The American Optometric Association has declared the month of March as Save Your Vision Month. The message is simple: the importance of the role of regular eye examinations in the maintaining of good vision and eye health. The message is worth repeating to those of us that are fortunate to have access to the care of our Doctors of Optometry.  The expression “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” certainly holds true for maintaining good vision.

I recently participated in a free vision screening sponsored by the Fuquay-Varina Lions Club. I commend the members who volunteer selflessly to support the Lion’s Club Mission in serving our community through free vision and hearing screening projects. The screening is a valuable service in identifying vision and possible eye health problems. Screening results are explained to every individual with the recommendation to follow through with a complete eye examination with their regular eye doctor if needed. I am not a Lion’s club member but welcomed the opportunity to provide my services. My take away was the number of people screened that never had a regular eye examination or were years overdue based on their age, or other risk factors such as diabetes, history of previous eye problems, or a family history of a vision condition or eye disease.

As I have discussed in a previous blog, early detection many times is the key to a better outcome in managing vision problems and preventing progression of many eye diseases. Unfortunately, in my 40 years of practicing I have witnessed cases of vision loss due to a patient neglecting their regular and scheduled eye examination. They ignored and failed to report eye symptoms until it was too late. Please don’t be one of these patients! Take time this month to reflect on the importance of the gift of sight and good vision. If you are overdue for an eye examination, contact your Doctor of Optometry and schedule an appointment.

Rick L. Hartman, OD, FAAO