When was your last eye exam? If it’s been more than a year, it may be time to schedule a visit! Dr. JoAnn Henwood, one of the experienced optometrists at Pacific Eye Institute, shares her expert advice on how often patients should receive comprehensive eye exams—and the signs that may require more urgent care.
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter
According to Dr. Henwood, a yearly comprehensive eye exam is ideal for most people, especially if you don’t have any pre-existing eye conditions. These annual visits are about more than just checking your prescription—they help detect early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy before symptoms become noticeable.
“Patients should get a comprehensive eye exam once a year unless they’re having changes in their vision or problems with their eyes.” – JoAnn Henwood, O.D
Regular exams are also important for children, older adults, and anyone who spends a significant amount of time on screens. Vision changes can happen gradually, and early detection is key to long-term eye health.
When to Call the Eye Doctor Sooner
While a yearly exam is a good rule of thumb, Dr. Henwood explains there are situations when you shouldn’t wait:
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- A shadow or curtain over your vision
- Sudden or significant vision loss
- Eye pain or discomfort
These symptoms could be signs of more serious conditions, such as retinal detachment or infection, and require immediate attention. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait—call our office right away.
Your Eye Health, Your Priority
At Pacific Eye Institute, your vision is our focus. Whether it’s time for your routine exam or you’re experiencing unexpected changes in your eyesight, our team of optometrists and ophthalmologists is here to provide expert, compassionate care.
Ready to schedule your next eye exam?
Call (800) 345-8979 today to book your visit with one of our eye care specialists and protect your vision for years to come.
Here’s what our patients are saying about Dr. Henwood:
“I was very pleased with the office staff, and I must say that my appointment with Dr. Henwood was very nice. Meaning, Dr. Henwood checked the post-surgery eye and quickly noted the surgery went very well. Additionally, Dr Henwood was very friendly and had an enjoyable conversation and made me feel as if we were good friends. Thank you for that and you made my day very pleasant.”
“Dr. Henwood saw me on very short notice when I requested a drop-in appointment to check a possible issue a week after surgery. She was professional, thorough and courteous. She explained the likely cause and answered all my questions. I was satisfied and relieved it wasn’t anything serious. Thank you!”
