Nearly everyone knows that 20/20 means ideal vision. You may have been told that you see better or worse than 20/20. The news program was actually named after the visual measurement to indicate "clear sight" about a topic. Eye doctors love to use the term 20/20, but they rarely explain what it means. I'm just as guilty, so let me clear up the mud. It's not possible to truly check a person's vision without a standardized system. "Pretty good", "better than last time", or "seems fine to me" are all ways to describe vision, but they can't be used to determine a prescription. They also don't allow doctors to monitor the visual effects of a disease or compare a patient's vision to the population norms. With a standardized system, vision can be accurately assessed across multiple patients, doctors, offices, and testing equipment. The most commonly used system in the United States is the Snellen visual acuity system (the 20/xx system). With this system, the top number simply refers to the testing distance measured in feet. 20 feet is considered to be optical infinity due to the way that light behaves and how our eyes focus at this distance. However, good luck on finding a New York eye doctor who has an exam room with 20 feet of empty space. Optometrists overcome this problem by using calibrated mirrors that create a "virtual 20 feet." This system works remarkably well and helps to determine accurate prescriptions. The bottom number is slightly more complex. It’s the distance at which each element of a letter has an angular height of 1 minute of arc (or 1/60th of a degree). The letter “E” on an eye chart has 5 elements. There is the top bar, a space, the middle bar, another space, and the bottom bar. When one stands 400 feet from the big E at the top of the chart, each of these elements subtends 1 minute of arc. Therefore the size of the letter is called 20/400. For a letter on the 20/20 line, one must stand 20 feet away for each element to subtend 1 minute of arc. The anatomy of the human eye and it's associated neurological pathways allow us to distinguish features with a height of 1 minute of arc (or slightly smaller). Therefore when testing vision from 20 feet away, a healthy eye should be capable of seeing 20/20 with glasses or contacts. If you cannot see 20/20 please contact us , and we’ll be happy to help you. ...read more

Which is a more valuable new patron of your business? A) Someone who recently moved up three floors in the same building, although now they have two bathrooms instead of one... They are still basically the same distance away from your business. or B) Someone who just moved into your neighborhood from out of state? Too easy, isn't it!? Type "A" may enjoy the mail and discount coupon, although it will probably hit the trash, since they have already made their relationships with Brooklyn businesses. Type "B" is the truly valuable opportunity for your business since they NEED to find a new Dentist, Salon, Restaurant, Carpet Cleaner and more. If you're looking for "Type B", contact us today! 212-714-7782 ...read more

A few months ago I called a few painters in my area. I needed 6 rooms painted and I knew this was going to be a big job. After thoughtful consideration a had chosen one based on the quality of his work. The paint job was as expected and everything was completed in a timely manner. Over the past 5 months I have referred over 12 people to this painter and all have received good service. i did not receive a phone call thanking me for the referrals; no "thank You" letter; nothing. Then it hit me, when was the last time a restaurant, dentist, maid service, or any other business sent you a "thank you" note. Most don't and the ones that do send thank you notes stand out of the crowd. What's my point? As a customer that refers people to your business, I would like a little note. it makes me feel good. A little appreciation does go along way. What's your opinion? ...read more