This sentiment is at the heart of our business – For Those Who Value Their Vision.
Humans take for granted what we have until we lose it. This also applies to our sight. Two recent cases illustrate the point.
A male 53 year-old patient consulted me for an optometric assessment. I advised him to return for further testing as it appeared he could have early signs of glaucoma, a condition which if untreated causes loss of peripheral vision and ultimately blindness. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” as there are no symptoms in the early stages.
Unfortunately, the patient did not return for follow-up as directed and subsequently purchased spectacles on multiple occasions from a budget outlet. When he returned eight years later it became obvious he was suffering from advanced glaucoma with irretrievable loss of vision.
A similar situation occurred with another 58-year-old female patient whom I’d previously examined, and apart from requiring reading spectacles had normal vision and ocular health. Instead of returning for regular eye examinations and prescribed spectacles, the patient elected to use standard store bought “magnifiers” for reading.
She returned 10 years later because she had noticed a dark patch in her vision. On examination it was immediately obvious she was suffering from advanced glaucoma with severe loss of vision. Had she had regular examinations, this could have been avoided. As treatment cannot restore lost vision, it was only possible to limit further deterioration.
These cases emphasise the importance of having your eyes examined regularly by an optometrist with a clinical focus, who takes the time to look after your eyes ocular health as well as providing well fitted spectacles.
So, take a moment to think – what price do you put on your sight?
