Start the New Year Right!

It’s almost the start of a new year, and we want to help you start it off the right way! To that end, if you’re not getting regular eye exams for yourself or your children because you think a vision screening is the same thing, you may want to think again.

Vision screenings are not an adequate substitute for eye exams. For example, a driver’s license screening is simply a quick check to make sure your peripheral vision is good enough to see vehicles approaching from the side, and that you are able to recognize road signs and other things from a safe distance.

But a vision screening DOESN’T involve determining if you are higher-risk for certain vision problems or checking for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, etc. In addition, as I mentioned above, vision screenings often are only testing for good enough—which doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t need corrective lenses.

And while school vision screenings have a stricter standard for detecting vision problems, they lack the comprehensiveness of an eye exam that can detect visual disorders that may affect your child’s learning.

So don’t compromise or settle for less when it comes to your vision—schedule your annual exam with us today.

Happy Holidays!

This holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being a loyal patient of our office. We love serving each and every one of you.

I also want to use this opportunity to be sure you are giving yourself and your family the gift of great eyesight this year! Here are a few things to be sure you’re doing:

• Keep up with scheduling your annual exams.
• Wear your sunglasses year-round to protect from UV damage.
• Keep yourself hydrated, especially in these dry winter months. 
• Choose eye-nutritious foods such as orange veggies, leafie greens, nuts, and berries.

Most importantly, however you choose to celebrate this holiday season, I hope that you are happy, healthy, and surrounded by loved ones!

How do Your Pet’s Eyes Work?

You may already know that animals have very different ways of seeing than humans. But did you know, for example, that dogs aren’t really color blind (contrary to popular belief)? Here are some fun facts about your pets and how they see:

Goldfish
Goldfish have excellent, full-spectrum vision, and they also have a visual memory of up to 3 months. So if you’re the person responsible for feeding them, they recognize and remember you. They’re also sensitive to sudden light changes because they have no eyelids.

Cats
Cats see things in a lower resolution than humans, and they also see less vibrant colors than humans. However, they do have better night vision and their eyes are developed to detect small, quick movements so they are better able to catch prey.

Dogs
Your trusty old sidekick can see colors, although it’s a common misconception that dogs are color blind. They will see less colors than we do, however, seeing only blue, yellow, and gray tones. In other words, your dog’s vision is very similar to a red-green color-blind human’s vision.

Know any other fun facts about pet vision? Share them in the comments below!

Pediatric Health Benefit: An Overview

As you may know, beginning January 1, nearly all children in the U.S. will have coverage for annual eye exams, follow-up care, and treatment such as eyeglasses from their local doctor of optometry.  For many families, this coverage will be embedded within your basic medical insurance and not as a stand-alone benefit, as was previously the case. This coverage is through an Optometric Care ACA children’s Health Benefit, deemed essential to a child’s overall health.

While some have suggested a comprehensive annual exam is not necessary as long as a child is receiving vision screenings, there is no valid screening method to identify most children with vision problems. Vision screenings miss more problems than they find. A study funded by the National Eye Institute found even the most highly-trained screeners using top-of-the-line equipment will miss one-third of all learning-related eye and vision problems in children.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) writes about the changes and how they can benefit you and your child in this article: Health Reform Offers Better Children’s Vision Care in U.S. I hope that you find this information helpful as you ensure that your children receive the very best in pediatric vision care.

December is Safe Toys & Gifts Month

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with the holiday season and Christmas shopping in full swing. It’s also a time of increased toy-related injuries to children, which is why December is Safe Toys & Gifts Awareness month.

So what are some ways to ensure the toys you give and receive this season are of minimal risk to children? Here are some suggestions from Prevent Blindness America:

• Follow the age-appropriate guidelines when it comes to gifts. The suggested guidelines can be very helpful in determining at what age a child can safely play with a toy.
• Examine any toys to determine their safety before allowing your child to play with them.
• Be sure that any sports equipment is given or used with the appropriate protective wear (sports goggles, helmets, etc.).
• Save warranties and receipts for toys—and provide gift receipts for recipients.

Remember that nothing can substitute your better judgment. If you feel a toy might be unsafe, don’t give it. And don’t allow your child to play with it—exchange it instead!