Sight is such a precious gift! It allows us to perceive the world around us, providing a rich tapestry of visual information that enables interaction, navigation and appreciation of beauty, thus enriching our understanding and experience of life. Whether enjoying a sporting event or seeing your grandchild for the very first time, sight is an invaluable sense that must be treasured and preserved.
The importance of regular eye exams cannot be overstated. The first eye exam should occur around six months of age, followed by an exam between ages three and five, before first grade and then every one to two years thereafter, depending on one鈥檚 ocular needs. Eye exams allow for screening and treatment of vision problems in order to improve and maintain good vision.
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Several common eye problems like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are asymptomatic initially and don鈥檛 present with any warning signs. With an eye exam and early detection of these problems, many eye problems are treatable and even curable! Eye exams can also allow for the detection of other systemic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes and even cancer.
The team of eye care professionals here at Sanford Health in Bemidji makes your vision our mission! We serve our local communities with over 40,000 patient encounters and more than 5,000 vision-saving procedures each year. Comprehensive eye care, including complete eye exams for the whole family, contact lenses, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye care are just a few of the areas that we specialize in.
Outreach care is also a priority of ours. In addition to two Bemidji locations, we also provide care at six outreach locations throughout northern Minnesota. These include Bagley, International Falls, Park Rapids, Roseau, Thief River Falls and Bigfork.
Technology is a huge component of eye care. We are on the cutting edge of technology here in Bemidji. Our surgeons offer the newest technology in many areas, including cataract surgery. Light adjustable and other premium intraocular lens options can meet the increasing expectations of our patients to achieve total spectacle independence.
Life without glasses has been an exciting game changer for many patients, allowing total spectacle independence for golfing, driving, reading, sewing, pickle ball, etc., thereby improving one鈥檚 quality of life, happiness and even safety. Good vision is a huge component of safe ambulation, mobility and functional independence. Glaucoma laser and surgical therapies, intravitreal injections and specialty contact lenses are also cutting-edge technology services we offer.
As an ophthalmologist, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate new and improved vision with my patients each and every day. Sometimes my patients smile when they benefit from a new pair of glasses and sometimes, they smile because they don鈥檛 need glasses anymore after cataract surgery.
As clinicians, many patients leave lasting imprints on our hearts. I would like to share a story about a particular patient who has left a lasting impact on me. This patient is a kind and talented artist who reported declining vision from macular degeneration and cataracts when I first met her. She enjoyed painting outdoor landscapes and floral designs, but she was really struggling to paint in detail and see colors. In addition, she stated she was having more difficulty identifying friends and family members as they approached her because she couldn鈥檛 make out their facial features.
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Previous eye care providers had told her there was nothing they could do for her. I saw an opportunity to try and help this patient by removing her cataracts. Following her cataract surgeries, she recounted how she saw her grandchild鈥檚 face for the first time, and we shared a hug and tears of joy. In addition, she was delighted to be painting again and was enjoying brighter and more vivid colors.
My heart swells with joy each time I am able to share this happiness with my patients. At the Sanford Eye Center, our team works hard to provide high-quality, cost-effective care for you and your family.
As members of the Bemidji community, we take our responsibility seriously and strive to provide not only excellent eye care but also an exceptional patient experience. Same-day appointments, help with lining up transportation, assistance in finding affordable options for eye medications and our SAFE
Transfer teams are just a few of the ways in which we provide personalized eye care. Our eye care team is genuinely excited to get to know each of our patients and learn what is important to them so that we can work together to achieve the best vision possible. We hope that each patient we encounter feels heard, respected and well cared for.
On behalf of myself and our eye care team at the we thank you for trusting us with your vision, and we look forward to the future of excellent vision in northern Minnesota.
Ashley Lundin, MD, is an ophthalmologist at Sanford Bemidji Eye Center and Optical and Department Chair of Ophthalmology and Optometry services throughout Sanford Health鈥檚 Bemidji region.
The Trust Project
