Spectrum Vision Care

At Spectrum Vision Care, Dr. Melissa Richard and our entire Chalfont optometry team are committed to providing advanced vision care in a professional and comfortable environment. As an optometrist in Chalfont, our primary eye care service includes a complete eye exam that analyzes eye health and vision function. In addition to eye exams and vision testing, Dr. Richard and our team of optometry professionals provide testing for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Our Chalfont optometrist also offers glasses, contact lenses, and pre- and post-operative care. Eye Exams Dr. Richard and the Spectrum Vision Care team take even routine eye exams very seriously. During a yearly or bi-yearly examination, our Chalfont patients will receive a patient history review, a series of vision and eye tests, assessments of eye focusing and movement, and an eye health evaluation. Our optometrist will discuss any additional testing that may be required to diagnose an eye disease or condition. Call us a today at 267-875-3937 to schedule an appointment. Contact Lenses Not sure that glasses are for you? Ask our Chalfont staff about contact Lenses. Advances in the field of optometry have produced a variety of different types of contact lenses with a range of benefits. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP), daily-wear soft, extended-wear, extended-wear disposable, and planned replacement are the various types of contact lens options available today. Our Chalfont optometrist will discuss the various options with you to determine which type will best fit your needs and lifestyle. Schedule your examination today by calling 267-875-3937. There are many advantages to consider when determining if contact lenses are right for you and our knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions. Lasik Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, commonly referred to as LASIK, is a corrective alternative to glasses or contact lenses. Like glasses or contact lenses, LASIK is a method for treating refractive conditions including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. At Spectrum Vision Care, Dr. Richard provides pre- and post-operative exams for LASIK and other eye procedures. Call 267-875-3937 today to schedule an examination to see whether you are a candidate for LASIK.

Low Vision is a condition in which your eyesight cannot be corrected by regular glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medicine. People who have vision loss are said to be visually impaired or to have Low Vision. Vision loss is usually caused by an underlying eye disease such as: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Diabetic Retinopathy Glaucoma and other optic nerve diseases Retinitis Pigmentosa Cataracts Stroke Patients with Low Vision typically have difficulty reading, writing, watching television, recognizing people’s faces, or performing other daily living tasks. Fortunately, the visually impaired can be helped with a service called Low Vision Care. Low Vision Care is professional care provided by an optometrist, optician, or a vision rehabilitation professional who specializes in helping visually impaired patients maximize their remaining vision. This care usually involves an evaluation and the use of solutions called low vision aids that include both magnification devices such as magnifiers and telescopes and non-optical products such as task lighting and contrast filters. Dr. Richard works one-on-one with her low vision patients to make sure they reach their visual goals which may include anything from reading their mail or a newspaper, to knitting, to watching a baseball game. To learn more about some of the low vision aids we work with, visit www.eschenbach.com. Other resources for individuals with Low Vision: American Foundation for the Blind - http://www.afb.org/default.aspx Macular Degeneration Association - http://macularhope.org Foundation Fighting Blindness - http://www.blindness.org Prevent Blindness America - http://www.preventblindness.org Hemianopia.org - http://www.hemianopia.org/index.htm Vision is more than 20/20 eyesight. Visual processing involves the eye and the brain. Visual processing problems are very common following brain injury. The flow of information between the eye and brain is often jumbled after a brain injury. A basic eye examination is often normal because visual processing problems are not eyesight problems. Visual processing problems are not obvious so referral for a vision evaluation is rarely made unless you report eyesight changes or you have an eye injury. Hidden visual processing problems can cause your rehabilitation to take longer or be less successful if they are not recognized or treated. Symptoms of Post Trauma Vision Syndrome include: • Blurred vision • Double vision • Light sensitivity • Reading problems • Movement of print on the page • Poor reading comprehension • Limited attention or concentration • Poor spatial judgment • Impaired depth perception • Loss of peripheral vision • Poor visual memory • Headaches with visual tasks Hidden visual problems can also affect balance, coordination and cognitive function. You may have poor eye-hand coordination or problems judging stairs. Driving may become difficult and things moving may make you feel ill. You may not notice things as quickly and your reaction time may be slowed. Visual fatigue is common. Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation (NORA) Optometrists are here to help you. NORA doctors can diagnose and treat visual processing problems that appear after brain injury. They can work closely with your rehabilitation team such as occupational, physical and speech therapists so your visual problems will not limit your success in recovering from your brain injury. Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation Treatment may include: • Eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve eyesight • Bifocal eyeglasses for better focus flexibility and reading • Lenses to expand peripheral awareness • Specialized filters to eliminate double vision • Prism lenses to improve spatial orientation • In-office Neuro-Optometric Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Remember there is hope and there is help for the hidden vision problems that frequently accompany brain injury. Contact us today at 267-875-3937.