Dr. Amanda Nanasy.

As a mother trying to determine why her child was struggling with reading and learning, Robin Benoit found it very difficult to locate answers. According to Jillian’s fourth grade teacher, even though Jillian was very bright, her academic performance was lagging behind. She had poor handwriting, left many of her class assignments unfinished, skipped words when she read out loud, would daydream during silent reading, and was consistently going to the restroom during math.

Jillian had been diagnosed with amblyopia (also known as lazy eye) but despite following the treatment prescribed by the ophthalmologist she continued to struggle with reading, spelling, and math. Her mom started searching the internet for information regarding vision and learning. Her pediatrician and ophthalmologist were not supportive when Mrs. Benoit thought she found the answer to her daughter’s problem. But she followed her heart and continued pushing forward to help Jillian. This push led Mrs. Benoit to optometric vision therapy and a developmental optometrist who was able to help Jillian.

The results from optometric vision therapy changed Jillian’s life, making it possible for her to learn and do many things she’d never done before. When they learned how widespread these types of vision problems are, Jillian and her mother decided to share their story by writing a book to help other parents who are struggling with reading and learning issues, Jillian’s Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter’s Life.

Most parents don’t realize that undiagnosed and untreated vision disorders can cause tremendous difficulty with learning. In fact over 60% of children who struggle with learning have undiagnosed vision problems. Thanks to Jillian’s Story more parents are learning that their children, too, can be helped.

Mrs. Benoit was asked by the American Optometric Association to speak at their first ever School Readiness Summit: Focus on Vision held last month in Washington, DC. She shared her daughter’s story with attendees there, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and the American Federation of Teachers. And her daughter, Jillian, shared a message via video, “Trust me when I say that it’s really hard to learn when you can’t see.”

According to information released by the American Federation of Teachers, “Even the most gifted students will struggle academically if they have trouble seeing the blackboard or focusing on a book. A tremendous amount of learning happens visually, so proper vision care is crucial to helping students reach their full potential… Every one of us has a role to play in providing our children with the best education possible.”

“We see patients in our office with stories similar to Jillian’s all the time. The best thing parents and educators can do is become familiar with the signs and symptoms which indicate a vision problem may be contributing to the child’s difficulties,” shares Dr. Amanda Nanasy, an optometrist in Pembroke Pines that diagnoses and treats vision problems that interfere with academic success.

The five most common signs that a vision problem may be interfering with your student’s ability to read and learn are:
1. Skips lines, rereads lines
2. Poor reading comprehension
3. Takes much longer doing homework than it should take
4. Reverses letters like “b” into “d” when reading
5. Has a short attention span with reading and schoolwork
Any one of these symptoms is a sign of a possible vision problem. A more in-depth symptoms checklist is available on COVD’s website.

If you would like to schedule your child’s eye exam, please call The Eye Center at (954-432-7711).

If you are interested in having Dr. Nanasy speak at your local school PTA meeting about what every parent and teacher should know about vision and learning, please send your request to EyeCenterVT@gmail.com

Doctor's orders: Stop by the Eye Center and pick out your summer shades!

Most people understand that we must protect our skin from sun damage, but many may not know that there are reasons to wear sunglasses other than keeping up with the latest fashion. Ultraviolet rays (UV) can not only harm the eyes but also affect vision.

How can the sun affect my eyes?

How do I protect my eyes from UV damage?

• Sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Even if you wear prescription eyeglasses, you can have almost any pair of designer sunglasses made into a personalized pair of prescription sunwear!
• UV protection built into your regular eyeglasses. Even if you don’t have Transitions lenses (that change from light to dark in the sun), you should at least have a clear UV coat on your lenses to protect you from UV rays.
• Contacts can protect you too! You may not even realize that your contacts have UV protection as well! Many companies have incorporated the valuable protection into their lenses. Ask your doctor if your lenses protect your eyes from the sun.

So get out there and enjoy your summer and make sure to stop by the Eye Center and pick out a great looking pair of shades; you can say it was “doctor’s orders”!

Dr. Amanda Nanasy, O.D.

The Eye Center welcomes its newest associate Dr. Amanda Nanasy.

Dr. Nanasy’s undergraduate education began with a BS in Molecular and Microbiology and  a minor in Psychology from the University of Central Florida (UCF), achieved in 2005. “Because of my plans to work with pediatric patients, psychology was a valuable addition to my science background.

Relating well to people is important for good patient communication,” said Dr. Nanasy.

Dr. Nanasy also holds a BS in Vision Science from Nova Southeastern University, which she earned in 2008. She received her Doctor of Optometry with Professional Honors in May 2010 from Nova Southeastern University (NSU).

In 2009, Dr. Nanasy was named  “NSU Student of the Year,” which she regards as her greatest academic honor to date. It was the first time that a student from the college of Optometry was singled out for this prestigious distinction. In 2010 she was named one of the next generation of optical leaders among the “40 Most Influential Women in Optical” by Vision Monday magazine.

Since 2009, she has been involved as the primary investigator in a research project with the NSU baseball team titled “Can Vision Training Improve Baseball Players’ Dynamic Visual Acuity and Batting Average.” So far, her work has revealed that training players to focus, relax and converge their eyes  has led to more confidence in both tracking the ball and stepping up to the plate.

Known as Amanda Woodie at UCF and NSU, she was married in May of 2010 to James Nanasy, who has been in her life since 2002 when they began to date. Amazingly, they first met when they both wore the costume and face of Knightro, the UCF team mascot!

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Nanasy, who has already begun distinguishing herself at The Eye Center and become an important member of our professional staff.

Announcing the only silicone hydrogel one-day contact lens in the U.S. – now available at The Eye Center.

Imagine contact lenses so comfortable, you’ll feel as if you weren’t wearing any lenses at all!

The Eye Center invites you to enjoy a brand new level of convenience, comfort, hygiene and healthy lens wear by using Johnson &  Johnson 1•DAY ACUVUE® TRUEYE™ BRAND CONTACT LENSES.

Discomfort is the number one reason for not using contacts. Statistics show one in five wearers stop using their contacts because they are irritating and uncomfortable.

These affordable, innovative lenses provide all day comfort through the technology of a super-breathable silicone hydrogel material which helps keep your eyes healthy and feeling natural.

Visit our website for a $30 savings coupon on Transitions XTRActive lenses or $50 savings on designer sunglasses available for a limited time only at The Eye Center, Pembroke Pines, Florida.

The benefits of these one day lenses are:
• Comfortable Health – through the benefits of Hydraclear® 1 technology

1-Day Acuvue TruEye Brand contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson

• Everyday Health – the freshness, health and hygiene of new lenses daily
• Visible Health – white, healthy looking eyes
• Proactive Health – the highest level of UV protection*

Call The Eye Center, Pembroke Pines, today at 954-432-7711 and allow us show you the benefits of 1•DAY ACUVUE® TRUEYE™ contact lenses.

† Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.

* *WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-Blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-Blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

1•DAY ACUVUE® TruEye™, HYDRACLEAR®, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Introducing everyday eyewear to fit the lifestyle of active adults who enjoy being outdoors. Perfect for sunny South Florida,  Transitions® XTRActive eyeglasses provide comfort, convenience and UV protection.

Transitions lenses automatically adapt to changing lighting conditions, allowing not only a more comfortable viewing experience but also protection from UV light damage. Transitions are available for any frame suitable for prescription lenses.

Visit our website for a $30 savings coupon on Transitions XTRActive lenses or $50 savings on designer sunglasses available for a limited time only at The Eye Center, Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Although not intended to replace sunglasses, Transitions XTRActive lenses are specifically designed for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and need superior darkness, but don’t mind having a slightly tinted lens indoors. Transitions could be the right fit for you. The anti-reflective coating to Transitions lenses make driving at night even more comfortable as the treatment reduces distracting glare.

Dry eye is a common condition affecting Americans in all regions of the country. Sufferers often comlain of dry, tired eyes or of a foreign body sensation in the eye. Other symptoms include blurriness, scratchiness, burning, stinging and sensitivity to light. Dry eye is caused from an inadequate wetting and lubrication of the eye. Blinking is the body’s way of spreading moisture over the surface of the eye. This natural tear film refreshes and protects the eye throughout the day. The average person blinks nearly 8,000 times a day, but that number decreases dramatically – by nearly half during extended periods of time spent on concentrated near work such as reading, watching television or working on the computer. If the tear film deteriorates and the surface of the eye is not constantly refreshed, tiny wounds, or “micro-traumas,” will develop on the cornea causing the painful symptoms of dry eye. Other factors such as aging, hormonal changes, certain types of medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants, smoke, pollution, wind, and environments with low humidity such as offices and airplanes also can damage the tear film and exacerbate symptoms of the condition. Our office specializes in Dry Eye evaluations and treatment. We can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most likely causes of your Dry Eye condition. There are specific treatments for the causes of Dry Eyes, such as over the counter, prescription, or other non-surgical options. Please call the office at (954) 432-7711 for your evaluation.

Kids eyes need protection too.

In our South Florida sunshine, it takes very little time outdoors to realize the need for sun protection. Parents generally understand that their children’s skin is prone to sunburn and they take precautions to protect it with liberal doses of sun block. Yet most parents may not understand the need to also protect their children’s eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays and glare. 

The simple fact is, children are more at risk of experiencing the eye-damaging effects of UV exposure than adults . . . for a number of reasons. For example,

Did you know that the average child receives three times the annual UV exposure as an adult?
The lens of the eye of a child under age 10 allows more than 6 times the amount of ultraviolet radiation to penetrate than an adult’s eye?
Protecting the skin during the first 18 years is likely to reduce the risk of cancer by more than 50%. Imagine what protection can do for young eyes!
It’s never too early to start caring for children’s eyes.
These facts are great examples of why taking care of children’s eyes is so important. Understanding the best ways to do that – and protecting them early – can preserve their quality and health of sight for now and the future.

Children require a safe, shatter-resistant lens material, specifically Trivex or polycarbonate. The great strength of Trivex and polycarbonate lenses means that they are incredibly hard to break even in the roughest situations. These materials are also scratch resistant, thin and lightweight. Trivex and polycarbonate lenses also block 99.9% of UV rays. Right now you can get these lenses FREE!*
Transitions® lenses are the most convenient way to provide automatic, everyday protection for children who wear prescription eyeglasses. Transitions lenses block 100% of UV radiation and reduce discomforting glare, which also serves to minimize eye strain and fatigue for young eyes.

What is cooler than a pair of eyeglasses that “magically” change from clear to dark in the sun?

At The Eye Center we care about children’s eyes.
For a limited time, clear polycarbonate lenses are FREE
Transition polycarbonate lenses are $75 with the purchase of new children’s frames.*

*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions apply.

Young children do very well in contact lenses. Eight years old is not too young for children to wear contact lenses. The new lenses we have today are extremely safe and do more for the child than just improve vision.

A recent study done at Ohio State University called the Walline Study concluded that children between 8 and 11 wearing contact lenses feel better about their physical appearance and athletic competence. Social acceptance self –perceptions are likely to improve with contact lens wear. Contact lenses will also make a child more confident about their academic performance according to this extensive study.

Parents should consider the social benefits of contact lens wear and the visual benefits of contact lens wear when choosing the most appropriate vision correction modality for children as young as 8 years of age.

Here at the Eye Center, we specialize in fitting young children with contact lens. We will select the healthiest and the most comfortable contact lenses for your child,and make sure he or she knows how to handle the lenses with ease.