ARE YOU READY FOR THE BIG ECLIPSE?

PSA: We are giving away FREE eclipse glasses so you can enjoy this historic event safely – while supplies last.

Now onto business! It is critical that Optometric Physician’s educate their patients, patients’ families and your communities about the safe way to “look at the sun”.  It is particularly important because travel and tourism agencies in Oregon have misinformed tourists that because it is a “total” eclipse, there is no need for protective eye wear, a dangerous and erroneous statement. Dangers of unprotected viewing of the sun, even for a few seconds include short-term retinal bleaching and discomfort, and potential permanent blindness (i.e., solar retinopathy) after only a few minutes of unprotected viewing of the sun and solar eclipse. You can download a full presentation provided by OOPA member Dr. Karl Citek, OD, PhD, FAAO, Diplomate, AAO PHEV Section, Professor of Optometry at Pacific University College of Optometry at http://www.oregonoptometry.org/2017-solar-eclipse/

SOME ECLIPSE FACTS:

1. Both Sun and Moon subtend about ½ degree of field of vision:  Moon fully blocks Sun during totality

2. Path of totality is about 70 miles wide – about 12 million people live within the path and about 220 million people live within a day’s drive.

3. This could be the most witnessed total eclipse ever! Totality will last up to 2 minutes 41 seconds, depending on location

4. Partial eclipse will be visible to everyone in USA, Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean – over 500 million people.

5. During totality: day will seem like night, horizon will look like sunset, and stars will be visible. The sun’s atmosphere (corona) and possibly solar flares will be visible as well.

6. Viewing partial eclipse – or Sun above horizon* at any time – without proper eye protection can cause: – short-term retinal bleaching and discomfort (after only several seconds) – potential permanent blindness, i.e., solar retinopathy (after only a few minutes)

SAFE VIEWING METHODS…

1. Eclipse glasses or filters. MUST be certified as meeting international  standard ISO 12312-2:2015 (look for this printed designation)

2. No. 14 welder’s glass.

3. Pinhole camera or projection

For more information please visit the site linked above or drop by and location to chat with one of our doctors!
Free Eclipse glasses are only while supplies last.  2 Per person please!