Believe it or not, LASIK is affordable for just about anyone at D’Ambrosio Eye Care! That’s because we work to find ways to work with you to help you achieve your personal vision correction goals at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. Here are a few ways lots of our patients choose when they have LASIK at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
Easy Payment Plans
Many of our patients use our easy payment monthly payment plans. We can arrange the amount you pay each month to fit your budget-AND you do not even have to put any money down! You can have your LASIK procedure today WITH NO MONEY DOWN-and with 0% interest if you would like!
Flex Plans-Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Many employers offer Flex Plans-Flexible Spending Accounts or FSA’s. These plans allow you to have money taken out of your paycheck over time to pay for LASIK. What is even more appealing about Flex Plans is that money is withheld in Pre-Tax dollars allowing you to get extra tax savings. It is best to come in for a free consultation to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK-and then we can tell you exactly how much to have taken out of your paycheck!
Health Spending Accounts (HSA)
Health Spending Accounts are another way our patients can use Pre-Tax dollars to pay for LASIK and elective Lens Implants. If you have an HSA, it is best to come in for a free consultation to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK so we can tell you how much to allocate.
Insurance & Discount Fee for Service Plans
More and more health insurance or vision insurance plans are offering partial coverage or a discount for LASIK to their participants. We will be happy to review your plan. Even if we are not a direct provider on your plan, if you have coverage, we will make every attempt to honor your benefit allowance when you come to D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
Tax Refunds
Tax refunds often provide a nice source of unexpected cash that you can invest in yourself! If you know that you are going to be getting a tax refund, come in for a free consultation and find out if you are a candidate for LASIK. We can even use a very short term payment plan to help you get treated today and pay with your tax refund tomorrow.
Call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Contact Lens Types
Contact lenses are available to correct almost any type of prescription. The most common type of prescription corrected by contact lenses is myopia, or nearsightedness. Astigmatism and hyperopia, or farsightedness, can also be corrected by contact lenses. “There are some medical conditions that affect the eye that cause distorted vision. Contact lenses may be the only way to provide clear vision to some of these patients”, stated Michael Fu, O.D., Optometrist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
Soft contact lenses make up the majority of contact lenses sold throughout the world. There are many varieties of soft contact lenses, including colored contacts, ultraviolet radiation blocking contacts, and aspheric contacts that potentially improve night vision. Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses are useful in patients who demand crisp vision or who have large amounts of astigmatism. Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid center and a soft skirt surrounding it. These lenses try to combine the clarity of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens.
Soft contact lenses make up the majority of contact lenses sold throughout the world. There are many varieties of soft contact lenses, including colored contacts, ultraviolet radiation blocking contacts, and aspheric contacts that potentially improve night vision. Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses are useful in patients who demand crisp vision or who have large amounts of astigmatism. Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid center and a soft skirt surrounding it. These lenses try to combine the clarity of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens.
Seeing an eye care provider familiar with all types of contact lenses will give patients the most options to correct their vision. For more information, or to schedule an eye examination to determine the appropriate lens for you, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness in Massachusetts
“Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50, affecting more than two million people. Although AMD is incurable, there are new treatments that can, at a minimum, prevent further vision loss from the disease and in many cases actually help recover lost vision,” commented Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
AMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact. It is progressive and painless. There are two types of ARMD: Dry and Wet. Approximately 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry form which results in gradual vision loss. Although only 10 percent of people with ARMD have the wet form, it generally progresses much quicker than the dry form. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid, causing rapid and severe central vision loss.
Patients can often reduce the risk of developing ARMD by not smoking as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight. “We are fortunate to be able to offer Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drugs that inhibit the development of unwanted blood vessels that cause wet ARMD as these agents are effective in helping to prevent further visual loss and even improve vision,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.
Patients older than 50 years of age are encouraged to have a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that ARMD is detected and treated early. The key to successful treatment is early detection and intervention.
If you or someone you know is at risk for AMD please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule and eye exam. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Aspirin & Macular Degeneration (AMD)
There may be a relationship between frequent aspirin use and Macular Degeneration (AMD) according to researchers from the European Eye Study who reported some interesting findings on the October 2011 publication Ophthalmology which is the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They found that frequent aspirin use may be associated with an increased risk of early or late “wet age-related macular degeneration”, with an “odds ratio” that increases upon frequency of consumption. However the study is somewhat limited in that there was an unknown amount of aspirin taken, as well as the possibility that participants may have taken aspirin after experiencing visual problems. So, at this time the study is interesting but inconclusive and certainly patients taking aspirin to offset the coronary risk profile or other vascular problems should NOT discontinue taking aspirin unless they have been directed to do so by their personal physician.
Patients who have question or concerns about Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) should feel free to contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for information or to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Patients who have question or concerns about Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) should feel free to contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for information or to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Why NOT to Buy Eyewear or Glasses Online
Did you know that in Massachusetts the state regulates that eyewear is a medical device and by law it is required to be fit and dispensed (provided) by a qualified licensed Optician or a registered apprentice? On-line businesses do not follow this regulation, however they are permitted to provide eyewear because they are based outside of state and/or country lines. Your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist is required to provide you the needed binocular pupillary measurement, know as your PD. However, this is a generic measurement that may not result in a pair of eyewear with optimal visual performance, especially if you wear progressive (no-line) lenses or have a difficult prescription.
At D’Ambrosio Eye Care there are several measurements and considerations when customizing a pair of eyewear that includes a monocular pupillary or visual center measurement (VCP), your visual needs, prescription, lens type, frame style, wrap angle, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, base curve, head and facial features, the intended use for your eyewear and previous eyewear worn. When fitting eyewear we also make precision adjustments so you are looking through the optical center of the lens. Our Opticians also want your frame to fit properly so they do not slip on your nose, pinch the sides of your head, leave red marks or cause discomfort behind your ears or on your nose. Any of these concerns may cause headaches and/or decreased vision. The human face is not symmetrical left to right so using only your binocular PD will not place the pupils in the visual center of the lens and possibly cause distortion, unwanted prism and headaches. Taking this measurement yourself- as some online stores request you do is tricky-somewhat akin to trying to cut your own hair.
We did our own research on an online competitor and found that once you purchase your eyewear – that you choose without a licensed professional - you have only 10 days to contact them if something isn’t right and, if you are provided a warranty within that timeframe, you have to pay a restocking fee. So when something does go wrong or you need an adjustment they are not going to help you. D’Ambrosio Eye Care offers a no-fee 1-year warranty and we adjust your eyewear at no cost for the life of your purchase, when you purchase with us. Because…to us you are our patient, to them only a customer.
Please stop by any of our optical departments or contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information.
At D’Ambrosio Eye Care there are several measurements and considerations when customizing a pair of eyewear that includes a monocular pupillary or visual center measurement (VCP), your visual needs, prescription, lens type, frame style, wrap angle, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, base curve, head and facial features, the intended use for your eyewear and previous eyewear worn. When fitting eyewear we also make precision adjustments so you are looking through the optical center of the lens. Our Opticians also want your frame to fit properly so they do not slip on your nose, pinch the sides of your head, leave red marks or cause discomfort behind your ears or on your nose. Any of these concerns may cause headaches and/or decreased vision. The human face is not symmetrical left to right so using only your binocular PD will not place the pupils in the visual center of the lens and possibly cause distortion, unwanted prism and headaches. Taking this measurement yourself- as some online stores request you do is tricky-somewhat akin to trying to cut your own hair.
We did our own research on an online competitor and found that once you purchase your eyewear – that you choose without a licensed professional - you have only 10 days to contact them if something isn’t right and, if you are provided a warranty within that timeframe, you have to pay a restocking fee. So when something does go wrong or you need an adjustment they are not going to help you. D’Ambrosio Eye Care offers a no-fee 1-year warranty and we adjust your eyewear at no cost for the life of your purchase, when you purchase with us. Because…to us you are our patient, to them only a customer.
Please stop by any of our optical departments or contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Finding the Best Cataract Surgeons in Massachusetts
To find the best cataract surgeons requires a little bit of work and investigation but is always worth it. Finding an eye surgeon who is a cataract specialist can help you to be confident that you are getting the most current information, thoughts and techniques to deal with your cataracts.
Ask People You Trust for a recommendation. Ask your friends, co-workers and family-but most importantly ask you primary care physician who they would go to or who they would send a parent to for cataract surgery.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Insurance Lists. Just because a cataract surgeon is “in network” isn’t a reason to use them if you are able to identify a top cataract surgeon you wish to go to who isn’t listed. Paying a slightly higher co-pay or deductible may be very worthwhile to get the cataract surgeon of your choice. If the best cataract surgeon in your area happens to be in the insurance list then you are all set.
Use the Power of the Internet. Take a minute to search “cataract surgeons in (insert your town/city/state)” or “best cataract surgeon in (insert your town/city/state)”. This will at least give you a starting place to begin creating a list of eye surgeons to investigate further.
Visit the Cataract Surgeon’s Web Site. Once you have compiled a list, visit their web sites and get a feel for their practice culture and philosophy. While a web site by itself can’t tell you much about surgical skills, it can tell you about how well he or she presents information and explains detail to patients. This is important in how comfortable you may feel in that practice.
Schedule a Consultation and Meet the Cataract Surgeon. The only sure fire way to find out if you are comfortable and get a sense of trust from a cataract surgeon is to schedule a consultation and meet the surgeon personally. They should be able to clearly explain your eye health and vision as well as the cataract procedure and answer any questions you have in understandable language and terms. Whether or not you find the right cataract surgeon right off the bat it is never inappropriate to………
Get a Second Opinion. Making a decision about eye surgery is a big deal. Getting to a place where you feel confident, relaxed and comfortable is important.
If you or someone you know has a cataract or wish to learn more about cataract surgery, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Ask People You Trust for a recommendation. Ask your friends, co-workers and family-but most importantly ask you primary care physician who they would go to or who they would send a parent to for cataract surgery.
Don’t Limit Yourself to Insurance Lists. Just because a cataract surgeon is “in network” isn’t a reason to use them if you are able to identify a top cataract surgeon you wish to go to who isn’t listed. Paying a slightly higher co-pay or deductible may be very worthwhile to get the cataract surgeon of your choice. If the best cataract surgeon in your area happens to be in the insurance list then you are all set.
Use the Power of the Internet. Take a minute to search “cataract surgeons in (insert your town/city/state)” or “best cataract surgeon in (insert your town/city/state)”. This will at least give you a starting place to begin creating a list of eye surgeons to investigate further.
Visit the Cataract Surgeon’s Web Site. Once you have compiled a list, visit their web sites and get a feel for their practice culture and philosophy. While a web site by itself can’t tell you much about surgical skills, it can tell you about how well he or she presents information and explains detail to patients. This is important in how comfortable you may feel in that practice.
Schedule a Consultation and Meet the Cataract Surgeon. The only sure fire way to find out if you are comfortable and get a sense of trust from a cataract surgeon is to schedule a consultation and meet the surgeon personally. They should be able to clearly explain your eye health and vision as well as the cataract procedure and answer any questions you have in understandable language and terms. Whether or not you find the right cataract surgeon right off the bat it is never inappropriate to………
Get a Second Opinion. Making a decision about eye surgery is a big deal. Getting to a place where you feel confident, relaxed and comfortable is important.
If you or someone you know has a cataract or wish to learn more about cataract surgery, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism can be very helpful for patients. Many people suffer from blurred vision caused by astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or the natural lens of the eye are unable to focus a clear image due to an irregular surface. Most people with astigmatism have an oval cornea, shaped like a football, instead of round like a basketball. In the past, patients may have been told that they could not wear contact lenses because they have astigmatism. This is no longer the case. Almost all cases of astigmatism can be treated with some type of contact lens.
Soft toric contact lenses are the most popular type of contact lens used to treat astigmatism. Good initial comfort is the main advantage of this type of lens, and the availability of trial contact lenses helps the initial fitting process. Soft Toric lenses are available in a disposable modality so long term convenience, health, and comfort are improved.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are also used to treat astigmatism. Patients will have more initial awareness when wearing rigid gas permeable lenses compared to soft lenses, but long term comfort is usually good after the patient becomes accustomed to them. RGP contact lenses are able to treat greater amounts of astigmatism than soft lenses.
Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid gas permeable center and a soft lens skirt surrounding it. This type of lens tries to combine the sharp vision potential of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens. The correct type of toric lens depends on the patient's prescription, corneal shape and visual needs, and they are available at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
For more information about contact lenses and what type may be best for you, or to schedule an appointment for an eye examination, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
Soft toric contact lenses are the most popular type of contact lens used to treat astigmatism. Good initial comfort is the main advantage of this type of lens, and the availability of trial contact lenses helps the initial fitting process. Soft Toric lenses are available in a disposable modality so long term convenience, health, and comfort are improved.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are also used to treat astigmatism. Patients will have more initial awareness when wearing rigid gas permeable lenses compared to soft lenses, but long term comfort is usually good after the patient becomes accustomed to them. RGP contact lenses are able to treat greater amounts of astigmatism than soft lenses.
Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid gas permeable center and a soft lens skirt surrounding it. This type of lens tries to combine the sharp vision potential of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens. The correct type of toric lens depends on the patient's prescription, corneal shape and visual needs, and they are available at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.
For more information about contact lenses and what type may be best for you, or to schedule an appointment for an eye examination, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.
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