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Give the Gift of Sight This Holiday Season

Give the Gift of Sight This Holiday Season

It is the most wonderful time of the year in Asheville, NC. On the heels of an incredible, memorable autumn season, with some of the best fall colors we have had in years, our area has already been transformed into a holiday wonderland. 

Lights and decorations have taken the place of the fallen leaves, and you can feel the kindness, optimism, and cheer that comes with the falling temperatures of early winter.

Western North Carolina is known for kindness and good cheer year-round. It is one of the many factors that draw so many millions of visitors to our area annually. During the holiday season, we will see even more neighborly goodness spread through our communities. 

At Asheville Vision and Wellness, we are grateful to be part of this amazing area. People here are second-to-none when it comes to goodwill toward others. We want to encourage our readers to include giving the gift of sight to their holiday lists this year. 

 

Signs Your Child Is Struggling With Their Vision

For parents, you are probably thinking a lot about how to get the perfect gift to put under the tree and how to make it look like Santa brought it. Corrective lenses are probably not high on your child’s list; however, much like the socks and new pants they will get, glasses are not flashy and exciting, but they are something your child will wear daily. 

Is your child demonstrating signs they need corrective lenses? Here are a few to watch for during this season:

  • Your child may be struggling to read out loud, even though they are otherwise skilled at reading. 
  • Your child may frequently be squinting, especially when they are trying to see the whiteboard at school. 
  • Your child may put a book, magazine, or tablet closer to their face than they should. 
  • Your child experiences frequent headaches or rubs their eyes often. 
  • Your child seems extra clumsy. 
  • Your child’s eyes seem to be tearing too often. 

If your child is exhibiting any of these signs, it is time to take them to the optometrist to determine if they need the gift of improved vision this holiday season.

How the Optometrist Can Help

The staff at Asheville Vision and Wellness is dedicated to providing excellent patient care for adults and children. Our comprehensive eye exams test for health and visual concerns. Our tests look for signs of:

  • Macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Low Macular Pigment Density
  • Cataracts
  • Dry Eyes
  • Corneal Irritation
  • Blind Spots
  • Color Vision or Color Blindness
  • Crossed Eyes or "Lazy" Eyes in Children
  • Visual Acuity

While this might sound daunting, we make sure your child is as comfortable as possible with the process. We even try to make sure it is fun. 

These tests will reveal whether or not your child would benefit from glasses or contacts. If they do wear glasses, there are countless styles and colors from which to choose. 

While corrective lenses may not be their favorite gift, as a parent, you can help them personalize their frames when you give them the gift of vision correction.

What Do You Do With Your Old Glasses? 

You or your child may already use glasses. If it is time to replace them, you might assume discarding your old glasses means simply throwing them away. However, there are many non-profits that can recycle your corrective lenses for someone who needs them. 

According to the Seattle Times, there are a billion people in the world who need glasses but don’t have access to them. Your old glasses can help give the gift of sight to others, but it can be challenging to figure out how to get them in the right hands. 

There are a handful of charities and non-profits who can help:

  • Lions Clubs International: They often have drop boxes at schools, libraries, and other civic centers. You can, of course, contact your local Lions Club.
  • New Eyes for the Needy: For almost 90 years, this organization’s mission has been to give the gift of sight to those who would not otherwise have access to corrective lenses.
  • Recycling Centers: You can search online for local recycling centers. 
  • Ask Your Optometrist: Your local trusted optometrist or ophthalmologist may be able to point you in the direction of a reputable organization through which you can give the gift of sight. 

The team at Asheville Vision and Wellness is so grateful to be part of such a kind and giving community. We would love to help you give the gift of sight during this holiday season. 

Whether you have a loved one in your life that may need assistance with vision correction, or you have unused glasses that could make all the difference for someone in the world, we are here to help. Contact us today for more information about Asheville Vision and Wellness.