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Eye Health & Vision Care
One of God's most precious gifts is that of sight. Our practice exists solely to protect and enhance that gift. We are proud to offer our services in a traditional, family style practice. We provide everyone comprehensive and continuing eye care in a warm, friendly environment. We have expertise in all areas of optometric care. Our practice was founded over 50 years ago on the principle of unsurpassed quality and service. We take great pride in providing every patient with the ultimate in care. In our office, you will be treated as a member of our family, not as a number. This commitment is demonstrated by the fact that most of our patients have been referred by other patients who appreciate our expertise and caring touch. We enjoy the challenge of providing outstanding results. In a world of fast-paced medical care and hurried service, our practice thrives by providing detailed, courteous care.
21st Century Eye Examination Technology:
*Detailed Refractions
*Eye Coordination Testing
*Thorough Eye-Health Evaluations
*Testing for All Eye Diseases and Conditions
*Photography of Eye Structures
*Automated Prescription Determination
*Visual Field (peripheral vision) Testing
*Latest Technology
*Pre and Post Operative Treatment
*Glaucoma Evaluation and Management
*Diabetic Eye Care
*Treatment of Eye Allergies and Eye Infections
*Dry Eye Management
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Contact Lenses
*Each and every type of contact lens available - soft and gas permeable lenses
*Hard to fit cases seen with special care
*Successful Fit Guarantee
*Exclusive disposable lens packages designed to save you time and money
*Tinted contact lenses for athletes or cosmesis
*Cosmetic colored contact lenses
*Bifocal and Astigmatism Corrections
*30-day Extended Wear Contacts
*We offer internet pricing on contacts
*Exclusive disposable lens packages designed to save you time and money
*Temporary replacement contacts often available for package patients
*Discount rates on sunglasses and eyewear for package patients
*Convenient online ordering of contact lens supply for package patients
*Contact lens solution discounts for contact lens package patients
Soft Contact Lens Tips
Hard Contact Lens Tips
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Pediatric Eyecare
It is important to have your child's eyes examined early in life. The American Optometric Association recommends that your child have their first eye examination at the age of 6 months. Successful treatment of visual disorders can be achieved more rapidly with early detection and correction by glasses, contact lenses, and/or vision therapy. Vision screenings performed at school, although helpful, are not a substitute for an eye examination with a pediatric specialist. At West Michigan Eyecare Associates, you will find a warm, comforting environment for children with our newly expanded children's waiting room and child-friendly examination room in which Dr. Kenyon works.
Types of Vision Examinations
Infants and Toddlers (birth to age 3)
When examining your child, we primarily are interested in vision development. Careful observation is made of your child's eye movements, eye alignment, eye focusing ability, eye health, and refractive error. It is important to rule out common children's eye disease such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Our pediatric doctor, Dr. Kenyon, is trained and experienced in examining this special population of patients. He can obtain most components of an adult examination in an infant or toddler examination by objective testing. Preferential looking cards are utilized to obtain visual acuity in this patient population.
Pre-School Children (age 3 to 6)
The visual system should be developing towards adult levels of visual ability and function. Most of these children can be examined with methods similar to an adult examination with modifications as needed depending on their individual ability. Matching and naming pictures are sometimes used to measure visual acuity.
School Age Children (age 6 to 18)
The school years can be demanding on the visual system, both when learning to read and reading to learn. Visual problems can greatly impede a child's progress in school. It is estimated that one out of every six children has a learning difficulty that can be attributed to a visual problem. We recommend yearly examinations of these children to help insure success in school. Methods of examination are very similar to an adult examination by this age. Contact lenses are usually introduced at this age if recommended by the doctor.
Binocular Vision Examination
This type of examination is designed to determine the lenses or prism required to promote maximum binocular functioning (eye teaming skills) and to provide additional information for designing vision therapy. This type of examination is usually completed by referral only from another eye care provider.
Visual Information Processing Examination
This type of examination involves a comprehensive battery of tests that include thorough visual perception testing, academic dyslexia testing, speech/language screening, and IQ testing. It is necessary to consult with the doctor before making an appointment for this type of examination. A comprehensive eye examination may also be required before completing this assessment. The professional fee includes a consultation with the doctor and a final written summary report. To review the rationale that shapes our testing and treatment decisions, please link to a booklet written by Dr. Kenyon's esteemed colleague, Dr. Jerome Rosner, who provided his training at the University of Houston - "Parent & Teacher Guide to Understanding and Treating Children with Puzzling School Learning Problems."
Non-Invasive Objective Visual Assessment (NOVA)
Our pediatric specialist, Dr. Kenyon, is prepared and experienced to provide comprehensive visual examinations to special needs children. The goal of this evaluation is to provide functional vision information to the parents or caregivers of these children. Michigan participates in a "No Child Left Behind policy", which includes benefits for multiply impaired children. It will be necessary to provide our staff with the pertinent medical information regarding this type of patient so they can block extra time for the doctor to examine your child.
Considerations for Parents Before Examination
*Schedule the appointment when your child is not likely to be sleepy or hungry. If your child has a "cranky" time of day, schedule around it.
*Make a list of questions and bring it with you for the doctor to answer. Take notes during the examination so you can refer to them later.
*Have a plan ready in case you need to spend time in the waiting room. Bring a favorite story book, coloring book, or small toy that your child can play with quietly. A snack can also help pass the time.
*Bring your child's favorite cuddly toy. The doctor can examine the bear or doll to make your child feel more comfortable. Holding a toy also helps keep little hands off of expensive equipment.
* "Relax" - children look for adult cues. If you seem nervous, your child may become anxious. A trip to the eye doctor should be fun for both of you.
*Expect dilating drops to be instilled. You can prepare your child by talking about putting drops in people's eyes. You can even practice with artificial tears at home before the examination.
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Eye Diseases
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.
Nutrition and Cataracts
Cataract Surgery
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. Specialized tests may include computerized visual field testing and/or nerve fiber analysis with our state-of-the-art GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer, FDA approved in 2002. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, we typically prescribe the newest anti-Glaucoma medications that lower the eye pressure. Most forms of glaucoma are successfully treated with these eye drops. Laser treatments and eye surgery are secondary treatments that offer alternative ways to treat more advanced glaucoma.
Glaucoma Research Foundation
Eye Drop Instillation Technique
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.
Living with Diabetes
Low Vision Rehabilitation & Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that causes deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina, the paper-thin tissue at the back of the eye where light-sensitive cells send visual signals to the brain. Sharp, clear, “straight ahead” vision is processed by the macula. Damage to the macula results in the development of blind spots and blurred or distorted vision. When the macula becomes damaged, many daily activities such as driving and reading become increasingly difficult. AMD usually affects individuals older than 50 years of age, and scientific evidence shows that genes may play a role in the development of nearly three out of four cases of this devastating eye disease. It is very important to follow your doctor's recommendations of monitoring vision on your own with a home amsler grid and coming to your scheduled follow-up appointments.
Eye Vitamins
Home Amsler Grid
Dry Eye: Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye doctors. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes. There are many causes of dry eyes including: age, heaters and air conditioners, environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry weather, allergies such as hay fever, certain medications, and eyelid problems or systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment can include eye drops, eye vitamins, punctal plugs, or surgery.
Nutrition and Dry Eye
Eye Allergies: Up to 50 million Americans suffer from the miseries of allergies, with allergic reactions involving the eyes being a common complaint. An allergic reaction that affects the conjunctiva, the clear layer of skin overlying the eyes, is commonly referred to as allergic conjunctivitis. Common signs of allergies include: redness, tearing, and itchyness. Treatment usually involves avoiding the allergen, if known, or using eye drops prescribed by your doctor to alleviate the symptoms.
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Laser Vision Correction
*We partner with most area surgeons and clinics
*All peri-operative care provided in our office
*Nearsighted, Farsighted and Astigmatism Correction available
*TLC Laser Eye Center Affiliate - www.tlcvision.com
Surgery Co-Management
*Cataract Surgery
*Diabetic Care
*Retinal Detachments, Holes and Tears
*Refractive Surgery
*All Laser Vision Correction Procedures
*Eye Muscle Surgery
Huge Eyewear Gallery
*Large selection (over 1000 frame styles) in the area
*Sunglasses by Maui Jim , Revo, Rudy Project and many others
*No-line bifocal & other specialty lenses
*Designer Eyewear
*Budget lines
*Exclusive discounts for families and multiple pairs
*Certified Opticians on staff with over 30 years of experience
*On-Site finishing lab
*Prompt emergency repairs and replacements
*Exclusive Two-Year Warrantee at no charge
*Free eyewear fashion consultations
*Price Guarantee
* Large Protective Eyewear Selection
*Highest technology of lens materials & coatings available
*Nice selection of Pediatric frames & sunglasses
Tips to keep glasses on your child
Importance of Sun Protection For Your Child
*THINNER LIGHTER LENSES: State of the art technology has created the new "high index" lenses which are considerably thinner and lighter.
*UV FILTER: Ultraviolet filter is highly recommended for its ability to protect the retina from harmful effects of UV light.
*ANTI-REFLECTIVE LENSES: These lenses virtually eliminate glare and are great for night driving by eliminating headlight glare. They also enhance the appearance of the wearer by allowing more of themselves to be seen through the glasses.
*POLARIZED LENSES: These lenses eliminate all indirect reflection such as from water or snow, allowing greater depth perception and acuity.
*TRANSITION LENSES: These lenses automatically darken in the sunlight and lighten indoors, allowing the wearer the convenience of one pair of glasses for use indoors and out.
*PROGRESSIVE LENSES: With age, focus in the near and intermediate working range becomes progressively difficult. These lenses allow for clear vision at all distances without the lenses having a "line" for others to view. This is our most popular multi-focal lens.
Vision Therapy
Vision therapy refers to an overall program including training exercises in order to remediate or enhance visual skills. It provides the opportunity to learn to use the two eyes together in coordination so that visual information can be received and comprehended.
The vision training program at West Michigan Eyecare Associates is individually programmed for the specific needs of each patient. The success of the program depends primarily on the patient. The prescribed time must be spent and a conscientious effort must be made to perform the activities exactly as instructed. The program involves a combination of home and office training. This enables the training to be more effective, efficient, and motivating, which enhances the probability of a successful outcome.
A minimum time commitment of 20-30 minutes per day of active training effort is required during the home therapy. We usually assign 2-4 techniques each session to be completed at home between office visits. Office training will last approximately 45 minutes with 15-20 minutes being used for instruction and concerns about the home therapy. The rest of the time will be used for actual vision training. Computers and other specialized equipment are utilized during the office training.
Most insurance providers do not recognize vision therapy services provided by West Michigan Eyecare Associates as billable services. Therefore, we do not bill insurance for such services. Should you request it and upon completion of the therapy program, the office will provide you with the proper paperwork to submit to your insurance provider.
Visual Skills Terminology
Computerized Vision Therapy
Eyes Over 40
As people approach the age of 40, many begin to experience difficulty reading small print, especially under poor lighting. Computer work can also be fatiguing. This very common condition is called presbyopia. With presbyopia, the eye loses focusing power because of an increase in the rigidity of the lens inside the eye.
Presbyopia can be remedied with glasses for reading, sewing, computer work, or for other activities that require working with small objects or seeing closer than arm's length. There are many types of spectacle lenses that can help alleviate this problem. Many types of "No-line" or "Progressive" bifocals are now available, as well as trifocal, and special computer glasses. These glasses can provide comfortable vision for all your daily activities. Special occupational bifocals are available for people whose jobs require them to focus on close objects overhead(electricians, pilots etc.). Contact lenses can also correct this condition.
Eye disease becomes more prevalent as we age, therefore dilated eye examinations become even more important after the age of 40. Seventeen percent of Americans who are 45 or older report some type of vision impairment even when wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. This percentage rises with age to 26% of people ages 75 and older. Schedule your appointment soon to rule out any eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
Low Vision Services
Few people are totally without sight. Most individuals today classified as "blind" actually have remaining sight and, thanks to developments in the field of low vision rehabilitation, can be helped to make good use of it, improving their quality of life. In the United States, any person with vision that cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in the best eye, or who has 20 degrees or less of visual field remaining, is considered legally blind.
People who have lost eyesight due to injuries or eye disease need special types of products to help them function as independently as possible. We offer a full range of these products through our office. Our paraoptometric staff is trained to demonstrate the use of some of these devices. They range all the way from a simple hand magnifier to a closed circuit TV system.
In addition, we can direct those who have low vision problems to products that will help them carry on the day-to-day tasks that they need to perform. In some cases we can set up a program for the low vision patient with the National Library of Congress to receive "books on tapes", which is a service for the blind.
The Michigan Commission for the Blind
Your Guide to Low Vision
Emergency Services
West Michigan Eyecare Associates provides 24 hour emergency care for their existing patients. If you are experiencing eye pain, eye redness, or have had an injury to the eye - please contact the office at 616-949-8500 for a listing of emergency doctors.
Financial Policies
FEE FOR SERVICE (NON-INSURED)
Our policy is that exam fees are paid in full at the time of service. Glasses and traditional contact lenses require a 50% deposit to order and the balance to be paid in full at pick-up. Disposable contact lens packages must be paid in full at the time of order.
PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
Our doctors are providers for the following vision insurance plans - VSP, Priority Health Medicaid, BCBS and the following medical insurance plans - Medicare, BCBS, Priority Health, and state Medicaid. Your doctor will determine the appropriate type of insurance to bill depending on the outcome of your exam. Our policy is that non-covered costs (including co-pays) are paid at the time of service.
NON-PARTICIPATING INSURANCE
Our doctors often see patients for eye care even though they are not providers for a specific insurance plan. Patients will be responsible to pay our office directly, however if you supply us with complete insurance information and forms, we will assist in submitting your claim. In most cases, if the examination is medical in nature, the medical insurance will provide the patient reimbursement for the visit.
We recognize that there are many insurance plans and often they are complicated. We want to help but ultimately payment for our services and products are the patient's responsibility.
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