Pregnancy is a magical journey, but it also brings profound changes to your body—and your eyes are no exception. Many expecting mothers experience vision changes due to fluctuating hormones, increased fluid retention, and changes in blood circulation. While some of these changes are temporary, neglecting eye care during pregnancy can lead to long-term complications. The good news? Free eye care resources for expecting moms are more accessible than you might think. Here’s why your vision deserves extra attention during this special time.

How Pregnancy Affects Vision
Pregnancy is accompanied by a surge of hormones that impact nearly every system in your body, including your eyes. Here are some common vision-related changes you may experience:

Blurry Vision: Hormonal changes can alter the shape and thickness of your cornea, leading to temporary vision blurriness.
Dry Eyes: Many pregnant women report dryness and discomfort due to reduced tear production.
Increased Sensitivity to Light: Hormonal fluctuations can make your eyes more sensitive to light, a condition known as photophobia.
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH): High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause vision issues, such as floaters or temporary vision loss.
Gestational Diabetes: This condition can lead to changes in the retina, known as diabetic retinopathy, requiring immediate attention.
While most of these issues resolve postpartum, some might signal underlying health concerns, making regular eye check-ups essential.

Why Free Eye Care Is Essential for Expecting Moms
Pregnancy is a time of heightened health concerns, and eye care often gets overlooked. Here’s why taking advantage of free eye care services can make a big difference:

Early Detection of Problems: Regular eye exams can identify issues like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes early.
Relief from Discomfort: Professional advice can help you manage symptoms like dryness or blurry vision effectively.
Long-Term Eye Health: Addressing eye problems during pregnancy ensures they don’t escalate post-delivery.
Free Eye Care Resources for Expecting Moms
Community Health Centers: Many clinics offer free or low-cost eye exams for pregnant women as part of their prenatal care services.
Non-Profit Organizations: Groups like Prevent Blindness and Vision USA provide free or discounted eye care for those in need.
Government Programs: Medicaid and other government initiatives often cover routine eye exams for expecting moms.
Special Eye Health Campaigns: Watch out for awareness programs and health fairs that offer free screenings.
Self-Care Tips for Maintaining Healthy Vision During Pregnancy
While professional care is crucial, here are some steps you can take at home to keep your eyes healthy:

Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps reduce dryness and maintain overall eye health.
Rest Your Eyes: Avoid prolonged screen time and give your eyes regular breaks.
Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses outdoors.
Use Artificial Tears: Safe lubricating eye drops can alleviate dryness.
When to See a Doctor
While most vision changes during pregnancy are temporary, some warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience:

Persistent blurry vision
Sudden loss of vision
Severe eye pain or redness
Flashes of light or floating spots
Conclusion
Your vision is a window to your overall health, and it deserves extra care during pregnancy. By utilizing free eye care resources and practicing good eye health habits, you can ensure that your eyes remain healthy throughout this incredible journey. Don’t wait—schedule an eye exam today and take the first step toward safeguarding your vision and well-being.

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