We review an all-important eye test

Did you know that it’s recommended to get a comprehensive eye test at least once a year? Regular exams and vision screenings are important for everyone, but especially if you’re a frequent contact lens wearer (like me), or if you have a family history of eye conditions like glaucoma. I recently visited the Videre Eyecare store in Orchard for an all-important eye test – here’s how the experience unfolded.

First impressions

Videre is a spacious store in Forum Shopping Mall on Orchard. It has an open concept with multiple stations, including an interactive multi-media Acuvue Experience Zone. After a warm welcome from Senior Optometrist Yee Leen, we started the session with an in-depth consultation consisting of questions relating to my current eye health.

Common eye conditions

Common eye conditions and health risks change as we age. For example, those from four to 16 years old are generally susceptible to issues like myopia and lazy eye, while those in the older categories are typically more prone to presbyopia and glaucoma. Getting a yearly eye test can help detect and even prevent these common eye problems.

Videre offers a comprehensive range of eye examinations and services tailored for all stages of life, from early detection of refraction errors to myopia management and eye disease screening. Eye screening packages are grouped according to four age categories: I-Gen (4 to 16 years), Millennials (16 to 34), X-clusive (35 to 44) and S-clusive (45 and above). I opted for the Millennials package ($60), which includes screening for digital eye fatigue, colour deficiency, glaucoma and early signs of keratoconus.

New revelations

During the hour-long session, I found out a few helpful insights with regard to my eye health. Although I don’t have glaucoma or any form of colour blindness, I have digital eye fatigue, and my prescription for myopia has gone up since my last vision screening two years ago. I’m not surprised, considering the number of hours I spend facing the computer each day! The solution to both? Stick to the 20-20-20 rule: take visual breaks every 20 minutes of screen time by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. I’ve been very guilty of skipping it – especially in the past few months of adding Neflix binges to all my screen time at work.

I’ve also discovered that my current brand of monthly contact lens (the same brand I’ve been using for the past 10 years) is not suitable for my dry eyes. During the contact lens fitting, Yee Leen recommended that I go for silicon hydrogel lenses instead. Compared to regular contact lenses in the market, including the ones I’ve been using, silicon hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea of the eye, thus preventing dryness and fatigue. One example is the Acuvue Oasys 1-Day range, which I got to try on the spot! The verdict? It took only two seconds to put on, and my eyes weren’t dry even at the end of the day. I’m sold! Yee Leen also stresses that it’s important to throw out your lens case once a month to prevent bacterial contamination. (Google it for details; it’s not a pretty sight!)

Kid-friendly features

From start to finish, my experience at Videre was nothing but comfortable and informative. Seeing how friendly and patient Yee Leen and the staff are, I can totally understand how kids must feel at ease going through the screening process.

Another child-approved feature here is the Acuvue Experience Zone, located right by the store entrance. Not only will the interactive multimedia games keep your little (and big) ones occupied while you’re getting your eyes checked, it also allows them to learn about eye conditions like myopia in a fun and engaging way. I particularly enjoyed the interactive games on the screen, where I was challenged to a game of basketball and running while having blocked vision!

Don’t miss

Book an appointment now and enjoy exclusive discounts!

Videre 
Forum the Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Road
#01-26/27/35/36/37
6369 0041 | 8522 7799
videre-eyecare.com.sg

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Anthia Chng

Born and bred on this little red dot, Anthia is obsessed with all things beauty and food. When she's not trawling the web for the latest makeup launches and best hair salons, she's busy sussing out the hottest restaurants and bars to visit. Occasionally, she writes about her Muay Thai and baking adventures, too.