Point of contact

MANILA, Philippines - Contact lenses have become such a staple fashion accessory that a surprising number of people forget their original use — that of correcting one’s vision.

It is because of this that Vivian Sarabia Optical, headed by Dr. Vivian Sarabia, a pioneer in the local optical field and the nation’s only eyewear stylist, opened the first Contact Lens Hub in the Philippines. The Hub, which is divided by lifestyle, offers contact lens users an easy way to figure out their contact lens needs. “A lot of people feel that the best way to have their eyes corrected is through glasses. Right now, we’re launching the idea of letting people embrace the idea of contact lenses,” says Dr. Cirila Salcedo, I.O.S. Marketing’s head of sales and marketing. “There will always be occasions where it will be better to wear contacts. For example during outdoor activities, to avoid issues like fogging, smudging, or for occasions where you’re supposed to be heavily made up.”

Contact Lenses entered the market in the early ‘70s. They were hard, brittle and quite uncomfortable. Soft contact lenses came by the mid ‘70s. At the time, they were only used to correct myopia or nearsightedness. The ‘80s and ‘90s brought new technology that made contact lenses more comfortable and, later, lenses to change one’s eye color. It was colored contacts that really created a stir because celebrities began wearing them. But the fallout was that people forgot what contact lenses are really all about. Sarabia Optical’s Contact Lens Hub doesn’t just make it easier for patients to find which kind of lenses best suit them, it also helps reeducate them in the do’s and don’ts of contact lens wearing.

A lens to suit your lifestyle

The Hub is divided into four sections: Basic contact lenses like Precision UV are for folks who simply want their eyesight corrected without having to wear glasses all the time, no frills attached. Then there’s Health, for folks who work with computers or need to wear their lenses for 14 hours or more. Featured here is O2 Optix Breathable Contact Lenses, which let in five times more oxygen than normal lenses, making eyes breathe easier and allowing the user to wear them for an extended amount of time with less chances of redness and dryness.

The most popular section undoubtedly is Beauty, which caters to folks who want to change their eye color. Highlighted here is FreshLook, the number one brand of colored contact lenses worldwide. Aside from color choices, patients also get to pick how noticeable their new eye hues will be — with or without prescription. Lastly, there is the Convenience section, which has Focus Dailies, for those who want a no-nonsense, no-cleaning regime, or those who only use lenses occasionally.

The Contact lens Hub has also partnered with Rags to Riches, a social business enterprise, to provide livelihood for the women of Payatas. Starting July 15, for every purchase of Fresh look contact lenses, customers will receive a limited-edition pouch made from environmentally friendly materials designed by Amina Aranaz. As Dr. Vivian Sarabia herself says, “It’s not just a symbol for empowering the (Rags to Riches) women, it’s also a lifestyle for all of us, wearing these beautiful contact lenses.”

Seeing clearly

 People who decide to wear contact lenses should remember that whether they are used as an accessory or for vision correction, they are first and foremost medical devices. Here are a few reminders on using contact lenses:

• Before picking out a pair, always go to an optical clinic to have your eyes examined. Your optometrist will help you find which lenses suit you best and tech you how to care for your lenses.

• Visit your eye care practitioner every 18 to 24 months just to be sure that your prescription hasn’t changed. He or she can also refresh your knowledge on how to care for your contact lenses.

• Always have clean hands when you touch your lenses.

• Do not share your contact lenses with anyone else.

• Put your contact lenses on first before makeup and remove them first before removing makeup.

• Clean your contact lenses immediately after taking them off. Store them overnight so they’ll be safe for another day’s use.

• Don’t extend your wear beyond they type of lenses you have. Daily lenses have to be replaced daily, and so on.