One area that's often overlooked in an athlete's ability to perform is their vision. There is more to vision than just seeing clearly. Peripheral awareness, depth perception, ability to focus one's eyes quickly from distance to near and back to distance are all important skills which could have a significant impact on an athlete's success. What's important is that these skills are measurable and more importantly, can be improved upon.

I received a call from one of my patients this morning at 3:30 A.M. (I am on 24 hour call.) He stated that his eye was in pain and tearing. He told me he was surprised I answered I the cell, I told him I would see him at the office in 15 minutes. (I live 1/2 mile from the office.) I treated him with drops and told him to return in about 5 hours. The pain and tearing subsided and the eye looked less angry (red). The relief that the patient experienced was extremely gratifying to me as a doctor. Anyway, after I saw the patient at 4:00 A.M., I wound up going to the gym and working out.

A 54 year old patient came in this morning with a history of a cataract in his left eye for his entire life. His best corrected vision in that eye with glasses was about 20/100. The other eye was corrected to 20/20. I noticed during the examination that his eyes were not aligned vertically. He stated that he had trouble with depth perception. I put in a prism to help compensate
for this misalignment. He noted everything was brighter, closer and clearer. He stated that no doctor had measured him for this before. I do not know at this time whether the lack of vision in the left eye was due to the cataract, the misalignment of the two eyes or a combination of the two problems. I'll be anxious to see him after he receives and wears his glasses.

I've been practicing optometry for over 29 years. I enjoy practicing more now than ever. The advances in the field have been tremendous. I so have enjoyed the interaction with patients and their families over the years. I've had patients whom I've seen as five and six year olds who have brought their own kids in. Also, what's neat is seeing the impact on some of our patients' lives after they've been treated. I can't think of another health care profession where you get such immediate feedback after the conclusion of treatment.