Eye Digest Magazine December 2018

EYE DIGEST DECEMBER 2018

BCDO’S QUARTERLY OPTOMETRIC MAGAZINE

Dr. Shiv Sharma Shares his optometric experience and gives advice to new grads

Financial Literacy Get peace of mind when it comes to your finances

Holiday Baking We prepared some recipes and ideas to make your holidays even more fun!

info@optometrists.bc.ca 604.737.9907

BC Doctors of Optometry 121 –10551 Shellbridge Way, Richmond B.C, V6X 2W8

CONTENTS

A Word from Our President ................................................... 4 Committees in 2018 .................................................................... 5

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Board of Directors ....................................................................... 6 A Letter from Our CEO ............................................................. 8

Finances Give Yourself a Gift of Financial Literacy .................. 10 Paying Too Much Tax .......................................................... 14

Industry Alcon Canada Introduces Systane Drops ................. 16 MGD Dilemma Solutions ................................................... 18 Member Benefits ........................................................................ 22

Programs BCDO Mentorship Program ........................................... 24

Spotlight on a Member Dr. Shiv Sharma .................................................................... 26 2019 Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR .......................... 28 BCDO Communications Update ....................................... 30 Eyesafe ........................................................................................... 32

Research Beyond AREDS2 .................................................................. 34

Leisure Holiday To-Do ........................................................................ 36 Holiday Baking ...................................................................... 40 Holiday Shinny Hockey ..................................................... 44

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MISSION • T o ensure the successful practice of optometry in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; • To support members’ professional, personal, and economic well-being; • T o respond to the educational and informational needs of members; • T o advocate for the eye heath of British Columbians; • T o foster beneficial relations with the public, government, and members of the eye health community; • T o uphold and advance the reputation and integrity of optometry.

VISION To be the foremost representative and supporter for the optometry profession and the primary resource for vision care and eye health in British Columbia.

VALUES Leadership

Advocacy

Professionalism

Collaboration

Excellence

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT Welcome to the inaugural issue of Eye Digest!

We are proud to launch this quarterly online publication in which we can offer a forum to present a variety of topics in depth that are pertinent to optometrists in British Columbia. We hope that you will find the articles within this publication both educational and engaging.

As in many health care fields, optometry is ever changing. To stay on top of things, we must constantly adapt to the latest trends, research, and equipment. Likewise, eye care professionals wear many hats these days. Although we originally trained as optometrists, many of us have also become employers, small business owners, and administrators. However busy we may be, we must also make time to take care of our families and ourselves.

With the holiday season and New Year quickly approaching, we feature in this issue a variety of topics that can benefit you both personally and professionally. We start with two articles on financial literacy that offer insights on how you can use tax strategies to maximize your business success and how to avoid the holiday spending blues. Articles on eye health showcase the latest in clinical research, diagnostic equipment, and eye care products. For instance, the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) has shown that patients receiving carotenoid nutrients have a statistically significant reduction in the risk of progressing to advanced age-related macular degeneration. We also share a conversation we had with Dr. Shiv Sharma who told us about his experiences and outlooks as a practicing optometrist.

The New Year will bring the transition to Eyesafe from the Occupational Vision Plan. If you have had questions or concerns about this upcoming change, this article will provide answers about how the new program works, what the improvements are, and how you can benefit.

We conclude this issue with stories about the holidays and offer ideas on where to go and what to do around the province, including articles on playing shinny hockey and baking your favourite sweets. Wherever you may be in British Columbia, you and your family can get involved.

In closing, I wish to thank the many talented members and staff at the BCDO who made this publication possible. Their time, hard work, and resourcefulness are much appreciated.

Dr. Johnathan Lam President

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Committees in 2018 The Association utilizes several committees established to carry out the work of the Association, provide direction to the Board, and address specific areas of optometry. Committees are comprised of Association members, with support from staff. Members of the Association represent BC Doctors of Optometry on a variety of external association, government agency, and educational boards.

Interested in joining a committee? Our member volunteers play an integral role in BC Doctors of Optometry’s success as the voice of optometry in the province. Contact us for more information on volunteer opportunities available in your association.

Areas of Practice Interests Dr. John Kim (Chair), Dr. Paul Clark, Dr. Kelly Newhouse

Children’s Vision Steering Committee Dr. Errin Bligh (Co-Chair), Dr. Talisa Dennis (Co-Chair), Dr. Danielle Campbell, Dr. Sandy Johal, Dr. Evelyn Lo, Dr. Cameron McCrodan

Communications Committee Dr. Brittany Rollett (Co-Chair), Dr. Mahnia Madan (Co-Chair), Dr. Giovanni Cinel, Dr. Carmen Dumalo, Dr. Paul Geneau, Dr. Michael Kellam, Dr. Gurpreet Leekha, Dr. Evelyn Lo, Dr. Surjinder Sahota, Dr. Harbir Sian, Dr. Stephen Taylor

Continuing Education Committee Dr. Jenny Tsui (Co-Chair), Dr. Petar Prpic (Co-Chair), Dr. Caroline Kriekenbeek, Dr. Sherman Tung, Dr. Laura Thomasen, Dr. Tina Najafi, Dr. Monisha Lal, Dr. Stefani Grenier

Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Dr. Johnathan Lam (Co-Chair), Dr. Shiv Sharma (Co-Chair), Dr. Brent Allen, Dr. Shailinder Bhullar, Dr. Steo Ebata, Dr. Amanda Farley, Dr. Trevor Miranda, Dr. Solmaz Pourvali, Dr. Surjinder Sahota, Dr. Mona Sandhu, Dr. Kelsey Snow, Dr. Patricia Rupnow, Pria Sandhu

Mediation Committee Dr. Stephen Taylor (Chair), Dr. Andrew Asgarpour, Dr. Victor Chin, Dr. Paul Clark, Dr. Darren Sass, Dr. Robert Strath

Membership Committee Dr. Abigail Asirvatham (Chair), Dr. Andrew Asgarpour, Dr. Paul Clark, Dr. Talisa Dennis, Dr. Maye Doldolea, Dr. Joseph Gonzales, Dr. Liseann Head, Dr. Shiv Sharma, Dr. Vivian Yeung

Patterns of Practice Committee Dr. Rick Bednarczyk (Chair), Dr. Nicki Hewitt, Dr. Jan Zackowski, Dr. Eryn Zorn

Eyesafe Committee Dr. Brent Allen (Chair), Dr. Steo Ebata, Dr. Jennifer Ip, Dr. Brenton Loose, Dr. Jeffrey Mann

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Board of Directors Dr. Johnathan Lam, President A Nanaimo native, Dr. Lam has been practicing for 17 years at the same clinic he went to when growing up. After attending Simon Fraser University, he attended the University of Waterloo for optometry and practiced in 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, and Ucluelet before returning to Nanaimo. Dr. Lam enjoys doing outdoor activities with his family and coaching his children’s sports teams.

Dr. Errin Bligh, Vice President Dr. Bligh knows that optometrists are an important part of her patients’ health care team. She studied optometry at the University of Waterloo and received the Good-Lite Pediatric Optometry award in 2014. She practices at FYidoctors in New Westminster and co-chairs the Children’s Vision Steering Committee at BCDO. Dr. Bligh enjoys architectural tourism and exploring Vancouver’s food scene.

Dr. Brent Allen, Treasurer After attending Simon Fraser University, Dr. Allen graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1995. He practiced in Williams Lake before starting a practice in Trail and then joining his father’s practice in Castlegar.

Dr. Allen has sat on the boards of the Canadian Examiners in Optometry and Eye Recommend and has been treasurer of the BCDO board since 2015.

He is the proud father of three children.

Dr. Amanda Farley, Past President Dr. Farley studied at Thompson Rivers University before attending the University of Waterloo. After graduating in 2010, she joined the Complete EyeCare Optometry Group in Abbotsford. In 2013, Dr. Farley joined Vernon Optometry, where she continues to practice to this day. Dr. Farley was a director and then treasurer on the BCDO board before becoming its President in 2017–2018. Dr. Farley enjoys sports and outdoor activities with her family.

Dr. Abigail Asirvatham, Director Dr. Asirvatham practices at FYidoctors in Chilliwack. She graduated in 2010 from the University of Waterloo. She has served on the board of the BCDO as a director and was a membership committee chair for almost two years.

Outside of work, Dr. Asirvatham enjoys spending time with family, visiting Vancouver’s many beautiful parks, and reading.

Dr. Talisa Dennis, Director Dr. Dennis graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2015 and practices at FYidoctors in Burnaby. During a VOSH eye care mission to Peru, she was able to see the profound impact that improved vision has on people’s lives. Now a member of the BCDO board, she is excited to shape the future of optometry in BC. Dr. Dennis enjoys sports, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Mahnia Madan, Director Dr. Madan earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the College of Optometry at Pacific University in Oregon. She then completed a year of intensive clinical care residency in ocular disease at the Eye Center of Texas. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and is an active lecturer. Dr. Madan currently practices in Vancouver in a private practice setting.

Dr. Brittany Rollett, Director Originally from Saskatchewan, Dr. Rollett now calls the Okanagan home.

After studying at the University of Saskatchewan, she attended the University of Waterloo for optometry. She volunteers on sustainable eye care projects in developing nations. Outside of the BCDO board, she is a Peer Group Facilitator for the College of Optometrists of BC and co-chairs the BCDO Communications Committee. She and her family love exploring the Okanagan’s natural beauty.

Dr. Shiv Sharma, Director Dr. Sharma studied at Simon Fraser University before attending the Southern College of Optometry in Tennessee. He owns the Optiview Eye Clinic in Surrey. In addition, he serves as a Clinical Director for the Opening Eyes Program of Special Olympics Canada, serves on the Membership and Government Relations committees, and is involved with MSP negotiations for BCDO.

Dr. Surjinder Sahota, CAO Representative Hailing from Williams Lake, Dr. Sahota attended the University of British Columbia before studying at the Illinois College of Optometry. After residency at the Illinois Eye Institute, she practiced in Williams Lake, and then joined Complete EyeCare Optometry in Abbotsford in 2006. She served on BCDO’s Communications Committee to educate patients about eye health. Dr. Sahota enjoys spending time with family.

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO What’s New at BC Doctors of Optometry Dear BCDO members, It is my pleasure to update you on several changes at BCDO. We are excited to share these updates and remind you that we value your input and invite your feedback on all of our initiatives.

With our top three strategic priorities as our primary focus, BCDO has supported various initiatives to foster a value-based association that advances the optometry profession in British Columbia, enhances external collaborative practices, and strengthens and expands the association.

Our Enhanced Communications Strategy By expanding our suite of communication tools and channels, we will enhance our relationships with BCDO members, industry stakeholders, and partners. Through our open and transparent communications, we strive to increase engagement and strengthen our member services with a focus on both professional and personal development of all our members.

We are pleased to introduce a number of communication updates, such as a suite of new e newsletters, a redesigned look and feel for our website, and advanced social media initiatives.

Keep an eye out for the introduction of our new social media accounts. For those of you not already following us online, we will be sharing how to subscribe to BCDO on Instagram and Facebook.

In the New Year, we plan to launch a BCDO Blog that will feature information on eye care and health. We will also feature profiles on member optometrists. We invite members interested in contributing to the blog to contact the BCDO team.

Our New E-newsletters Four new online publications comprise our suite of e-newsletters: · The Eyeliner is BCDO’s bi-weekly e-newsletter intended to provide reminders, updates, and quick calls-toaction for our members. · Eye Digest is a quarterly online magazine with research, statistics, exciting features, and more detailed information on BCDO member benefits. · BCDO 20/20 offers a quarterly public relations email update. · Optometric News Alert is an opt-in weekly media news alert service for BCDO members.

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Our Newly Redesigned Website A revamp of the current BCDO website will be shared in the coming weeks. The updated website will provide easier access to relevant information, offer more intuitive navigation, and include comprehensive and updated information on the membership application process. In addition, our numerous benefits and discounts will be accessible for all BCDO members.

Membership Benefits We are constantly working towards increasing benefits and discounts for BCDO members. Stay tuned in the New Year for the roll-out of a comprehensive discount app (Venngo) that will provide increased savings and value to BCDO members. In addition, to better support the overall well-being of our members, we’ve added new membership benefits that include discounts for gym fees, hotel bookings, and cell phone plans.

Eye See … Eye Learn® We are proud to share that ESEL is available to 30,000 children in 20 school districts throughout BC, and BCDO is working with the Ministry of Education to expand the program to include all school districts. The ESEL program provides comprehensive eye exams and eyeglasses for children in Kindergarten; this program continues to successfully offer children in participating school districts with what they need to see and achieve at school and at play.

We have partnered with the Ministry of Education to promote ESEL to the ministry’s audience. We’ve also launched the ESEL Promotional Kit, which contains presentations, letters, templates for social media posts, and images to help individual clinics promote ESEL so that we can provide children in BC with the best possible eye care and treatment.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, BCDO will revise and update the eye health and care sections of the ministry’s educational publications, Baby’s Best Chance and Toddler’s First Steps, as children’s eye care and health are always a top priority.

Eyesafe Eyesafe is our new and rebranded our Occupational Vision Plan. This new program will introduce cutting-edge, streamlined software that is user-friendly and, with a newly designed interface, will improve communication between optometrists, BCDO, and labs, and enable information to flow much more smoothly. In late December 2018, BCDO will launch a new website to introduce the software and the new processes within the system.

2019 Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR We look forward to welcoming you at our 2019 Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR being held at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver from February 23 to 25, 2019.

The 2019 conference theme is “Seeing is Believing.” The conference will have plenty of entertainment and giveaways to provide attendees with an extraordinary experience. This year we have added courses that meet the needs of the whole practitioner, including financial, legal, and well-being needs, in addition to the latest in the industry and profession.

We thank you for your continued support and engagement. Our members and stakeholder partners are the reason we strive to continue in our mission to foster collaborative relationships, support the educational and professional needs of doctors of optometry, and ensure we enhance the profession in accordance with the highest standards of patient-centric eye care. We are excited to share what we have in store for 2019.

Sincerely,

Ms. Pria Sandhu CEO

Give Yourself the Gift of Financial Literacy and Well-Being This Holiday Season Alphil Guilaran, CPA, CA, CFP, CLU, TEP Financial Literacy Counsel Inc., Co-founder and Financial Coach

Whether you’ve just begun your journey as a new doctor of optometry (OD) or are planning for retirement in the next 3 years, increasing your financial literacy is not only a gift you give yourself, but a gift you will enjoy with loved ones as you make more informed financial decisions.

Did you know…

In 2017, BCDO launched a new “Financial Literacy Coaching” member benefit in partnership with the Financial Literacy Counsel. The purpose of this benefit is to increase the financial literacy rates and financial well-being of BCDO members throughout British Columbia.

By reaching out to Financial Literacy Counsel at 604.620.6630 or consultation@flci.ca, optometrists in BC can access the following member-only benefit:

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Combating Holiday Money Stress

FINANCES

While the upcoming holiday season is a joyful time with loved ones, the fast pace of the season, combined with holiday shopping, travel, and hosting, can result in unwanted stress and potentially affect our overall well-being.

Even those who are wise with their finances find themselves with credit card balances that may increase stress levels during the holiday season. Canadians face some of the highest credit card debt in December and January, so how can we be proactive and combat financial stress during this time of year?

Here are three strategies to ensure that you not only have a merry Christmas, but a merry January as well.

ONE: FINANCIAL BOUNDARIES ARE NECESSARY FOR ANY RELATIONSHIP “Boundaries are like gates, they let the good in and the bad out.�

Dr. Henry Cloud We are relational beings, and the holidays are a great reminder that while we thrive in healthy relationships, we can also be fractured through unhealthy relationships. In some families, the topic of money is a sore spot, and it can create or amplify tensions that manifest itself through stress spending during the holidays.

A holiday spending survey from CPA Canada found that the average Canadian spent $1,500 during the holidays, and 59% of Canadians were worried about money last year.

Having boundaries and a spending plan go hand in hand because they act like the guardrails on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, preventing you from falling off the proverbial financial cliff. For many optometrists that we coach,

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juggling finances, family life, and their prac- goals and desired outcomes (the care). tice are often at the epicenter of financial stress.

Here are some proven steps to manage the In collaboration with the BCDO, the Finan- debt monsters in your life. cial Literacy Counsel is here for you this holiday season, whether it’s to create a spending Step 1: Make a list of what you owe plan or whether you need to speak to some• Knowing is half the battle when it comes one about improving your financial well-being to combating debt. through integrated financial, tax, retirement, • Create a budget so you are in control of and estate planning. where your money is going.

• Make a list that includes balance, interest TWO: PAY OFF HIGH-INTEREST rate, and minimum payment amount.

DEBT FIRST AND WORK WITH AN • Line them up, not by balance owing, but ADVISOR WHO TRULY LISTENS by interest rates, from high to low.

“Cure without care is more harmful than helpful” Dr. Henri Nouwen In my 19 years of experience coaching high-income, young medical and healthcare professionals, I have found that handing them a credit card, a line of credit, or a loan without an instruction manual is like giving a 16-year-old a driver’s license without giving them driving lessons.

To get out of debt, you need to work with an advisor who will provide trustworthy advice (the cure) and take a longitudinal approach for your financial well-being in order to reach your

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Step 2: Pay off high-interest debt first and add a little extra money to highest interest debt • M ake minimum payments on all your debts except for the debt with the highest interest rate — try to make more than minimum payment here so that you can make a dent on the principal.

• If you get a cheque in a Christmas card, an RRSP refund in the new year, or a red envelope with money in it, commit it towards the highest interest rate debt.

Step 3: Live as if you didn’t get a raise this year and take a credit card break • A sure-fire way to free up some extra cash to pay down debt is to live on the same income as you did before you were given a raise (i.e., the bump up in pay you receive with larger clinic splits).

• Take a break from using credit cards and use cash instead so you are aware of where you are spending your money.

THREE: MOVING FORWARD, DISCIPLINE YOURSELF TO BUY MORE “CASH COWS” THAN “CASH PIGS” “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Jim Rohn According to one of my favourite writers on the topic of finance, David Trahair, we first need to identify if our spending falls into the category of a “cash cow” or a “cash pig.” From there, we need discipline and

discernment to buy more cash cows than cash pigs.

Cash cows are purchases that create more money for you, for example, good quality investments and investing in your education. Cash pigs give you temporary gratification, such as fine dining, gambling, and stress spending or retail therapy. No one is saying that cash pigs are bad; just make sure that throughout your career as an optometrist, your cash cows outweigh your cash pigs.

In Closing On behalf of my team, I wish you all the best this holiday season!!!

I encourage you to give yourself the gift of financial literacy this holiday season. Our doors are open to serve you and your family with the resources, tools, and timely advice you will need to combat money stress and improve your financial well-being.

We look forward to providing you with 2 financial coaching sessions through BCDO Membership Services.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to book your first session at 604.620.6630 or consultation@flci.ca Happy holidays from your friends at BCDO and Financial Literacy Counsel!

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Paying Too Much

Tax

Marilyn de Rooy, CPA, CA, CFP, CLU, TEP Obsidian Advisory Group Inc., CFO and Co-founder

Best Selling author of Paying Too Much Tax, A business owner’s guide to corporate structures and savings tax

As business owners, now more than ever, we have to be aware of the tax restrictions to building wealth. Understanding available tax strategies are critical to optimizing and maximizing your business and family’s financial success.

Finance’s July 2017 private corporation tax proposals have dramatically changed the landscape of taxation for Canadian Controlled Private Corporations, including medical corporations in Canada.

Finance announced three restrictive tax rules affecting private corporations, their owners and family members, including a new tax on split income, small business deduction restrictions where passive income is earned and limitations on the use of capital gains exemptions.

The restrictions on income splitting and passive income have now been enacted.

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Capital Gains The capital gains restrictions were abandoned in October 2017.

Tax on split income (TOSI) The TOSI rules work to remove the benefits of income splitting by imposing tax at the highest marginal rate on amounts that would be considered split income­ —such as dividends from private corporations—when they are paid to certain related individuals.

The 2018 BC top marginal rates for ineligible dividends paid from private corporations is 43.73%.

There are several exceptions; for example TOSI tax does not apply to salary or wages earned

from the business, as they are already subject to a reasonability test. In addition, if you are over the age of 18 and have regularly worked (at least 20 hours per week) in the business during the year and any 5 previous years, you will not be subject to the TOSI rules.

Spouses 65 and older would also not be subject to TOSI rules; this is intended to align with the pension income splitting rules that currently exist.

Passive Investment Income Finance also introduced changes to CCPC’s access to the small business limit where a corporation and its associated group earns passive investment income.

The small business limit of $500,000 for the 2018 small business tax rate of 12% will be clawed back if the corporation or associated group earn over $50,000 of passive income in a year, reducing the small business limit of

$500,000 by $5 for every $1 of investment income earned in the year above $50,000.

Effectively, the small business limit will be totally eliminated if the combined investment income is $150,000 or more.

Taken together, the TOSI and passive income rules create barriers to income splitting between family members and wealth creation. However, there does continue to be a number of planning opportunities that will permit business owners to build wealth and allow family members to split property and business income in order to reduce the family’s overall tax burden.

Obsidian works closely with medical practitioners in navigating through these tax changes and implementing specific strategies to minimize tax and provide income splitting opportunities.

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INDUSTRY

Alcon Canada introduces SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops, the first all-in-one drop for all types of dry eye.

This fall, Alcon, the global leader in eye care, introduced SYSTANE® COMPLETE, the first all-in-one drop for all types of dry eye that provides hydration and lasting protection for optimal dry eye relief, to the Canadian market.

SYSTANE® COMPLETE is the newest addition to the #1 doctor recommended* SYSTANE® family of dry eye drops and the brand’s most advanced solution to date.

Although there are three general types of dry eye, the majority of eye drops are only designed to treat one type.

Featuring tiny, nano-sized lipid droplets that replenish and lock in moisture across the eye surface, SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops are the ideal first-line treatment option for people who suffer from evaporative dry eye, aqueous tear deficient dry eye, or mixed dry eye.

“As an optometrist, I understand firsthand the need to provide patients with dry eye solutions that not only work, but provide instant relief that lasts for hours,” said Dr. Judy Parks of Ancaster Eye Clinic. “That’s why I am particularly excited about the addition of SYSTANE® COMPLETE to the SYSTANE® port-

folio, because it takes key ingredients from existing drops and elevates the technology to deliver real relief for patients for all major types of dry eye.”

With increased screen time and longer workdays, dry eye is becoming one of the most common conditions seen by Canadian optometrists.

“Dry eye is a chronic issue for a large number of my patients, often making it a challenge to treat them and achieve optimal results,” said Dr. Parks. “SYSTANE® COMPLETE represents a much-needed, overthe-counter dry eye solution.

The technology is designed to deliver the active ingredient in a way that ensures effective coverage of the eye, so I can deliver the best outcome for my patients.”

SYSTANE® COMPLETE joins the full line of SYSTANE® Lubricant eye drops, including SYSTANE® ULTRA Hydration and SYSTANE® BALANCE. SYSTANE® COMPLETE Lubricant Eye Drops is now available for over-thecounter purchase in Canada. Please view the SYSTANE® COMPLETE Method of Action video to learn more.

* Rogers Healthcare Group. RHG Surveys on OTC Counselling and Recommendations. 2018; N/A: 2.

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Cost-effective and simple solutions may finally solve our big MGD dilemma

Meibox

Meibox-Dimensions

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iLuxÂŽ

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye disease, yet until recently few optometrists have included meibomian gland visualization and assessment as part of their diagnostic protocol. Meibography, although invented about 40 years ago, is still not regularly found in practice. This may be due to the fact that in the past not a lot was known about MGD, or due to a lack of suitable technology.

In 2018, Labtician Ophthalmics, a Canadianowned company, based in Oakville, Ontario, in collaboration with Box Medical Solutions in California, USA, brought to our market the first portable meibographer called Meibox.

Meibox is a high-definition meibographer, with a small footprint that can be mounted to any slit lamp. Its portability makes this device a great fit for large and small practices, by providing great flexibility and easy adaptation to clinic flow.

Meibox Dimensions Thus, modest practices do not have to worry about the space, while the large ones, either can opt to set it up on a centralized location or take advantage of its portability and move it from room to room, as needed.

Meibox uses a cloud-based imaging technology, and the information collected can be accessed from any PC within the practice network. Box Medical uses a storage database fully compliant with all requirements, standards, and regulations regarding medical record storage and protection of personal health information.

The high quality of the images is to be appreciated, especially when you look at the simplicity of the Meibox. The engineering team of Box Medical Solutions has certainly tried to deliver on quality without compromising on device’s cost, portability, and size. The software offers additional processing features, such as the dynamic image processing that allows enhanced outlines of the meibomian glands. The ‘Inversion’ option can be used to enhance areas that may be difficult to see in traditional views, while the ‘Intelligent lighting’ allows for quick lighting enhancements of the glands with a click of a button.

Meibox imaging software allows for side-byside comparison to track progressive changes between two eyes and also to compare changes that occur in the same eye between visits. These images can serve as a great patient demonstration and education tool, with tremendous impact on patient disease understanding, therefore leading to improved therapy compliance.

iLux®

and printable reports are available if one wishes to provide a copy to patients. Otherwise, electronic PDF allows for integration to any EMR. Besides the imaging of the meibomian glands, tear meniscus height, and pupillometry measurements are also available.

Meibox comes with one USB extender and 1-year warranty.

Labtician Ophthalmics, through their Dry Eye Practice Specialists, assist practices with installation and training, making the whole process seamless and convenient. This is probably the easiest diagnostic test that a clinician or the optometric assistant and clinic staff members have ever been trained on. Within a few minutes the software is installed, and in less than 30 minutes training, one is ready to assess meibomian glands.

And if you thought you needed a deep pocket or a recognised dry eye practice to incorporate a meibographer, you are most likely wrong. Meibox Imaging Comparison is affordable to both practice and patients. All Clinicians’ comments about the images can that we need is to start inviting patients to take easily be inserted in the ‘Comments’ section, a picture, with no age or height requirements.

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Meibox-Dimensions

Dry eye and MGD, as we know, can be present even among the young population. The digital era is showing its consequences, and the growing trend of screen-use is here to stay for a long time.

But there is more. How often we have wished for a way of treating the meibomian glands in our practice, before patients depart with their eye masks, lid hygiene treatments and eye drops? Numerous times, for sure. And,what a difference this approach could make for our patients!

In 2011, the MGD International Workshop, sponsored by Tear Film Ocular Society, recommended lid warming and hygiene in all stages of MGD, starting from the moment when a mildly altered expressibility and secretion quality are noticed, and no other signs or symptoms are present. Later, National Dry Eye Disease Guidelines for Canadian Optometrists published in the Canadian Journal of Optometry-Special Edition 2014, as well as Dry Eye Workshop II in 2017, recognized the important role of both lid

Imaging Comparison

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warming and hygiene, and maintained a similar position with regards to therapeutic options. iLux® by Tear Film Innovations Inc., launched in the US in mid-2018, is available in Canada only through Labtician Ophthalmics Inc. iLux® is a handheld, portable device that assists clinicians in treating MGD by application of light-based heat and customized compression under direct visualization. The treatment session does not necessarily require the use of anesthetics, but they are commonly applied for patients’ comfort.

The sterile, single-patient-use disposable Smart Tip can be inserted either in the upper or lower eyelid. iLux® Smart Tip has an inner pad and an outer pad. The inner pad slips behind the eyelid being treated, while the outer pad is pressed against the outer surface of the eyelid during heating and compression.

Both pads are covered with a soft, biocompatible silicone material.

The iLux® Smart Tip contains precision temperature sensors which continually monitor inner and outer eyelid temperature and maintain safe, therapeutic heat levels during treatment.

Information from the Smart Tip is relayed to the iLux® device, controlling the LED light sources to increase or decrease treatment temperature as needed.

At first, the LED light is applied to raise the eyelid temperature and melt blockage, then the eyelid is gently compressed, using the one-button control of heating and compression. During this time the clinician is able to visualize the meibomian gland orifices and expressed meibum through the magnifying lens. This feature helps to apply customized heat and compression in the areas where it’s mostly needed.

A small screen indicates the treatment time, the temperature reached on the eyelid, and the

pressure applied. Typically a patient is treated in 8-10 minutes.

The FDA premarket submission data showed that, compared to its predicate device LipiFlow, iLux® performed with same effectiveness; it was safe and substantially equivalent to it.

The combination of efficacy with a smart technology, which allows for targeted therapy, as well as its small, portable design, and easiness of use, make iLux® a great contender when it comes to treatment customization, chair-time reduction, increased patient flow, and space saving.

Clearly, both Meibox and iLux® present themselves unpretentiously, but with confidence in a growing market of devices and technologies.

Both affordable and reliable, Meibox and iLux® have earned the right for our close attention.

To request more information contact Patti Holm at 778.533.7589 or Labtician Ophthalmics at 1.855.651.4934.

Meibomian gland visualization—cloudy meibum

References 1. I nternational Workshop on MGD-Report of the MGD Subcommittee on Management and Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. IOVS, Special Issue 2011, Vol. 52, No. 4, pg. 2050-2064 2. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. The Ocular Surface, Special Edition, July 2017, 580-634.

3. National Dry Eye Disease Guidelines for Canadian Optometrists. CJO, Vol. 76, Suppl. 1, 2014 4. Labtician Ophthalmics Inc. www.labtician.com 5. Box Medical Solutions www.boxmedicalsolutions.com 6. Tear Film Innovations Inc. www.tearfilm.com 7. TearScience www.tearscience.com/lipiflow/

Eye Digest Magazine | 21

As a valued member of BC Doctors of Optometry, you have access to a variety of services and resources provided to help support you in your professional and personal lives. We invite you to take advantage of the many benefits of the membership.

22 | Eye Digest Magazine

Member Benefits say

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Mentor with the BCDO

Become a part of our BCDO mentoring community and build meaningful relationships with fellow members. The BCDO Mentorship Program brings together like-minded individuals in mutually beneficial and bestpractice partnerships.

24 | Eye Digest Magazine

The BC Doctors of Optometry Mentorship Program is one of many tools BCDO offers to support to our new grad members transitioning from optometry school to optometric practice. The program was designed to provide learning, insight, networking opportunities, and professional development to both the mentor and mentee. The program is intended for New Grad Year 1, 2, and 3 members as mentees to be matched with experienced, practicing optometrists as mentors. As a mentor, you will provide mentees with advice on topics related to practicing, such as practice standards in BC, practice management, and billing and MSP. The program offers two format options: one-to-one mentoring and group mentoring.

Mentors and mentees can select their preferred participation format. Both options involve a minimum of four 1-hour meetings within a 12-month period.

Why apply?

As a Mentor

As a Mentee

There are a number of benefits to being a part of the BCDO Mentorship Program, including the opportunity to:

There are a number of benefits to being mentored through the BCDO Mentorship Program. These include the opportunity to:

• Strengthen and update your knowledge through a two-way learning experience.

• Enhance your professional and personal growth and leadership skills.

• Expand your network of peers and connect with the next generation of optometrists across the province.

• Encourage new practitioners to reach their full potential in their career and professional community.

• Learn by communicating directly with your mentor and enquiring about practicing.

• Gain insight from your mentor’s experience, because they have “been there, done that.”

• Network with your peers outside of your workplace.

• Develop personally and professionally as you gain knowledge and exchange ideas with an experienced mentor.

Apply today: info@optometrists.bc.ca

Spotlight on a M Dr. Shiv Sharma Career Path What inspired you to go into optometry?

How long have you known you wanted to do that?

Helping people with their vision, whether it’s a child coming in for their first pair of glasses or a senior who is less likely to experience a fall due to poor eyesight, is very rewarding.

The eyes are a window to overall health.

We play an important role in primary health care and should strive to always remember this during patient care.

What are some of your personal and/or more experienced ODs. BCDO provides the professional goals for the future? most valuable mentoring network possible Continue to innovate, expand, and improve for us—young ODs should make use of it! both my own private practice and optometry as a profession.

The Profession of Optometry

What are some successes and challenges What kind of person do you need to be to succeed as an optometrist? you have as a young OD? Human Resources / staff management is Be positive, respectful, and understanding of all the various types of patients, employprobably my biggest challenge. ees, and colleagues you will come across.

As a practicing Optometrist in BC, how What do you enjoy/value most about being does the BCDO help you?

Growing the profession, advocating for the an optometrist? profession, networking, and learning from That I am ultimately responsible for my own

26 | Eye Digest Magazine

Member success, and the harder I can work the more Advice for New Grads rewarding the career becomes. Optometry is growing in so many ways; you can really grow How well did college prepare you for life as your career along various paths of innova- an optometrist? tions as they continue to occur.

Very well. I’m very satisfied with the didactic and clinical training provided by Southern What are the most challenging aspects of College of Optometry. your job?

Expensive commercial real estate prices, and What types of continuing education finding, motivating, and maintaining excel- requirements should optometrists expect lent staff. once they graduate and land a job?

You need to always keep learning and applyAre there any optometry specialties that ing what you’ve learned to adapt how you are in higher demand than others? practice. The minute you think you have it I believe there will be an increasing demand all figured out, you will probably hit a stall in for vision therapy services as the area contin- your career. ues to evolve and become more recognized among the public.

Do you have a specialty? If so, what made you choose it?

I enjoy private practice, as there is such a wide variety of cases on a day-to-day basis, which can range from pediatrics, to diabetic eye care, to emergency care/referrals, to pre-/post-operative care all in one day. I’m interested in dry eye as there is a huge unmet demand for care. It’s also largely a biochemical process, which is an area I majored in during undergrad.

Eye Digest Magazine | 27

2019 CONFERENCE

Why Seeing is Believing The 2019 Annual Conference and OPTOFAIR will take place at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver from February 23 to 25, 2019. The theme “Seeing is Believing” will be incorporated throughout the conference and OPTOFAIR.

Engaging Speakers Confirmed speakers include Drs. Justin Bazan, Jay Haynie, Joseph Sowka, Yin Tea, Clark Chang, and Michael Kling. In addition, three courses are being offered for practicing optometrists on the subjects of finance, wellness, and legal issues. A two-hour workshop, “Contemporary Orthokeratology for Myopia Control in Children,” will take place on Saturday. The program will also include

28 | Eye Digest Magazine

an interactive Peer Circle by the College of Optometrists.

For the optometric assistant (OA) program, Drs. Errin Bligh, Sandy Johal, Mahnia Madan, Petar Prpic, Surjinder Sahota, and Sherman Tung (BCDO members) have agreed to present. In addition, Essilor is assisting with an edging workshop and OSI is providing two speakers. Drs. Justin Bazan and Clark Chang are also offering courses that will include OAs.

New This Year BCDO recognizes that industry needs to educate doctors on their new products. With the conference requiring COPE-only education, we have designed a Product Only Evening on Friday, February 22, 2019. This will allow industry to host a course on a NEW product only. Johnson & Johnson Vision, Nikon Optical Canada Inc., Carl Zeiss Canada, and Visual-Eyes are participating.

Optometrists can earn up to 21 OD COPE credits in two streams over three days, out of a selection of 42 CE COPE hours. Optometric

Assistants can each up to 12 OA CE credits in two streams over two days, out of a selection of 21 CE hours.

Online registration for conference programs will be available from December 10, 2018 onward.

BCDO would like to thank the corporate partners who are supporting BCDO’s 2019 Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR. Their support of this event provides the association with an ability to plan an engaging and exciting event for those attending. Many of you work with these companies in your day-to-day business. Please take time to thank these companies for their support towards our industry.

Diamond

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Coming soon to a screen near you We’re excited to bring you a new and improved BCDO public website.

Enjoy a user-friendly Find-a-Doctor tool, accessible Eye Health Library, complete with an intuitive and modern design.

30 | Eye Digest Magazine

OPIE MEET

With his high eye-Q, Opie will be appearing with some very important messages about eye health to share with parents and kids. To see what Opie is up to, make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Eye Digest Magazine | 31

Transitioning to As we announced at the Fall Symposium, the Occupational Vision Plan (OVP)—soon to be referred to as Eyesafe—is undergoing many changes.

The Alberta Association of Optometrists has generously offered to extend the use their Eyesafe brand to the BC Association. It has been a long time coming, but we are excited to share with you where Eyesafe is headed and what you can expect next.

We are currently in the process of developing a new website with the goal of providing a clear message of promoting prescription safety eyewear and the BCDO. The launch is scheduled for January 1, 2019. The website will provide our visitors with an easier way to browse information based on their objectives.

One of the most important changes to come is the online ordering system. Eyesafe Online is a web-based portal for placing safety glasses orders, monitoring and tracking the status, receiving employee payments, and issuing professional fees in a timely manner.

The improvements don’t stop there. Since every participating Eyesafe Optometry Clinic is required to carry a Core Frame Kit, we feel it’s time to refresh that as well. Over the next few months, we will be updating the Core Frame Kit to include a selection of the most popular and functional frames from our preferred frame suppliers. We understand that frame styles and function change every few years, and this will be reflected in the new selection.

Finally, it is proper protocol to review the wording in contractual agreements to ensure individuals using the current business system are protected. Therefore, we will be asking all our current optometrists to sign a new contractual agreement to participate in the new Eyesafe program.

The foundation of Eyesafe’s success will depend upon increasing exposure and satisfaction of both companies and optometrists. We will be in contact with you all individually over the course of the next few months. BCDO looks forward to meeting you and hearing your comments.

32 | Eye Digest Magazine

Eye Digest Magazine | 33

RESEARCH

Beyond AREDS2: What Research Has Taught Us About Nutrition and Macular Health

By John Nolan, PhD

Dr. Nolan is the Principal Investigator of the Macular Pigment Research Group at the Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland. He specializes in the role of eye nutrition for vision and prevention of blindness and the link between nutrition and brain health and function. He has presented at more than 100 international scientific conferences and has published more than 85 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) demonstrated that supplementation with the carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) — two of the three carotenoids that make up the macular pigment (MP) — offers visual benefit to patients with non-advanced AMD.1,2 This landmark study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of 9% in risk of progression to advanced AMD for patients receiving L and Z when compared with patients not receiving these carotenoids. Strikingly, participants with the lowest dietary intake of L and Z exhibited best results, seen in a reduction of 26% in risk of progression to advanced AMD in this group.

However, and since that important publication, further research has shown that a formulation containing all three macular carotenoids —

34 | Eye Digest Magazine

L, Z and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) — offers many advantages over AREDS2-like formulations that contain only two of these carotenoids (L & Z), because: 1. The inclusion of all three macular carotenoids in a 10:10:2 (mg) ratio of MZ, L, and Z, respectively, is essential if the atypical central dip in the spatial profile of MP (a known risk factor for AMD) is to be normalized;3 2. Augmentation of MP in AMD, across the macula in AMD-afflicted eyes, is best achieved when the three macular carotenoids are given in a 10:10:2 (mg) ratio of MZ:L:Z (MacuHealthPLUS+);4 3. Visual improvement, in terms of contrast sensitivity, is greater in a formulation that contains the three macular carotenoids in a

10:10:2 (mg) ratio of MZ:L:Z (MacuHealthPLUS+) than in alternative formulations, including AREDS2;5 4. Following supplementation with L, Z, and MZ, serum concentrations of MZ are the sole serological determinant of MP augmentation.6 Furthermore, concerns have been expressed about the inclusion of high doses of zinc (80mg) in the AREDS2 formulation, which may represent risk for AMD progression in patients with a particular genetic background. Accordingly, a safe formulation should contain amounts of zinc that are below the tolerable upper limit (40mg) and above the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 8mg.7 Therefore, for patients with or

at risk of AMD, important modifications to the AREDS2 formulation are needed to negate the possibility of provoking progression in AMD patients with a particular genetic background.8 In summary, AREDS2 has shown that supplementation with the macula’s naturally occurring carotenoids is important for patients with AMD, but subsequent research has demonstrated that eyecare professionals who want to maximally augment their patients’ macula pigment and maximally enhance the visual performance of their patients with AMD should use a formulation containing all three of the macular carotenoids in a 10:10:2(mg) ratio of MZ:L:Z. Such a clinically tested formula is now available via MacuHealthPLUS+.

References 1. A ge-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group. Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2013;309(19):2005-2015.

2. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) Research Group; Chew EY, Clemons TE, et al. Secondary analyses of the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin on age-related macular degeneration progression: AREDS2 report No. 3. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014;132(2):142-149.

3. Nolan JM, Akkali MC, Loughman J, et al. Macular carotenoid supplementation in subjects with atypical spatial profiles of macular pigment. Exp Eye Res. 2012;101:9-15.

4. Akuffo KO, Nolan JM, Howard AN, Moran R, Stack J, Klein R, et al. Sustained supplementation and monitored response with differing carotenoid formulations in early age-related macular degeneration. Eye (Lond).

2015;29(7):10.

5. Akuffo KO, et al. The impact of supplemental antioxidants on visual function in non-advanced age-related macular degeneration: a head-to-head randomized clinical trial. Presented at: 18th International Symposium on Carotenoids. July 11, 2017. Lucerne, Switzerland.

6. Thurnham DI, Nolan JM, Howard AN, Beatty S. Macular response to supplementation with differing xanthophyll formulations in subjects with and without age-related macular degeneration. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol.

2015;253(8):1231-1243.

7. Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements website. Last updated February 11, 2016. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-healthprofessional/. Last accessed Oct 10, 2017.

8. Awh CC, Hawken S, Zanke BW. Treatment response to antioxidants and zinc based on CFH and ARMS2 genetic risk allele number in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Ophthalmology. 2015;122(1):162-169.

Eye Digest Magazine | 35

Holiday ToOh, the weather outside is frightful…

But that doesn’t mean that you have to stay cooped up and bored throughout the holidays!

There are all kinds of indoor and outdoor events and activities for everyone. From walks through enchanted illuminated gardens to a magical train ride, there is something for everyone.

A perennial favourite across the province is the Festival of Trees, sponsored by the BC Children’s Hospital. The festival is held in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Oliver and Osoyoos, Sooke, and Whistler. Walk through the gallery

of trees at the location nearest you and donate to help the kids by putting your name on your favourite decorated tree. For more information on this event, visit http://www.bcchf.ca/events/ event-calendar/festival-of-trees/ Below are some other popular activities and events, listed by region. Visit each venue’s website for more information, travel directions, hours of operation, ticket prices, accessibility, and other amenities.

The sights, the sounds, and the aromas of these events are guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit!

Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley Festival of Lights, VanDusen Botanical Gardens Dates: December 1 to January 6 Address: 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue, Vancouver, BC Phone: 604.257.8335 Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/festival-of-lights.aspx

Vancouver Christmas Market (German Market) Dates: November 21 to December 24 Address: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC Phone: 778.200.0167 Website: https://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

Aurora Winter Festival Dates: November 23 to December 30 Address: Concord Pacific Place, 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC Contact: vancouver@aurorawinterfestival.com Website: https://www.aurorawinterfestival.com/vancouver/

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-Do Stanley Park Bright Lights Dates: November 29 to January 5 Address: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC Contact: stanleyparktrain@vancouver.ca Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/ bright-nights-train.aspx

A Fort Langley Christmas Dates: December 21–23, 27–30 Address: Fort Langley National Historic Site, BC Contact: 604.513.4777 Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/ activ/calendrier-calendar

The Peak of Christmas, Grouse Mountain Dates: November 23 to January 6 Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC Phone: 604.980.9311 Website: https://www.grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas

Steveston Festival of Trees Dates: December 1 to 31 Address: Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 4th Avenue, Richmond, BC Phone: 604.664.9009 Website: http://gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/events/ steveston-festival-of-trees

Canyon Lights, Capilano Suspension Bridge Dates: November 22 to January 27 Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC Phone: 604.985.7474, toll-free 1.877.985.7474 Website: https://www.capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights/

LEISURE

Vancouver Coast & Mountains Whistler Gingerbread House Dates: Various dates in December and January Address: 2067 Lake Placid Road, Whistler, BC Contact: 604.388.8765 Website: https://whistlergingerbreadhouse.com/

Whistler Holiday Experience Dates: December 22 to January 6 Address: Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler, BC Website: https://www.whistler.ca/events/whistler-holiday-experience

Polar Express Dates: Various dates in December Address: West Coast Railway Heritage Park Website: http://www.wcra.org/

Lower & Upper Vancouver Island Milner Christmas Magic Dates: November 30 – December 3; December 7–9; December 14–19 Address: Milner Gardens & Woodland, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC Phone: 250.752.6153 Website: https://www2.viu.ca/milnergardens/events.asp#MCM

Christmas at Butchart Gardens Dates: December 1 to January 6 Address: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay Phone: 250.652.4422; toll-free: 866.652.4422 Website: https://www.butchartgardens.com/christmas/

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Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tours Dates: Various dates in December Phone: 250.384.6698 Address: Victoria Visitor Information Centre, 812 Wharf Street, Victoria, BC (location may vary depending on tour)

Northern & Interior Coldsnap Festival (The Prince George Winter Music Festival) Dates: January 25 to February 2 Address: Various locations in Prince George, BC Website: https://coldsnapfestival.com

Kitimat Family New Year’s Eve Date: December 31 Address: Tamitik Jubilee Sports Complex, 396 City Centre, Kitimat, BC Contact: 250.632.8970

Central Okanagan & Kootenay Ski with Santa Date: December 22–23 Address: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden, BC Website: https://www.tourismgolden.com/activites/events/ski-santa

Wildlights Festival Date: December 14 to January 6 Address: BC Wildlife Park, 9077 Dallas Drive, Kamloops, BC Website: https://www.bcwildlife.org/eventslist.htm

Eye Digest Magazine | 39

Holiday Baking: The Gift that Keeps on Giving Nothing says Christmas more than the smell of freshly baked sugar cookies or gingerbread.

Baking is a simple joy that can bring families and friends together and create memories that will last.

It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an expert pastry chef. It’s all about enjoying the process, sharing an experience, and then looking forward to the tasty results. Here are some ideas to spread the holiday cheer.

Baking Party Throw a holiday baking party with your friends, or your kids and their friends. Stick to recipes that work for you, or be adventurous and try something new. You can have all the ingredients ready to go, or make shopping for ingredients a part of the party.

Kids love getting in on the action. Let them choose their own icing, sprinkles, and toppings.

Once everything is at hand, get an assembly line going in the kitchen and start making treats. Decorated cookies, bars, squares, and tarts make great gifts and are always hits at the school or office holiday party.

Cookie Exchange

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Speaking of gifts, why not host a holiday cookie exchange party? Make a few dozen of your favourite Christmas cookies that you can split equally amongst your guests, and ask your guests to do the same. This

is a great way to have social time with friends, family, neighbours, or colleagues.

Many of us probably fall into using the same recipes over and over. With the cookie exchange, not only can you all share tasty treats and decorative tins and baskets, but you can share recipes and tips on what works and what doesn’t. Cookie exchanges are also a great way to share family recipes—ones that you can’t get from the Internet.

Baking for Two If the holidays are a time for just you and your partner, set aside time in your busy schedule and get into the holiday mood with an evening baking session. Dim the lights, pour some wine, light the candles and the Christmas tree, and put on some holiday music.

Baking for two can be very relaxing after a stressful day of work or shopping. The two of you can bond over making your favourite holiday

recipes, ones that bring you back to simpler times when you were children. Just make sure to share in the cleaning duties afterwards!

Bake to Make Friends If you’re on your own for the first time, have moved to a new city, or can’t travel home for the holidays, keep yourself busy over the holiday season by baking. You can reap your own rewards, but it’s even better to spread the holiday spirit by gifting a basket of your freshly baked goods to your new neighbours or coworkers. You can also host a baking party or cookie exchange for your new friends in the following year.

This holiday season, take some time out to enjoy the simpler pleasures. Gather in the kitchen, find your favourite recipes (or discover new ones), select your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake. Then enjoy the fruits of your labour with some holiday cheer.

Recipes Sugar and Spice Cookies Ingredients:

Directions:

1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 egg 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Pinch of cloves Decorative icing, sprinkles, etc. (optional)

1. I n a large bowl, beat the butter with sugar until smooth.

2. Beat the egg and vanilla into the butter mixture.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (or all-spice), and cloves.

4. Stir the flour and spice mixture into the butter mixture until blended.

5. Gather the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic film or place inside a large Ziploc® bag with the air squeezed out.

6. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.

7. After refrigerating, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch (3 mm) thickness.

8. Using Christmas-shaped cookie cutters or a 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out desired shapes.

9. Place about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on a greased baking sheet.

10. Bake at 350 ˚F (180 ˚C) in oven for 10 to 12 minutes or just until the edges begin to brown.

11. Take out of oven and let cool.

12. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible gold dust or metallic beads as desired.

Makes about 50 cookies

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Gingerbread Cookies Ingredients:

Directions:

1 egg 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup fancy molasses 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. In a large bowl, beat the shortening with sugar until the mixture is fluffy.

2. Beat the egg and both kinds of molasses into the sugar mixture.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, ginger, baking soda, salt, cloves, and cinnamon.

4. In 3 additions, stir the flour and spice mixture into the molasses mixture until well combined; use your hands if the dough becomes too stiff to stir.

5. Gather the dough into a ball, divide in half, and flatten into disks.

6. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or place inside large Zip-loc bags with the air squeezed out.

7. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or until firm.

8. After refrigerating, roll out the dough between sheets of waxed paper to 1/8-inch (3-mm) thickness.

9. Remove the top sheet of paper.

10. Using Christmas-shaped cookie cutters or a 2-inch (5-cm) round cookie cutter, cut out desired shapes.

11. Place cut cookies onto greased baking sheets and freeze for 20 minutes or until firm.

12. Bake at 325 ËšF (160 ËšC) in oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.

13. Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool.

14. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, edible gold dust, or metallic beads as desired.

Makes about 60 cookies

Holiday Shinny Hockey: A Canadian Classic Beat the winter blues and work up a sweat with a holiday-themed tourney! Whether on your own homemade ice rink out back, or in the street out in front of your house, everyone can participate in this Canadian institution. All you need is holiday spirit, along with a net, a stick, and a puck (or skates or a ball, depending on where you are).

Game On!

If You Build It…

Are you finished with your Christmas shopping? Are you tired of waiting for the turkey to be ready? Do you have cabin fever and need to stretch your legs? If you’re already friendly with your neighbours, see if they have some time to spare and if they are up for a game of shinny.

It could be three on three or even just two on two—whatever works.

And, if you and your neighbours have kids, get them in on the game too! This might be an opportunity to introduce young kids to the game, however informal it may be. Including girls, boys, and adults of all ages will make the game fun and ensure the experience lasts a lifetime.

If everyone is enjoying themselves and and would like to keep playing after dinner, continue the game under the glow of Christmas lights, street lamps, or moonlight. If that first snow starts falling during the game, then you’ve got yourselves a real winter classic. You might just start a neighbourhood holiday tradition.

Sometimes the weather gets cold enough in the big cities that you can build a rink in your yard or on the street itself. Perhaps you are lucky enough to live in parts of the province where snow, ice, and white Christmases are the norm. There is nothing more Canadian than feeling the brisk wind on your face while you handle the puck down a rough sheet of ice during a breakaway.

Regardless of where you live, there is something alluring about a homemade rink. It’s almost as if the rink is beckoning you to come play on it. For city folks or those of you who live in warmer climates, that homemade rink is even more precious because it is ephemeral—play on it while you can!

Gather several of friends and neighbours to help build a communal rink. Pile snow banks or use plywood to make the boards. Then strap on the skates, break out the sticks, pucks, and a couple of nets, and get a whole game going.

It doesn’t have to be competitive—just some

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activity to get the blood moving and foster the holiday spirit all around. As you play, you’ll see more kids and neighbours drop by to get in on the action or cheer on their friends.

Wherever you may live, whatever surface you may play on, and whomever you may play with, keep the game fun and cheerful. What better way to make new friends, strengthen bonds with your kids, or work off those Christmas treats than to play the good old hockey game.

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