All Eyes on You
In October 2009, the ofï¬ce of Dr. Gordon G. Wong, member of the San Diego County
Optometric Society, added a new line of protective sunwear called Doggie Shades. From tiny
heart-shaped shades for your Chihuahua to large aviators for your Great Dane, Dr. Wong’s
practice currently offers more than a dozen different styles, colors and sizes of protective
sunwear for man’s best friend.
“Our ofï¬ce is situated in a very dog-friendly area of down-
town La Jolla,” says Dr. Wong. “Many people bring their
dogs to the gym, which happens to be right next to us.”
To get the word out about the new line of shades, Dr. Wong
sent an e-blast to all patients, had a photo contest, posted
pictures on the practice Web site, and also displays them in
the ofï¬ce. “The demand has been high to at least look at
them or try them on,” says Dr. Wong. “The local community
seems to have received them very well.”
The shades currently go for $25 a pair or $40 for two pairs,
and the practice plans to continue selling the UV-protecting
shades. “Our dogs live an active lifestyle here in Southern California and are in the sun a lot,
and just like we do, dogs need protection from the harmful UV rays,” explains Dr. Wong. “In our
practice we are always looking for fresh new ideas to provide added value beneï¬ts to our
patients and their loved ones — in this case their dogs.”
Article reprinted with permission of the California Optometric Association. Published originally in California Optometry, March/April 2010, Vol. 37, No. 2, page 36.