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In many traditions, the eyes are considered the gateway to the soul. In the medical profession, the eyes can reveal clues to a wide variety of health and wellness issues. When it comes to overall health, patients should not neglect an annual eye exam when scheduling medical checkups.
“An eye exam can provide an early warning for a variety of diseases,” said Dr. Sam Pierce of Trussville Vision Care. According to Pierce, an eye exam can provide early detection for a conditions ranging from diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and even arthritis. Diabetes is almost epidemic in the state of Alabama and can result in blindness, amputations and death if left untreated.
Dr. Pierce opened Trussville Vision Care on North Chalkville Road in Trussville in 1989 and willcelebrate thirty years in the community this September. The business has grown along with the city and added another partner, Dr. Zack Steele, in 2003.
Dr. Pierce did more than open an eye clinic in the city, he brought national recognition to Trussville by serving on the board for the American Optometric Association for the last decade. He currently serves as board president for the professional organization which boasts more than 40,000 members nationwide. He was also named Alabama’s Optometrist of the year for 2012 bringing more accolades to the city.
The doctors at Trussville Vision Care have grown the practice to become one of the largest in the Birmingham area but their focus is on providing the best experience possible for each individual patient. Service to the community is also important to Dr. Pierce. He is a vocal advocate for the InfantSee program and provides parents with free infant eye tests in the clinic.
“We do a free evaluation for infants from age six to twelve months called the InfantSEE program, sponsored by the American Optometric Association” Pierce said. “You want to make sure the eyes are healthy. One of the rare eye tumors babies have is called a retinal blastoma and sometimes those are missed by the pediatrician,” he said.
“You also want to make sure that both eyes work together and have approximately the same prescription in each eye to avoid developing a lazy eye,” Pierce added. The InfantSEE program was created in 2005 by the American Optometric Association and Johnson & Johnson Vision as a way to create awareness for vision care as part of a parent’s baby wellness routines. Although many parents have taken advantage of the free evaluations at Trussville Vision Care, Dr. Pierce believes many parents are still not aware of the importance of infant eye care.
Another issue of concern is the recent trend of online retailers selling prescription eyeglasses. Online ordering can be cheaper and more convenient but there are many factors to consider when it comes to proper eye care. Trussville Vision Care offers a wide selection of brand name and designer frames. Although many people have a good experience ordering online, Dr. Pierce cautions patients over the importance of the proper fit when buying glasses.
“You can’t be certain the glasses you order have the correct prescription or that the lenses meet U.S. safety standards,” Pierce said. “You can’t tell from a picture if a frame is right for your head.”
In order to work properly, eyeglasses must be the right size for your head, rest on your nose in the right spot, and position the correct part of the lenses in front of your eyes. Personal attention to a good fit is one of the many important services offered at Trussville Vision Care.
In addition to adult and infant eye exams, Trussville Vision Care offers a variety of services to patients including eyeglass and contact lens fitting, vision therapy, and pre-operatives evaluations for LASIC and cosmetic surgeries. The office is located at 133 North Chalkville Road, directly across from First Baptist Church and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with after hours appointments available on request.
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