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Healthy eye month begins in May

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Medical Group Optometry clinic will be hosting an information booth for healthy eye month at the Dover Air Force Base Medical clinic beginning May 3.

The booth will feature literature on the importance of eye safety, proper nutrition for healthy eyes as well as local TRICARE provider information. Staff from the Optometry clinic will also be on hand to answer questions.

The Optometry clinic offers two different types of exams. A general exam for eye health and visual function, or more specialized appointments for specific problems that patients are having with their eyes, said Capt. Jeffrey Newsom, 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Optometry Flight commander.

"We want people to know that TRICARE Prime dependants get one yearly exam off base without a referral and retirees get one every two years," said Jennifer Freeman, 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Certified Ophthalmic technician. "We do see them here in the clinic, but we have limited appointments available for them.

Check-ups are important for overall eye health and vision correction, said Mrs. Freeman. Children should have their first exam before being enrolled in kindergarten, and full exams are better than vision screenings at catching any potential problems.

"A lot of people are surprised to find out what they really should be wearing eye protection for," said Captain Newsom. "Wearing safety glasses or goggles while mowing the lawn is one of the bigger ones, since it prevents grass debris from entering your eyes. Fireworks can also be the cause of eye injuries. Children should have eye protection and be supervised by responsible adults when playing with sparklers."

When swimming, contacts should be removed before entering the water, and any Ultraviolet rated sunglasses should be worn if you are out in the sun, said Captain Newsom. Contacts should be removed and cleaned nightly to prevent possible infections.

"The clinic offers many different services to our Airmen and their families," said Captain Newsom. "For those members deploying overseas with ballistic glasses, we offer prescription inserts. We do not offer medical waivers for vehicle window tinting, however; sunglasses are more effective at preventing glare."

"We're always here to answer questions," said Captain Newsom. "We are here to make sure that everyone has healthy eyes and good vision."