Meet Dr. Mark Wade

Mark D. Wade, O.D. - Director of Professional Relations

Dr. Mark Wade attended Ohio State and Southern Illinois Universities and graduated with honors in 1987 achieving a Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education at the Illinois College of Optometry and received a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science, as well as, a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1991. Upon graduation, Dr. Wade left his position as a consultant with the Wesley-Jessen Contact Lens Corporation to become the Assistant Director of Professional Relations for the Illinois Optometric Associates. Dr. Wade has been a member of the St. Louis Optometric Society since 1997. 

Licensed in Missouri and Illinois, Dr. Wade has continued his advanced training with emphasis on refractive surgical care at Crown Laser Center.  He has been at the forefront of Surgical Optometry for over 15 years. Early in his career, Dr. Wade saw laser eye surgery as a vision of the future and has been committed to providing his patients with the most advanced, cutting-edge care ever since. 

Dr. Wade serves as the Chief Optometrist (Eye Doctor) at Crown Vision Center.  As one the most experienced Optometrist in the St. Louis, Missouri area, Dr. Wade presents various medical vision topics to peers in the Optical Management Group (OMG).  He also promotes education and technology to all Crown Vision Center Eye Doctors by conducting and organizing continuing education classes. 

The Healthy Vision Network 4 Kids (HVN4Kids) program, is one of Dr. Wade’s community outreach commitments.   HVN4Kids is a program that gives back to school children in economically distressed areas of St. Louis by providing free vision screenings, free eye exams, and free eyeglasses.  Dr. Wade not only serves as one the core HVN4Kids representatives, but also donates his time to examine children.  

Healthy Vision Network 4 Kids (HVN4Kids)

School is back in session and so is Health Vision Network for Kids.

Crown Vision Center will resume its successful HVN4Kids Adopt-A-School program within the St. Louis Public School District.  The program, which aims to eliminate poor vision and its lifelong consequences, focuses on helping underprivileged and uninsured children to receive needed vision correction.  HVN4Kids provides free vision screenings, eye exams and new glasses – featuring the latest styles in eyeglass frames - for children ages 4 to 12 who cannot afford vision care and do not qualify for other programs such as Medicaid. 

Crown Vision Center joined with University of St. Louis College of Optometry and Essilor Vision Foundation to help provide eye care services to the St. Louis Public Schools.   As part of the program, kindergarten to sixth grade students first undergo an initial eye screening; then, students who fail the preliminary eye test  meet with an eye doctor from Crown Vision Center for an additional eye exam; if glasses are needed for a student, the eye doctor will record the proper prescription and measurements; and lastly eye glasses are ordered and delivered to the student free of charge. Last year 17 St. Louis Public schools were visited by the HVN4Kids mobile clinic and 500 pair of glasses were dispensed.  In 2011 HVN4Kids set a goal to visit  25 schools and dispense 1,000 pair of eyeglasses!

Halloween Decorative Contact Len Warning

Halloween is a great time to change your identity for 1 day.  If you want to change your eye color to purple or have your eyes "blacked" out, DO NOT do so unless it has been prescribed by your eye doctor.


This is a warning from the American Optometric Association (AOA), which is concerned about people wearing decorative contact lenses to enhance their costumes.

Decorative lenses are marketed and distributed directly to consumers through a variety of sources including flea markets, the Internet, beauty salons and convenience stores. Consumers often find them at retail outlets where they are sold as fashion accessories.  The AOA warns that only a proper medical evaluation from an eye doctor can determine whether someone is a candidate for contact lenses and that the lenses fit properly.

“Buying contact lenses without a prescription involves serious health care risks because sellers may not be contact lens specialists,” said Louise Sclafani, O.D., chair of the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section. “After purchasing the decorative lenses, consumers often receive no formal education and instruction, which puts the responsibility to learn proper cleaning and disinfecting, as well as removal and application, on the consumer.”

People who buy and wear contact lenses without an eye doctors opinion and a valid prescription put themselves at risk for conjunctivitis, swelling, allergic reaction and corneal abrasion due to poor lens fit. This could result in several types of eye problems and vision impairments.

A proper eye exam evaluation can determine whether or not patients are viable candidates to wear contact lenses and if they are capable of wearing contact lenses without problems.

Envision your life without contacts or glasses!

Imagine waking up each morning and seeing your alarm clock clearly without relying on your contacts or glasses.   You are able to see everything throughout the day and no matter what activities you are enjoying, you are free of corrective lenses. Your new vision after LASIK surgery will allow you to focus on the important things in your life. It's simply amazing!

LASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that provides an alternative to eyeglasses and contact lenses. The concept behind LASIK is simple – reshaping the front of the eye to change its focusing power. LASIK procedures are safe and effective, allowing you to see more, naturally.

At Crown Laser Center, we use a precise, motorized instrument to create a flap of tissue on the center of the cornea. A computer laser, controlled by your Crown Laser Center eye surgeon, is used to deliver cool pulses of ultraviolet light cleanly and precisely. During the LASIK procedure, lasers smoothly sculpt the corneal surface. Each cool pulse of the laser evaporates only a small amount of corneal tissue – about 1/500th of the thickness of human hair. Most LASIK patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision immediately after the procedure.

Crown Laser Center surgical team has a combined 70 years in professional practice and have been ranked among the Top 100 Laser Surgeons in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and Top 50 Surgeons in 2008.   The results of our team’s LASIK surgery procedures are outstanding: 96% of our patients see 20/20 the day after surgery and of those, 75% see 20/15 the day after surgery.  Crown Laser Center also has a 99% surgery success rate and has been ranked among the Top 50 Laser Practices in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 and Top 25 Practices in 2008 by TLC Vision.

At Crown Laser Center, our approach is very conservative, our standards are high and we only perform laser surgery procedures on patients who fall within our rigorous medical guidelines.  We care about our patients’ eyes and will never recommend the procedure if there is any question about a candidate’s suitability.

Schedule a Free No Obligation Lasik Consultation at Crown Laser Center today!

Crown Vision Center Eye Doctors team with Self Serve Vision Screener

Crown Vision Center Eye Doctors partner with the Eye Site® Self Serve Vision Test.  EyeSite® is an award winning self-service vision test kiosk focused on total eye health, which is free to use! Not only can consumers get an accurate screening of their vision in about 3 minutes, but they also can learn about eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The doctor locator feature encourages patients  to schedule an appointment with a Crown Vision Center Eye Doctor to get a full eye health exam.

The Eye Site Vision Screener allows Patients to:
• Receive a Vision Test Report with your results
• Schedule a comprehensive eye exam
• Locate a local Crown Vision Center Eye Doctor in the St. Louis Area
• Search by zip code to find a Crown Vision Center
• Request to be contacted by Crown Vision Center, or can contact the office directly

Patients can also receive Eye Health Information:
• Learn about general eye health conditions
• View product recommendations
• Understand the value of regular eye exams

You can find the Eye Site® vision screener in Schunck Grocery stores all over St. Louis, usually near the pharmacy area.

Exams and Your Eye Doctor

Selecting a good, qualified eye doctor is very important when looking for an Eye Care Provider.  At Crown Vision Center all of our Optometrists are well qualified to diagnose, treat and care for common diseases of the eyes and vision. All of Crown's Eye Doctors have years of professional training at an accredited college specializing in optometry.  Our Chief Optometrist promotes education and technology to all Crown Vision Center Eye Doctors by conducting and organizing continuing education classes, as well as, encourages them complete specialty training programs in specific areas of eye health. 

 

At Crown Vision Center we believe that routine eye exams are essential — regardless of your age or your physical health.  Eye examinations are an important part of health maintenance for everyone. Adults should have their eyes tested annually to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of eye disease. Routine eye exams are also crucial for children, ensuring normal vision development and facilitating academic achievement.

During a comprehensive eye exam, a Crown Vision Center eye doctor does much more than just determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. He or she will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work, and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.

Treatment plans following your eye exam can include: a prescription for glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors; vision therapy or strabismus surgery for binocular vision problems; medical treatment for eye disease; or simply a recommendation that you have your eyes examined again within a specific time frame. Your Crown Vision Center eye doctor may also recommend that you take eye vitamins or vision supplements to maintain good eye health or to help alleviate specific problems like dry eyes.

Crown Vision Center has 14 skill Optometrist to meet you vision needs.  To learn more about the eye doctors, click here. 

Fall Allergies and Your Contact Lenses

Fall is here and not only are your allergies acting up, but your contact lenses are driving you crazy! Many contact lens wearers with allergies seem to encounter discomfort during certain times of the year. This discomfort is due largely to allergens in the air that become adhered to contact lenses. The allergens seem to cause miserable symptoms such as itchy, watery and swollen eyes. Here are five tips to help you through the periods of discomfort.

1. Wear eyeglasses when possible.

Allergens such as pollen and dust often adhere to the thin surfaces of contacts. Switching to glasses will help you avoid an allergy attack.

2. Clean your contacts often.

Cleaning will keep your contacts free of allergens. Consider using a preservative-free solution, to help avoid possible allergic reactions. If you wear disposable lenses, consider replacing them more often.

3. Keep your eyes moist.

Allergens tend to cause dry eyes. Keep irritated eyes moist with artificial tears. The artificial tears will also wash the irritants out of your eyes.

4. Use cool compresses on your eyes.

When your eyes are red and swollen, resist the urge to rub them. Rubbing will make the inflammation worse by spreading around the allergens. A cool, damp compress will help relieve discomfort.

5. See your eye doctor.

Your eye doctor will recommend medical products for your particular symptoms. Some products may even help prevent allergy attacks. You should also see your eye doctor to rule out possible poblems that may not be allergy-related.
Article from: http://vision.about.com/od/contactlenses/tp/allergies.htm

Pink Eye Syndrome, Have Your Questions Answered!

You wake up one morning with your eyelids swollen shut, watery yellow discharge, and looking at a bright light is just painful. So, what is going on?  Well, we've all had it or know someone who has had Conjunctivitis, otherwise known as Pink Eye.  But what is pink eye and what are the pink eye symptoms? Is there a cure for pink eye? In this article these questions will be answered.

 

So, what is pink eye syndrome?

Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis. It is an infection of the thin protective membrane covering the surface of your eyeball and the inner surfaces of your eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and allergens or environmental irritants that you have been exposed to. It is extremely important that you figure out if your pink eye is caused by either an allergen or from an infection because each one it treated differently. If the pink eye is caused by an infection then it is considered to be highly contagious. This is the type your kids will be infected from school. The best way to prevent this infection is to wash your hands frequently. Try your best not to rub your eyes as this can cause it to spread. Never share towels or eye makeup. If you believe that you have pink eye, then you need to go see your eye doctor as soon as possible.

 

Is it contagious?

If your pink eye was caused by a viral infection, then it is highly contagious. You have to take great care to not spread this to other people. Whether you believe you have this type of pink eye or not, it is still a good idea that you get in to see your eye care professional as quickly as you can. There is a cure for pink eye and the quicker you treat your pink eye, the faster it will go away.

 

What are its symptoms?

The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary slightly depending on what type of pink eye that you have. If you have viral pink eye, then your symptoms may include a watery discharge which is green or yellow in color. Your eyelids may swell and sometimes if you look at bright lights it may cause you pain. This type of pink eye usually clears up between seven to ten days.

Bacteria pink eye is usually caused by three different viruses called staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci. This type of pink eye can cause you eye pain, swelling, redness, and a fairly good amount of yellowish or greenish discharge. The discharge will usually gather while you are asleep and you may wake up with your eyes shut with glue. The best way to solve this is to take a warm, wet washcloth and gently wipe your eyes. This is the perfect home remedy for pink eye.

If you have the allergic type of pink eye, then you should expect to have intense itching, tearing, and some swelling of the membranes of the eye. This type of conjunctivitis is usually seasonal and is accompanied by other allergy symptoms.

 

Treatment options

Now that you know the symptoms, what is is the treatment for pink eye? We'll discuss the pink eye remedies for each type of pink eye.

 

Viral conjunctiva treatment

This type of pink eye is highly contagious but it can definitely be treated. Although this type of pink eye may not require antibiotics, it is still important that you go see your eye doctor. This form of pink eye is commonly associated with an infection of the cornea. This makes it extremely important to get this type correctly detected and treated.

 

Bacterial conjunctiva treatment

One of the best treatments for the bacterial form of pink eye is a warm, wet washcloth applied to the eyes. This will loosen up any discharge that has sealed your eyes shut so that it can be wiped away as you can see again. Your eye care physician can provide you a prescription for some antibiotic eye drops or some ointment to treat this type. Never use the medication that is left over from a previous bout of pink eye. They could be the wrong type of treatment for your current condition and could even make it worse.

 

Allergic conjunctive treatment

For this type of pink eye, a cold, moist washcloth works best. Especially if you accompany that with some counter decongestant eye drops. If this doesn't seem to work for you, then your eye doctor can prescribe some stronger medication as treatment. On the other hand, your allergic pink eye was caused by getting a chemical in your eye, it is extremely important that you quickly douse your eyes with water and flush them out thoroughly. Then call your doctor or your local poison control immediately.

 

Do's and Don'ts for People with pink eye

The first thing you should do is call your Crown Vision Center doctor. (Click Here to schedule an appointment at one of Crown Vision Center's 20 St. Louis, MO locations.)You will need to go in to see him or her so that they can correctly diagnose your pink eye. 

• Always take the medicine that they give you for the specified amount of time. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often so you don't possibly spread it to someone else. 
• If you wear make-up, don't share it with anyone. It can transfer your infection to them. 
• Do your best not to rub your eyes. This will further irritate your condition and could make it worse or spread it to your other eye. 
• Use a moist washcloth to wipe away any discharge that gathers in your eye.

Now that you know what conjunctivitis is and what the pink eye symptoms are, you can treat it better. The best cure for pink eye, of course, is to visit your Crown Vision Center doctor.

Information from: http://www.eyeconcerns.com/eyeconcerns-articles/cure-for-pink-eye.php

New O'Fallon Location

Crown recently moved and remodeled the O'Fallon, MO location.  The new address is 361 Winding Woods Center, O'Fallon, MO 63366.  As you can see, the location is absolutely beautiful! 

There was a lot of thought and consideration while remodeling this store.  We wanted to find a convenient and stylish way to display the eyeglass frames and visual merchandise.  The reception desk was placed upfront so each customer will receive an immediate greeting.  We are so proud the way this store turned out and hope our patients enjoy it as much as we do!

Thank You,
Crown Vision Center

Fall Promotion!

Right now Crown Vision Center is offering 2 pair of eyeglasses and an exam for only $69.99.  Visit www.Crow VisionCenter.com or call 1-800 EYECARE for more information!