MyEyeDr. is committed to helping patients live their best lives by providing patients with personalized eye care experiences by trusted local optometrists. With expert care and a focus on eye health, patients can see well and live their best lives.

Dr. Vincent's MyEyeDr practice is equipped with the latest in vision care technology, staffed with compassionate, knowledgeable optometrists and eyewear consultants and stocked with a wide selection of quality eyewear, and the MyEyeDr. location in Avery Ranch is no exception.

In this Q&A, Dr. Chris Vincent, one of the optometrists at the MyEyeDr. Avery Ranch location provides insight into his eye care philosophy and experience with MyEyeDr.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in eye health?

Dr. Vincent: A sixth-grade memory sticks with me: I could clearly see the board, but my textbook was a blur. That sparked an interest in how vision works and the importance of seeing clearly. In high school, science and medicine felt like the natural path, and optometry became the perfect fit. I feel fortunate to be in a career that helps people.

Why did you choose to work at MyEyeDr?

Dr. Vincent: I chose MyEyeDr. because its purpose, promise, and vision resonate deeply with me. Helping people live their best lives is more than a goal, it's a passion. I believe in personalized eye care that helps patients see, look, and feel their best. MyEyeDr.'s focus on patient experience and overall ocular health aligns perfectly with my vision for the kind of care I want to provide.

Another reason I chose to become a MyEyeDr. provider is the exceptional support system. This allows me to fully focus on providing the best possible care for my patients. I appreciate having the freedom to dedicate my time and attention to their individual needs.

Why is eye health so important?

Dr. Vincent: The eyes offer a unique glimpse into our overall health – they're the only place where blood vessels, nerves, and tissues are directly visible. A comprehensive eye exam isn't just about vision; it can reveal early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer – often before other symptoms appear. That's why those annual checkups are so important; they're a safeguard for both my patients' sight and overall well being..

What are the essential steps to ensuring healthy vision at every age?

Dr. Vincent: Maintaining healthy vision takes proactive steps. Annual eye exams are key for more than just updating prescriptions – they can uncover early signs of diseases, improving your chances of good eyesight and overall health. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables matters too, as does giving your eyes a break with the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

We get questions from parents about when their kids should have their first eye doctor appointment. According to the American Optometric Association, children should be seen for an eye exam anywhere between six to 12 months old, once again between three and five years old, once in first grade and yearly from that point on. This is because clear vision is crucial for a child's development. It helps them succeed in school, build social connections, and safely explore the world around them.

What are the signs and risk factors of eye disease and how can you prevent them?

Dr. Vincent: Factors like family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, and age can all affect your eyesight. As we all get older, our vision naturally changes. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for cataracts and macular degeneration, which can significantly impair vision. Exposure to UV light, including sunlight, is another risk factor for various eye disorders.

And that is why annual eye exams are so vital to maintaining proper eye health. Regular checkups help distinguish normal age-related changes from signs of potentially serious eye diseases. Early detection and treatment can often prevent or minimize vision loss.

With the summer months upon us, we often remember to protect our skin but not our eyes. What are your tips for how to protect our eyes from sun damage?

Dr. Vincent: Seeing the world clearly is a gift, and we should protect it! That's why I recommend sunglasses as more than just summer fashion. Quality shades with 99% UV protection can safeguard our eyes' delicate tissues, prevent early cataracts, and even reduce the risk of skin cancer around the eyes and eyelids. Remember, UV rays are present year-round, so making sunglasses a habit goes a long way in protecting your vision for a lifetime.

Tell me more about the MyEyeDr Difference.

Dr. Vincent: I love being part of MyEyeDr. because we believe every person deserves to see the world clearly. We're passionate about providing best-in-class service, helping you look and feel great, and prioritizing your overall eye health.

MyEyeDr. practices offer patients full-service eye care that meets patients' unique vision, health and financial needs. The company is committed to making eye care accessible to everyone. MyEyeDr. accepts all major insurance plans and offers affordable payment options for those without insurance.

Don't delay your eye health. Schedule your comprehensive exam at MyEyeDr. today.

The above story was produced by Senior Multi Platform Journalist Summer El-Shahawy with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.