WHAT IS AN EXPERT?

I asked Siri and she came up with: “An expert, more generally, is a person with extensive knowledge or ability based on research, experience, or occupation and in a particular area of study”. At Somerville Merrin Neilson Optometrists, we fit that definition because we have six optometrists with a total of over 120 years of experience – and we understand that an eye examination is not just about spectacles. Our experience helps us to find ways of assisting them through these times and offer solutions to help read an electricity bill or a letter from a loved one – simple, but important tasks. However, it’s not just seniors who need our advice. As your child enters their school years, it is important to have their eyes examined. An examination is so much more than simply seeing if the child can read the bottom line of the chart. We will assess the child’s visual system in its entirety to find any areas of difficulty that might slow them down at school. We also prescribe contact lenses, from basic soft disposable options to more complex lenses such as Ortho K lenses (which are hard contact lenses that are worn overnight). When removed, your vision is clear without needing spectacles for the day. Dry eye is a very common problem and often produces symptoms like scratchy and watery eyes, hard-to-open eyes or that annoying, itchy feeling. We can assess this and use both medications and treatments (such as IPL) to help relieve these symptoms. We always endeavour to utilise the best products, and have been using Nikon lenses for a number of years now as we have found the lens’ designs, coatings and materials to be very successful. To the patient, this means better vision and comfort.