Beyond the Standard Eye Care: Why Shades Optical Stands Alone
When was the last time a doctor spent a full hour with you? Not rushing through symptoms, not glancing at charts, but really taking the time to understand your health? At Shades Optical, this isn't a luxury – it's our standard of care. Here's why that matters for your eyes.
The Hard Truth About Modern Eye Care
Most eye care practices are trapped in a 15-minute appointment cycle. Why? Insurance companies dictate it. Quick in-and-out visits maximize profit but minimize care. We made a different choice: we don't accept insurance because we refuse to compromise on your eye health.
Investment in Your Vision
Let's talk numbers honestly: We've invested over $300,000 in diagnostic equipment that most practices won't even consider buying. Why? Because insurance won't cover these tools unless there's already a problem. Think about that – insurance only pays for these advanced scans after something goes wrong.
Our stance? Prevention is better than treatment. That's why every patient gets access to our complete suite of diagnostic tools, including:
SWEPT SOURCE OCT for deep tissue imaging
Advanced meibomian gland scanning
Wide-field retinal photography
Comprehensive antioxidant level testing
What Does This Mean for You?
During your hour with us, we:
Thoroughly examine your eye glands (everyone we see has damage from digital devices)
Take detailed images of your eye health
Create a preventive care plan
Explain everything we find in terms you can understand
Answer all your questions without rushing
The "Only" vs. "Best" Difference
Other practices might claim to be the "best" at eye care. We're different – we're the "only" practice that:
Spends a full hour with every patient
Uses advanced technology regardless of insurance coverage
Focuses on prevention before symptoms appear
Treats eye health as part of overall wellness
Provides this level of comprehensive care
Real Prevention, Not Just Early Detection
Here's a startling fact: Most practices wait until you have symptoms to use their advanced diagnostic equipment. Why? Because that's when insurance will pay for it. By then, damage might be permanent.
At Shades Optical, we use every diagnostic tool available during your first visit. We're looking for problems before you notice them, especially damage to your meibomian glands – the tiny oil glands in your eyelids that keep your eyes healthy.
Beyond Basic Vision Tests
A standard eye exam elsewhere checks your vision and does basic eye health screening. Our comprehensive exam includes:
Detailed gland imaging and function testing
Advanced retinal scanning
Antioxidant level assessment
Personalized prevention planning
Long-term eye health strategies
Why We Don't Take Insurance
This is often the first question we hear, and we're direct about the answer: Insurance companies won't pay for the time and technology needed for truly comprehensive eye care. They push for quick appointments and basic care.
Instead of letting insurance dictate your care, we:
Take the time needed for thorough examination
Use advanced technology for every patient
Focus on prevention rather than just treatment
Provide value that goes beyond basic coverage
The Cost of Waiting
Many people wait until they have problems before seeking comprehensive eye care. Unfortunately, some eye damage – like meibomian gland loss – is permanent. Prevention isn't just better than cure; sometimes it's the only option.
A Different Kind of Eye Care
What really sets us apart isn't just our technology or time – it's our approach. We believe:
Every patient deserves a full hour of attention
Prevention is better than treatment
Advanced diagnostics should be standard, not extra
Understanding your eye health empowers better care
Quality care shouldn't be rushed or compromised
Your Role in Better Eye Health
Think about who in your life needs this level of care:
Family members who spend hours on computers
Friends complaining about dry or tired eyes
Colleagues who value prevention over treatment
Anyone who wants to protect their vision for life
Take Action Now
Don't wait until you have symptoms. Schedule a comprehensive exam at Shades Optical and experience the difference that thorough, preventive care makes. Remember – we're not just claiming to be the best; we're providing the only eye care of its kind in the area.
Book your comprehensive exam today. Give your eyes the time and attention they deserve.
Contact us at to schedule your appointment.
You might pay more upfront for our care, but preventing eye problems costs far less than treating them after damage occurs. Invest in your vision today with the only practice that puts prevention first.