News

Visique is giving free sunnies to 5 year old new entrants across New Zealand

For the eighth year in a row, Visique is making it easy to look after young kiwi eyes with their Back to School campaign. As part of their ongoing campaign to encourage New Zealanders to take care of their eyes from harmful UV rays, Visique is offering 5 year old new-entrants in 2012 across 660 New Zealand schools, the opportunity to receive free sunglasses.

To further encourage young kiwis to protect their eyes from the harsh New Zealand sun, Visique will also be offering sunglasses for only $9.95 to kids up to Year 8, available until 30 April, 2012.

Visique's Back to School campaign is about more than just free sunnies. The campaign will set out to educate up to 175,000 students, 350,000 parents and more than 6,600 teachers about the importance of children's vision care and how it can affect a child's ability to learn and achieve at school.

Studies confirm that 1 in 5 New Zealand children are struggling with vision issues. This can subsequently affect their learning process in the classroom.

Visique wants to help reduce the number of children affected by poor eyesight so they are able to perform at their full potential.

Find out more about Visique's Back to School offers for 2012.

Helping to put smiles on children's faces at The Auckland Special Children’s Christmas Party

Visique helped spread Christmas cheer by sponsoring The Auckland Special Children's Christmas Party, which was held at the Auckland Showgrounds on 17 December, 2011. This famous annual event has been running for 11 years, and 2,100 special children were invited to participate in this year's fun-filled occasion.

The children who were invited suffer from one or more of the following: life threatening illness, physical and intellectual impairment, domestic violence, or living in underprivileged circumstances. During the one day event, these special children were treated to a day of celebrity stage shows, fun rides, games, yummy food and treats and many interactive and fun activities. This included bouncing castles, face painting, merry-go-rounds, petting zoos and pony rides. They were given the opportunity to meet Santa in a magical toy cave, which was filled with thousands of toys. This friendly white-bearded iconic man dressed in his legendary red suit, presented these children with a few gifts.

"These special children have had to deal with and overcome some really big challenges in their life, "said Pete Campbell, General Manager of Visique, "This annual event is a worthy cause to get behind, as it recognises and rewards some really brave young New Zealanders."

Visique Gets SunSmart

This week is SunSmart week across New Zealand (13-19 November). Visique along with SunSmart are urging all kiwis to remember how powerful the sun can be during this time of year.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is most intense in New Zealand between September and April. During these months, kiwis are more likely to overexpose themselves to the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Wayde Beckman from SunSmart says it's easy to be safe while enjoying the warmer weather and longer days.

"During the daylight saving months, especially between 10am and 4pm, remember to 'slip, slop, slap and wrap' - slip on a shirt or into the shade, slop on plenty of broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses."

Pete Campbell, General Manager of Visique says it is especially important to choose a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection. "While the effects are not as obviously felt, UV radiation is as dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin. Just as getting sunburnt increases the risk of getting melanoma skin cancer, exposing your eyes to harmful UV radiation can cause nasty things like cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygia."

To find a suitable pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV radiation visit your local Visique Optometrist.

At Visique, we can custom fit a wide range of sunglasses with your prescription. Starting from as little as $299* you can get a complete set of prescription sunglasses in brands such as; Ck, Michael Kors, Nike, Guess, Nautica and Gant, crafted just for you.

To learn more about SunSmart week visit http://www.sunsmart.org.nz/media/sunsmart-week.

Visique Donate to Christchurch

We are pleased to announce that we will be donating $16,152 to the Christchurch quake relief efforts. The donation is the result of an appeal run in Visique practices nationwide earlier this year. For every eye exam completed at participating locations, a $2 donation was made by the group. In addition, Visique's key suppliers, with whom we partner very closely, contributed to the amount.

The money raised will be given to the Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund which distributes funding toward projects that contribute to the rebuilding of the social and physical infrastructure of Christchurch following the earthquakes.

Visique General Manager, Pete Campbell, says "As a New Zealand owned company, with practices throughout the country, including in Christchurch, we all felt it incredibly important to show our support to those affected.  We were extremely impressed by how quickly and unreservedly our patients, optometrists and supply partners got on board with our fundraising effort and we're proud to be able to send such a fantastic sum into Christchurch."

It's Spring Sight Check Month at Visique

Your eyes spend a lifetime looking out for you. This September, return the favour and be rewarded at Visique.

September is Spring Sight Check month at Visique. Spring is full of amazing sights; brown leaves turn to green, daffodil bulbs sprout vibrant yellow flowers, and new lambs take their first unsteady steps. Make sure you enjoy these images for a long time by getting your eyes tested at Visique this month. Book yourself in for a Spring Sight Check and we'll reward you with 10 Fly Buys Bonus Points.

Call 0800 Visique or click to /find-your-local-visique.aspx to find your nearest location.

Terms and conditions apply. See in store for details.

Visique Rose Support Blue September

Visique Rose in Hamilton will be supporting their community's efforts to raise funds for Blue September.

A charity auction, to be held on Wednesday 14th September at Smith and McKenzie in Hamilton, will have a number of items up for grabs, including sunglass and eyecare packages donated courtesy of Visique Rose. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

If you are in the Hamilton region, support Blue September and head along to the event.

Glaucoma Awareness Month Starts Today

Today marks the start of Glaucoma Awareness Month. With an ageing population it is estimated that 76,000 people in New Zealand will have glaucoma by 2031. Visique optometrists are encouraging everyone over the age of 45 to take the time this month to get tested.

Unfortunately 50% of people with glaucoma don't even know they have it, as it slowly affects their vision. Consequently, early detection through regular eye examinations is the best protection. From the age of 45, it is recommended to have an eye examination for glaucoma every 5 years, and then every 3 years from the age of 60.

To find out more about how to support the appeal, visit www.glaucoma.org.nz/ or donate at your local ASB branch. And visit your Visique optometrist in July for your glaucoma check.

Visique to Support Christchurch

Visique will be raising funds for Christchurch throughout May. For every eye exam completed at participating locations this month, a $2 donation will be given to the Christchurch Mayoral Fund.

In addition to the contribution from eye exams, Visique will also be petitioning for donations from their strategic suppliers. There will also be donation boxes placed in every practice to account for the goodwill of visitors. Visique are aiming for the overall contribution from eye exams, strategic partner, staff and client donations to be in excess of $20,000.

Visique General Manager, Pete Campbell, says "As a New Zealand owned company, with practices throughout the country, including in Christchurch, we all felt it incredibly important to show our support to those affected. And we consider ourselves beyond fortunate that all of our staff made it through the earthquake safely. Most importantly, we recognize that Kiwis are a resilient bunch, and we know, that with the support of the nation behind them Christchurch will find the strength to rebuild."

If you would like to take part in the Visique Quake Appeal and have an eye exam in May, call 0800 VISIQUE to inquire.

MODA eyewear launches exclusively to Visique

MODA, Italian designer frames fitted with world-leading Essilor lenses, has launched exclusively to Visique. A complete pair of MODA eyewear starts from just $299.

This season's MODA collection encompasses 28 styles for men, women, kids and teens. From classic, timeless frames to contemporary statement pieces, the affordability of the MODA range is designed to give you the flexibility to have an everyday pair and a fashion-focused alternative.

Available exclusively at participating Visique optometrists nationwide. Find your local Visique here.

VISIONPLUS+ Launches at Visique

VISIONPLUS+® contact lenses have been developed using
the latest contact lens technology, to ensure great vision
and comfort. And now they are available exclusively at Visique.

The extensive VISIONPLUS+® range includes contact lens products covering a wide spectrum of uses, from daily disposable lenses to monthly and fortnightly replacement lenses. The VISIONPLUS+® range also includes speciality toric and multifocal lenses for people with astigmatism or who suffer from presbyopia. Whatever your needs, you're likely to find one (or more) VISIONPLUS+® products to meet them. More information about the different types of lenses available within the VISIONPLUS+® range is available at your local participating Visique Optometrist.

Michael Kors Winners Announced

Fly Buys customers who purchased a pair of Michael Kors glasses or sunglasses during the month of December had the opportunity to win Michael Kors fragrances, travel bags and clutches.  The prize draw has been completed and 26 lucky practices nationwide had winners.

See a full list of practices with winners below:

Visique Bennett & Pearson
Visique Canon Street Optometrists
Visique CapitalEyes Wellington
Visique Dannevirke
Visique Eastland Eyecare
Visique Epsom Eyecare Limited
Visique Eye Site Optometrists
Visique Foate Bishopdale Optometrists
Visique Havelock North Optometrists
Visique Hawkins Onehunga Optometrists
Visique Kapiti Eyecare
Visique Mahurangi Vision Centre
Visique Mcclelland Optometrists
Visique Naylor And Palmer Optometrists
Visique Oamaru
Visique O'Hagan Vision Care
Visique Pakuranga Optometrists
Visique Papakura
Visique Shattky Hastings
Visique Shattky Waipukurau
Visique Silverdale Eyecare
Visique Taupo
Visique Veale And Hulme Optometrists
Visique Total Vision Optometrists
Visique Wanganui Eyecare
Visique Whakatane Eyecare

Hawkes Bay winner of our Transitions competition

All Visique customers who purchased Transitions lenses throughout October and November this year were in with a chance of winning a fabulous trip to the Cook Islands. We are pleased to announce that the lucky winner is Mrs June Burkin of Napier, who entered the competition at Visique Taradale Optometrists. The prize includes return flights to the Cook Islands, seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a four star accommodation, a glass bottom boat lagoon explorer tour and $1,500 in spending money!

Season's Greetings from Visique

Visit your local Visique store before the end of December 2010 and you'll receive Triple Fly Buys Points on all purchases over the value of $20! Perhaps you need some sunglasses for the summer weather, or would like to check that your eyes are in good health with a comprehensive eye test, in preparation for the new year ahead. Whatever your eye health or eyewear needs this season, Visique would like to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The Visique Professional Standards Seal

Visique's Professional Standards Seal illustrates the 100% kiwi owned network's real commitment to professionalism and quality. The seal tells our customers that they can trust that Visique adheres to the very highest of standards; our optometrists really care about healthy kiwi eyes. Visique practitioners are committed to the highest quality professional eye care and have a reputation for clinical excellence, and for spending quality time with customers, as well as offering the best lenses and a fabulous range of eyewear.

The Visique professional Standards Seal represents three key values: Professionalism - "Visique offer the most comprehensive eye tests and advice tailored to individual needs"; Excellence - "Visique invest in professional excellence, using the latest technology and the highest quality lenses"; Trust - "Because Visique have been kiwi owned and operated for over 10 years, you can trust that the health of kiwi eyes is their top priority". Visique are very proud of these commitments and believe that they are just a few of the many ways in which we offer real value to our customers.

Visique stores shortlisted as Top Shop retail excellence finalists

Two Visique stores have hit the mark and qualified as finalists in the 2010 Top Shop Retail Excellence Awards! Visique Glen Eden Optometrists were shortlisted in the Auckland region, and Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists were selected in Wellington. Mystery shoppers concluded that these stores performed particularly well in the areas of welcome, service and presentation. Visique Glen Eden Optometrists have been serving the local community for over 30 years, and optometrist and owner Nigel Somerville said that he puts this success down to his wonderful staff: "This speaks volumes about the calibre of our team; I'm really proud of them and of the service that we offer to the local Waitakere community". For optometrist and owner Kevin O'Connor, the Visique CapitalEyes store at Manners Mall in Wellington making the finals was a delightful surprise: "It shows what a great team we have and what excellent customer care they all provide," he said. The Top Shop Awards seek and recognise the best of the best in every retail category, and Visique are proud to have been shortlisted.

It's Save Our Sight Month

September is Save Our Sight Month! Visique would like to emphasise the public health message from the New Zealand Association of Optometrists about the importance of regular and comprehensive eye examinations. Regular expert eye tests from a qualified optometrist should be a part of every family's regular health checks. Did you know that impaired vision can lead to falls, poor health and higher levels of depression? or that one in five children in New Zealand may have blurry vision, meaning that they struggle with everyday activities? Your optometrist will advise you of the appropriate interval between your full eye examinations for your individual vision and eye health needs. Changes in vision and eye health are often quite slow and subtle, and can easily go unnoticed if not checked regularly. A comprehensive eye test can provide a full assessment of vision function and reading and distance capability, as well as detect eye diseases or conditions. For more information about eye tests and Save Our Sight Month, visit www.saveoursight.co.nz/next-eye-exam

Michael Kors eyewear range set to launch exclusively with Visique in October

Visique are delighted to announce that stylish Michael Kors optical and sunglass range will soon be available in New Zealand exclusively at Visique stores. Michael Kors optical is an affordable designer brand offering a stylish collection of frames that combine everyday sophistication with a touch of luxury. The optical frames are brand new to the New Zealand market, but kiwis will recognise Michael Kors of Project Runway fame - since 2004 the designer has featured regularly on the Emmy-nominated reality show alongside Heidi Klum as one of the judges. And celebrities across the globe have been spotted gracing Mr Kors' eyewear designs, from Angelina Jolie to Eva Longoria and Mischa Barton. The latest range of sleek eyewear designs will be available in Visique stores in the Spring, priced from just $249. We can't wait!

Bowled over by a pro on the Kapiti Coast!

A backyard cricket session with Dan Vettori

Visique Optometrists recently offered kiwis the chance to win an afternoon backyard cricket session with Dan Vettori in a competition that ran across all of their 73 stores nationwide.

The fabulous first prize was won by Dennis Marsh, who entered the competition at Visique Kapiti Eyecare in Paraparaumu.   Not only did Dan fly down from Auckland to spend the afternoon with Dennis and six of his friends and family, but our local winner also became the proud owner of a top of the range Slazenger cricket bat signed by Dan himself. Visique also provided Dennis and his friends with a replica BlackCaps shirt each and a lunch hamper to enjoy before they practiced their batting and bowling with Dan at a local hall, as the wet weather unfortunately kept the cricket enthusiasts away from the local park.

The rain dampened no-one's enthusiasm at the opportunity to chat with Dan however! Dennis is a loyal BlackCaps fan and so was delighted to win first prize: "We've all had a lovely day and it's been great to discuss cricket with Dan and to meet him at our own home. Of course, I feel like I know him already, I've watched him play on TV for so many years!" he said. Dennis shared the day with his wife Margaret, three close friends, his grandson and a young neighbour. Dan signed cricket bats, shirts, caps and wickets much to the delight of everyone present. "It's been great to meet Dennis and his friends and family, they have been so welcoming," Dan added. "I'm glad they've enjoyed the afternoon despite the rain!" Having worn glasses himself since he was three years old, Dan Vettori works closely with Visique to raise awareness about eye health and to promote regular eye tests and the use of sunglasses.

Visique offers free sunglasses for five year olds

Visique have been campaigning for the last five years to raise awareness of the risks of UV radiation to children's eyesight. That's why Visique are again providing free sunglasses for five-year-old new entrants, to encourage kids to wear sunglasses from an early age. UV radiation is just as dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin.

Visique's ongoing 'back to school' at the beginning of the year offered all five-year-old new entrants a free pair of sunglasses. Visique optometrist Kevin O'Connor says children's eyes need to be protected because damage occurs over a long period of exposure, slowly and painlessly. "The risks include cataracts and macular degeneration, which are leading causes of blindness later in life, as well as pterygia and cancer," he says. "Children's eyes can be more susceptible to damage as generally their pupils are larger and their lenses are clearer, which allows more UV light through.

Visique believes that wearing sunglasses, in conjunction with a hat, will reduce radiation exposure to the eye to virtually zero.  However, they continue to stress the importance of standards. Sunglasses should have dark lenses and wrap around the eye to block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB.

Vouchers for free sunglasses for new entrants can still be redeemed at your local Visique store - while stocks last!