Thanks to a lucky prize win Katrina can now see the music and more
Well, that is definitely not that case at Allegro Optical Opticians. Based in Greenfield, Saddleworth and Meltham in Holmfirth we run regular FREE prize draws, both in store and when we take our Road-Show around the country. Each draw gives that lucky someone a chance to win a pair of our fantastic musicians spectacles.
Our most recent lucky winner was Katrina Woodward a horn player with Uppermill Band who has benefited from coming to see and had been fitted with not one, but two free pairs of musician’s glasses. One pair for playing from the stand and a second pair for playing from the lyer.
Katrina, like all musicians, needs to be able to see the music on the stand clearly. So having a crisp view of the music is essential. She not only needs to focus at all the distances required of a horn player she also gets called upon to march and play at the same time. Marching and playing from one’s lyre is something many brass band players do, especially during the Whit Friday contests which are held in Tameside and Saddleworth. Also, during the National Remembrance Services and Marches which commemorate those who gave their lives in the service of their country.
Problem solved
Having visited Allegro Optical in Meltham for a musicians consultation where we able to calculate the exact prescription required for both Katrina’s music positions and design two pairs of lenses to correct her vision in both situations.
When she collected her new glasses Katrina was impressed by the clarity of her vision at all distances. When asked about how it felt to win the draw and how her new glasses had helped her when playing she said; “I was really pleased and surprised to win the prize draw. My new glasses are great, it makes such a big difference when wearing them at Uppermill. No more looking over the top of my glasses at the conductor like a school teacher! I can’t wait to wear my new marching glasses on Whit Sunday and Whit Friday.“
So why do musicians experience problems when trying to see the music?
Mature players often experience focusing problems. Usually caused by changes in the structure of the crystalline lens causing the stiffening of the ocular muscles. Many musicians struggle to focus on all the different distances required of their profession. A great deal of musicians are unaware that there is a solution to the problem. They soldier on trying all kinds of ad-hoc remedies. Many optometrists or opticians suggest either varifocals, which often exacerbate the problems due to the narrow corridor. Or they recommend bifocals or occupational lenses neither of which are very satisfactory.
How can Allegro Optical help?
As performers and musicians ourselves we understand the many visual requirements our passion requires. As a result, we can prescribe a selection of lenses designed and dispensed specifically to suit the performer’s needs. By creating a solution especially for the client, we can provide a perfect visual solution. As optical professionals, we understand the variety of dispensing challenges that practitioners may face when a musician presents in practice.
Allegro Optical is currently the National Best New Business – Arts and Entertainment Business of the Year, an accolade received for our services to the Arts and Entertainment industry. Having seen our co-founder Sheryl Doe win the ‘National Dispensing Optician of the Year 2019’ award in March at the annual Optician Awards, Allegro Optical are well placed to provide an opticians experience which is second to none. As the only Opticians registered with the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM). You know you will be in safe hands.
If you are a musician who has problems seeing the music give us a call at Allegro Optical Opticians. For Greenfield, Saddleworth call 01457 353100 or Meltham, Holmfirth on 01484 907090 for advice or to book a consultation.
