March 10, 2020

This paid piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.

Sanford Eye Center & Optical is expanding to offer another convenient location, now on Sioux Falls’ west side at Lake Lorraine.

Through a partnership with Sanford Health, Cornerstone Eye Clinic has become Sanford Health Eye Clinic, providing eye care for the whole family, including routine exams, as well as the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of various ocular conditions.

Optometrist Dr. Shane Hartman said the opportunity allows for enhanced eye care services through direct access to highly trained specialists as well as state-of-the-art eye care equipment, testing and surgical services.

“I’ll be able to give better care to patients with more resources at my fingertips, rather than having to focus on the operational needs of running a business,” Hartman said.

With full electronic medical records, patients now will have online access to eye prescriptions, messaging and appointment scheduling through My Sanford Chart, giving them the freedom and flexibility to view their medical records outside of the clinic.

Enhanced technology also gives Hartman the ability to quickly connect with other doctors for consultations as questions occur.

“If a question arises concerning a patient’s prescription, I can message another doctor or specialist and quickly have a response and know that we have the best solution for addressing each need,” he said.

This collaboration also extends beyond eye care into overall health needs.

“If we’re concerned about blood pressure, it’s very easy to notify a patient’s primary doctor about vascular changes I see in their eyes, as well as other potential health problems, to help address those issues right away,” he said.

Patients also have access to Sanford Health’s team of ophthalmologists, so if a disease is suspected or discovered during an eye exam, Hartman can connect patients with the next steps in their treatment journey.

“During each eye exam, I try and listen as best as I can so that each encounter is unique to the patient and their concerns,” he said. “I want to make sure I can take care of their needs or get them into someone else’s hands to help them receive the best care possible.”

What to expect during an eye exam

An eye exam ensures you’re seeing your best while checking for possible eye problems. You can expect to do a variety of tests that may use bright light, eye drops and a variety of lenses to test your vision.

Tips for keeping your eyes healthy

Don’t skip your yearly eye exam

By doing a regular exam, your optometrist can adjust your eye prescription over time and watch for developing issues, especially as you age.

“During a comprehensive exam, we look at how the eyes are working and what’s going on inside the eyes, watching for any potential problems,” Hartman said.

Wear UV protection outdoors

When you’re outside, wear sunglasses that are both UVA and UVB protected to avoid eye damage from harmful UV light.

Limit your screen time

Avoid eyestrain by limiting your screen time or by taking breaks from prolonged screen use. You also may want to consider wearing glasses that filter out blue light.

Wear safety glasses when performing hazardous activities

Eye protection helps avoid the risk of causing damage to your eyes from flying objects or dust.

Eat a colorful diet

By choosing a variety of foods from green vegetables to fish, you can ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for good eye health. Antioxidants like vitamins A and C and omega-3 fatty acids are especially good for central vision.

“I always advocate for eating a well-balanced, colorful diet filled with fruits and veggies — not just your carrots but other colorful vegetables as well,” Hartman said.