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ONE of the region’s leading eye care and lens specialists has opened two stores in the kingdom ready to offer solutions to style-conscious consumers wanting to get into the right frame of mind this summer.
The Rivoli EyeZone launched operations at Oasis Mall, Juffair and Seef Mall Muharraq earlier this year and have revealed plans for further expansion.
“The Rivoli Group has been growing in the Bahrain market over the last 17 years with our watch stores – Rivoli, Hour Choice and brand boutiques,” explained Ramanathan. R, chief operating officer, Lifestyle Division, Rivoli Group.
“It was a natural progression to expand Rivoli EyeZone (REZ) into this market. REZ is also committed to opening another five stores by the end of the year.”
Rivoli EyeZone is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all eyewear-related needs, from the range of optical lenses and contact lenses, latest eyeglasses to suit lifestyle requirements, along with the ‘finest and most trending sunglasses to make you more stylish’, he added.
But it’s not only fashion that plays an important role when it comes to choosing the perfect pair of shades, especially during the summer season in Bahrain. “Absolutely, sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun,” said Ramanathan. “These rays can damage not only the skin of your eyelid but also the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye like the retina.
“UV exposure also contributes to the development of certain types of cataracts, growths on the eye and possibly macular degeneration.
“Polarised sunglasses benefit outdoor enthusiasts including joggers, bikers, skiers and golfers since all of these activities require the elimination of glare for optimum safety and performance. Polarised sunglasses can be helpful for driving too, because they reduce glare-causing reflections from flat surfaces, such as the hood of the car or the road’s surface.
“Some light-sensitive people, including post-cataract surgery patients and those continually exposed to bright light through windows, may also choose to wear polarised sunglasses indoors. Those who require corrective prescription eyewear, have several choices when it comes to sunglasses. Prescription sunglasses are available for virtually any lens prescription.”
The stores are also equipped with new generation ophthalmic machines in a dedicated refraction room with an aim to provide a calm and soothing environment for eye tests and professional consultation. Eye tests are also great indicators for spotting other health issues at an early stage.
“Our eyes have been called ‘the window to our soul’,” added Ramanathan. “And, it is for a reason, as we believe it turns out, they also are often a very effective window to our overall health.
“During a comprehensive eye exam, your Optometrist can observe and evaluate the health and condition of the blood vessels in your retina, which are a good predictor of the health of blood vessels throughout your body. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia all are visible by changes in the appearance of the retinal blood supply and blood vessels.
“Annual eye exams are especially important for anyone with diabetes or who might be at risk for the disease – due to obesity, family history or other reasons. In its early stages, diabetic eye disease has no visible symptoms. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of the disease so treatment can begin soon enough to prevent vision loss.
“Also, an early detection of high eye pressure and other risk factors for glaucoma is possible only with routine eye exams. Some of the other aspects include Cover test and Ocular motility testing, this when performed as a pretest to eye exams can help in identifying Strabismus (Squints), Lazy eye (Amblyopia) and binocular vision problems.
“Last but not the least, a wide range of several other eye conditions and diseases can also be detected with the slit lamp exam, done as part of an eye exam, including cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal ulcers and diabetic retinopathy and so on.”
From its HQ in Dubai, the group has swiftly established its reputation as one of the largest importers, distributors and retailers of luxury products with more than 370 stores in the region. The group also manages travel retail in leading airports and on-board airlines.
Each REZ is operated by a store manager, several professionally-qualified optometrists offering eye tests, sales staff and assistants.
There are currently ‘amazing store launch offers’ available in Bahrain.
