The importance of eye health cannot be understated. The CDC estimates that 11 million Americans over the age of 12 are in need of some level of vision correction. We regularly think to prioritize preventative care through professionals like family medical practitioners and dentists. Unfortunately, many of us do not place the same priority on our eye health… unless it becomes reactive, once physical symptoms indicative of eye care issues appear.

We humans are visual creatures. In fact, it is currently estimated that 80-85% of how we learn, perceive, process and interact with reality is based on our sense of sight. By placing priority on the importance of eye health, we can help ensure good vision for many years to come. In order to understand why eye health is so important, let’s take a look at the benefits of preventative eye care.

Preventive Eye Care for Children: Start Early!

Many times, we tend to think of vision problems as something that becomes more prevalent as we get older. And that is generally true in the case of diseases like macular degeneration. Thinking like this runs the risk of vision problems in the future that could have been arrested or corrected in the present. The key is starting early by making eye care for children just as much a priority as a doctor or dentist. Unfortunately, fewer than 15% of all preschool children receive eye exams, and less than 22% receive any level of vision care whatsoever. According to the CDC, children should get regular checkups by an optometrist or pediatrician. This includes:

  • Newborn to 6 months of age
  • 6 months of age to 1 year
  • Approximately 3 years of age
  • Approximately 5 years of age

 

Scheduling regular eye care for children should also include screening at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 to detect amblyopia, or risk factors for this disease. Children are not the only ones who can benefit from preventative eye care. Adults of all ages and health conditions should also prioritize preventative eye care. Doing so just might save your life in ways that, on the surface at least, seem to have nothing at all to do with our eyesight.

The Benefits of Preventative Eye Care

 a man having his eye checked

Philosophically speaking, the eyes are widely believed to be the “windows of the soul.” In medical science, they are also the windows to the health of our bodies. The benefits of preventative eye care include the ability to spot various diseases, like:

  • Blood issues
  • High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
  • Brain Tumors
  • Liver Disease
  • Diabetes

The other major benefit of preventative eye care includes the ability to spot eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. The benefits of preventative eye care will continue to grow as science, medicine and technology do too. In fact, researchers are already working on a way to detect Alzheimer’s disease during an eye exam.

Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam

It is important to understand that spotting is not the same as diagnosing. So if your optometrist discovers something they believe could be a health issue, they can make a recommendation for further testing, or for a specialist in the case of non-eye related diseases. In terms of diagnosing eye health issues specifically, we want to take a moment and discuss the difference between a vision screening and comprehensive eye exam

  • Vision screenings are generalized procedures that can be performed individually or in large groups (like schools), and are only meant to indicate the presence of a potential eye health issue.
  • A comprehensive eye exam is performed individually by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It can diagnose specific eye diseases and disorders including glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Can’t stand the dreaded Puff Test? We have the latest pain-free technology, including retinal scans, cameras and tonometers

 

Many times, and this especially applies in places like schools, parents can derive a false sense of security from their children getting a general vision screening. We strongly recommend scheduling eye exams for children based on the CDC’s recommended schedule above. Adults should plan to receive an annual comprehensive eye exam, unless specific circumstances dictate the need for exams on a more periodic basis. These circumstances can include medical conditions like the ones above, but they can also be based on professional requirements.

Frequent Eye Exams for Jobs That Require Good Eyesight

detailed chart of how macular degneration occurs

It is easier to perform many jobs with good eyesight. But did you know there are some jobs that require good eyesight? People who work these jobs must take extra special care of their eye health, because not doing so could mean no longer being able to work. Some jobs that require good eyesight are:

 

  • Pilots (Civilian and Military)
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Firefighters
  • Police Officers
  • Lifeguards
  • Paramedics

 

Other jobs have hazards that place workers at high risk of vision damage than what we would consider “average” in our society. At the same time, and just like the professions above, most of these are jobs that require good eyesight too. Some of these jobs are:

 

  • Construction/Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Welding/Fabrication
  • Carpentry/Plumbing
  • Maintenance
  • Auto repair

 

No matter whether you work any one of these jobs or not, we are always happy to get you in for an eye exam, fitting or any other type of appointment as you require and around your schedule.

The Best Optometrists in North Phoenix

When you choose Tatum EyeCare for you vision health and fashion needs, you are choosing optometrists in North Phoenix who are invested in our clients and community. We are happy to answer any other questions you have about general eye health, or to schedule your appointment with one of our optometrists today. We’ve proudly served the Valley of the Sun for over 20 years. Stop in to view our extensive eyewear collection, and see for yourself how Tatum EyeCare reframes customer service and optical expertise for everyone!

Contact Tatum Eyecare

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry