The school year is coming up, and everyone wants to get off to the right start, but you may be overlooking an important exam in addition to your child’s back to school physical.

We contacted Dr. Inna Marcus, M.D. at the Virginia Eye Institute to tell us a little bit about the importance of getting an eye exam before starting school and a little bit of what to expect at your appointment.

Why are eye exams important before entering school?
It is important to identify vision problems before entering school for two reasons. The first is that poor vision can interfere with learning. Secondly, visual development occurs in early childhood and is completed in early adolescence. Visual development that is interrupted causes amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye. Amblyopia can be due to a need for glasses, the eyes are not aligned or something blocking vision like a cataract. Amblyopia responds best to treatment before age eight. Children with amblyopia who are diagnosed at an early age, preferably before starting school, have the best chance of improving their vision and having normal vision in both eyes throughout life.

How often and at what age should children get eye exams?
Screening for eye problems begins in the newborn nursery when children are screened by the the pediatrician for abnormalities caused by structural problems. This type of screening continues at well visits until age three when the visual acuity can be tested by having the child read an eye chart. Screenings should continue yearly throughout childhood. Any child who fails a screening, has suspected structural or eye movement problems, has medical problems associated with eye problems or has a family history of eye disease should be referred to an eye doctor for a complete exam.

What can parents and kids expect from a routine eye exam?
A complete eye exam, sometimes called a routine eye exam, has five components.
1. Comprehensive history about any eye problems, medical problems and family history of eye problems.
2. Testing the visual acuity with an age appropriate method (ie. matching for younger children and lines of letters for older children).
3. Evaluation of depth perception and muscle balance including tracking and the ability of the eyes to work together.
4. Structural exam of the pupils, eye surface and inner structures including the lens, optic nerve and retina. The pupil must be dilated with special eye drops to allow the doctor to see the inner eye structures. This part of the exam can identify important problems like cataracts, retinoblastoma, coats disease and optic nerve problems.
5. Refraction which is the measurement of the glasses prescription which reveals the ability of the eye to focus light and project a clear image on the retina. Nearsightedness, astigmatism and high farsightedness make the vision  blurry. Children should have the refraction done after dilation which relaxes the the eye. Before dilation the lens, which is very flexible in children, can flex to focus light and give a false refraction. This can result in a glasses prescription that can cause eye strain and headaches.

What are some signs of a vision problem that parents should look out for?
Most children show no signs of vision problems which is why screening is very important. Some signs of eye problems include eye drifting or crossing, squinting, and tilting or turning the face to look at things.

Virginia Eye Institute has 10 offices throughout Central Virginia and services areas including Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Prince George, Petersburg, and New Kent.
VEI provides treatment for an entire range of ophthalmic needs, including cataract surgery, retinal disorders, glaucoma care, corneal disorders, pediatric eye care and adult strabismus, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, LASIK and refractive surgery, neuro-ophthalmology, optometry, as well as optical shops for glasses or customized contact lenses

Get 30% discount off eyeglasses, sunglasses & accessories and 10% off contact lenses at VEI with the Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver app (or just print off the page and bring it in!)

Dr. Inna Marcus, M.D. specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, including amblyopia, ocular motility disorders, pediatric cataracts and glaucoma.  She received her Doctorate of Medicine from New York University following her undergraduate studies at Columbia University.  Dr. Marcus completed her ophthalmology residency at Yale University, and she completed her fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Duke University. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophtalmology, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophtalmology and Strabismus.

Virginia Eye Institute is a Sponsor of Richmondmom.com

“Being chosen to serve as President of VSESPS is both an honor and a privilege,” says Dr. Cooper, “I look forward to continuing in Dr. Wagner’s exemplary executive footsteps, and be a champion of the promotion and preservation of excellence in eye care for the citizens of Virginia.”

Established in 1920 to heighten public awareness of eye disease prevention, detection and treatment, the VSEPS consists of medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy. Its mission is to “advocate for the best quality eye care through education, legislative efforts and community service”. 

Dr. Cooper is an active part of the Virginia ophthalmological community. He is currently a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Medical Society of Virginia and the International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

About Virginia Eye Institute

Virginia Eye Institute (VEI) is a comprehensive eye care organization providing a wide range of ophthalmology, optometry, and optical services in 11 locations across central Virginia. VEI offers exceptional ophthalmologic care—including cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, ocularplastics, pediatrics, and refractive surgery (LASIK). All VEI physicians are board-certified and many are fellowship-trained. The institute also owns and operates its Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) for outpatient ophthalmologic and ear, nose and throat services to children and adults. VEI optical shops provide board-certified opticians and contact lens fitters. For more information, visit www.VaEye.com.

Virginia Eye Institute’s newest pediatric ophthalmologist isn’t shy about making her exams more fun!

Dr. Inna Marcus

RICHMOND, Va. (August 1, 2013) – Virginia Eye Institute’s newest ophthalmologist is not shy about what her favorite toy is – it’s Sully from the movie Monster’s Inc. – nor is she ashamed to tell you that she tends to play a lot of games with her patients.

 “The best part of working with children is that I get to be one myself,” says VEI’s new pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Inna Marcus with a smile.  “I’m not just treating patients; I’m developing a relationship with them. And making them feel at ease is my first task.”

When she was an undergraduate student at Columbia University, Dr. Marcus spent time volunteering with a program that taught conflict resolution to fifth graders in New York City.  It was that experience, she says, that led to her decision to work with children.  It also influenced her approach in the exam room.

“If I can turn the exam into a game for a child – make it a playful experience – I can help him relax and connect with me,” she explains.  “Ultimately, that means I get the information I need to make a good diagnosis and the child winds up having fun – and so do I.  It’s a win-win.”

But, she notes, it’s not just the child she’s focused on.  Parents too play a key role.  In fact, she says “parents are perhaps the most important part of my patient’s health care team.”  Parent input and active participation are vital to achieving the best outcomes.

Dr. Marcus received her medical degree from New York University.  She completed her ophthalmology residency at Yale University, and a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at Duke University.

Give her a few more years and she might just get her next degree with Sully at Monsters University.

Dr. Marcus joins VEI’s current team of pediatric ophthalmologists, Dr. Donna Brown and Dr. Thomas Carothers. She will be seeing patients at the Short Pump and Puddledock offices. Connect with Dr. Marcus or any of the pediatric ophthalmologists at Virginia Eye Institute by calling 804-287-4200 or visiting their website at www.VaEye.com.

And what about those itchy eyes – what’s causing that anyway?

Eye allergies are the result of exposure to seasonal and environmental triggers. We typically think of pollen as the trigger – which is often the case in our area. But other allergens pose a problem for some people. Pet dander, mold, dust, smoke, perfumes, certain foods, and other things in the environment may cause allergies. It’s important to know the cause before embarking on a treatment plan.

Some of the most common symptoms of eye allergies are:

• Red, swollen and/or itchy eyes
• Burning of the eyes
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light

Virginia Eye Institute provides us with these valuable tips for managing eye allergens.*

1. Avoid allergens. One of the best ways to avoid them is to pay attention to pollen count and stay indoors as much as possible when pollen count is high. But that’s not always possible or desirable – especially with kids. If you are outdoors, wear sunglasses or protective eyewear. That includes children!
2. Use artificial tears. Storing tears in the fridge can help with itchy eyes since a cold eye drop will help reduce swelling and redness. Artifical tears are available over the counter.
3. Consider decongestants or antihistamines. Both come in the form of eyedrops and can relieve symptoms and prevent eye allergies. They are different from oral medications and work directly on the eyes. Decongestants in eyedrop form can eventually cause eye irritation so only use them for 2-3 days at most. Check with your ophthalmologist or doctor to find out what works best for you.
4. Immunotherapy. Some people suffer more from allergies than others. If you have severe issues with allergies and your eyes are a problem, allergy shots may be recommended by your ophthalmologist. It is a way to slowly build up your body’s tolerance to allergens and increase your immunity to allergens.
5. Keep allergens at bay. Keeping allergens away from your body and home is important. After being outdoors, be sure to wash all clothing that was exposed to pollen and allergens. If you don’t wash them right away, don’t drop them in a clothes hamper in your bedroom or bathroom, but move them to another room where you’re less likely to pick up the allergens from the clothing. And, it helps to take a shower as soon as possible after being outside to remove allergens from your hair and body.

If you’re experiencing eye irritation, it’s a good idea to see an ophthalmologist for a check-up. She can determine whether your symptoms are related to an eye infection or simply environmental allergies. She can also help you decide the best form of treatment and avoidance to allergens so you can manage the issue more effectively.

Take care of your eyes – they’re your window to the world! If you have questions, contact one of the experienced ophthalmologists at Virginia Eye Institute at 804.287.4216. Check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for discounts on purchases of some eyewear too.

*Resources: Get Eye Smart and American Academy of Ophthalmology

Virginia Eye Institute is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Prizes include over $3,000 of great local swag including a celebration for the winning mom and her friends at Brio Tuscan Grill at Stony Point Fashion Park on May 8th, 2013 at 6:00-7:30pm.

Beth Trebour Richmond Supermom 2012

Last year we celebrated with Richmond mom Beth Trebour. Who will this year’s Supermom be?

We want to know all about her too so please nominate someone you think is deserving of the title and these great prizes.

 Nominate Here

1) Nominate any Richmond-area mom by clicking on this link between 4/1/13-4/15/13. You will need to provide all required information so we can contact both of you as the contest progresses.

2) We’ll make a $5 donation to CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation for every nomination up to $500! AND THIS YEAR – Shannon Milligan of Keller Williams Realty is going to match our donations to CJ’s! Now that’s awesome!

3) Vote for her and encourage friends to do the same here on Richmondmom.com between 4/17/13-4/30/13. Each person may only vote once, so it’s simple and easy. We’ll send you the voting link once all the nominations are in.

4) The winner will be announced on May 1st, 2013. She may invite up to 20 friends and family to celebrate with her at our SuperMom Celebration at Brio Tuscan Grill in Stony Point Mall where she’ll be treated to amazing prizes (actual prizes and amounts may vary based at each contributor’s discretion).

Get ready to nominate a Supermom in your life – let everyone know about her so they can vote too!

Gardner & Jones Orthodontics – $500 off one full case of braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen for a child or an adult!

Hayes & Fisk $500 gift certificate

The Wine Loft – A wine and Cheese tasting for 6 people valued at $250

Richmond Symphony – Family four pack of tickets valued at approximately $200. The tickets will be for Sunday, May 19 at 3 pm. Pixar in Concert. The magic of 13 Pixar films on a BIG screen with scores played live by the Richmond Symphony. It’s a uniquely magical experience.

Massage Envy – A one-hour Massage and 1-hour Healthy Skin Facial worth $166

Health Focus – 90 minute microcurrent facial rejuvenation ($139 value).

Kate Hall: Richmond Rocks – 5 books to winner; 1 to each of two runners up – Value $105

Thank you nTelos!

nTelos – 2 tickets to see The Avett Brothers at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion in Portsmouth on June 22 – Value $100

Indulgence Salon & Boutique in Ashland and Gundlach Plumbing & Heating.   Monique of Indulgence and the sisters from Gundlach are giving a joint gift certificate for $100.00 for the Salon.  They have a beautiful boutique, hair styling, message therapy, facials, manicures and pedicures and wonderful facials.  They also have several types of tanning and the new spray tanning service.

 Virginia Eye Institute – a $100 gift certificate to our optical shops

Atkins, Maestrello, Miller & Associates – Sonicare toothbrush worth $99

Science Museum of Virginia - One year family membership valued at $99

Affiliated Dermatologists of Virginia – $90 gift of a 60 minute European facial

Spirited Art – 2 seats at an art class worth $70

VHS, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, VA (next to the Fine Arts Museum)

One year membership to the Virginia Historical Society valued at $72.

College Nannies – 4 hours of nanny care worth $70

Romp n’ Roll – One free week of summer camp –  “week” is Tues/Thurs from 9am-noon or 2pm-5pm – $65

Sweet & Simple Moments with God Devotional (release scheduled for 9/2013) – Kim Newlen, local Richmond author and Founder of Sweet Monday is giving the winner and 2 runners-up a gift certificate for signed copy of new devotional book when it is released in September – Value is $50.

Frostings – One dozen delicious cupcakes – $30

Granny Babysits The Mischievous Five (retail value $23.95) to the winner, and the runner up receives My Dear Rosa Jean (retail value $14.95) by Carin Casey.

Three (3) classes at the Barre Boutique worth $50!

Seven (7) free yogurt cards at Sweet Frog – one for every day of the week! Value of $35.

Two free movie ticket vouchers to Cinebistro at Stony Point Fashion Mall worth $26.

Cataract Mission is for people who do not have insurance (including Medicare or Medicaid) and do not have the financial means to pay for cataract surgery.  The program is put on completely by the volunteer physicians and staff at Virginia Eye Institute. Time: 6:30-9:30pm.

You don’t want to miss this fun night out with friends, old and new.  Thanksto Downtownshortpump.com’s Trevor Dickerson for partnering with us each month for these fun events. RSVP and share this with your friends on Facebook!

This isn’t just for moms–It’s an event for Richmond moms, dads, singles, and anyone who wants to attend for a great time & support a great cause.

And if that’s not enough reason to come, then check these additional great reasons to join us:

• The Wine Loft Richmond is the shizzle. It’s a cozy atmosphere that allows for networking so bring a friend. Or come alone, we’ll introduce you around.
• There will be incredibly delicious appetizers provided with discounted wines.
• We give stuff away. That’s right. . .for every entry fee of $10 we give you a raffle ticket; additional tickets may be purchased for $1 (so bring lots of dollars!). We give awayphotography gift certificates, Richmond Rocks books,  and generally cool prizes you will surely put to use. Midas of Richmond’s Mark Smith often attends and generously donates some Midas giveaways for sure.

All funds raised will benefit the Virginia Eye Institute’s Cataract Mission; Contact us if you want to mail a donation.

We’ve raised as much as $1,000 each month in just a couple hours at each event at the Wine Loft. What a great way to relax and help out a valuable Richmond non-profit. Over the last three years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for great Richmond non-profits just by having fun.

For businesses who would like to donate a raffle prize, we love you, contact us: kate@richmondmom.com.

These events may also be sponsored by businesses who have a charitable heart!

Would you like to save $25 by opening a savings account for your child’s future education? How about getting free admission for one to the Science Museum of Virginia, or 1/2 price tickets to the theatre? Maybe you’d like to get 10% off new fashions for your home, or save $10 on a facial. We’ve got great discounts waiting for you right here – and there are no gimmicks, fees, registration requirements, or hidden costs!

Hundreds of Richmond moms love our Savvy Saver Card and there are plenty of good reasons – check them out and you’ll love them too.

If you don’t have your card yet, be sure to visit this link to download a copy and request a tri-fold card by mail here. Dozens of Richmond moms and dads have already taken advantage of great savings with their card.

Wondering why you should request your own Savvy Saver card?

Here are some fantastic reasons for you to consider:

Hayes & Fisk offers a complementary session fee valued at $150.

Real Life Studios offers $150 off a Real Life Birthday Party.

Get 10% off 2 or more custom window treatments at Sewinit’ where you’ll also find duvets, pillows, monogrammed items, accessories, and more.

The Science Museum of Virginia has a “Buy One Get One Free Friday” offer on Savvy Saver.

Core Kids Academy offers 50% off one session (8 week term) for babies classes.

Great Wolf Lodge gives an incredible 20% off best available room rates and spa services.

Enrollment fee is waived for tutoring and you can buy 3 sessions and get the 4th one free at College Nannies & Tutors.

Hip to be Round makes clothes and accessories affordable and you can save an additional $15 off a $75 purchase with your card.

Save $25 registration fee when you enroll in Virginia College Savings Plan 529 – get your card to get the code.

Tuckaway waives registration fees for new enrollment.

Spirited Art offers loads of fun with 20% off any adult class using your Savvy Saver code.

Enjoy 1/2 price children’s tickets (limit 4 per show) at Theatre IV.

Eat healthy and delicious food with 5% off catering services at Green Monkey Catering or 10% off gourmet gift baskets.

The Wine Loft offers 20% off Monday nights for Mom’s Night Out.

Dream Dinners is even easier when you use the 10% off discount on any order of 36 servings or more.

Gundlach is there when you need them with a 10% discount on all repairs.

Richmond Rocks and you can get FREE shipping on any signed copy only through kate@richmondmom.com with your card.

See clearly with Virginia Eye Institute’s offer of 30% off eyeglasses, sunglasses and accessories and 10% off contact lenses when you use your Savvy Saver card.

Enjoy a performance at Barksdale Theatre with $5 off each Barksdale performance ticket (limit 8 tickets).

Mediation and resolving issues is easier and less expensive with Mosaic Mediations and you can get 20% off all mediation packages.

Just present your Savvy Saver card and get a free week pass at any American Family Fitness.

When it comes to food, RELAY makes it easy and you get $5 off orders of $50 or more with the code on your card.

Brain Balance includes a $50 discount on evaluations when you take advantage of their free Parent Seminar.

$10 off a luxurious Murad Signature Facial at Massage Envy awaits on your Savvy Saver card.

Mom’s Treehouse is rocking with fun with 20% off first time fitness program purchase and $25 off any Mom’s Treehouse Host-Your-Party Rental.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you love most about your Savvy Saver card. Let us know what you’ve used your card for and how much you saved. We’d love to know how much our Richmond moms, dads, grandparents, and friends are saving!

Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver Discounts are offered by advertisers on Richmondmom.com

The good news is that a new analysis of recent eye health studies found that spending time outdoors is related to lower risk of nearsightedness in children and adolescents. For each additional hour spent outdoors per week, the risk of nearsightedness dropped by about 2% in this study cited on the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They aren’t sure why this is true, but more studies are being done.

In the meantime, outdoor play offers plenty of benefits for kids in addition to the health of their eyes. The most important thing is to ensure they are protected when playing outside, and especially when it comes to sun protection for eyes.

Dr. Ethnie Jones of the Virginia Eye Institute (VEI) knows how important this is, and she sat down with us to give us some valuable tips on eye protection this summer.

“Protecting the eyes is so important and parents often overlook this when it comes to their kids. Most parents wear sunglasses themselves, but they forget that even young children need protection from the sun’s harmful rays. But eye protection is about more than the obvious,” Dr. Jones explains.

Not only are sunglasses a way to protect eyes, but we learned that there are other less obvious precautions that make a big difference in eye health. Dr. Jones provides these important tips:

• Wear protective glasses. Children and adults should wear safety glasses during outdoor sports and other activities. Consider these facts when deciding whether or not protective glasses are necessary. If yes to any of these questions below, consider protective goggles. The best protective eyewear is determined by ASTM. For example, ASTM F910 is recommended for face guards for youth baseball.

1. Are hazardous chemicals or other substances being used?
2. Is there flying debris or small particles in the air that could cause eye irritation?
3. Will there be projectiles or flying objects that could cause injury (football, soccer balls, and other sports props)?

• Everyone should wear sunglasses. Even young children need to wear them and you can make it fun by purchasing colorful shades in different shapes and sizes. Just 29% of adults say they insist their children wear sunglasses – that leaves a lot of children’s eyes at risk and unprotected!
• Wear sunscreen. Parents are typically great about applying sunscreen when kids are exposed to sun at the pool. But sunscreen is needed every day whether kids are around water or not. Too much sun around the sensitive eye skin can cause wrinkles and even skin cancer so apply it every day. Kids rub their eyes a lot when swimming or playing outdoors which removes this protective barrier. Reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes and make sure to cover the sensitive skin around the eyes each time.
• Don’t swim in contact lenses.  Swimming in contacts can cause infections and eye irritation. If you must swim in contacts, be sure to clean them thoroughly with a cleaning solution after swimming.
• Wear water goggles. Kids love the water and they spend a lot of time immersed in it. Insist that they wear goggles to help protect their eyes when under water.
• Drink plenty of water. You know the importance of water for body hydration, but it’s also essential for hydrating the eyes too. Sun, chlorine, wind, and other elements can dry out eyes quickly. Drink plenty of water to keep eyes lubricated to avoid dry eyes and discomfort.
• Enjoy the fireworks from a distance. Fireworks are fun, but they can be dangerous too.  Keep children at a safe distance and never let them be the ones to set off fireworks. Each year, thousands of Americans are injured using fireworks and 1,300 people injure their eyes, with more than half of them being children and teens.

These important tips will help you keep your kids’ eyes healthier all year long. It’s also important to schedule an eye exam annually to ensure healthy vision for your child. An eye exam may reveal that your child is having difficulty seeing, which can cause problems in school and at home if not properly managed.

Don’t take chances with eyes! They are the windows to the world and it’s important to keep them healthy and strong with a few precautions. Then, enjoy the summer.

Ethnie Jones, M.D. specializes in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery at the Virginia Eye Institute. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and is Board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Virginia Eye Institute is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Shannon with Brady (right) and Colin (left).

Virginia Eye Institute is a great place to find updated, stylish eyewear that offers style, affordability, and high customer satisfaction.

But they offer a lot more to those who need it.

Shannon Stepp and her husband Kirk were overwhelmed to learn that their then 10-month old son, Brady, had problems with his eyes. His diagnosis of congenital ptosis caused an astigmatism in his eye and the next year was challenging for parents and child.

They spent almost a year patching his “good” eye to try and strengthen the eye with a lower, drooping lid, but it didn’t work. Shannon was devastated to know that surgery was inevitable, but she was comforted in knowing that Dr. Donna Brown of VEI understood how she felt. “Luckily we had VEI and Dr. Brown to stay on top of the situation and give us the very best treatment possible.” Shannon recalls.

Finally just after Brady turned 3 years old, Dr. Brown told Shannon and Kirk that it was time for Brady to undergo surgery to correct his problem. That’s when they began working with Dr. Polly Purgason who also made it much easier for Shannon and Kirk to understand what was about to happen.

Shannon’s first concerns were about the anesthesia and Brady “going under”. “Any time your child has surgery of any type, it’s so scary. They let me know what to expect and how long he would be under, providing reassurance and giving me confidence in their abilities to take care of Brady,” explains Shannon.

Brady was too young to really know what was happening, but they tried to explain to him what to expect. Shannon was amazed at how well the staff communicated with her 3-year old son and made him comfortable. When the time came for the surgery, Brady actually took the hands of the nurses and walked down the hallway – waving goodbye to his parents. Shannon said she felt confident knowing that Dr. Purgason would be taking care of Brady.

“Dr. Brown and Dr. Purgason were amazing! The thing I loved most about them is that they explained what sounded like a scary diagnosis, in simple terms for us to understand. Honestly, they are so amazing with children. They make getting an eye check up extremely fun—whether it’s the fun toys they have them look at while checking their vision or the stickers/lollipops on the way out…it’s so kid friendly, which always made it a lot easier to go for appointments and checkups. Brady still loves going  to see Dr. Brown for regular check-ups now,” Shannon laughs.

The experience with VEI made Shannon realize how so many people take their eyesight for granted. They don’t understand the importance of eye exams for children from a young age. With Brady’s condition, early intervention was key to a successful outcome. Shannon has referred 8 or 9 people to Dr. Brown at VEI because of her confidence in her and VEI. She also talks about how grateful she is that Dr. Purgason was able to perform the needed surgery and there were no complications or issues.

Donna Brown, M.D., F.A.C.S. - VEI

Polly Purgason, M.D. - VEI

The surgery was a success and Dr. Purgason was able to lift Brady’s eyelid so it was symmetrical with his other eye. The doctors followed up with Shannon by phone once she was home with Brady. Two days later they called to see how they all were doing which was reassuring, and made Shannon feel like they treated Brady as an individual and not just another patient.

Brady still wears glasses to correct vision and will for the rest of his life, but that’s a small concern based on what could have been the outcome without early intervention and experienced eye specialists.

“VEI was so kid-friendly with colorful surroundings, a play area, toys, and fun things for kids. It made the experience fun for Brady and we take him back for annual check-ups. As a mother, VEI gives me peace of mind because they are so thorough and professional. It’s the only place I would take any of my 3 boys!” emphasizes Shannon.

Note: Be sure and use your Savvy Saver Card for savings on eyewear at VEI. Virginia Eye Institute offers 30% off eyeglasses, sunglasses and accessories and 10% off contact lenses when you use your Savvy Saver card.

Virginia Eye Institute is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

Photos by Downtown Short Pump

Are you wondering if your child needs an eye exam? Are you facing a potential eye surgery for yourself or a child and are apprehensive about what to expect?

Then you’ll be glad to know that the Short Pump Virginia Eye Institute location is open for business effective February 20, 2012. This makes it convenient and accessible for everyone. Richmondmom.com was invited for a preview and tour of the center on Wednesday, and it is definitely a state-of-the-art facility that makes you feel welcome, comfortable, and confident – exactly what the doctors ordered!

One thing was clear from our visit with the doctors – VEI pays special attention to the needs of children. They know that children and parents may be anxious about eye exams or procedures involving the eyes. They have created a special waiting area just for children, complete with a big screen television and welcoming environment. The doctors at VEI are especially sensitive to the concerns and fears of parents when their children require any type of services or procedures too. They recognize that parents who are well-informed and know what to expect will be much more confident and relaxed throughout the process, so they spend as much time as needed to listen and answer questions.

From the spacious lobby and exam rooms (which the industry refers to as lanes), to the impressive optical laboratory and high-tech cameras, VEI is truly a top-notch facility. With 10 facilities around the city, it’s comforting to know that their electronic medical record system (EMR) makes it easy and convenient to visit any VEI location — knowing that your records are easily accessible and confidentially maintained. The new facility has 12 well-equipped exam lanes for patients, making it a good option for people located near Short Pump or from other locations in the greater Richmond area.

Dr. Amanda Kelley of VEI explains, “Our goal is to create a positive experience for our patients and provide them with optimal eye care in a comfortable environment. We make it easy for them to use our optical shop for convenience. Patients can easily have prescriptions filled by pharmacies or other providers because we can quickly and easily forward their prescription electronically to their choice of providers. No more paper prescriptions for medications are needed.”

Dr. Kelley continues, “We’re proud to staff our offices with opticians for our patients. Many optical locations have only one licensed optician on staff and they use sales consultants for much of the work with patients. But we use opticians 100% of the time because they are highly skilled and trained in the use of style, size, color and other features to help patients make the best selections in eyewear for their personal needs.”

Dr. Amanda Kelley and Mark Johnson, VEI Director of Optical Services

Dr. Kelley also provided us with some great tips for moms and caregivers:

• Children should typically get their first eye exam around the age of 5, as they enter kindergarten — unless their are concerns or issues before then.
• Eye safety is important for all children. Wearing safety goggles is highly recommended for all children who play contact sports of any kind including soccer, football, and basketball. Most parents don’t think about this unless their children wear eyeglasses, but it’s an important safety measure whether your child wears glasses/contacts or not.
• If you see your child squinting, holding books close up for reading, or tilting her head from side to side, it may be a good idea to have her eyes examined or discuss it with your physician.
• Children should wear protection against the sun just like adults and that includes protection for the eyes. Sunglasses and brimmed hats are important safety precautions for all ages.
• Make sure children take frequent breaks when using computers or other electronics. The ’20-20-20 rule’ is important – rest eyes every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds by looking 20 feet away. No matter your age, this is a good rule to follow.

There are lots of great things happening at VEI and we’ll cover them here on Richmondmom.com to keep our readers up to date. Advice on eye care during pregnancy, choosing the best lenses for your personality and physical characteristics, and choosing the best optical provider will be included in upcoming articles so stay tuned. You don’t want to miss any of the great happenings at VEI!

If you have specific questions you’d like addressed, let us know and we’ll include information and responses here from the doctors at VEI.

Welcome to Short Pump, VEI – Richmondmom.com is excited with the new office and state-of-the-art services!

Check out the video about the opening!

VEI is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com