From

From:	`"calvin" <calchun@netvigator.com>`
To:	`info@chinamyopia.org`
Date:	`22 Jul 2003, 09:52:16 PM`
Subject:	`Enquiry`

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Dear Mr Leung,

I have just purchased your book this afternoon and finished reading it just now. I entirely agree with your principle though I have never tried your method before. In fact, my son, aged 13, has had an eye-sight check 2 weeks ago and found that his left eye is100 near-sighted( 左眼１百度近視), right eye 50 farsighted( 右眼五十度遠視, 两眼各有五十度散光). A qualified 視光師 has fixed a pair of glasses (nearsighted on left and farsighted on right) for him and asked him to wear them whole day and come back for an eye(pupil) check after 2 months for change of a pair of progressive glasses. I am a bit disturbed by this suggestion to wear glasses whole day now and then change a progressive glasses next month. My son does not have any problem in class or in seeing any far distant things. He never wears glasses before, although 2 years ago his left eye was only 50 near-sighted ( 左眼有五十度近視)，and right eye:75 far-sighted (右眼七十五度遠視) . I have made an appointment for my son to see an eye doctor this week but would wish to seek your views on how I should handle my son's case, particularly after reading your book. He is going to UK in end August and I am really hesitant to let him try the way suggested by the optical shop. Grateful for your advice.

Mrs CHEUNG

----- Original Message -----

From: calvin

To: Lawson's_optom_ltd

Sent: Saturday, August 02, 2003 11:53 PM

Subject: Re: "Children reject "prevention"

Dear Mr. Leung,

Thankyou for sharing this information with me. I agree that "an attitude adjustment" is required . But it should start ,in my view, with ODs first instead of from parents. I think most of the consumers visiting an OD for the first time are ready to accept whatever recommendation an OD is going to give them. If ODs in (Hong Kong) are less commercial or money-conscious, I think more consumers are willing to try for positive lens in exchange for a pair of life-long negative glasses. They are only ignorant about this or simply not given a choice. I become skeptical about the "traditional treatment" only when I have experienced myself the agony of changing my glasses many many times without getting any improvement to my eyesight. I think it's time to have a change in mindset/ approach in redressing this problem. We need as much the efforts/cooperation from ODs as from parents. Surely it is not an easy task, particularly in Hong Kong where profitability always dictates the market. We are not only lacking "insightful" ODs in (HK) , but ODs with conscience. This is the crux of the problem. With best wishes,

Mrs ( Cheung )

　

　

　

The book " Why eyeglasses are harmful for children and young people" is available at www.i-see under library.

Please forward the message and share with someone if you feel that could be help.

　

----- Original Message -----
Subject: Children reject "prevention"

　

Dear all,

Typical case of myopia tragedy repeats endlessly in the past, present and future around the world. The worst place of myopia is -- H.K. I share the opinion with Dr. Joseph Kennebeck and Otis Brown.

　

The situation of myopia will only get worse until the general public grasps the mind of myopia prevention in time.

Until prevention is done, there is no hope for the future welfare of the eyes of the present and future generations of children and young people, they will be forced to resort to life-time glasses.

　

I wish I could be more optimistic.

　

　

Steve Leung

Lawson's Optometrists limited

朗星 (新一代) 視光學

***************

----- Original Message -----

From: Otis Brown

　

Dear Jon,
cc: Steve Leung, Alfred

Re: Why eyeglasses are harmful for children and young people", By Dr. Joseph Kennebeck OD 1969

[Typical case]

I have been "accused" of blaming ODs (optometrists) for our current situation. What is tragic

is the number of "insightful" ODs, who understand much of this situation, and

can do absolutely nothing about it. If you are working with a young person

on the threshold of nearsighedness, you might have their parent read the following.

It might sink in -- or perhaps not. It is worth the attempt.

This should be a lesson for all of us. When something must be done, we

are not paying attention. After it is indeed too late -- we demand an instant solution -- quick fix of

vision by minus lens. I think we need an "attitude adjustment" on this issue.

The issue is our unique qualities of insight, fortitude, motivation and intelligence.

Some, when offered an intelligent alternative will reject it out-of-hand.

If they do that -- they must be told that their rejection is going

to make their situation permanent and locked march into nearsightedness. It is a choice of now or never.

Others, if offered a choice will work with you to make that "choice" effective.

This situation, however, has not changed since the time

of " Dr. Raphaelson". Let us hope we can do better in the future.

Until "WE CHANGE", no OD can help us. The "first responsibility"

must rest with us.

Best,

Otis

　