Our Favorite Year — 2020

Along with the American Optometric Association, Gontarek Eye Care wants to make this the year of the Eye Exam.  It is the perfect time for us to educate our patients (and potential patients!) in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and throughout Hampton Roads about the importance of an annual, comprehensive eye examination.

This year really is an optometrist’s dream, to help patients see their very best in the year 2020. ?

There are many obvious and hidden consequences to poor or less than optimal eye sight. Each month throughout our favorite year — 2020 – our eye doctors in Chesapeake will provide you with eye care information that we hope you will heed, find valuable, and share with loved ones and friends.

Kids’ Vision Problems
Seeing Through the Eyes of a Child

Think all children have healthy eyes and good vision? Think again. Actually, 1 in 4 kids have a vision problem that can cause difficulties in learning and behavior.

Nearly half of all American children have NOT had a real, comprehensive eye exam. Many need glasses, and don’t even know it! And, because virtually everything kids learn comes through their eyes, they’re at a severe disadvantage in school and other activities when they can’t see well.

Vision Problems Can Spell Other Problems for Kids
Too often, a child who can’t see well is misdiagnosed with a totally unrelated behavioral problem like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This misdiagnosis can then start a frustrating chain of events for parents and kids alike, from unnecessary doctor visits and special classes to medications. When, in reality, the true solution might be right before their eyes: a simple pair of glasses!

Vision Screenings Don’t Make the Grade!
If you’re like many parents, you trust the vision screenings given at your child’s school or pediatrician’s office to be all they need for seeing their best.

These simple eye checks can detect some basic problems, but not all. To do their very best in school, and in life, your child needs a quality, comprehensive eye exam from an eye doctor.

When it comes to your child’s health, eye exams often get overlooked. One in four children have difficulty seeing in school, affecting their ability to learn — it’s hard to learn the material if they can’t see it. School vision screenings in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Norfolk are not enough to detect the vision problems your child may be having.

During a visit to one of our eye doctors in Chesapeake, we will look at things a school vision screening will not, such as the overall health of the eyes, how well the eyes work together, and whether your child’s eyes are focusing correctly. Just because a child may be able to see the 20/20 row on the eye chart does not mean they are not straining to do so.

There is more to good vision than seeing 20/20! This in-depth evaluation will also examine depth perception, color and peripheral vision, as well as near and distance viewing. Because the visual system is responsible for 80 percent of a child’s ability to learn, an eye exam is vital to ensure the eyes are healthy and working efficiently.

How Can I See a Vision Problem in My Child?
It’s not always easy! Keep an eye out for these symptoms or behaviors:

• Avoiding or not liking reading
• Short attention span
• Difficulty throwing/catching a ball, copying from chalkboard, tying shoes
• Pulling a book in close to their face, or sitting too close to a TV
• Lots of blinking or eye rubbing
• Guiding their eyes with a finger or pencil while reading
• Failing performance in school

Remember, your child can’t always explain that they have a vision problem – they don’t necessarily understand what it means to see properly! So don’t leave their eye health up to them; make sure they get a comprehensive eye exam.

If your child does need glasses, ask your eye doctor about polycarbonate lenses; these lenses are 10 times more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses and the perfect fit for the playground. Don’t forget sunglasses! Just like sunscreen protects your kids’ skin from harmful UV rays, quality sunglasses will protect their eyes. Get them in the habit of wearing sunglasses now, and reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and ocular cancers later.

Get Their Eye Exam on the Calendar!
It’s recommended that kids have a comprehensive eye exam when they’re 6 months, three years and five years old. After that, they should have annually – or every two years if no correction is needed.

Make sure your child does her/his very best in school – and in life – make it a priority to schedule their eye exam today!

To schedule an eye appointment, please contact us at (757) 966-2206 or click here.

ABOUT OUR EYE CARE CLINIC

Since 2010, our eye doctors in Chesapeake have provided families in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Hampton Roads with the best eye care possible. Our eye clinic is rooted in the philosophy of good old fashioned honesty and customer service – and our patients appreciate that. Our eye doctors and staff can provide a comprehensive eye examination, vision therapy, eye exams, glasses, contacts, co-management of surgical patients, and more.