FYidoctors - Toronto - North York
North York (Ontario)
M3J 1N2
- Telephone: 416-630-5033
- Email: toronto.northyork@fyidoctors.com
Working Remotely
Working Remotely: Five Ways to Adjust to Working from Home, for You and Your Eyes
Are you working from home? Due to COVID-19, many of us have shifted our work environment into home spaces. Read our list of five tips to make this adjustment easier.
Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, many of us have modified our work environments and moved our office into our home spaces. This can potentially pose mental and physical challenges as our time of isolation, distancing and quarantine continues.
For those who were once in collaborative offices, the isolation of working from home can be difficult to adjust to. We all have unique situations that come with different challenges to navigate. If working from home is new to you, you may be struggling with how to define work and home-life boundaries, or perhaps the overall stress with the COVID-19 global event is weighing on you.
These are all understandable responses to an unprecedented time. FYidoctors wants to provide you with five tips that could be helpful as you manage the uncertainties that come with working from home.
5 Tips for Working From Home:
- Defining a Home Office Set-Up
If your home allows for it, create an entirely different space for work versus personal time. This is important because it allows you to set boundaries between home-life and business. A different space will help you concentrate and will also cue your mind and body to relax in personal spaces when the workday is done.
A work set-up might simply be comprised of a desk in a quiet area away from distractions. Try to make it as comfortable as possible—use a chair that will support your back and a desk that is appropriately level with your line of sight.
Consider developing a work routine. Think back to when you did go into the office. You likely had a routine you followed every morning. Maybe you visited your favourite coffee shop or went to the gym, then got dressed in your work attire. Create new routines at home. Make yourself a drip coffee, try home fitness sessions before the work day, and you can even put on your work clothes if you think it would help you get in the right frame of mind!
Everyone’s situation is different—set up a routine that works for you. If children or other family members need your attention, try setting boundaries with your family to increase your productivity in both work and personal life. This could mean taking turns doing chores, allocating silent times throughout the day or coordinating family-wide breaks.
- Take Breaks and Rest Your Eyes
Now more than ever, you may be tempted to stay glued to your screens all day. Virtual connectivity is how we stay close to the people in our lives, for work and leisure. At home, you have fewer opportunities to interact outside screen time than working in an office, where you likely had regular face to face meetings with your colleagues.
Prolonged periods of computer work increase your exposure to blue light, a naturally occurring wavelength of light that is generally known to produce wakefulness. If exposed for longer periods however, blue light can be disruptive and potentially cause eye strain. FYidoctors recommends taking regular breaks from your screens throughout the day to give your eyes much needed rest. Consider turning off interior lighting, to reduce the amount of bright light on your eyes. For more tips on reducing eye strain visit our computer eye strain prevention blog.
While on your break consider using the time to meditate and take care of your mental health. Apps like Calm or Insight Timer can help you relieve anxiety and provide tools to cope with periods of stress. You could also go for a walk, read a book, organize your home space, or phone friends who may also be socially distanced.
- Stay Connected and Reach out to Colleagues Virtually
Working remotely is isolating. You may be accustomed to bouncing ideas off colleagues or collaborating on projects with you team. With an abundance of technology around us, these interactions can still occur virtually. Tools like Facetime, Zoom and Microsoft Teams allow for group video chats. There are also video chat options through social applications like Facebook messenger and WhatsApp.
It is very important to continue to reach out to others. This is a stressful and isolating time for many people but hearing familiar voices and keeping up a routine of connecting will be beneficial for your mental health in the long run. To limit screen time, you can always opt for a phone call instead of video chat.
- Stretch it Out
Sitting in one spot for 8 hours a day isn’t doing you any favours— in any workspace! While taking a break from your screens, why not take five minutes to stretch? Common problem areas are the neck and back for individuals who are at work in front of the computer all day. Relieve potential pain by engaging in stretches or yoga poses that target specific areas of discomfort. Invest in a foam roller to ease out the particularly tight muscles.
Tools like Class Pass offer online workouts you can do from home. Many gyms and trainers are also providing IGTV workouts you can participate in remotely.
- Recharge in the Evening
When the workday is done, enjoy your personal time. It may be difficult to detach from work if you have a stressful job. Taking a moment to spend quality time with family members or participating in a hobby that is pleasurable to you will allow you to recharge and give renewed focus to your next workday.
Working from home can be an adjustment for many who don’t have experience with it. Living socially distanced from others is unusual and difficult but it’s the new normal we all must adapt to. While there are unique challenges for everyone, we hope these tips will be useful as you create your workspace within your home.
For more information on how you can be mindful of your vision and overall wellness, read about The Link Between Eye Health and Overall Wellness.
You can also discover more helpful resources on our health and wellness blog page.
Exclusive Paul Frank Collection
Exclusive Paul Frank collection only $199⁹⁹* for a complete pair online or at select clinics only.
Includes Paul Frank frame with Single Vision lens and scratch resistant + anti-reflective coating.
Paul Frank frames are influenced by mid-century modern design, music and pop culture. By incorporating bright colours, the company has attracted an almost cult-like following for Paul Frank’s take on everyday objects.
*Price based on 1.5 index single vision lens. Available at select clinics only. Some restrictions apply. Valid until December 31, 2020. Doctors of Optometry.
Contact Lens Safety
Is it Safe to Wear Contacts During COVID-19?
FYidoctors wants to assure you that contacts are safe to use when proper hygiene and disinfecting procedures are met. For detailed steps read our blog.
COVID-19 has caused an increased and warranted concern regarding hand-hygiene, and how that may affect the use of contact lenses. You may be wondering, is it still safe to use contacts given the COVID-19 circumstances?
FYidoctors wants to assure you that if you continue to use proper hygiene procedures, contact lenses remain safe to use. These procedures include properly washing your hands before and after touching both your contacts and your eyes and disinfecting your contact lenses regularly with every use.
Much of the concern surrounds the fact that contact lens wearers are more prone to touching their face. This can also be true for those who use spectacles especially reading glasses, which can be set down and picked up multiple times during a day. Proper hand washing, surface cleansing, and washing your glasses are important precautions to minimize any risk of contamination.
FYidoctors has compiled a how-to list of the proper procedures to follow when putting on your eye wear. Please note that these procedures should always be adhered to—whether COVID-19 is present in our environments or not.
How to Safely Use Contact Lens and Eyewear
1. Always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses.
We can’t stress enough the importance of hand washing. Wash your hands before you put in your contacts and before you remove them. The Government of Canada has stated proper hand washing means 20 seconds carefully with water and soap, including the back of your hands, palms, between your fingers and under fingernails. Dry your hands with unused towels to avoid the introduction of bacteria before you touch your eyes. Turn off the tap using paper towel. Wash your hands frequently, throughout the day.
2. Dispose of your Dailies or disinfect your Weeklies and Monthlies contacts.
If you use daily disposable contacts, throw them away after one use. If you reuse your contact lenses, follow the manufacturer instructions on how to regularly disinfect them.
3. If you are sick, discontinue contact use.
Consistent with the guidance given under normal circumstance, don’t use your contacts if you have cold or flu-like symptoms. Touching your eyes and contacts will only aggravate this area, and potentially spread infection, such as conjunctivitis, to your eyes.
4. Don’t forget to wash your eye glasses too.
If you become sick and discontinue contact use, or if you wear glasses as your form of correction, proper precautions must be followed to clean spectacles. Viruses like COVID-19 can exist on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Often we are removing our glasses throughout the day (more so for those with reading glasses), so it is essential that they are disinfected regularly. The safest way to clean and sanitize spectacles is with warm (not hot) water and dish soap. Avoid harsh cleaners that contain ammonia and isopropyl alcohol, which could potentially destroy the coating on your glasses.
Both The University of Waterloo’s Centre for Ocular Research & Education and Alcon, a contacts lens manufacturer, have released evidence-based statements on the subject of COVID-19 and contacts. They reiterate contacts are safe to use, however, only when the proper hygiene precautions are followed, such as properly washing your hands before and after touching contacts and disinfecting your contact lenses.
While it is an understandably stressful time, we want to assure you that regular contact use is safe with proper hygiene and precautions. These procedures should be followed regardless of COVID-19. Safe hygiene is necessary to protect yourself from viruses.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to an FYidoctors clinic near you to learn more about contact lens safety or if you have any questions or concerns.
FYidoctors is committed to providing you with insight on the latest eye care information and resources as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
For more information on FYidoctors’ response, visit our COVID-19 information page.
Resources
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education: COVID-19 and contact lens wear: what do eye care practitioners and patients need to know?
Alcon: Contact Lens Wear Information
The Government of Canada: Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
Stay-at-Home Cooking
Top 5 Healthy Freezer-Friendly Meals
Running out of cooking ideas while at home? Social distancing and isolation have caused many of us to rethink how to cook under constraints like limited ingredients or infrequent grocery runs. Discover our list of five easy and eye-healthy recipes.
Many of us are isolated at home, which has caused some challenges and opportunities when it comes to cooking. You may be learning new recipes and techniques or getting creative with limited ingredients.
After day 10 of being at home, you may be asking yourself—what should I eat next? There are engaging ways to learn how to cook, even from home. If you are struggling—or interested in learning something new—you can always try online resources like Instructables or Tasty.
Having a balanced diet is important in maintaining overall health and improving eyesight. FYidoctors has compiled a list of five freezable eye-healthy meals, for you and your family to make at home.
1. Nutrient Rich Minestrone Soup
Serves 2
This comforting soup is packed with flavour and nutrients. The tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, while carrots include beta-carotene—a substance that itself converts into vitamin A which helps protect the surface of your eyes by strengthening barriers to bacteria and viruses. Kidney beans are a source of Zinc, which helps your body absorb vitamin A. All this is excellent for your vision, and it’s a one pot recipe that can be easily frozen to enjoy at a later time.
Ingredients
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 2 carrots, diced
· 3 celery stalks, diced
· ½ a yellow onion, diced
· 2 ½ cups of diced tomatoes
· 3 cups of chicken broth
· 2 cups of kidney beans
· ½ cup elbow pasta
· 1 tsp dried oregano
· Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, brown the onion, carrots and celery. Add the kidney beans then add the diced tomatoes. Pour the chicken broth in and let everything come to a simmer. Add the elbow pasta and cook until noodles are al dente. Add oregano and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Lentil and Black Bean Burgers
Serves 4
Beans are powerful when it comes to eye health! Lentils and black beans are rich in Zinc, a mineral that helps produce Vitamin A in your body. Try this vegetarian take on a hamburger for a healthy alternative to a fun classic.
Ingredients
· 14 oz can of red lentils
· 14 oz can of black beans
· ½ cup bread crumbs
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 large egg
· ½ diced white onion
· ¼ cup minced parsley
· 1 sliced tomato
· 4 slices of American cheese
· 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
Wash lentils and black beans in cold water, then dry on a pan with a paper towel. In a large bowl crush the dried lentils and black beans. Combine with breadcrumbs, egg, onion and parsley until the mixture is sticky and moldable. Form the mixture into 4 hamburger patties and set on a plate. Put the plate into the fridge for 20 minutes until the shape is firm and holds together. Heat a pan with olive oil. Fry each patty on both sides until browned. Assemble your burgers in their buns with cheese and tomato (and whatever fixing you enjoy)!
3. Savoury Tuna and Pea Casserole
Serves 4
This healthy entrée is comforting and easy to freeze for later. Tuna is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which can help adults prevent age-related macular degeneration. Peas are also excellent for vision because they contain the carotenoid pigment lutein, which can reduce the risk of cataracts.
Ingredients
· 4 (4 oz) cans of tuna, drained
· 1 cup of frozen peas
· 4 cloves of garlic, minced
· 2 tsp chili flakes
· 400g of macaroni pasta of choice
· Salt and pepper to taste
· 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
· ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to boil and add the dried macaroni, let cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Once noodles are cooked combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Spread evenly in a 12in x 12in pan and sprinkle breadcrumbs on the surface. Bake in a 350°F for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
4. Healthy Green Pepper Breakfast Burrito
Serves 4
This is a simple dish that goes a long way! The green peppers are excellent for your vision because they contain both Vitamin A and lutein. Black beans are also a terrific source of zinc.
Ingredients
· ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese
· 4 large whole grain tortillas
· ¼ of a red onion thinly sliced
· ½ cup rinsed and dried black beans
· ½ cup chopped green pepper
Instructions
Lay all the tortillas out on a clean surface. Portion all the remaining ingredients between the four tortillas in an even line horizontally across each. Wrap the burrito by folding in the sides, then folding up the bottom end over
the filling. Roll the cylinder up tightly. Package the burritos with aluminum foil to either freeze for later or to heat up in your oven!
5. Fresh Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Serves 2
Treat yourself to an eye-healthy smoothie for breakfast. The bananas are a rich source of Vitamin A, while the coconut milk will charge you with a mighty dose of antioxidants.
Ingredients
· 2 frozen bananas
· 1 tbsp almond butter (or nut butter of choice)
· 1 tsp cocoa powder
· 1/2 tsp cinnamon
· 1 tbsp hemp hearts (optional)
· 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
· 1/2 cup water (or until you've reached desired thickness)
· Optional: Add a dash of pure peppermint extract to make it a mint chocolate smoothie
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a blender. Start by pulsing on low and slowly increase the speed. If the mixture is too thick, add water to loosen. You can also freeze this mixture in an airtight container as a healthy substitute to ice cream!
Freezable meals are convenient, especially if you have to a make a large volume and may not have the chance to visit a grocery store regularly. When you freeze your meals, remember to use freezable containers or bags to keep your food tasting fresh. You can double any of these recipes to scale how much you want to make and save for later.
FYidoctors hopes these recipes will spark your imagination in the kitchen while you’re at home and potentially struggling for new ideas to cook for your family.
Feel free to get creative! These recipes are guidelines and we encourage you to swap out ingredients for what you have on hand. For even more eye-healthy recipes check out our recipes page on our blog.
Sacori | Premium Eyewear
THE NEW STANDARD OF PREMIUM EYEWEAR
Welcome to the world of Sacori. A specially crafted line of frames launched in collaboration with Arlene Dickinson a two-time best-selling author, influential entrepreneur and venture capitalist. Arlene worked closely with the FYidoctors design team to develop a core line of frames exclusive to FYidoctors | Visique. Sacori eyewear is made for people who want their frames to match their spirit and know that style and substance does not have to mean expensive.
Sacori frames are meticulously crafted and offer the very best in materials and design. When paired together with our high-quality Canadian made lenses, Sacori is simply the new standard of premium eyewear.
STYLE. SUBSTANCE. SACORI
The Director
For those who take charge and make things happen. The director is bold, creative and suave.
The Valiant
Incredible accomplishments aren’t a result of luck. The Valiant is a subtle update on timeless style.
The Executive
Be the type others strive to emulate. The Executive portrays strength, smarts and personality
The Pursuer
Take chances on yourself regardless of the opinion of others. The Pursuer is witty, passionate and composed.
The Overseer
When you want the job done right, sometimes you’ve got to do it yourself. The Overseer is thoughtful, clean and comfortable.
The Doer
Flawless execution is the result of meticulous planning. The Doer is striking, acute and original.
INTRODUCING THE NEW STANDARD OF PREMIUM EYEWEAR
Superior spring hinges tested for durability and greater range of movement.
100% hypoallergenic stainless steel.
The Influencer
Made for those whose every day actions make an impact. The Influencer is creative, classic and refined.
The Mentor
Lead by example and be the type who others gravitate towards. The Mentor is sophisticated, attractive and grounded.
The Intrepid
Inspired by the few who are willing to risk it all to realize a goal. The Intrepid is worldly, sharp and impactful.
The Envisionist
Created for individuals who see the bigger picture, and then take action. The Envisionist is upbeat, modern and alluring.
The Specialist
For those who value the importance of finely-honed skills. The Specialist is agile, polished and assured.
The Venturer
Crafted for relentless minds who don’t know how to quit. The Venturer is dashing, intriguing and authentic.
EXCELLENCE TAKES EFFORT
Our lenses are made in Canada and feature an HD Plus ultra-protective coating that protects against scratches, reduces glare and repels water. The easiest to clean of any lens on the market.
The Commander
Made to take charge and never look back. The Commander exudes quality, class and influence.
The Ponderer
Created for people who expand on ideas until brilliance is reached. The Ponderer is rational, precise and dapper.
The Enlightener
For those who welcome new ways of thinking from all angles. The Enlightener is sensible, enthusiastic and intuitive.
The Owner
Reaping rewards requires taking risks. The Owner is capable, strong and attentive.
The Persuader
Success silences even the loudest critic. The Persuader is sophisticated, captivating and contemporary.
The Builder
Creating something bigger than ourselves is our best chance at immortality. The Builder is unique, cultured and natural.
THE HIGHEST GRADE MATERIALS THROUGHOUT
Italian Mazzucchelli acetate for deeper, fuller multi-dimensional colours.
The Investor
Quality in any shape or form always has value. The Investor is energetic, alluring and wise.
The Explorer
Travelling the road less travelled offers numerous pitstops for growth. The Explorer is compelling, keen and decisive.
The Master
Passion and persistence combined is an unstoppable force. The Master is enduring, prolific and relaxed.
The Negotiator
Considering all points of view is a shortcut to reaching goals. The Negotiator is forceful, intelligent and hip.
The Collaborator
Striving for excellence is best done with others. The Collaborator is cooperative, courageous and approachable.
The Conqueror
Continuous hard work is necessary for victory in battle. The Conqueror is stylish, enlightened and thoughtful.
CRAFTED USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
Assembled with premium coated screws that are less likely to loosen.
The Entrepreneur
It’s more than a means to an end, it’s who you are. The Entrepreneur is grounded, genuine and bright.
The Operator
Step up to the challenge anytime, every time. The Operator is vivid clever and established.
The Leader
Progression happens bu pushing boundaries. The Leader is decisice, firm and skillful.
Call 1-855-919-3937 for inquires about your patient care. We are here to help.
While this clinic is temporarily closed we are still able to serve you. If you have an eye care emergency or any inquires regarding your eye health, including prescription information, glasses, or contacts, please give us a call. The FYidoctors team of optometrists and staff are here to help you.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, FYidoctors is taking enhanced steps to protect the health of our colleagues and patients. We know how important your vision is and remain intent on serving you the best we can. If you need to visit a clinic for urgent care, please visit our partner location, FYidoctors – Toronto - Fairview Mall Drive.
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Formerly Yorkview Eyecare.
We've officially changed our name to FYidoctors! Same great staff and exceptional service.
Meet Our Optometrists
Lauren Libenson
Lauren Libenson
Born and raised in Montreal, Dr. Libenson obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy and Cell Biology with a minor in Kinesiology from McGill University. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for vision, while working in a vision research lab studying colour vision. She then attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts and graduated with her Doctorate of Optometry where she received the Presidential Scholarship and was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society. During her time in optometry school, Dr. Libenson trained at many renowned eye care institutions around Massachusetts. This included specialty contact lens fits at the Fenway Health Center and in ocular disease at the Jamaica Plain Veteran Affairs Hospital.
She is eager to begin serving the eye care needs of the GTA, and has a special interest in treating dry eye disease with scleral contact lenses. Her professional affiliations include the Ontario Association of Optometrists and the Ontario College of Optometrists.
