InsightS u m m e r / A u t u m n 2 0 0 4

S T E V E N H A R R I S O P T I C I A N S

Win a £300 handbag! • Our Price Guarantee • Contact lenses or surgery?

Our PriceGuarantee:“We’re confident that our pricesare competitive. If you can buythe same spectacles for lesselsewhere,we promise to

match the price.”

Good enough to tell your friends

I enjoy the personal contact with my patients

so much that I’ve decided to consolidate my

group of practices so that I can be available

more regularly at each one and reduce my

office-based time. I’ll always find time for you.

I’ve moved the practice from Forest Hill due to the

expiry of the premises’ lease and sold my Streatham

practice. To enhance the group, we’ve since acquired

Banks Opticians in Petts Wood, a practice with an

extremely good reputation.

My own career spans 30 years now and new patients

still ask for me by name – many referred by local GPs

and eye surgeons. I also enjoy the support of a strong

team of Optometrists who continue my tradition of

delivering the highest standards of eyecare locally.

If we fail to meet our usual high standards, or if you

ever want to express your satisfaction with our service,

please write to me at Beckenham or send an e-mail to

stevenharris@stevenharris-opticians.com.

We do listen to you! Many patients tell me personally

that they prefer larger ‘classic’ designs to today’s smaller

modern frames. That’s why we carry a choice of frames

for all tastes and budgets. You’ll always receive unbiased

advice on your selection.

I look forward to meeting you.

Welcome...

INSIGHT � 1

Cover:Image courtesyof Rodenstock

Steven Harris

“

”

InsightS u m m e r / A u t u m n 2 0 0 4

Steven Harris

Published bySteven Harris Opticians2-6 Village Way, BeckenhamBR3 3NPTel: 020 8650 6172

C O N T E N T S:

Page 2 News... 200 free cleaningkits, Maui Jim arrives,Goodbye bacteria

Page 4 Win a £300 Fendi handbag!

Page 6 Frames...Why we love designers

Page 8 Sunglasses previewPacked house at Banstead

Page 10 Close up on...Progressive contact lenses

Page 11 Brothers united...Beating Keratoconus

Page 12 Vision Aid...Your specs in Africa

www.stevenharris-opticians.co.uk

FREE2year Guarantee

With any spectaclesyou buy at Steven Harris

Opticians.

Terms and conditions apply.Ask for details

Good enough to tell your friends

At Steven Harris Opticians, we ensure that ourpatients’ spectacles give them the best vision.“We encourage you to pop back to get your glasses

checked, re-adjusted or even ‘deep-cleaned’ using ultrasoniccleaning machines.”“You can do a lot yourself to keep your glasses in

optimum condition,” Steven points out. “We offer advicewhen you collect your new glasses and all patients receivea good quality cleaning cloth and a hard, protective casewith their new glasses.“Even paper tissues can scratch lenses, particularly

those with anti-reflective coatings, so we recommendusing a proper lens cleaner and polishing witha non-scratch, micro-fibre lens cleaning cloth.“Protect your spectacles and you’ll see

the difference. Literally!”

200 cleaning kitsto give away!We are giving away 200 compactcleaning kits – worth £4.99 – FREEto the first 200 people who popin to collect one from theirlocal Steven Harris Opticians!Keep it in your handbag orbriefcase. First come, firstserved while stocks lastonly. So hurry!

(Turn to page 4 and you could wina designer handbag to put yours in!)

Take goodcare of yourspectacles!

INSIGHT � 3

Maui Jim sunglasses, with theirunique blend of style and advancedtechnology, have just arrived atSteven Harris Opticians inBanstead – and are makinga big impression.Maui Jim began in the 1980s selling

a small line of sunglasses on the beautifulbeaches of Maui, Hawaii. It has gone onto patent its PolarizedPlus technologyand become America’s fastest growingsunglass company.Glare is everywhere, even on hazy

days, but ordinary polarization onlyblocks horizontally reflected glare. MauiJim’s PolarizedPlus technology, however,cuts out glare from all directions.

Patented multilayer technology putsnine layers of protective elementsbetween your eyes and the sun'srays, and lenses come in three colours:Maui Rose offers high-performancevision for golfers or skiers, Neutral Grey’smaximum glare reduction is great forfishing or sailing while High ContrastBronze is for everyday outdoor wear.The popular styles are all backed by

solid warranty protection and customerservice assurances. They include rimlessand classic frame shapes, sport styles,frames in Flexon memory metal, top-of-the-line titanium and stainless steel,with a choice of polycarbonate orglass lenses.

“This is classicstyle with amodern twist.They’re brilliant for driving,” sayspractice manager, Lydia Wilson.(See feature, pages 8-9)

The programme to refurbish ourpractices is now complete.Locksbottom, West Wickham andPenge have all been refurbishedand Banks Opticians, our newlyacquired practice in Petts Wood,has also undergone a major refit.“The work is more than cosmetic,”

points out Steven. “I’m investing in thefabric of the buildings. Air conditioningcreates a more comfortable environmentfor patients and staff and by upgradingthe technology in our consulting roomswe can further improve the quality of

our eyecare.“The feedback we’re getting is really

positive. Patients like the more spaciouslayouts, generous dispensing areas andunderstated decorative finishes.”

NEWS

Refurbishment programme completed

West Wickham

Locksbottom

West Wickham

MauiMaui Jim arrives with style

£99Complete spectaclesor sunglasses byCalvin Klein, DKNY

and Nautica

Price includes standard lenses

Good enough to tell your friends

Steven Harris Opticians and De Rigo, distributors of frames andsunglasses by Fendi, Police and Chanel, are offering INSIGHT readersthe chance to win this exclusive £300 Fendi handbag – as used bySarah Jessica Parker in a recent Sex and the City episode. Gentlemen,

why not give this fantastic prize to the woman of your choice!

To enter:Answer the question below, complete the tie-breaker and popyour completed coupon into your local participating StevenHarris Opticians. Postal applications will not be accepted.

Closing date for entries is November 30, 2004The winner will be chosen on December 9, 2004

Win a £300Fendi handbag!

Question:Which well-known sportsman is the face of Police sunglassesagain this year? (please circle) Is it:

a) David Beckham, b) George Best, c) Tim Henman

Complete this sentence in less than fifteen words:

This Fendi handbag will look great...

Name

Address

postcode

Daytime telephone

email address

The judge’s decision is final. The competition is not open to Steven Harris Opticians staff or relatives.The winner will be notified individually and announced in the next INSIGHT magazine.No purchase necessary. No cash alternative is available. Entrants must be 18 or over.

READER

COMPETIT ION�

INSIGHT � 5

NEWS

When Beckenham Ladies firsteleven hockey team asked StevenHarris to sponsor them lastsummer they were stuck in theKent Premier League after yearsof trying for promotion.Seven months later, they were

champions of their league earning directpromotion to the prestigious Eastregional division (a bit like the FootballConference). Beckenham had won allbut one of its league matches, reachedthe Kent Cup final against Canterburyand only narrowly lost out to Bolton fora place in the semi-finals of the NationalHockey Association Vase competition.Captain Louise Bartley thanked Steven

Harris Opticians for its sponsorship. “It’sbeen really helpful, and your name’s

been seen all over Kent!" she points out.And among the Beckenham players is

BBC Newsround presenter LizzieGreenwood who wears contact lensesfrom Steven Harris Opticians. "We had afantastic season and I can't wait to playin East now," she says.www.beckenhamhockeyclub.co.uk

Sponsoring Kent Champions!

The advanced new MicroBlock antimicrobial contact lens case eliminatesthe contamination caused by rinsing lens cases in tap water, something81 per cent of contact lens users do.The lens case is made from a special plastic infused with silver ions. These attack

the harmful bacteria and microorganisms present in tap water, killing them oncontact and prevent the growth of yeasts or moulds.Contamination of lens cases occurs with as many as four out of five contact

lens wearers and it can cause discomfort and possible infection.“Using MicroBlock’s new moisturising, pro-vitamin B5 enriched Focus Aqua solution with the case also helps contact

lenses resist the effects of dehydration and maintain their moisture balance by creating a protective barrier,” saysSteven Harris. “The dual benefits are increased wearing comfort right through the day and improved hygiene.”

Revolutionary new antibacterialcontact lens case

Lizzie Greenwood ,Louise Bartley (captain),Emma Greenway (vice captain)

• Lizzie on a recentNewsround assignment toAntarctica (below): “I’mpleased to say that mycontact lenses performedperfectly in the extremecold!” she reports.

6 � INSIGHT

It’s in thedetWhy are designer products socoveted? It’s the exquisite detailand ideas incorporated in everydayitems – even spectacle frames – andthe unexpected use of materialsand craftsmanship.Extravagant hinge details, subtly

crafted earpieces, the temple as a designstatement or a distinctive eyewire lineenhancing a classic shape.Wearing something striking makes you

feel good. Maybe it gets you noticed.

But sometimes enjoying the quality –‘just knowing’ – gives you the boost.That’s a special feeling.Steven Harris Opticians gets the latest

designer collections before most and weare constantly bringing in new frames.In fact, the discounted designer framesadvertised at some multiples are usuallypast seasons’ ‘unsolds’!And remember, with our 0% finance,

wearing the current season’s styles neednot break the bank.

� Prodesign1311£199

� Police2851£199

� Emporio Armani9015£119

� Paul SmithPS-238£159

� Dolce & Gabanna494£229

� Daniel Swarovski6484£310

� Dolce & Gabanna454£229

INSIGHT � 7

tail!

� Fendi7422S£199

8 � INSIGHT

Outside, it was a wet and windy latewinter’s evening. Inside, the sun wasshining big and bright!Steven Harris Opticians Banstead’s exclusive

new season sunglasses preview evening wasbuzzing. A packed house of invited guestsenjoyed a glass of wine, some nibbles anda little music as this year’s Fendi, Police,Swarovski, Chanel and Maui Jim sunglasseswere unveiled.Representatives from the featured brands

had taken over several display racks, replacingthe usual frames with their new ranges, whilePractice Manager Lydia Wilson and her teamwere on hand to refill glasses and offerassistance and advice as people tried on thenew sunglasses and compared notes. Manywere so impressed that they boughtsunglasses there and then.“It’s been a great success and a lot of fun

for everyone involved,” Lydia declared. “Thereps were pleased with the evening and evenMike, our photographer, had a procession ofpeople demanding to be photographed.”“That’s definitely not typical!” says Mike.

“People tend to clam-up when aphotographer’s around. But not tonight!They were having a ball.”“We’ve got a great team,” recognises

Lydia, “and our new Optometrist, DuncanTrew, is enjoying the contrast between his lastposition on London’s exclusive Sloane Streetand Banstead’s friendly, village feel. This is asurprisingly busy practice, and even more sosince the M&S Food Store opened opposite.“More and more families are coming in

at weekends and younger people are noticingthe names like Emporio Armani, Nike-Flexi,and FCUK that we stock. And sunglasses aremassive here all year round!”

INSIGHT � 9

BansteadSunglassespreviewa great success!

Practice managerLydia Wilson (right)and friends enjoythe moment!

10 � INSIGHT

Brothers prefer contact lensoption to Russian surgeon

Gela, main pic and above,left, with brother Mikhail

When Mikhail Mirianshvilli wastold by doctors in Moscow thathe would have to be given a secondcorneal graft for his keratoconusand that a contact lens couldnot be fitted, he turned to hisbrother Gela for help. Hiskeratoconus had been treateddifferently, without surgery.Gela had moved to Edenbridge in Kent

from Georgia, formerly part of the SovietUnion, some years ago. He had beensuccessfully fitted with contact lenses atSteven Harris Opticians’ Welling practice

after this option had been turneddown by specialists at MoorfieldsEye Hospital. They also preferredthe surgical route.Keratoconus is a condition where

the cornea bulges forward. Notuncommon in males, the resultingpoor sight cannot be corrected withspectacles. Specially fitted contactlenses help to manage the condition.After speaking to Steven Harris

who assured him that he would doeverything in his power to help, Gelaarranged for his brother Mikhail to stay

with him in Edenbridge for two weeks.Although Mikhail could not speaka word of English, experiencedBeckenham Contact Lens OpticianAnna Davies was able to find asuccessful contact lens solution.“Using our corneal topographer,”

Anna recalls, “I could analyse thedistortion of Mikhail’s cornea witha high degree of accuracy and supplya specially made contact lens. Mikhailleft here with perfect vision and noneed for surgery. He went back toGeorgia a happy man!”

Images from acorneal topographershowing a normaleye (above) comparedwith an eye withkerataconus (right)

For a free contact lens suitabilityassessment ask at your localSteven Harris Opticians.

INSIGHT � 11

Enhance your visionand your lifestyle!Our close-up on progressive contact lenses

There is a lot of patient interest in progressivecontact lenses among presbyopes, the forty-plusage group.Giving improved near, distance and intermediate vision

to enhance both your vision and lifestyle, they use severaldifferent technologies – all of which work in a different wayto varifocal spectacle lenses.As an independent optician with a wealth of contact lens

experience, we are able to fit and supply all different typesof progressive lenses. We will also take the time to find thelens that works best for individual patients. Multiple opticiansare usually restricted to usingpreferred suppliers.You will be surprised at how

competitive our contact lens pricesare. Our progressive contact lensschemes are around £25 permonth and include regularaftercare that is second to none.

Here are justa few of theprogressive

contact lensesavailable.

CooperVision

Johnson & Johnson

Essilor

Bausch and Lomb

12 � INSIGHT

Optometrist Karine Girard-Claudonat Steven Harris Opticians inPenge was part of a team of sixoptometrists and two dispensingopticians to visit Burkina Faso,close to Africa’s Ivory Coast, ona Vision Aid Overseas project.The team saw 1,800 people over two

weeks at three remote clinics in the eastof the country where eyecare is notgenerally available.“Burkina Faso is one of the poorest

countries in the world,” explains Karine,“and since my training in France I’vewanted to do something to make adifference there. This was my secondtrip – and I’ll be going back again.“We carry out basic eye examinations

and dispense unwanted spectacleshanded in by wearers in the UK. There’s

a great feeling of satisfaction in helpingthese people see again. Older peoplecan look after their grandchildren again,for example, or help out in other ways.“Another grateful patient had been

unable to see since a cataract operationbut I was able to restore his sight witha high prescription lens. He wasoverjoyed to be able to work and readhis Bible again.”Sadly, not everyone could be helped:

“We were too late to help a 24 year oldman with advanced glaucoma. He wasalready blind. We could refer patientswith severe problems to a hospital manymiles away, but there was no guaranteethat they could even get there,” sheadmits. For the majority, though, theimprovement was immediate.“We don’t realise how fortunate

we are to have the quality of eyecarethat is available in the UK right onour doorstep.”

•You can make a huge difference byrecycling your old glasses. Simply bringthem in to your local Steven HarrisOpticians. Or you can make a donation.For further information, visit

www.vao.org.uk

TakingVisionAid to

Africa

Karine hard at work

0%interest*on your spectacles

*Credit is offered subject to status.Ask for details.

Good enough to tell your friends�Written

andproduced

bySparks

Marketing

01636605610

�Designed

byJohn

Berbuto01883

740575

BECKENHAM(includes Contact Lens Clinic)2-6 Village Way,Beckenham BR3 3NP020 8650 6172

BANSTEAD20 High Street,SM7 2LJ01737 353225

LOCKSBOTTOM350 Crofton RoadBR6 8NN01689 850593

PENGE88 High StreetSE20 7HB020 8778 5242

WELLING101 Bellegrove RoadDA16 3PG020 8304 2423

WEST WICKHAM65 High StreetBR4 0LS020 8777 1337

And introducingBanks OpticiansPETTS WOOD16 Station SquareBR5 1NA01689 831726

www.stevenharris-opticians.co.uk