen allows our opticians the ability to display various color and size options for prospective eyewear, which we may not have in house at the time. It also gives patients with a new eyeglass prescription the opportunity to “test out” their computer vision while wearing their new specs.

New 27" Touchscreen! Lincoln (the office dog) approves

The optical is now lit with 100% LED light bulbs, which closely resembles the aesthetic of natural sunlight (and is earth-friendly too!).

Last but not least, we have ordered the new Topcon CV-5000s Automated Phoropter (you know, the instrument where the doctor asks, “What’s better: 1 or 2?”). The Automated Phoropter is a 100% computer-controlled device that is driven by the doctor and enables faster and more accurate glasses prescriptions. It also allows the doctor to demonstrate the difference between new and old glasses prescriptions at the touch of a button! This instrument will be installed in early October.

Topcon Automated Phorpter System

Be sure to watch for next month’s blog where we will share Dr. Brandys’ letter to our patients. It will also be featured in our upcoming Fall newsletter. Check out all of our full newsletters found in the links on the right side of this page.

Announcing our new Associate Optometrist: Dr. Vince Brandys

While serving as a Society President of the Illinois Optometric Association, I had the pleasure of getting to know and befriending my fellow colleague Dr. Vince Brandys. Dr. Brandys has lived in Glenview and has become a very active member of the community for the past few years. He inquired if he could work in our practice a few days per week while still maintaining his position at the Illinois College of Optometry. I believe this is a perfect fit as Dr. Brandys possesses a similar forward-thinking “style” of practicing Optometry and he will be a great new addition to the Carillon Vision Care team. He is currently accepting new patients and starts this Friday. His brief biography follows:

Vince Brandys, O.D.

Dr. Vince Brandys is a well-respected optometric author, lecturer, and a trustee of the Illinois Optometric Association. He is the full-time Senior Director for Governmental and External Affairs for the Illinois Eye Institute.

Dr. Brandys achieved his Doctorate in Optometry in 1990 from the Illinois College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from DePaul University.  Dr. Brandys believes that primary health care should encompass the eyes, and his goal is to provide education and the highest level of care to each patient he sees.  

Dr. Brandys moved to Glenview in 2012 and resides with his family in Valley Lo. Outside of the office, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife, Leeann, as well as their five adult kids, two dogs, and two cats. We were pleased to have him join Carillon Vision Care as a part-time associate in 2014.

Recognition as a 2014 Optometric Business Innovator

I am proud to share that I was named as a 2014 Optometric Business Innovator by the industry publications Review of Optometric Business and Vision Monday. This month's blog is an excerpt from that article and interview. The full article may be found here.

“I strive to maintain a friendly and comfortable practice for both my customers and my staff, one that also remains innovative and up-to-date with the advances in the profession.” -A. Neukirch

Andrew J. Neukirch, OD, knows about business efficiency-and getting up to speed in a hurry. Neukirch, who purchased his 56-year-old practice in 2011, said there was an immediate to update the office's technology. "When I bought the practice, the retiring doctor and staff members had systems in place that certainly worked well, but technology was not utilized to a significant extent," he said. "Within the first year, we implemented EHR, purchased a SD-OCT, added 50-inch displays in the exam lanes for patient education and displaying test results, and implemented online appointment scheduling with Demandforce."

Complementing the practice's new and improved technology was participation in the IDOC optometric alliance. "I took the first two years researching all of the major optometry groups before discovering that IDOC was the best match for my practice," Neukirch said. "At this early point in my career, IDOC has allowed be to network with experienced and successful practitioners who openly share ideas and strategies that have proven useful to integrate."

With such an emphasis on technology and business efficiency, it's no surprise the practice prides itself on its accessibility online. "Out practice's online presence is unmatched in the area, and over 50 percent of our new patients find us on the internet. Prior to 2011, our online presence was a simple website. I now have a blog that has over 500 views per month, active Facebook and Google+ pages, an interactive online 'walkthrough' tour of the office, and the practice shows up number one on all search engines in the area," said Neukirch. "Through our marketing efforts, most new patients have already read about our office before walking in the door, and we tend to attract high quality, compliant, health conscious patients who are not looking for an optometrist who simply 'takes their vision plan.'"

–The Editors of VM and 

Review of Optometric Business: 

Marge Axelrad, Deirdre Carroll, Mary Kane, 

Andrew Karp, Roger Mummert, John Sailer, 

Margery Weinstein, Catherine Wolinski