Cypress Family Eyecare, guided by Dr. James Oevermann, has been at the forefront of vision care in the Cypress area for over two decades.
The doctors at Cypress Family Eyecare help individuals facing vision problems that come from medical issues such as night blindness, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eyes. These factors contribute to vision challenges. Their commitment to providing exceptional patient care has made them a trusted name in the community.
Dr. Oevermann sat down with Community Impact to discuss the growth of Cypress Family Eyecare and its commitment to comprehensive eye care.
Cypress Family Eyecare's commitment to the Cypress region spans more than two decades; what drives the ongoing dedication to this community?
Dr. Oevermann: We established our practice in 2000, initially operating from a modest location with only a receptionist. Over the years, we experienced significant growth, expanding both in size and services. While we originally focused on eyeglasses and contact lenses, our patients' evolving needs led us to offer comprehensive care, including glaucoma, emergency visits, diabetic care, macular maintenance and cataract evaluation. We are not your typical optometric practice; we go beyond glasses and contact lenses. Our mission revolves around identifying and resolving ocular-related issues, whether they require medical attention or vision correction.
Why is it crucial to conduct vision assessments for children at both the age of six months and again at three years old as part of pediatric care?
Dr. Oevermann: Detection! Typically, children with vision issues may not have their problems detected until shortly before they begin school or undergo some form of screening. I've encountered cases where it's crucial to establish a baseline assessment as early as six months of age to identify any significant visual issues. Parents often wonder why they didn't notice any problems earlier, but it's essential to understand that we can't recognize what we can't see or experience. It's like someone who has only ever had vanilla ice cream suddenly trying chocolate or strawberry; they can only define normal based on their exposure until they realize there's a difference.
What is the approach to staying updated with the changing technology in the field of eye care?
Dr. Oevermann: What we do with technology is essentially keep up to date with the latest advancements. An example of this: we used to dilate everyone’s eyes to examine them comprehensively, and I had to use colored pencils to mark and document what we saw. I am not an artist. But now, thanks to the remarkable capabilities of cameras and their megapixels, we can utilize technology to capture dynamic and detailed images of the eye. These images allow us to detect even the tiniest microscopic changes over time, which would be impossible with the naked eye alone. We also employ a technology called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), somewhat akin to a laser in its simplicity. It scans the critical components of the eye, including the macular region and the optic nerve head, at a microscopic level. This enables us to spot issues related to blood vessel health, such as decreased blood flow, which can lead to issues like ischemia. Sometimes, central vision problems that aren't evident through a visual inspection become apparent through this type of scan, revealing irregularities, fluid buildup or changes in tissue layers that may affect vision. Another advancement we use is the No Puff Glaucoma test, also known as applanation tonometry, which is much more precise.
What inspires the decision to give back to the local community, particularly to veterans?
Dr. Oevermann: I didn't serve in the military, but I've had numerous military patients over the years, including about five or six World War II veterans who have shared their experiences with me during their exams. Each of them have expressed their gratitude, and it's deeply moving because they rarely open up to anyone else in their families about their sacrifices. Giving back to those who have given so much is something you can't put a price on, even if it's just a small contribution like a dollar. It's a way of showing our appreciation.
What are the range of frames available for progressive, bifocal, and larger prescription needs?
Dr. Oevermann: We can provide same-day glasses , and while most optometric offices carry about 300 to 400 frames in-house, we boast an impressive selection of over 1,000 different brands. With a highly trained and ABO-certified optician with 14+ years of experience, we can handle a wide range of prescriptions, including single vision and progressive lenses. In case of emergencies, we strive to turn around glasses within three days, although the exact time frame can vary depending on the lab and insurance. Our goal is to ensure that when someone visits us for contact lenses, 99.9% of them leave with lenses that provide at least 20/30 vision or better. Getting people back into the game.
How does Cypress Family Eyecare connect with the community?
Dr. Oevermann: We support the local high school teams, bands, drill teams, and other local organizations in the Cypress area. Another example, if someone faces financial challenges, we can connect them with resources like the Lighthouse for the Blind, Eyes On Me Inc. and others. People often seek answers from me because of my years of experience, even if we're not always covered by their insurance. They come to us because they trust that we'll provide them with genuine solutions to their vision problems. Our Vision Statement “Helping People See” sums everything up.
Learn more
Cypress Family Eyecare is located at 16700 House Hahl Road, Building 7, Cypress. Schedule an appointment on their website www.cypressfamilyeyecare.com or call/text 281-550-4141 to experience exceptional eye care.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.