Sheffield optometrist helps local canoeist makes waves in the competitive ranks

An independent optometrist has come to the aid of a young sports star thanks to his expertise in a new innovative contact lens technology.

Alex Gage, a family optometrist who owns two practices in Woodseats and Crosspool in Sheffield, was the port of call for Daisy Pound, a 16-year-old canoeist from Fulwood, hoping to rise higher in the competitive rankings.

As one of just four opticians in the north of England who specialises in Orthokeratology, also known as Overnight Vision Correction (OVC®), Alex was able to measure and fit the iGO lenses to Daisy's eyes.

The iGO contact lenses are worn at night to correct vision while the person is asleep. When the lenses are removed in the morning, users are able to see with natural vision for at least 24 hours.

Alex Gage, who gained a diploma in Sports Vision in 2005, said he likes to keep up to date with the latest technology in correcting vision.

"Daisy was wearing soft contact lenses when she came to me in April, but while she was getting better at canoeing, she was losing her contact lenses when competing and the chance of losing them will become even greater as she rises through the ranks and competes in rougher water.

"She had a normal eye exam with us and within a week of being fitted up, she was seeing perfectly.

"I know that, in sport, even the smallest improvement can make a difference, and it has in Daisy's case. In addition, because she is still under 18, the lenses will prevent her eyes getting worse."

Daisy, who has been competing for just 20 months, was promoted to Division 1 from Division 2 soon after she started using the iGO OVC® lenses.

Her mum, Isabelle Pound, said Daisy would have struggled to take the sport to the level she has without the lenses.

"Mr Gage immediately had a clear grasp of Daisy's issues, the time scales for competitions and subsequent sporting promotions.

"The service has been spot on and he even came in on his day off to ensure she had the lenses in time for her race.

"She has already recommended the iGO lenses to a friend!"

Daisy has been enjoying great success in Division 1 this year, and promotion into the Premier Division is looking increasingly likely.

Jennifer Golden, co-founder and director of iGO OVC®, said: "In addition to helping Daisy in her sporting success, Overnight Vision Correction has a further very important benefit as it will halt the progression of her myopia (short-sightedness). This is especially important for teens and children as this is when myopia development is at is most aggressive.

To see whether you can benefit from a Free Consultation, simply complete the online questionnaire to assess your suitability for iGO lenseshttp://igolenses.com/questionnaire.html

For more information about Overnight Vision Correction or to book an appointment at the Crosspool practise, please contact Alex Gage at48 Sandygate Road,Crosspool on0114 266 7066or at 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats on 0114 274 8582.

Ends

For more information or to arrange an interview with Alex or wife and fellow optometrist Sarah Gage, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to Editors

For more information about Overnight Vision Correction, please visithttp://igolenses.com/index.htmlandhttp://alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/overnight-vision-correction/for more on the services Alex offers

Please visitwww.alexgagevision.co.ukfor more information about the extensive services and products that Alex and Sarah Gage provide

Alex also has asports vision practice [http://alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/2012-sports-vision/] and earlier this year, did some work with theGB boxing squad [http://alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/sheffield-optometrist-is-a-hit-with-gb-boxers/]

Sports vision is an aspect of the services he provides which he plans to develop for the business [http://alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/2012-sports-vision/]

Alex Gage is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Sheffield and visits local schools to talk about eye health