Parents whose children have a learning disability will grasp at anything they feel will help their child, and many have spent hundreds of pounds kitting their children out with coloured lens spectacles.They look a bit odd, but children and teachers report dramatic changes in learning ability and concentration.

They have even made them better footballers and horse riders.

The therapy has been targeted at children with dyslexia, dyspraxia or autistic spectrum disorders.

It has been known for years that coloured lenses can help children read and write, but new computer software called "Orthoscopics" can make precise changes in the colour tint to match exactly the shade which best suits the child.

As Warrenpoint optician Michael Gilsenan says, "everyone sees through a spectrum of colour, but the particular problems of children with dyslexia for instance, mean their visual problems can be sorted out by using a tint".

For Carol McKee, the change in her eight-year-old son Leith was instant.

"As soon as he put the glasses on, he stood taller, he was able to catch a ball thrown to him, when before he would have missed it," she says.

"His teachers now all say positive things about him, he is learning better and has more confidence. It's been a great year since he got the blue tinted specs."

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Clarke was sceptical to begin with, and the changes appeared slowly. "I'm able to type on the computer without looking down and I now concentrate better in class when I'm wearing my tinted glasses.

I don't mind wearing them even though people say they make me look like the Beatle, John Lennon."

But Matthew's mother Anne is wary of advising everyone to go to the expense of buying the glasses.

"It's not a miracle cure, and although Matthew is doing well with them, not everyone will be helped by them.

"The whole process of testing and supplying the glasses is pricey, they're not on the National Health Service, so I would be concerned about the cost for families who don't have much money."

Kate O'Hanlon, the English advisor at the Southern Education and Library board has seen children improve with the glasses, but she too says there is no "magic cure" for these type of learning difficulties.

"It's very important parents don't go out on a limb, thinking this is the only thing that will help their child. It has worked for some but there are also other interventions that can help children with problems."

At the moment, Michael Gilsenan's opticians in Warrenpoint is the only place in Northern Ireland supplying this sort of coloured glasses, but he is keen to spread the word and is running a conference to inform parents and professionals of a range of ways in which children's learning can be improved.

It is at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on Monday 21 May 2007.

Lee Opticians, Warrenpoint and Crossmaglen, are giving local design students the opportunity to showcase their talents in a competition for the chance to design the window displays for the two practices.

As part of its commitment to supporting local arts in the community, Lee Opticians is working with Newry Institute of Further and Higher Education, incorporating a real-life design project into the National Diploma in Design course.

The third year Design and Textile students will design an eye-catching window display for the premises which they will present to the judges, ‘pitching’ for the project as they would in a real-life context.

Senior Lecturer in Art & Design, Tammy Fullerton-Stannage said; “Our students have brilliant artistic abilities and great ideas. The competition with Lee Opticians will provide them with invaluable experience of a ‘real-life’ project where they can put their ideas into practice.”

In addition to having a real-life design project on their CV, the lucky winner will also receive a cash prize.

Michael Gilsenan, Proprietor of Lee Opticians added; “Our company slogan is ‘eye on style’ and we try to have interesting and artistic window displays in both practices to reflect that. We are committed to supporting local artists and are looking forward to seeing what ideas the students can come up with.”

For more information contact Lee Opticians, Charlotte Street, Warrenpoint tel 028 4175 3030 or Cardinal O’Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen tel 028 3086 8866.

FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT CATHERINE MCGINN OR KATIE WOLINSKA,
MAC PUBLIC RELATIONS:
T 028 4173 9017
M 077 2029 4413
E info@macpr.co.uk

As part of his ‘big-trip’ preparation Santa Claus has the mechanics checking everything on the sleigh and he’s also had a physical overhaul in preparation for his Christmas Eve magic. Blood pressure ok, heart rate good, weight..ehm could be improved! To ensure his eye sight was also up to the task he made a stop off in Lee Opticians near to his Hilltown home.

After admitting to eye-care assistant, Helena Brady that it had been around 150 years since his last test, Santa had his prescription updated and a fetching new pair of specs ordered so he’d be able to read all the girls and boys’ letters clearly.

Helena said: “We normally recommend getting an eye-test every two years so Santa really should have called in sooner but we know he’s a very busy man sorting out all kinds of Christmas surprises.”

For more details on eye tests contact Lee Opticians 028 4175 3030.

For PRESS information contact Katharine Wolinska or Catherine McGinn at MAC Public Relations, tel 028 4173 9017 or email info@macpr.co.uk

Rostrevor native and Director of Lee Opticians, Warrenpoint, Michael Gilsenan F.B.D.O, M.B.D.O, was recently honoured to be chosen to speak at a conference for members of the Association of Optometrists, Ireland and the Irish Association of Dispensing Opticians held in the Plaza Hotel, Dublin.

Association members from all over Ireland attended the event on 11th September to listen to Michael, President of the Irish Association of Dispensing Opticians, deliver a lecture entitled ‘Orthoscopics – what is it?’

Lee Opticians became the first eye care specialist in Northern Ireland to offer the revolutionary new Orthoscopic system to help people suffering from visual perceptual difficulties associated with dyslexia and dyspraxia.

The Orthoscopics System, created by Ian Jordan, is the product of years of research from some of the world’s top optical companies and has been proven to positively affect the senses - improving vision, balance and reading ability of people with conditions which are associated with visual disorders.

Michael Gilsenan explains: “It is estimated that up to 10 per cent of children suffer from some kind of visual disorder caused by malfunctions in the eye-brain communication process. These ‘perception’ difficulties can now be tackled with the introduction of this unique Orthoscopic testing system.”

The optician uses special prescribing techniques in testing the patient and employs colour-filtering techniques to select the patient’s ‘optimum colour response’, during an assessment which can last up to two hours. Following testing, specifically tinted lenses are then created to this prescription, which are then worn by the patient.

The system has also proven successful in treating adult migraine, headaches and improving co-ordination, hearing and speech difficulties. Severe migraine sufferers have reported that headaches disappear before the tests are even completed.

Since it was introduced at Lee Opticians in October 2005, the Orthoscopics system has been positively received by educational and health professionals and the general public alike.

The Royal Hospital, Belfast recently expressed interest in the Orthoscopics system after Michael successfully treated a patient suffering from unexplained extreme headaches using the unique treatment. Michael also has support from many local medical professionals and has been invited to speak to schools about how the Orthoscopics system can help children suffering from visual perceptual difficulties linked to learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.

The ORTHOSCOPICS CLINIC is based in Lee Opticians, Warrenpoint, Co. Down where treatment is delivered by Michael Gilsenan.

For more information on the Orthoscopics Clinic contact Lee Opticians, Charlotte Street, Warrenpoint, tel 028 4175 3030.


For PRESS information contact Catherine McGinn at MAC Public Relations.
Tel 028 4173 9017
Mob 077 2029 4413
Email info@macpr.co.uk

Lee Opticians has recently expanded its staff and restructured existing roles as part of ongoing development in their Warrenpoint and Crossmaglen branches.

In the past year, three new staff has joined the company and internal promotions in the Warrenpoint branch have been made to enable Michael Gilsenan to dedicate more time to delivering the specialist Orthoscoptics system.

Lee Opticians are the only opticians in Northern Ireland who provide the Orthoscoptics system which utilises colour lens technology to treat children with dyslexia and dyspraxia, adult migraines and other visual perceptual disorders.

Michael Gilsenan says the changes will mean patients will experience improved service. “We’ve got a great team in place and it will indeed have a positive affect on the already high level of service we provide.

“The interest in the orthoscopics system from parents, medics and educationalists is immense and this restructuring will enable me to spend more time delivering the treatment and making presentations to schools,” Michael explains.

In the past year receptionist, Ruth Jones is a new addition to the Warrenpoint branch and earlier this year Brian Hughes from Newry joined the practice as an Optometrist having graduated from Coleraine University.

Siobhan Downey is a new recruit to the Crossmaglen practice and she joins Dolores Lennon as part of the optical assistant team which provides support to optometrists Helen Knox and Brian McKibbin.

In Warrenpoint Laboratory Manager Carol McNally has moved from a part time role to a full time position which sees her combine lab requirements with the role of Dispensing Assistant.

Carol, who has worked with Michael for over 15 years, oversees the onsite lab facilities which provides glazing, tinting, and repairs services for Warrenpoint and Crossmaglen. She joins Dispensing Assistant Dervla Hankin who has more than 11 years experience and Eye Care Assistant Helena Brady.

For enquiries contact Lee Opticians, Charlotte Street, Warrenpoint, tel 028 4175 3030 or Cardinal O’Fiaich Square Crossmaglen tel 028 3086 8866.

For press information contact Catherine McGinn, MAC Public Relations.
Tel: 028 4173 9017
Mob: 077 2029 4413
Email info@macpr.co.uk

Lee Opticians’ Crossmaglen branch is expanding its practice with the addition of a new member of staff and longer opening hours.

The practice in Cardinal O'Fiaich Square has recently had a major refurbishment and now features a bright modern reception area, new frame displays and a refurbished testing room.

Dolores Lennon, a receptionist with the practice since 2002, has been joined by Siobhan Downey from Silverbridge who joined the company recently as a dispensing assistant.

Both Dolores and Siobhan will support optometrists Helen Knox and Brian McKibbin with visual field analysis and assist patients with contact lens handling.

Michael Gilsenan says: “We’re delighted with the new look and the response from clients has been very positive. As a result of the growth in the business we are delighted to welcome Siobhan to the team and we are now extending our opening hours.”

The practice now opens Monday from 9.30am -1.30pm and Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am – 5.30pm.”

Lee Opticians also offers extensive contact lens and frames services, stocks a range of designer frames and also specialises in provision of sports eyewear and goggles.

Lee also has a branch in Warrenpoint through which it provides the specialist Orthoscoptics treatment for children who experience visual problems associated with dyslexia and dyspraxia. It has also shown to be very effective in the treatment of adult migraines.

For more information or to make an appointment tel 028 3086 8866.

Following two years of extensive training and research, Michael Gilsenan F.A.D.O., M.B.D.O., of LEE OPTICIANS, Warrenpoint has introduced a new optical system designed to help people suffering from visual perceptual difficulties associated with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Lee Opticians is the first optical practice in Northern Ireland to offer this unique service.

The Orthoscopics System, created by Ian Jordan, is the product of years of research from some of the world’s top optical companies and has been proven to positively affect the senses - improving vision, balance and reading ability of people with conditions that are associated with visual disorders.

Michael Gilsenan explains: “It is estimated that up to 10 per cent of children suffer from some kind of visual disorder caused by malfunctions in the eye-brain communication process. These ‘perception’ difficulties can now be tackled with the introduction of this unique Orthoscopic testing system.”

The optician uses special prescribing techniques in testing the patient and employs colour-filtering techniques to select the patient’s ‘optimum colour response’ during an assessment which can last for up to two hours. Following testing, specifically tinted lenses are then created to this prescription, which are then worn by the patient.

“The use of colour to treat visual difficulties is not a new approach”, Michael explains. “Coloured overlays on text and coloured lamps have previously been used to assist children’s reading but these don’t always have positive results as they aren’t tailored to the individual - resulting in an estimated 40 per cent success rate.”

The Orthoscopics System, however, takes this concept one step further, assessing the individual and resulting in much higher success rates as it has shown each naturally responds differently to different tints.

“The potential for this type of screening is hugely significant when you consider the effect that visual problems must have on a child’s academic or social experience,” Michael says.

“A child with a condition like dyslexia may experience a range of symptoms, for example, quivering text and moving letters, which can result in problems with reading or lead to major communication difficulties. They may underachieve academically and/or socially which can result in low self-esteem with anti-social behaviour common.

“These visual perceptual difficulties can often be missed in regular eye examinations. The Orthoscopic system can help to improve visual difficulty and improve the child’s communication in 80 per cent of cases. We see ourselves as partners to those involved in education by offering solutions to children who need help dealing with dyslexia and dyspraxia,” Michael adds.

The system has also proven successful in treating adult migraine, headaches and improving co-ordination, hearing and speech difficulties. Severe migraine sufferers have reported that headaches disappear before the tests are even completed.

These are just some of the views of patients who have been treated at the Orthoscopics Clinic at Lee Opticians Warrenpoint.

“The words don’t jiggle about anymore –they stay still,” said one seven-year-old Co Down boy.

A 12 -year old child from South Armagh comments: “Since I got these glasses I don’t get headaches anymore and I can concentrate better.”

A boy from the Newry area explains:” I like my new glasses because I don’t have to put my finger underneath the words. I can explain myself better and remember what I have learnt.”

An adult from Belfast who had been diagnosed as dyslexic was amazed that he could now, “do twice the amount of work in the same length of time.”

The testing process, which is suitable for children from the age of seven to adults, involves an initial eye examination and tests to determine how the patient sees colour and pattern in addition to assessing their spatial awareness and movement.

The ORTHOSCOPICS CLINIC is based in Lee Opticians, Warrenpoint, Co. Down, with tests carried out by Michael Gilsenan who has over twenty-five years experience as a dispensing optician.

Costs range depending on the particular examination carried out.

For more information on the Orthoscopics Clinic contact Lee Opticians, Charlotte Street, Warrenpoint, tel 028 4175 3030.


For PRESS information contact Catherine McGinn at MAC Public Relations.
Tel 028 4173 9017
Mob 077 2029 4413
Email info@macpr.co.uk