Raleigh Eye Doctor

Growing up, I’d only been to one optometrist in Sterling, Virginia. It was a ‘mom and pop’ shop where they kept track of your contact address information and prescription information on handwritten index cards. Even back then, that type of filing system was out of date. What if there was a fire? …anyway, maybe they’re still around and have a better system.

When I came to Raleigh, I was anxious about finding an eye doctor. No real reason – I just had always gone to the same one. I was nearsighted. That’s putting it mild. I think I was really blind. I guarantee you my glasses would’ve given you a BIG headache.

Without my glasses or contacts, I could forget driving, heck, I couldn’t even walk two steps in front of me without worrying about bumping into something. Those that are near sighted know what I’m talking about. Waking up and not being able to see the time on the clock. Contacts are the pits in many ways. Getting those suckers in can sometimes be trying. Oh and the inconvenience of figuring out what to do in the pool or any water sports. And getting a piece of sand at the beach blown and stuck to your contact…that’s the worse.

Thank goodness for laser eye surgery options. And yes, I opted for it about 6 years ago. I’d only recommend going to the BEST for this kinda surgery…no discount surgery. They’re your eyes for heaven’s sake! And so I did go to the best. TLC where I went also did Tiger Woods eyes. I figured if he’d gotten there they’d at least I’d be a ‘lil more comfortable putting my eyes to their care. The surgery went well.

So when I moved to Raleigh and had to find a new eye doctor, well…as you could imagine, I was very picky about my NEW optometrist. She took a bunch of tests and I gave her the lowdown on my eye history. I had kinda dry eyes so she recommended I take flaxseed oil. Dr. Alicia Barnes treated me with care and ‘due diligence’. She didn’t give me the impression that I was just another set of eyes in her office.

When I returned a year later for my annual checkup, she remembered me. That’s what I look for in any of my doctors. Trust me, I’ve been to many doctors probably like you, where you just don’t feel like you were more than just another one to add to their patient files. A tip – only go to a doctor referral. I’ve learned and live by that rule…never ever just pick a doctor from a directory or just ‘cause they’re available. That’s sometimes Catch 22. You need a doctor immediately but the one you want to go to…I.E. the one that gets referrals for being a good doctor … doesn’t have an opening for another few weeks or months. My solution is I have a regular doctor and an emergency or back up doctor. Hopefully like me you won’t need the backup doctor much if any.

Eye Associates has the best selections of glasses too. I still wear the same pair of Guess brand specs that I did when I got them years ago. I’ve also gotten a few prescription sunglasses. In case you’re a fashionista or are looking for the designer glasses…they’ve got ‘em. Okay, I have my moments. So I do have a pair of Coach and Kate Spades. I admit it – I’m a bit of a style freak. But then again, would I be talking to you about clothes and fashion, if I weren’t?

Category: Raleigh Personal Care/Health Professional Services