For Your Eyes Only

Regulareyecheck-upsareimportantforallages. Youroptometristcandetecttheonsetofcertaindiseases andwillhelpyoukeepyourvisionhealthythroughtheyears. Youroptometristcandetecttheonsetofcertaindiseases ComprehensiveEyeCarefortheWholeFamily NewPatientsWelcome! 835DakotaStreet(AcrossfromSt.VitalCentre) 204-953-2020 www.20-20eyecare.ca Dr.DonPorter Dr.KimElcheshen Dr.GillianRobinson #ProtectYourPeepers! THe eye docTors aT 20/20 eyecare HaVe THeir HearTs in THe rigHT place. T he optometrists are a common sight at local schools during I Love to Read month, when they donate their time to read to young children. Dr. Don Porter goes on annual eye care missions to Third-World countries, where he distributes secondhand glasses and gives free eye exams. "We accept donations of older, gently-used glasses at any time. They have to be wearable," said Dr. Kim Elcheshen, optometrist and co-owner of 20/20 EyeCare. Dr. Porter has also volunteered for children's learning disability programs in the past and for the Children's hospital Foundation Teddy Bear's Picnic for several years. Dr. Gillian Robinson volunteers at an eye clinic held by Siloam Mission. All three doctors have volunteered in the past for the Teddy Bear's Picnic. "We enjoy being part of the community. Everyone is doing so many great things, and we like to be involved and help out where we can," Elcheshen said. "We support patients who are fundraising for different things, and we participate in special events like the Misericordia Black Tie Bingo." 20/20 EyeCare has been a fixture in St. Vital for 14 years. It is a full-scope family practice that offers services in French as well as English. "We enjoy seeing families and getting to know everyone from grandparents to children," said Elcheshen. "We offer eye exams to everyone at any age, from infants to seniors." Regular eye exams should be part of everyone's healthcare regime. Children every year, adults and seniors every one to two years as recommended by their doctor of optometry. Children should start having eye exams by the age of three, unless there is an issue that brings them in earlier. "Regular eye exams are really, really important. Our eyesight is so important for so many aspects of our lives. It's important to preserve what sight we do have," Elcheshen said. "Some conditions, like glaucoma, have no symptoms to bring you in. People are often surprised by the diagnosis. If we know about a condition early, we can manage it and preserve your vision for years to come." People can help protect their vision between eye exams with a few simple steps. "UV light has definitely been shown to cause macular degeneration, cataracts, and even eye cancer. Wearing sunglasses is very important," said Elcheshen. "Being in good physical health helps with overall eye health. Eating a well-balanced diet with lots of bright green leafy vegetables is great for the eyes." The friendly staff at 20/20 EyeCare do everything they can to make each patient's visit an enjoyable experience. "It's been said that choosing glasses is an incredibly stressful experience. We try to make it more enjoyable and less stressful. Our staff will help guide your selection and help you make the best choice," Elcheshen said. "We have a range of different eyewear styles — over 400 to chose from, including brands like Ray-Ban, Bolle, Guess, Kate Spade. If there's something you want but you don't see it, we can try to get it in for you." Appointments can be requested through the website www.20-20eyecare.ca or by calling 204-953-2020. a paTienT Undergoes an eye exaM aT 20/20 eyecare. Submitted photo an eye on giVing back To coMMUniTy by Holli Moncrieff FOR ThE FREE PRESS eyes for yoUr 6 only

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