Watch Out for Flying Corks and Falling Trees These Holidays

Happy holidays, everyone!

We hope you enjoy this entertaining clip from ACC which includes a good selection of some popular holiday hazards …

Christmas is the season of peace, joy… and unexpected hazards. Yes, you heard that right. Take champagne corks, for example. Every year, a surprising number of people catch a champagne cork in the eye – proving that bubbly isn’t always festive or celebratory. These corks can launch at speeds up to 80kph, so unless you’re aiming for your worst enemy (which we don’t recommend), pop that bottle with care and watch where you point it.

Christmas tree injuries are also popular at this time of year. Did you know ACC received 118 claims in 2023 alone for Christmas tree mishaps? Their advice is to use a stepladder to hang decorations, “not a chair, or worst still, a chair on a table” and ensure your Christmas tree is on a sturdy base to prevent it from falling over. Over the last decade, nearly 1,200 people have tangled with their tinsel-covered trees, resulting in injuries like muscle strains and ligament tears, often occurring while lifting or moving their festive centrepiece.

Speaking of general holiday hazards, here’s another one: Christmas lights. Tripping over those tangled wires is practically a rite of passage. So stay on your feet (and out of the ER), by securing those cords against walls instead of running them across the floor like some festive booby trap.

Planning to tackle some holiday DIY projects? Fantastic! Just don’t forget your most important accessory: safety glasses. Whether you’re building your magnum opus in the garage or engaging in an epic nerf gun battle with the kids, protect your eyes. Those soft foam projectiles may look harmless, but they can travel at speeds up to 70kph and cause serious eye damage – even blindness – if they hit the bullseye (pun intended).

Stay safe this holiday season, because nothing says “holiday cheer” like trying to explain a bizarre and embarrassing injury to a stranger. Keep an eye on the hazards this season to avoid becoming a statistic.

Is it time to come and see us?

Please note our optometrists at Johnsonville and Lower Hutt will be taking a well-deserved break over the holidays. Our last day is Tuesday, 24 December 2024 and we will be back on Monday, 6 January 2025.

It’s easy to book an appointment online with us a time and day and time to suit with your favourite optometrist. Just head to our bookings page.

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       I have been going to Black Gates Optometrists for a number of years.  I couldn’t be happier with the quality of the service.  They have very friendly professional staff who know their stuff.  I highly recommend this optometrist if you are looking for glasses/eye checks etc.
     
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     I went in for a routine eye exam and the folks down there were not only approachable, helpful and punctual they generally made me feel like an actual person compared to some of the global chain optometrists, which can feel like a quick service revolving door for your wallet without the care. I was seen by Robert who  was awesome with his methodical and thoughtful approach to checking if my eyesight had deteriorated, which I am glad to hear is still good for now. Thanks for having me guys and see you at the next check up!
     
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     Amazing service and such helpful staff. Shout out to John and Taryn for your assistance.  My 90-year dad was super happy with his glasses.  Thank you!!
     
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     Thorough and reasonable price
     
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     Very grateful to Black Gates in Andrews Ave.  I experienced a sudden PVD last week and after trying to get an urgent appt into 4 other optometrists, Black Gates were the only ones who went out of their way to see me that afternoon.  From the receptionist who did not hesitate to put me through to one of their team and the care and flexibility that Robert & Greg both showed to make time for me was amazing.  Shame it's a rare thing these days.  I'm forever grateful to you Black Gates !!!   Thank you.
     
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     Joy was extremely thorough and patient getting my daughter's prescription correct. It took time but at no stage did we feel rushed or pressured to make a purchase. I will definitely be using them again.
     
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