Services provided at our office include:
	Comprehensive Eye Examinations		Contact Lenses
	Optical Dispensing		Laser Vision Correction
	Surgery Co-Management		Eye Infections, Eye Injuries, Dry Eyes
	Eye Diseases; Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetes		Quality Eyewear
	Fees and Insurances

As part of your comprehensive eye examination, it is important to discuss your general health history, medications, and family history. We will check your color vision, ocular motility, binocular functioning, and pupil reactivity. Your eyeglass prescription will be checked and rechecked to maximize your vision and comfort. Through biomicroscopy the external structures of the eye are examined, checking for cataracts and corneal defects. With applanation tonometry we can check for glaucoma, without using the old "air puff" machine. Ophthalmoscopy allows us to view the internal structure of the eye.
Findings during your eye examinationcan often indicate systemic diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Eye findings can include cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and glaucoma. Wachusett Family Eyecare is part of a referral network which allows us to co-manage when surgical intervension is necessary.

With the latest in lens technologies, we are able to fit even the most difficult eyes with contacts. Disposibles, frequent replacement, daily wear, or extended, we tailor lenses to meet your needs. Custom toric lenses are available for patients with astigmatism. Bifocal contacts can keep you in focus for both far and near. Hard lenses have been replaced by new rigid gas permeable materials. We take special care in prescibing the appropriate lenses and solution systems foe each patient. Teaching proper lens handling and providing necessary follow up checks maintains a healthy eye and ensures comfortable lens wear for years to come.

Our optical laboratory has the latest in equipment to not only fabricate your glasses, but to maintain and repair them should they become broken or damaged. We are able to tint, coat, harden and edge spectacle lenses. We are able to provide you with any frame or lens design available. Our highly qualified optician and staff are able to adjust and fit your glasses to you for extended comfort and vision.

Everyone is talking about LASIK. Here is a brief description of the procedure.

A flap is cut in the cornea and then the flap is gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea, much like a contact lens forms a new shape on the cornea, only the laser is permanent. The flap is then put back in place, acting like a natural bandage.

The "Wow!" effect of Lasik is the very rapid recovery of vision and the decreased level of discomfort post-operatively. You hear from people that they did not feel anything, and could see well the very first day. Most people have functional vision in 24-48 hours, although this is true in some cases, it must be noted that each person will heal at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, continues to improve for some weeks, even months.

Everyones eyes are different. Even though you may have had a friend who has had LASIK, it does not mean it is right for you. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we will be happy to guide you in picking the right surgeon, procedure and laser appropriate for you. For many of you who are long-term contact lens wearers my pre-operative input can make the difference between an excellent result and a mediocre one.

Post-operatively we can monitor your eyes, and taper medications to arrive at the best possible result. After all, no one knows your eyes better than your optometrist.

Our office provides many of the surgical services such as Cataract surgery, Laser surgery, Refractive surgery and Strabismic surgery. We offer this in conjunction with the hospital and local eye surgeons.

Additionally, we have working arrangements established with other specialized eye care doctors to manage such things are retinal detachments, retinal tears and hemmorhages.

Our office provides emergency services for eye infections and eye injuries. Please call our office at 508-835-6200 during office hours or after hours or on weekends. Our staff will work with you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. State of the art microscopes allow us to examine the front surface of the eye and facial areas around the eye for infection or injury. After assessing the extent of the injury or infection a treatment plan will be formulated and explained to you. Treatment may include medications and supportive care. Follow-up visits to monitor your recovery will be scheduled as needed.

Dry Eyes: Symptoms include scratchy eyes, burning, mild redness and gritty feeling eyes. Oral medications, reading, computer tasks and dry environments may aggravate marginally dry eyes. Dry eyes can be diagnosed by using dyes to observe tear patterns, evaluation of the amount of tears on the front of the eye and from review of your symptoms. Treatment may include artificial tears; eye drops for treating allergies; and/or punctal plugs inserted in the tear drainage canals.

Cataracts: The natural lens in the eye gradually becomes less clear as we get older. When opacities develop in the lens and the lens gets too hazy, vision will be impaired. Our office can diagnose and manage cataract care. When the cataract affects the vision to the extent that you cannot read or see distant objects comfortably, we will recommend cataract surgery. Our office co-manages with cataract specialists that are proven experts in cataract surgery. Cataract surgery can provide you with a bright new world of vision.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma gradually destroys the optic nerve tissue in the back of the eye. The greatest danger of glaucoma stems from the fact that the disease is painless and without obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. The most common cause is from pressure being too high inside the eye, but vascular disease and other diseases can also cause glaucoma. We always monitor for glaucoma during routine eye examinations. Tests include checking the pressure of the eye, screening for peripheral vision defects and analyzing the appearance of the optic nerve. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, we typically prescribe medications that lower the eye pressure. Most forms of glaucoma are successfully treated with eye drops. Laser treatments and eye surgery are secondary treatments that offer alternative ways to treat more advanced glaucoma.

Diabetes: Diabetic patients should have a dilated retinal examination each year. Laser treatments have proven to slow the progression of retinal eye disease for many patients. Diabetes often stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the back of the eye, which ultimately leak and damage the retina. If this condition is discovered early, laser treatment can destroy these vessels. We have the latest instruments used to detect changes in the back of the eye. If we discover advancing diabetic eye disease that can be treated or needs further evaluation, we will refer you for consultation and further testing to a board certified retinal specialist.

At Wachusett Family Eyecare we strive to provide a wide selection of fashion and designer frames as well as many quality, affordable, basic styles. Our lenses menu includes items such as the latest in invisible bifocals, lightweight lenses, and photochromics. We also provide safety eyewear for industrial and sports use. With a lab on the premises, we can produce your glasses quickly without any unnecessary delays.

The office is dedicated to providing excellent eye care at reasonable fees. For eye wear and contact lenses, we pride ourselves on providing the best quality at a fair price and emphasize value rather than coupons or gimmicks. In order to keep our costs low, payment is expected at the time services and materials are provided. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, and credit cards. We are always willing to assist you in dealing with insurances that reimburse eye care services. Discounts are available for a complete pair of eye wear. Accounts are subject to a $10 charge for returned checks.