Author Archives: Ann Z

Patching activities and our patching gallery

First, a huge, huge thank you to everyone that entered the patching contest.  I loved reading all the entries, and seeing all the photos for the gallery (make sure to check out the gallery!).  I wanted to pull everything together and post a quick follow-up. There was one request for links to where to buyContinue reading “Patching activities and our patching gallery”

Our biggest worries with a child in glasses – and our realities

I got an email from Molly who had a lot of questions about learning that your child needs glasses.  I thought I’d turn to you for some answers. I think I speak for all of us, that our biggest fear when we learn our child needs glasses, is for their vision.  But setting that aside,Continue reading “Our biggest worries with a child in glasses – and our realities”

Speaking of patch pictures – #camopatchkids Sundays!!

I just learned of another great way of sharing pictures of kids patching!  Amanda told me that some of the iMoms (moms who blog about their children’s vision journeys) have been sharing pictures of their kids through Instagram (an app for your phone that lets you share pictures with friends).  They’ve started a tradition onContinue reading “Speaking of patch pictures – #camopatchkids Sundays!!”

New book on patching, new photo gallery for kids who patch, and a huge giveaway!

Updated:  Thank you to everyone that entered!!  The winners, who were chosen this evening at random, are Jasmine and Kat.  You both should be getting an email shortly.  I’ll post links to the gallery as soon as I get it put together.  (I’m closing comments on this post now). Carmen Swick, author of “Patchland Adventures:Continue reading “New book on patching, new photo gallery for kids who patch, and a huge giveaway!”

Call for Canadian parents with young children in glasses

Update: Thank you to everyone who responded!  I’ve forwarded your names and email addresses on to Abigail. I recently got the following request from Abigail:  I am writing a story on finding out your young child needs glasses for a national Canadian magazine’s web site. Would I be able to talk to one of youContinue reading “Call for Canadian parents with young children in glasses”

Myth busting with Kids’ Eyes Online

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about children’s vision and glasses for young kids.  Here are the seven myths I’ve heard and read the most (and likely you’ve heard some of them, too) about young children with glasses. Babies don’t need glasses because they don’t need to read. You can’t test a baby’sContinue reading “Myth busting with Kids’ Eyes Online”

Happy 2013!

Wishing all of you a very, very happy new year!  May 2013 bring all of you much peace, joy, and no broken, scratched, or lost glasses!   Three quick resolutions for 2013 1: Protect your child’s glasses: Keep your house stocked for good glasses maintenance: plenty of microfiber or soft cotton cleaning cloths around theContinue reading “Happy 2013!”

open letter to children’s eye care providers

Note – we have been lucky to enjoy a great relationship with Zoe’s pediatric ophthalmologist, but from comments here, in the facebook group, and other conversations I’ve had, I know that’s not always the case. – Ann Z Dear Children’s Eye Care Providers, First off, thank you!  Thank you for you devoting your time andContinue reading “open letter to children’s eye care providers”

Your stories: Pick a Doctor

Julie sent in this update to her daughter’s journey.  Many thanks again, for sharing!  You can read more of Julie’s writing at Balancing Mama. – Ann Z I have learned a lot about personalities this year, especially how different personalities can affect our medical journey through strabismus and surgeries. Physicians, believe it or not, are people. TheyContinue reading “Your stories: Pick a Doctor”

In thanks

Those of us in the US are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving later this week, a day to eat turkey (or tofurkey or whatever) with family and friends and to think about what we’re thankful for.  We often complain about the rude comments or stares from strangers, but in the spirit of giving thanks, I’d loveContinue reading “In thanks”

Book Review: Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero

Thank you again to Julie for another book review. You can read more of Julie’s writing at Balancing Mama. Interested in reviewing a book? Email me (ann@shinypebble.com). – Ann Z Recently, I shared a book review for Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly. Now it is the boys’ turn! Here is another great children’sContinue reading “Book Review: Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero”

Reader questions: a contact lens for amblyopia, and weaning off the patch

Lindsey wrote in about her 3 year old wondering if any parents have faced, or are facing a similar situation. Does anyone have experience with a large difference in prescription between the eyes, and either successful weaning from a patch or using a contact lens. – Ann Z Elise has intermittant strabismus and has anisometropiaContinue reading “Reader questions: a contact lens for amblyopia, and weaning off the patch”

Pictures (of various sorts)

I realized I was horribly behind in updating our photo gallery.  I’ve taken care of that, and we’re up to 159 fantastic pictures, there.  As always, if I somehow missed a picture you sent me, I am sorry.  Please let me know.  And if you’d like to have your child’s picture in the gallery, sendContinue reading “Pictures (of various sorts)”

October 11, 2012 is World Sight Day

I posted this at Great Glasses Play Day, but I wanted to share it here, too.  Blindness prevention is near and dear to my heart, as I think of how lucky we are that Zoe’s vision issues were able to be treated early and well.  In honor of World Sight Day, I will be donatingContinue reading “October 11, 2012 is World Sight Day”