Internet Access Available

Carolina Ophthalmology Associates is excited to announce that we now have wireless internet services available. This will allow our patients or their companions the opportunity to enjoy access to online services while dilating in our office or if they prefer to step out by the pond, picnic, or lobby areas.

Make-Up Rules

You may not consider yourself as having sensitive skin, but the area around your eyes may be. When it comes to eyelid dermatitis whose symptoms can be stinging, itching and redness, beware of these culprits.

Mascara should be replace often due to bacteria that quickly grows within the container. Usually every three months is recommended. Also, you may want to skip the brighter colored mascaras as the added dyes can cause sensitivity too. Black is the least irritating of all.

The next time you have your nails polished, keep them away from your eyes. Believe it or not, freshly painted nails have irritants that are the top cause of dermatitis. Make sure if you do touch your eyes, your nail polish is completely dry. If your eyes are irritated and you're not sure of the cause, make an appoinment at Carolina Ophthalmolgy Associates today by phone or on line.

Meet Brittany

Congratulations go to Brittany, who has been with Carolina Ophthalmology Associates since June 2008. As a young girl, Brittany became interested in Ophthalmology from accompanying her grandfather to his retina appointments. Since then, she has gained experience in various aspects of Optometry and Ophthalmology.

After graduating from Campbell University with a degree in Biology, Brittany furthered her ophthalmology interest by completing the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (C.O.T.) training program sponsored by the Duke Eye Center and Duke School of Medicine. After months of dedication and hard work, Brittany is now certified through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel. She currently resides in Chapel Hill with her husband Steven.

Is “Eye Exam” On Your Child’s Back-to-School Checklist?

Preparing for the start of a new school year? Perhaps you should add Eye Exam to the top of your child’s school list.

“Starting by age five, children should have already had at least one eye exam by a professional” says Dr. James Bryan, MD. “Vision is a critical tool when it comes to your child learning.” In fact, experts say that 80% of what children learn in school is achieved visually. However, it is reported that one in four school-age children have some form of vision problem which can interfere with academic performance.

Family history can also play a role making it especially important that the child receives a complete eye exam if a parent or sibling is known to have any eye problems.

If you notice your child squinting, uninterested in reading, or seems to be "daydreaming" because he cannot see the letters in a book or on the board, it might be time to make an eye appointment.

Please call our office to schedule an appointment for your child with either Dr. Bryan or Dr. Scroggs at 919-967-4836.

Latisse...Voluptuous Lashes Can Be Yours!

Do you wish you had long, beautiful eye lashes? Well it can be reality thanks to the makers of Botox, drug giant Allergan. Latisse is the first prescription product which has been approved by the FDA to grow thicker, fuller lashes in just 4 to 8 weeks of regular daily use.

If you love lash extensions and dye but are tired of spending an hour at the salon every month, Latisse is a better, safer and less expensive alternative. The result is a more natural look with all of the advantages of long, thick, full lashes.

Follow our blog to see how Latisse works as we will do our own demo on a lucky staff member!

For more information on Latisse, call Carolina Ophthalmology Associates at 945-3937.

If You've Had Vision Correction, You WANT to Read This

As technology evolves, we have discovered that it is crucial for refractive surgery patients (if you’ve had LASIK, PRK, etc) to keep a record of pre-operation information that will be needed for future eye surgery, such as cataract surgery.

Dr. Bryan has started giving his patients their surgical operative report with vital information such as their eyes’ pre-operative measurements. This is an essential part of your health files and should be kept in a safe place for future reference. If you’ve had one of these surgeries, including RK (radial keratotomy) with Dr. Bryan when he began at Durham Clinic in 1993 (which later changed their name to Regional Specialty Physicians), then call Pam now to get your information at 919-945-3937. Also note that Dr. Bryan was in practice with North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat in 2000 before opening his private practice with Dr. Scroggs which is now Carolina Ophthalmology Associates.

This is yet another excellent reason why you made the decision to have YOUR surgery with Dr. Bryan and not the bargain basement down the street that no longer has your information after seven years or worse yet, has gone out of business.

Hello, I’m Shannon and I work as the Insurance Coordinator at Carolina Ophthalmology Associates.

I started working here as a receptionist in November 2006. For those of you that recognize me, I’m still here, just less visible since I’m no longer greeting you from the front desk.

Now, I’m using my 15+ years of experience in medical billing to better assist our patients. So, whether you have a question regarding your bill or need an insurance question answered, I can be reached by phone at 919-967-4836 or via e-mail at ShannonR@Carolina2020.com.