Just a note to let you know our phone system is now (seemingly) operational.  We even have a backup voicemail system so we won't miss a call.  (Thanks Verizon!  I never thought I'd see the day,...)

...However we're now awaiting a part for our phone system so we are without voicemail capabilities until it arrives.  If we've not answered when you call, please try again or leave a message on Dr. Watson's cell @ 845-480-1394.  If your message is of a non-urgent nature, use our email link in the panel to the right.  Thanks for your understanding. 

All of our office phones (except one) depend on a Panasonic base unit behind our front desk.  It is precisely this unit that has taken a dirt nap this morning.  We realized this when we arrived today and saw that NO MESSAGES were on the machine.  I have switched the phone with an older model we had in storage, so if you ring us today, you will be answered.  Please bear with us as we deal with this glitch.  If you are unable to get through or reach a busy signal, please leave a message on my cell @ 845-480-1394.  Feel free to email us as well.  Thanks!

It is not yet available in the US, (supposed ship date is March 2011) but there is a lot in the news right now about Nintendo's new handheld, glasses-free-3D game system stating that it  "...could stunt eye growth in children under six if they play it for too long.  Even older children and adults are advised to take a break every 30 minutes if they feel unwell."  (UK Mirror & Los Angeles Times)  First, what parent places over $300 worth of technology in the hands of a child under six years old?  Second, is Nintendo conducting experiments on kids younger than six in their shadowy labs?  Maybe that explains all the images of saucer-eyed anime characters. 

In reality, a healthy child's visual system (the ability to see 20/20, focus the eyes, coordinate their movements, and view stereopsis) is developed by six months of age.  Animal studies and research suggest that the period of maximum plasticity (during which time, disruption of the visual system may have lasting effects) is between two and four years of age, long before they can get their fingers to grip the controllers on their Nintendo 3DS.  The real problems we as optometrists are concerned about are strabismus (eye turn) and amblyopia (lazy-eye).  In order to detect these disorders of the visual system, every infant without an apparent problem should be examined between nine and eighteen months of age.  Once detected we can use a combination of spectacle correction and vision therapy techniques to encourage appropriate visual development. 

3D effects and any prolonged near-point activity can elicit symptoms of eye fatigue and distress.  Parents would be wise to limit a child's time devoted to these tasks and encourage requent breaks, regardless of how old the child is.  If your child can not "see 3D" there may be an underlying problem that has gone undetected.  See your community eye doctor for a more thorough evaluation.