Baton down the hatches and let the snow fly! It's a Celebration of Light whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule or New Years... We are multidimensional and hearty as Canadians and as our hearts swell with pride at our fortitude, we can consider the blessings of the Season and how fortunate we are in Canada, cold as it may be. This time of the year can be busy, but it is often the time when we reflect upon those less fortunate than us and look for ways to ease their suffering. Our own Dr. Amy Bakelaar recently extended her charitable hand on an optical mission in Ecuador. Just click here to follow the blog post of the mission to find out how your used prescription eyewear benefits less fortunate people around the globe. In recent years our Dr. Bakelaar has been on missions to Belize, Peru, Guatemala, and India. At eye-bar we accept donations of your old prescription eyewear and save it to be used on these optical missions. People who have never had the gift of clear vision benefit from an eye exam and a pair of prescription glasses because of your generosity.  Pop by and deliver your old eyewear today and share in the warm feelings it brings.

This time of year also gives you one last chance to use up your 2013 Health Spending Allowance through your employer's group benefit insurance.  Many of you may also have renewed coverage available in January 2014.  If you have such an insurance benefit, we have several options for you to consider.  You can use the benefit for an eye exam to update your prescription.  Book online for your convenience.  Then, once your prescription is current, please consider updating your eyewear at eye-bar.  We have so many exciting looks this season and we have recently added at least 30 new pieces to our Tom Davies fully customizable frame collection.  Treat yourself or a family member to the luxury of a hand-made, bespoke frame and prescription lenses.  If your prescription is light, and does not require all-the-time clear glasses, consider a set of custom Oakley prescription sunglasses - it still qualifies for your Health Spending Allowance, and it will crisp things up for your winter driving and reduce the blinding reflections from snow glare.  And lastly, if you have not tried prescription contact lenses and are interested in having a new look for holiday photos and events, ask about a contact lens fit and training during your eye exam.  You can even consider colored contacts for festive parties!  

To be prepared for winter conditions whether it be driving in blizzard conditions, skiing cross country, downhill, hiking in the mountains, or just shopping Whyte Avenue on a sunny day, we have polarized sunwear to suit your needs.  A polarized lens will keep the squint factor down as well as provide full protection for your eyes and the skin around your eyes from harmful U.V. rays.  And prescription sunglasses or non-prescription sunglasses make excellent and fashionable gifts for family and friends.

Thank you for being our friends and supporting independent local business in Sherwood Park by being customers and patients of eye-bar.  We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and create lasting memories.

Keeping you in our minds' eye,