Q&A by Dr. Ringel (Published in the Harrison Press)
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Astigmatism
Q: Dr. Ringel, what is astigmatism? A: Astigmatism means the eye has an asymmetrical front lens curvature rather than a perfect round shape. As a result uncorrected astigmatism may cause blurred and distorted vision. An astigmatic eye requires a special dual-power lens to focus light evenly. Approximately 85-90% of all individuals wear an astigmatic correction in the form of glasses or special contact lenses. At my office here in Harrison you will find our personal approach in handling this and other types of vision problems is unsurpassed. |
Q: Dr. Ringel, can someone with astigmatism wear contact lenses?
A: Yes. When astigmatism is present, the eye has an asymmetrical front curvature rather than a perfect round shape. As a result of this shape the eye requires a special dual-power lens to focus light evenly.
Fitting contact lenses to eyes with astigmatism can be much more complicated than fitting lenses to correct simple nearsightedness or farsightedness. At my office, I combine my years of experience with the latest contact lens designs and materials to solve nearly any prescription need. Call my office to experience the joy and benefits contact lenses can make on your daily living.
A: Yes. When astigmatism is present, the eye has an asymmetrical front curvature rather than a perfect round shape. As a result of this shape the eye requires a special dual-power lens to focus light evenly.
Fitting contact lenses to eyes with astigmatism can be much more complicated than fitting lenses to correct simple nearsightedness or farsightedness. At my office, I combine my years of experience with the latest contact lens designs and materials to solve nearly any prescription need. Call my office to experience the joy and benefits contact lenses can make on your daily living.
Burning, Itchy Eyes
Q: Dr. Ringel, my eyes seem to burn and itch a lot this spring. What is the cause of this and can anything be done?
A: Your symptoms are very commonly reported in those patients with allergic conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear layer of tissue that covers the white portion of the eye as well as the inside of the upper and lower eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is a swelling of this tissue that results from an allergic response. Symptoms may range from mild itching without discharge to a severe reaction where the eye is swollen shut.
Recently several ophthalmic medications have been developed which treat this condition very effectively. I routinely prescribe these medications to my patients. There’s no reason to suffer when help is available.
Q: Dr. Ringel, my eyes seem to burn and itch a lot this spring. What is the cause of this and can anything be done?
A: Your symptoms are very commonly reported in those patients with allergic conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear layer of tissue that covers the white portion of the eye as well as the inside of the upper and lower eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is a swelling of this tissue that results from an allergic response. Symptoms may range from mild itching without discharge to a severe reaction where the eye is swollen shut.
Recently several ophthalmic medications have been developed which treat this condition very effectively. I routinely prescribe these medications to my patients. There’s no reason to suffer when help is available.
Q: Dr. Ringel, my eyes frequently burn and feel gritty. What is the cause of this?
A: The symptoms you are reporting are most commonly associated with dry eye syndrome. This is a condition where the front of the eye becomes dry, usually due to a decrease in tear fluid production. Dry eye seems to affect women over age 50 with rheumatoid arthritis the most.
Treatment of this condition may include may include artificial tears, lubricating ointments and tear duct occlusion. I routinely manage patients with this condition and will customize a treatment plan for their needs.
A: The symptoms you are reporting are most commonly associated with dry eye syndrome. This is a condition where the front of the eye becomes dry, usually due to a decrease in tear fluid production. Dry eye seems to affect women over age 50 with rheumatoid arthritis the most.
Treatment of this condition may include may include artificial tears, lubricating ointments and tear duct occlusion. I routinely manage patients with this condition and will customize a treatment plan for their needs.
Cataracts
Q: What is a cataract?
A: A cataract occurs when the transparent lens inside the eye becomes cloudy so that light can no longer be focused clearly. These changes are part of normal aging, though certain diseases, drugs or injuries may cause cataracts to form at a younger age. The most common symptom of a cataract is blurring of near and/or distance vision. Some patients will experience glare or halos. Cataracts do not cause discomfort, tearing or redness.
I routinely dilate my patient’s eyes so that I can check for cataract formation and other eye conditions. After the eye examination I carefully review the results with you and make recommendations as necessary.
Q: What is a cataract?
A: A cataract occurs when the transparent lens inside the eye becomes cloudy so that light can no longer be focused clearly. These changes are part of normal aging, though certain diseases, drugs or injuries may cause cataracts to form at a younger age. The most common symptom of a cataract is blurring of near and/or distance vision. Some patients will experience glare or halos. Cataracts do not cause discomfort, tearing or redness.
I routinely dilate my patient’s eyes so that I can check for cataract formation and other eye conditions. After the eye examination I carefully review the results with you and make recommendations as necessary.
Children and Eye Care
Q: Dr. Ringel, at what age should I have my child’s eyes examined?
A: The American Optometric Association recommends that all children should be examined by 2 years of age. This eye exam should include tests of eye coordination, ocular health with pupil dilation, and measurement of their refractive error (in case they need glasses). This will ensure that you child sees well & succeeds in school.
It is important that parents realize that a school screening or a pediatrician’s vision test is only a screening. It does not replace an eye exam performed by an eye care professional. Now is the time to schedule your child’s eye exam before the back to school rush. I routinely examine children of all ages. My office carries a wide selection of children’s eyewear which comes standard with polycarbonate safety lenses.
Q: Dr. Ringel, at what age should I have my child’s eyes examined?
A: The American Optometric Association recommends that all children should be examined by 2 years of age. This eye exam should include tests of eye coordination, ocular health with pupil dilation, and measurement of their refractive error (in case they need glasses). This will ensure that you child sees well & succeeds in school.
It is important that parents realize that a school screening or a pediatrician’s vision test is only a screening. It does not replace an eye exam performed by an eye care professional. Now is the time to schedule your child’s eye exam before the back to school rush. I routinely examine children of all ages. My office carries a wide selection of children’s eyewear which comes standard with polycarbonate safety lenses.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I think my child may be nearsighted? Could you please describe the symptoms of nearsightedness?
A: Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is characterized by blurred distance vision with relatively clear near vision. Children with myopia often complain that the chalkboard is blurry. Many parents will notice that their child squints to see and they may complain of frequent headaches.
I would strongly recommend your son or daughter have a thorough eye examination with dilation of the pupils to check for myopia and other conditions affecting the eye. Blurred vision can be a serious detriment to a child’s learning and subsequently their grades.
At my office here in Harrison you will find our personal approach in handling this and other types of vision problems is unsurpassed.
A: Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is characterized by blurred distance vision with relatively clear near vision. Children with myopia often complain that the chalkboard is blurry. Many parents will notice that their child squints to see and they may complain of frequent headaches.
I would strongly recommend your son or daughter have a thorough eye examination with dilation of the pupils to check for myopia and other conditions affecting the eye. Blurred vision can be a serious detriment to a child’s learning and subsequently their grades.
At my office here in Harrison you will find our personal approach in handling this and other types of vision problems is unsurpassed.
Computer Glasses
Q: Dr. Ringel, can you tell me about computer glasses?
A: Computer glasses are glasses designed to allow you to see the computer clearly at a comfortable distance and with proper head posture. No more tilting your head back to see the monitor. They come in many different designs ranging from bifocals and trifocals to “no-line” lenses. The lenses can be ordered with anti-reflection treatment and tints depending on your needs.
At my office I always review with my patients their vision condition. Based upon my patient’s needs, we then decide together the most appropriate type of lens correction to maximize their vision.
Q: Dr. Ringel, can you tell me about computer glasses?
A: Computer glasses are glasses designed to allow you to see the computer clearly at a comfortable distance and with proper head posture. No more tilting your head back to see the monitor. They come in many different designs ranging from bifocals and trifocals to “no-line” lenses. The lenses can be ordered with anti-reflection treatment and tints depending on your needs.
At my office I always review with my patients their vision condition. Based upon my patient’s needs, we then decide together the most appropriate type of lens correction to maximize their vision.
Contacts
Q: Dr. Ringel, is there such a thing as a bifocal contact lens?
A: Yes, bifocal contact lenses have been around for several years. They are available in both hard and soft materials. Soft bifocal contact lenses are available in the disposable variety, too. This means they are replaced after a specified period of time.
There are many different styles of bifocal contacts suited for varying needs of an individual. Recently, a one day disposable bifocal lens called the Proclear Multifocal was released. This lens is ideal for those individuals who are on the go all the time or the occasional contact lens wearer. The best thing to do first is schedule a comprehensive eye exam. This will determine both your prescription needs and your candidacy for various lenses.
Q: Dr. Ringel, is there such a thing as a bifocal contact lens?
A: Yes, bifocal contact lenses have been around for several years. They are available in both hard and soft materials. Soft bifocal contact lenses are available in the disposable variety, too. This means they are replaced after a specified period of time.
There are many different styles of bifocal contacts suited for varying needs of an individual. Recently, a one day disposable bifocal lens called the Proclear Multifocal was released. This lens is ideal for those individuals who are on the go all the time or the occasional contact lens wearer. The best thing to do first is schedule a comprehensive eye exam. This will determine both your prescription needs and your candidacy for various lenses.
Q: Dr. Ringel, what can you tell me about daily disposable contacts?
A: Over the last year I have seen more excitement and growth with daily disposable contact lenses. The biggest reasons are comfort, convenience and ocular health. No other type of contact lens wear comes close to the comfort of a daily disposable lens. No more solutions to buy. Daily disposables are available for patients that are nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism, or need a bifocal.
If you have failed in contacts in the past don’t give up. Please call our office to schedule your next eye examination and try daily disposable contact lenses.
A: Over the last year I have seen more excitement and growth with daily disposable contact lenses. The biggest reasons are comfort, convenience and ocular health. No other type of contact lens wear comes close to the comfort of a daily disposable lens. No more solutions to buy. Daily disposables are available for patients that are nearsighted, farsighted, have astigmatism, or need a bifocal.
If you have failed in contacts in the past don’t give up. Please call our office to schedule your next eye examination and try daily disposable contact lenses.
Diabetes
Q: Dr. Ringel, I was just diagnosed with diabetes. How can diabetes affect my eyes?
A: Diabetes can cause a potentially blinding condition called diabetic retinopathy. With this condition small blood vessels that nourish the back of the eye can begin to weaken and leak fluid. Vision changes can include blurred vision, cloudy or hazy vision, or floaters.
The symptoms, however, often do not appear in the early stages of the illness. That’s why individuals with diabetes need to have a thorough eye health and vision exam every year. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can preserve your eyesight. I routinely care for individuals with diabetes here in my Harrison office.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I was just diagnosed with diabetes. How can diabetes affect my eyes?
A: Diabetes can cause a potentially blinding condition called diabetic retinopathy. With this condition small blood vessels that nourish the back of the eye can begin to weaken and leak fluid. Vision changes can include blurred vision, cloudy or hazy vision, or floaters.
The symptoms, however, often do not appear in the early stages of the illness. That’s why individuals with diabetes need to have a thorough eye health and vision exam every year. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can preserve your eyesight. I routinely care for individuals with diabetes here in my Harrison office.
Q: Dr. Ringel, my husband was just diagnosed with diabetes. How often does he need to have his eyes examined?
A: Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes need to have a dilated eye exam at the time of their diagnosis and then annually thereafter. Each year approximately 25,000 people lose their eyesight to diabetic eye disease. Often times patients have no symptoms; yet early signs can be detected during a dilated eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in helping to prevent blindness.
At my office here in Harrison I routinely provide care for patients with diabetes. You will find my personal approach and care is unsurpassed.
A: Patients who are diagnosed with diabetes need to have a dilated eye exam at the time of their diagnosis and then annually thereafter. Each year approximately 25,000 people lose their eyesight to diabetic eye disease. Often times patients have no symptoms; yet early signs can be detected during a dilated eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial in helping to prevent blindness.
At my office here in Harrison I routinely provide care for patients with diabetes. You will find my personal approach and care is unsurpassed.
Flexible Spending
Q: Dr. Ringel, I have money remaining in my FSA account that needs to be used before the end of the year. Can I use this money on eye care?
A: You can certainly use the funds on your eye care needs. The cost of an eye examination as well as any prescription glasses or contact lenses needed is considered a covered expense. Contact lens solution is covered, too. Over the counter eye drops and medications are covered as long as a prescription is written by your doctor. You cannot use your FSA funds towards the cost of non-prescription sunglasses or cosmetic contact lenses. Don’t wait until the last moment to use your remaining funds.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I have money remaining in my FSA account that needs to be used before the end of the year. Can I use this money on eye care?
A: You can certainly use the funds on your eye care needs. The cost of an eye examination as well as any prescription glasses or contact lenses needed is considered a covered expense. Contact lens solution is covered, too. Over the counter eye drops and medications are covered as long as a prescription is written by your doctor. You cannot use your FSA funds towards the cost of non-prescription sunglasses or cosmetic contact lenses. Don’t wait until the last moment to use your remaining funds.
Floaters
Q: Dr. Ringel, lately I have noticed floating particles in my right eye. Is this cause for concern?
A: The symptoms you are reporting are very common. Usually this is associated with a natural aging change of an eye fluid called the vitreous. The particles are thus called vitreous floaters and are normal and expected. However, in some cases these floaters may signal a problem with the retina, which is much more serious and often requires further attention. Anyone who notices floaters for the first time, or a change in the size and frequency of their floaters should have a dilated eye examination done immediately. I routinely handle these types of vision problems here in my Harrison office.
Q: Dr. Ringel, lately I have noticed floating particles in my right eye. Is this cause for concern?
A: The symptoms you are reporting are very common. Usually this is associated with a natural aging change of an eye fluid called the vitreous. The particles are thus called vitreous floaters and are normal and expected. However, in some cases these floaters may signal a problem with the retina, which is much more serious and often requires further attention. Anyone who notices floaters for the first time, or a change in the size and frequency of their floaters should have a dilated eye examination done immediately. I routinely handle these types of vision problems here in my Harrison office.
Glaucoma
Q: Dr. Ringel, my mother has glaucoma, does this put me at risk for developing the disease?
A: A family history of glaucoma does put you in the higher risk category for developing glaucoma. There are other factors that influence the predisposition for glaucoma, too. They include increased age, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Also, glaucoma is more commonly seen in the African-American population.
Glaucoma is a very treatable eye condition if caught early. In my office, I use several methods to test for this condition. I have received extensive training in managing patients with glaucoma and routinely treat these individuals here in my Harrison office.
Q: Dr. Ringel, my mother has glaucoma, does this put me at risk for developing the disease?
A: A family history of glaucoma does put you in the higher risk category for developing glaucoma. There are other factors that influence the predisposition for glaucoma, too. They include increased age, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Also, glaucoma is more commonly seen in the African-American population.
Glaucoma is a very treatable eye condition if caught early. In my office, I use several methods to test for this condition. I have received extensive training in managing patients with glaucoma and routinely treat these individuals here in my Harrison office.
Lazy Eye
Q: Dr. Ringel, what is a “lazy eye”?
A: “Lazy eye” is a term often used when referring to the condition called amblyopia. Amblyopia is the result of an eye and the brain not working properly together. There are many causes of amblyopia including large differences in the prescription between the two eyes and crossing of the eyes.
A “lazy eye” can be treated if discovered at a young age. Eye patching is the most common treatment. The American Optometric Association recommends that all children have their eyes examined by the age of two, in part to help detect this common condition. I routinely examine and treat children in my office for this and many other conditions.
Q: Dr. Ringel, what is a “lazy eye”?
A: “Lazy eye” is a term often used when referring to the condition called amblyopia. Amblyopia is the result of an eye and the brain not working properly together. There are many causes of amblyopia including large differences in the prescription between the two eyes and crossing of the eyes.
A “lazy eye” can be treated if discovered at a young age. Eye patching is the most common treatment. The American Optometric Association recommends that all children have their eyes examined by the age of two, in part to help detect this common condition. I routinely examine and treat children in my office for this and many other conditions.
Nearsightedness
Q: Dr. Ringel, I am nearsighted. What are my options to correct my eyesight?
A: Most patients choose to wear either glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Recently, a surgical procedure using a laser was approved to correct nearsightedness. The laser beam is used to reshape the front of the eye, which then improves ones vision.
Laser vision correction is not the best choice for everyone, but should be considered as one of your options. I routinely recommend laser vision correction to my patients and would suggest you explore this opportunity.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I am nearsighted. What are my options to correct my eyesight?
A: Most patients choose to wear either glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Recently, a surgical procedure using a laser was approved to correct nearsightedness. The laser beam is used to reshape the front of the eye, which then improves ones vision.
Laser vision correction is not the best choice for everyone, but should be considered as one of your options. I routinely recommend laser vision correction to my patients and would suggest you explore this opportunity.
Night Vision
Q: Dr. Ringel, I have trouble driving and seeing well at night. What can cause this?
A: There are many possible causes for poor night vision. Some individuals are afflicted with an eye disease or degeneration that may reduce their eyesight mostly at night. Most often, poor night vision is simply due to the need for a change in a person’s glasses or contact lens correction. Blurred vision is more apparent at night when the pupil dilates.
With a new contact lens or eyeglass correction these symptoms will often disappear. Anti-reflective lens technology has made a tremendous difference for many patients. These special lenses reduce the amount of light reflected from the lens surface improving your eyesight as well as your appearance.
Anyone with poor night vision should have a complete eye exam to rule out eye disease or the need for a lens correction. I routinely care for patients with this complaint here in my Harrison office.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I have trouble driving and seeing well at night. What can cause this?
A: There are many possible causes for poor night vision. Some individuals are afflicted with an eye disease or degeneration that may reduce their eyesight mostly at night. Most often, poor night vision is simply due to the need for a change in a person’s glasses or contact lens correction. Blurred vision is more apparent at night when the pupil dilates.
With a new contact lens or eyeglass correction these symptoms will often disappear. Anti-reflective lens technology has made a tremendous difference for many patients. These special lenses reduce the amount of light reflected from the lens surface improving your eyesight as well as your appearance.
Anyone with poor night vision should have a complete eye exam to rule out eye disease or the need for a lens correction. I routinely care for patients with this complaint here in my Harrison office.
Services
Q: Dr. Ringel, what services do you provide to your patients at your office in Harrison?
A: A wide range of eye care services are provided for my patients. Comprehensive eye examinations which check your vision and ocular health needs are performed on patients age 2 and older. I utilize the latest designs in contact lenses and eyeglasses. A large selection of fashion frames in all price ranges are available to choose from. Patients are welcome to bring in their prescription from other doctors and have them filled in our office.
Patients can be seen for the evaluation and management of cataracts, dry eye, and glaucoma. I have extensive experience in the removal of foreign objects from an eye along with treatment of ocular scratches and pink eye. I am actively involved with laser corrective eye surgery (LASIK). For patient’s convenience their pre and post-operative care can be done at my local office. I am confident you will find my thoroughness and personal approach is unsurpassed in the area.
Q: Dr. Ringel, what services do you provide to your patients at your office in Harrison?
A: A wide range of eye care services are provided for my patients. Comprehensive eye examinations which check your vision and ocular health needs are performed on patients age 2 and older. I utilize the latest designs in contact lenses and eyeglasses. A large selection of fashion frames in all price ranges are available to choose from. Patients are welcome to bring in their prescription from other doctors and have them filled in our office.
Patients can be seen for the evaluation and management of cataracts, dry eye, and glaucoma. I have extensive experience in the removal of foreign objects from an eye along with treatment of ocular scratches and pink eye. I am actively involved with laser corrective eye surgery (LASIK). For patient’s convenience their pre and post-operative care can be done at my local office. I am confident you will find my thoroughness and personal approach is unsurpassed in the area.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I heard you purchased a new instrument for your office. Please tell me more about it.
A: I am excited to announce that my office now has the capability to perform OCT imaging. This produces high definition images of the layers of the retina and optic nerve. This is important as it allows me to detect the very earliest signs of vision threatening diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others. When diagnosed early, these conditions are easier to treat, and thus avoiding vision loss. The best part is that this test is non-invasive and can be performed quickly as part of your next comprehensive eye examination.
Please call our office to schedule your next eye examination and see why our personal approach is unsurpassed in the area.
A: I am excited to announce that my office now has the capability to perform OCT imaging. This produces high definition images of the layers of the retina and optic nerve. This is important as it allows me to detect the very earliest signs of vision threatening diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others. When diagnosed early, these conditions are easier to treat, and thus avoiding vision loss. The best part is that this test is non-invasive and can be performed quickly as part of your next comprehensive eye examination.
Please call our office to schedule your next eye examination and see why our personal approach is unsurpassed in the area.
Sports
Q: Dr. Ringel, my child is playing baseball this summer. What type of eyewear should he be wearing to protect his eyes?
A: I recommend to all my patients that they purchase specially designed sports glasses. Sports glasses are made of tough plastic materials and polycarbonate lenses designed to withstand impact from a ball. Each year, approximately 37,000 people suffer sports-related eye injuries serious enough to require emergency room care. The sports with the most injuries include basketball, baseball and racket sports.
I carry several fashionable styles of sports glasses here in my Harrison office. Our personal approach and attention to your needs is unsurpassed.
Q: Dr. Ringel, my child is playing baseball this summer. What type of eyewear should he be wearing to protect his eyes?
A: I recommend to all my patients that they purchase specially designed sports glasses. Sports glasses are made of tough plastic materials and polycarbonate lenses designed to withstand impact from a ball. Each year, approximately 37,000 people suffer sports-related eye injuries serious enough to require emergency room care. The sports with the most injuries include basketball, baseball and racket sports.
I carry several fashionable styles of sports glasses here in my Harrison office. Our personal approach and attention to your needs is unsurpassed.
Sunglasses
Q: Dr. Ringel, I need a pair of sunglasses to wear this summer. What should I look for in a pair of quality sunglasses?
A: I recommend to all my patients that they purchase sunglass lenses which block 99-100% of ultraviolet light in the A and B wavelengths. The lenses should screen 75-90% of visible light and be perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections. The best lens color choice is gray since it does not modify the appearance of colors. Price is no gauge for quality sunglasses.
My office carries many of the latest styles from manufacturers like Ray Ban, Coach, Vogue, Carrera, Ralph, and Brooks Brothers. In addition we routinely make prescription sunglasses from our wide selection of frames on our premises.
Q: Dr. Ringel, I need a pair of sunglasses to wear this summer. What should I look for in a pair of quality sunglasses?
A: I recommend to all my patients that they purchase sunglass lenses which block 99-100% of ultraviolet light in the A and B wavelengths. The lenses should screen 75-90% of visible light and be perfectly matched in color and free of distortions or imperfections. The best lens color choice is gray since it does not modify the appearance of colors. Price is no gauge for quality sunglasses.
My office carries many of the latest styles from manufacturers like Ray Ban, Coach, Vogue, Carrera, Ralph, and Brooks Brothers. In addition we routinely make prescription sunglasses from our wide selection of frames on our premises.
Trouble Reading Small Print
Q: Dr. Ringel, over the last year or so I have noticed that it is difficult for me to read small print. I am in my 40s and would like to know what is the cause of this?
A: You are experiencing a very common condition called presbyopia. This is a condition where the lens inside the eye becomes hard and no longer flexible. When the lens cannot flex then the eye is unable to change its focus. Typically this condition affects individuals in their mid-40s.
There are many options to correct this condition. These range from no-line progressive lenses, conventional bifocals, and reading glasses to contact lenses. At the completion of each eye exam I personally review my findings with the patient and help them choose the most appropriate type of lens correction.
Q: Dr. Ringel, over the last year or so I have noticed that it is difficult for me to read small print. I am in my 40s and would like to know what is the cause of this?
A: You are experiencing a very common condition called presbyopia. This is a condition where the lens inside the eye becomes hard and no longer flexible. When the lens cannot flex then the eye is unable to change its focus. Typically this condition affects individuals in their mid-40s.
There are many options to correct this condition. These range from no-line progressive lenses, conventional bifocals, and reading glasses to contact lenses. At the completion of each eye exam I personally review my findings with the patient and help them choose the most appropriate type of lens correction.
Q: Dr. Ringel, why did you choose to be an eye doctor?
A: That is a great question. I became interested in optometry when my grandparents suffered loss of vision as they became older. By coincidence, one of my high school classmates always knew he wanted to be an optometrist. He told me about the profession and so I decided to shadow an optometrist in my hometown. Right away I knew optometry was a good fit for me. Today I get to help patient just like my grandparents.
A: That is a great question. I became interested in optometry when my grandparents suffered loss of vision as they became older. By coincidence, one of my high school classmates always knew he wanted to be an optometrist. He told me about the profession and so I decided to shadow an optometrist in my hometown. Right away I knew optometry was a good fit for me. Today I get to help patient just like my grandparents.