
Amber visits from All Saints College

Image (L-R): Damon Ezekiel, Amber from All Saints College in Perth, Rhiannon Richer
Image (L-R): Damon Ezekiel, Amber from All Saints College in Perth, Rhiannon Richer
This week we have had the pleasure of having Caitlin in from MLC Perth for work experience.
Caitlin is a patient here at Ezekiel Eyes and wanted to see what it’s like from the other side of the lens.
We would also like to thank Caitlin’s teacher Ms Karena Davis for popping in to check how Caitlin was enjoying her time with us.
At Ezekiel Eyes we spend a large portion of our day with patients who have a condition called Keratoconus.
In recognition of Keratoconus Awareness Day, we wanted to shed some light into the lives of those affected by this condition.
Keratoconus is a thinning of the central zone of the cornea, the front surface of the eye.
As a result of this thinning, the normally round shape of the cornea is distorted and a cone-like bulge develops, resulting in significant visual impairment.
Here is an example of someone who has Keratoconus (with red area showing thinning of the cornea)
In 2021, an Australian study indicated keratoconus prevalence to be 1 in 84 Australian 20-year-olds.
Correcting the visual impairment caused by keratoconus is unfortunately not as simple as obtaining a pair of spectacles.
For most people with keratoconus, the visual distortion is too great and can only be improved with the wearing of rigid contact lenses.
Rigid contact lenses will not cure Keratoconus, but they will improve vision by covering the irregular cornea with the regular focussing surface of the contact lenses.
This effect is the reason that those who experience poor fluctuating vision with spectacles or soft contacts, can achieve a significant visual improvement with rigid contact lenses.
We have had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand the marvellous difference rigid lenses can make to someone’s life.
These contact lenses can be the difference in holding a driver’s licence, being able to study or to hold down a job. They provide people with confidence, through the restoration of vision, and this visual rehabilitation goes well beyond the consulting room.
For those with keratoconus, the diagnosis and what follows can seem overwhelming.
Depending on the severity, progression and time of diagnosis, a corneal cross-linking procedure may be offered by an Ophthalmologist.
This too does not cure keratoconus but halts the progression, and a form of visual correction such as rigid contact lenses are still required.
It is important that rigid contact lenses are correctly fitted to allow even pressure across the delicate cornea.
A poor fitting contact lens can place excessive pressure on the elevated and thin cornea and has been associated with increased rates of corneal scarring.
At Ezekiel Eyes, we find great satisfaction in the fitting of rigid contact lenses for our Keratoconic patients.
It’s not every day you get the opportunity to transform someone’s life in such an impactful way.
Happy World Keratoconus Day!
“Thank you so much to the team at Ezekiel Eyes for having me.
It’s an amazing opportunity as you see cases that you don’t see every day.
I’ve learnt so much from Damon and Rhiannon already”
–UWA Optometry Student Bec
I was very lucky to attend the O=MEGA23 and World Council of Optometry in Melbourne on 8-10 of September, held at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
It was a fantastic conference with a very large trade display and over 2,500 attendees.
A highlight of all conferences is the networking with colleagues and industry leaders.
Damon Ezekiel with the Alcon Contact Lens Team |
I caught up with a few Optometrists that graduated from the UNSW in the same year.
We are all still loving Optometry and interestingly all of these six from my graduating year are working in an Independant environment.
The extra scope of full scale Optometry and being able to deal with different providers and no real restrictions is what makes Independant optometry still such an amazing career.
After 33 years we are all still going strong and engaged for the benefit of our patients.
In the lectures this year there was a strong emphasis on Myopia Management.
Myopia progression is a major issue around the world.
A patient with myopia has a longer than “normal” eye length .
As myopia progresses, the eyeball continues to stretch.
Research tells us that as the eyeball stretches, the longer the eyeball becomes and there is a significant increase in glaucoma, retinal detachments and macula degeneration.
At Ezekiel Eyes, we offer a number of different therapies to our patients.
There are contact lenses
Orthokeratology is the wearing of gas permeable corneal lenses overnight, or soft lenses can be worn during the day (soft lenses that are specifically designed to slow down the progression of myopia).
Spectacles lenses can also be specifically designed to slow down the progression of myopia.
We also have therapeutic eye drops that we can utilise. Some patients benefit from using two of these therapies in conjunction with each other – dual therapy.
Tap on the image below to watch this video interview about Myosmart Glasses for Myopia (tap the Play Button below):
I attended a terrific breakfast for the new release of a soft daily disposable contact lens.
This new lens contact lens has a wonderful soft slippery surface to decrease lens dehydration during the day.
It is also a high breathing soft lens to increase the oxygen to our eyes.
This new lens, called Ultra 1 Day, is available at Ezekiel Eyes now.
Please let us know if you are interested in a trial fitting of this new soft innovative contact lens.
There was a great new array of spectacle frames and sunglasses. This includes Award Winning Glasses!
Listen as Damon Interviews Lisa from Eyes Right Optical (Tap the play button below):
By mid-October, our new frames should have arrived and we are looking forward to showing you our new colourful and extensive range.
Our ranges include:
We have revamped our children’s frames to include Nike, Flexon, Lacoste and more.
Please pop in and check out our new ranges.
To all our patients – enjoy the up and coming gorgeous spring weather and remember to make sure you are wearing your polarised sunglasses.
Cheers,
Ezekiel Eyes Team
P.S. Need to get your sunglasses sorted? Tap here to request an appointment
Damon with Savannah’s parents
Ezzy the Elephant
We had the excitement of our little patient, Savannah, joining us with her parents, who have just launched their new book ‘I Spy With My Little Eye‘.
We’re thrilled to share this review by Bella about her new glasses:
“I love love love my new multifocal spectacles! Imagine!
I was dreading getting my first pair of multifocals, I didn’t want to look old, my friends said they couldn’t get used to wearing them, so I put it off and put it off, until I couldn’t hide it anymore, I just couldn’t see.
I couldn’t see what I was signing, I couldn’t read my iPhone…so sigh…. I made the call to Ezekiel Eyes.
I have been going to Damon Ezekiel for years and years and years, he is always professional and very funny, so the consultations are always enjoyable.
So off I went, Damon was as brilliant as always – quick, slick and funny!
Then came the scary part, choosing the frames. Damon introduced me to Mel (the optical dispenser, who helps choose and fit the spectacles) – Mel was so nice, understanding, and knew exactly what I was afraid of.
I immediately chose dull and boring frames, hoping no one would notice me when I wore them. I hoped she wouldn’t choose outlandish, as I am not that type – instead, she chose the most gorgeous tortoiseshell frames – elegant & fashionable. I put them on and – wow!
I love them. The multifocal lenses are in my new frames now, and from the moment I put my specs on, I could see – instantly! Nothing to get used to, no distortion, no dizziness, nothing – that simple! So easy and most of all – I look (and feel) amazing!!
Thank you all at Ezekiel eyes, I am so so grateful.
Bella”
Contact lenses offer freedom from eyeglasses, but they also come with specific care instructions.
One crucial rule: avoid water while wearing or handling your contacts.
Here’s why this guideline is so important:
1. Risk of Infection: Water, whether from the tap, shower, pool, or even a hot tub, can contain a multitude of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When contact lenses come into contact with water, these harmful pathogens can attach to the lenses and lead to severe eye infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
2. Contaminated Water Sources: Even seemingly clean water sources can harbor bacteria. Tap water, for instance, can carry the microorganism responsible for causing eye infections. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your lenses away from any water source.
3. Water Can Warp Lenses: Contact lenses are designed to maintain their shape on your eye. Water, however, can cause soft lenses to swell and change shape, leading to discomfort and blurred vision.
4. Reduced Disinfection: If your lenses come into contact with water, their disinfection becomes less effective. Water can dilute or neutralize the disinfecting solution, leaving your lenses inadequately cleaned and increasing the risk of eye infections.
5. Preserving Lens Integrity: Prolonged exposure to water can damage the structure of your contact lenses, making them less durable and prone to tearing.
To protect your eye health and ensure a comfortable contact lens experience, always adhere to the “no water” rule.
Instead, use the recommended disinfecting solution provided by your Optometrist for cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses.
If you need to swim or engage in water-related activities, wear waterproof goggles and remove your contact lenses beforehand.
Remember, preserving your eye health starts with proper contact lens care, and avoiding water is a critical part of that care routine.
Wearing contact lenses provides incredible convenience and clear vision, but it comes with a significant responsibility – maintaining strict hygiene practices.
Disinfecting your contact lenses and their storage cases is crucial for several compelling reasons:
In conclusion, disinfecting your contact lenses and cases isn’t just a recommended step; it’s an absolute necessity for the well-being of your eyes.
By making disinfection a routine part of your contact lens care, you can enjoy clear vision, comfort, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re safeguarding your eye health.
Don’t compromise on hygiene – prioritize regular disinfection for your contact lenses and their cases.
Did you know that contact lenses are like underwear?
Like underwear, contact lenses need to be replaced regularly. Here are six reasons why:
Like your underwear, make sure you replace your contact lenses regularly. Care is important- we only get one pair of eyes!
When was your last contact lens appointment?
Here’s why you should have a regular contact lens appointment:
In conclusion, regular checkups are not just for your eyes; they’re for your overall well-being.
They help maintain your eye health, optimize your vision, and ensure that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of contact lenses comfortably and safely.
Ezekiel Eyes is proud to support CDC and CCLSA’s Contact Lens Health Week
Don’t neglect this crucial aspect of contact lens wear – schedule your next eye checkup today!
(Photo Above: Scleral Lenses before cleaning)
(Photo above: Scleral Lenses after cleaning)
(Photo: Rhiannon Richer at St Pats)
Optometrist Rhiannon Richer had the pleasure of spending a day volunteering at St Patrick’s Community Eye Clinic.
She prescribed and dispensed donated spectacles to those underprivileged.
This is her third year volunteering at the clinic.
She said that “it’s always a warming experience witnessing the gratitude expressed by those I spend the day testing”
Introducing Cruiz, one of our many young patients from Perth Children’s Hospital
We met when Cruiz was 5 months old due to cataract surgery. He now wears contact lenses and spectacles.
Cruz’s mother left a comment on our Facebook Post:
” We couldn’t be more blessed to have Damon and the Ezekiel Eyes take care of Cruiz’s sight 👓 as well as our family.
Always making us feel like family from the start, any hour of any day and night you’re all so responsive during some desperate low times.
Through all the very difficult times you have all held our hands and saved us with all your knowledge and gentleness.
Forever grateful and forever family cause you’re stuck with us for his life 🥰🥰🥰🥰 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ the appreciation I have is bigger then you’ll ever truly know. Damon is my hero 🦸♂️”
Prof Garry Fitzpatrick introduces EHCWA to Optometrists and Key stakeholders
(Left) Damon Ezekiel and Prof Garry Fitzpatrick chat following the presentation.
Damon Ezekiel and Rhiannon Richer were proud to attend the launch of UWA’s Eye Health Clinic of Western Australia (EHCWA).
Ezekiel Eyes has been a keen teaching clinic for students for UWA Optometry in Perth.
EHCWA takes pride in training the future generation of optometrists. As the only institution in Western Australia providing tertiary training in optometry, they have the capacity for over 19,000 appointments annually.
EHCWA collaborates with UWA Doctor of Optometry students, designing and delivering clinical education to prepare them for their future careers.
Under the supervision of UWA academics, students undertake placements at EHCWA to demonstrate their competency and get real-world experience before venturing into the community.
Conveniently located next to the UWA campus in Crawley, EHCWA has expanded its reach with regional hubs in Broome and Geraldton. Their dedication to accessibility ensures that even those in remote areas have access to top-tier eyecare services.
The EHCWA facility spans 2,500 square meters across four floors, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment such as OCT, visual field, biometry, aberrometry, ultrasound, corneal topography, wide-field imaging, and intense pulsed light.
These instruments support their specialty services, which include dry eyes, paediatrics, myopia management, ocular pathology, specialty contact lenses, and low vision. They are fully equipped to address a wide range of eye health needs.
While they do not dispense spectacles, they are working diligently to secure philanthropic support to provide eyewear to at-risk populations.
Damon Ezekiel helps to mentor UWA students in specialty contact lenses such as scleral lenses for keratoconus and orthokeratology for myopia management.
We are excited to support EHCWA and train the next generation of Optometry Students!
After 20 years of dedicated and professional service to Ezekiel Eyes, our terrific Optical Dispenser and Technician Tom Gordon has retired.
I am sure there are many of you who have had the privilege of Tom’s service.
In particular, Tom had amazing skills in resurrecting patients’ damaged frames.
Some of these frames had been sat on, stepped on, destroyed by children/grandchildren or lovingly chewed by dogs.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Tom’s incredible commitment to our team and to our patients, and wish him all the best in his retirement!
(L to R): Tracey Bowes, Ellen Balduk, Melanie Morris and Tom Gordon
This is also an opportunity to extend a very warm welcome to Rhiannon Richer, our new Optometrist (far right in photo below)
(Our Team: Left to Right): Melanie Morris, Ellen Balduk, Damon Ezekiel, Tracey Bowes, Rhiannon Richer
Rhiannon has a Masters from the Queensland University of Technology and has worked in various roles in Queensland and Western Australia.
She has settled in to Ezekiel Eyes very well and is quickly learning our different processes and systems.
As well as finding motivation in knowing her patients have received the best care possible, Rhiannon is particularly experienced in the examination of children’s visual systems and is undertaking the fitting of all our various contact lenses.
Optometrist Rhiannon Richer
Rhiannon enjoys a challenge and a laugh. This has led her into various roles with a drive to expand her clinical skills, including working for multiple Ophthalmologists in Brisbane as a student, and in Perth as a graduate.
This ambition to learn led her to contract work where she worked for numerous clinics around regional Western Australia.
She brings this drive to Ezekiel Eyes and is excited to meet you.
When not at work, you’ll find Rhiannon learning a new skill, on her boat, camping or with her nose in a good book.
I know you will join me in making Rhiannon welcome.
One of our patients, Sonia, just picked up her new Multifocal Glasses today.
Watch as Damon Ezekiel interviews her about her experience!
We look forward to welcoming you to Ezekiel Eyes soon.
If there is anything we can do to help you, please call us or email us or request an appointment online
Did you know that over twelve million Australians suffer from long term eye conditions?
However, over 90% of these are preventable or treatable.
Two nights ago, Tania and I were proud to attend a special launch at The University of Western Australia.
UWA launched the very first Doctor of Optometry degree in WA.
The new course will produce optometrists with a focus on early detection, diagnosis, treatment and management of eye diseases.
But where does Ezekiel Eyes fit into this?
Damon is ideally placed to teach Doctor of Optometry students, and offer real world experience at Ezekiel Eyes.
Students will get the opportunity to learn about a variety of soft and rigid contact lenses from Damon.
UWA course coordinator Prof Garry Fitzpatrick and myself:
Got a minute to watch a video? Here’s more from UWA about the course.
Together, we can feel proud of the ongoing work of UWA and the Lions Eye Institute.
At Ezekiel Eyes, we look forward to helping more people to see and improve their quality of life. You can trust our professional optometrists in Perth for an eye visit for you or your family! Book an appointment now!
I trust you are all keeping well and safe. I have been fortunate to have recently returned from trekking the Larapinta Trek out of Alice Springs.
My wife Tania and I travelled with two other like-minded couples, included in a group of sixteen.
The amazing freedom of being able to travel out of WA was so liberating.
It was quite exciting to travel on a plane after my last trip in November 2019. When was your last flight?
If you have not had the opportunity to travel to the big red centre of our magnificent country, I urge you to. The beauty of our country is so amazing.
Our trek was fabulous. To be on top of Mount Sonder at 1,350metres high on a stunning blue-sky day and have lunch looking across the MacDonnell Ranges, was just breathtaking.
The ability to be out of Perth enjoying amazing views, terrific company and exercising, is something I would recommend to you all.
In our world of Covid and less travel, I have noticed a lot of our Ezekiel Eyes patients are on a treadmill with little or no travel excursions planned.
I encourage you all to have a break away from your routine/work/home/play and get away. A break for you will recharge your body/brain and your eyes, from all those digital devices.
Make sure you encourage your loved ones to also take regular breaks and downtime.
The Covid lockdown/slowdown is out of the way for the time being, so let’s get back to some kind of better balance of life.
Ezekiel Eyes as a Team would like to thank Maureen for the most amazing and sterling achievement.
After 25 years she has decided it is time to retire and spend some time on herself.
We believe that some of these quotes sum up the most amazing dedication that Maureen has given to both the staff and patients of Ezekiel Eyes.
(The photos above are of gifts sent in today from a patient…
One is a box for Maureen on a well-deserved retirement from Ezekiel Eyes.
The other is a box for Tracey to welcome her to Ezekiel Eyes.
The incredible aspect of Ezekiel Eyes that our environment is like a large family. Thank you, Elisa, for the beautiful gifts and thoughts!)
“When you’ve worked alongside someone for over 17 years, not only do you get to know them as a colleague, but you also get to know them on a personal level.
As a work colleague, Maureen’s dedication and work ethic is unsurpassed. It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Maureen and she will be missed.
On a personal level, family is everything to Maureen. From her children through to her grandchildren her face always lights up when she talks about them.
I wish Maureen a long and happy retirement!”
“I’ve enjoyed working with Maureen and she is as a loyal and dedicated employee, which is a rare quality these days.
She is such a trooper, being the first person to arrive at work and hardly takes a decent break during working hours.
I wish her a happy and enjoyable retirement.”
Do you have a story about how Maureen has gone above and beyond for you?
Maureeen….now it is time to spend a little time on you. Thank you so much for your dedication and loyalty for so many years.
I know all the team at Ezekiel Eyes will miss you as will our many patients.
All the best for a safe, healthy, and wonderful retirement.
We’re excited to introduce you to Tracey
Next time you call or visit us for an appointment, you will likely meet or chat to her.
Tracey Bowes:
Tracey joined Ezekiel Eyes as Practice Manager in May 2021.
Tracey started out in the insurance industry and moved from a junior position into supervisory roles.
Tracey has over fifteen years office experience and nine years management experience.
She has previously owned her own businesses in Hospitality and Travel.
A proud Yorkshire woman, Tracey and her family moved from York, England to Perth in 2012.
Tracey sees herself as a very positive person and enjoys spending time with her four children.
She has a good sense of humour, loves a good Dad joke, enjoys motorcycles and regular walks.
.You may also see Tracey on the dance floor around the city on a Friday or Saturday night.