Glasses.contacts.eyeglass.vision.eyedoctor.nearme.eastbeach.oceanview.norfolk.23518.23455.eyeexam.

Giving Back Program 4/22

We had the pleasure of joining the East Ocean View Civic League with their Shoreline Restoration project. We met early on a Saturday at the local community center, and spent the morning working to restore the shoreline.

It involved shoving sand, placing oyster castles, and cleaning up debris and trash along the shoreline. The shoreline in this region was in need of attention, and we were happy to join the cause.

Sea Eye Care brought bagels, drinks, and other snacks for those that helped volunteer. Afterwards, we enjoyed a lunch with our team at Stony's Dockside Bar and Grill.

James Komornik, OD, FSLS, FAAO
April 2022

Giving Back Program 11/21

A little delayed due to me having my first child midway through the year, our Giving Back Program picked up again this November. I decided to participate in No Shave November to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer is one that hits close to home for me, as I lost my grandfather to prostate cancer.

This one got a lot of buzz on social media and a lot of patients asked me about it. I participated by not shaving my beard for the month of November and decided to post before and after pictures. I then had the idea to prank one of my employees with the third photo below. I wrote out the post describing what we were doing, and then one by one called them into my office to show them the post before posting. I made a joke that one of my workers also participated by not shaving her legs for the month of November (and included the third picture of my extremely hairy legs as if it was theirs).  I started with Haley. I called her in and she gave a few second smile but was obviously not having it! I called in Daniella and showed her the preview post with her name tied to that dreaded third picture and she gave a good chuckle and gave me the A.O.K. to post it, but then Kiana came around. I showed her and she burst out laughing for a long time and I decided she would get the honors of being pranked in the post!

We typically try to utilize our Giving Back Program to a more local and community level, however, I did want to do this one in honor of my grandfather. We will try one more Giving Back before the end of the year as we missed some earlier due to me being out on paternity leave for a while with my baby girl. Stay tuned for more updates.

James Komornik, OD, FSLS, FAAO
December 2nd, 2021
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Giving Back Program 2/2021

This quarter we decided to help a patient who has a significant eye disease called Neurotrophic Keratitis.

Our patient suffered a severe corneal ulcer back in 2019 before he found us, where he could not obtain transportation to receive care for the infection. The infection spread deep into his cornea and not only formed significant scarring but also resulted in damage to his corneal nerves. The innervation of the cornea is important for keeping homeostasis of the ocular surface: meaning it keeps the normal regulations of the cornea, tear film, and the cells integrity that provide a barrier to bacteria and other pathogens. With these nerves being damaged, our patient now has become prone for getting recurrent corneal ulcers (neurotrophic keratitis).

There are limited treatments for the condition. There is a recently approved medication called Oxervate, however, his insurance would not cover the medication. Another novel approach is the use of scleral contact lenses. Scleral contact lenses provide a new front surface to the eye and let the cornea sit in saline throughout the day. This treatment is considered off-label and, unfortunately, insurance also would not cover this lens.

Scleral contact lenses are a large financial feat (upwards of $2,000), but due to our patient having such an extensive history and us wanting to help out as much as we can, we decided to allocate our giving back program towards him for this quarter. We are providing the fit and lenses at no cost to him to hopefully improve his corneal symptoms and prevent the recurrent infections. Stay tuned to learn more about his case as we will post pictures throughout the process and let you all know how he is doing.

James Komornik, OD, FSLS, FAAO
February 2021

Giving Back Program 12/2020

Our quarterly Giving Back Program joined in on a great deed done by other members of this lovely East Ocean View Community by adding to their donations.

Our great community had the idea to raise money to set up three new trash cans to be placed at the three bus stops along East Ocean View Avenue. There were already donations to place beautiful benches along these stops as well.

This is such a great cause for not only providing seating for those waiting for the bus, but to help keep our community clean. We are big advocates at Sea Eye Care on trash pick-ups and have done them in the past, but having trash cans in place is the best way to limit littering.

Due to our proximity to the beach, not only does litter clutter our streets and sidewalks but also it can end up in the Chesapeake Bay which we want to avoid at all costs. The trash cans are at 19th Bay Street and 16th Bay street so far. For more information or to donate to the cause see the link below!

Go Fund Me Link

James Komornik, OD, FSLS, FAAO
December, 2020

Giving Back Program 09/2020

Our quarterly Giving Back Program was a little delayed due to Covid-19, and we wish we could have done it sooner. This time our team (Dr. Komornik, Haley, Daniella, and Dr. K's puppy beagle Rey) hit the bay front for a beach clean-up day right here in East Ocean View!

It was cold and windy with the storm approaching. The tide was so high it covered most of the beach! Thankfully, we were only out in the strong winds by the water for about 30 minutes because our neighbors here in East Beach take exceptional care it.

With our skin covered in goose bumps, with only 1/10th of a single trash bag filled, and a dog that was confused why she was already done playing at the beach...we left feeling slightly defeated as our Giving Back seemed empty.

We then had the idea to bring the clean-up to our own shopping center at East Beach Shoppes! We spent another hour or so walking around every square inch of our parking lot and walkways picking up cans, bags, cigarettes, and much more. We had a great time; it is hard to think of a more fun group to clean with.

Dr. Komornik considers it lucky to have such amazing staff, who are nice, friendly, and do not even hesitate to come out at 8:30 AM on their Saturday off to give back to this excellent community! 

James Komornik, OD, FSLS
September, 2020
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Sad to See Her Go, but Happy for Her Successes
6/20

As you all know, Erika was our optical manager for about a year while she was spending time in Norfolk. Her path brought her to Charlottesville and to pursue a degree in IT which we 100% were supportive of. Here is a little follow-up from Erika :)

Hello Everyone!

Some of you may have noticed a smiling new face in the office and the lack of another! Let me take a moment to explain.

For several years, I had been actively trying to break into the IT field. A few of you may have even had conversations with me about my interests and intentions. While I love optics, certainly love Sea Eye Care's patients and of course, Dr. Komornik, my heart had been pulling me in a different direction.

Part of the draw of being an optician was problem solving. How can I help you see better? Why is a patient not a fan of progressives? How can I adjust glasses to better impact your daily routines? Partnering with patients to make a difference on their vision was extremely rewarding, but I felt a constant nudge to use that interest in a way I hadn't before.

Though I started optics in 2016, in 2018 I challenged myself to self-study for the A+ certification exams. These are two rigorous exams that only 30% of takers pass first time and typically have two years of field experience. I had ZERO experience or knowledge prior to studying on my own and managed to pass both exams my first attempt. I felt so much pride and joy in my work that I knew I wanted to continue learning. In 2019, I enrolled at TCC for their IT program. Here is where it gets interesting (at least in my point of view)...

2020 has been an interesting year for all of us, I'm quite certain. We started it with high hopes for changes and new adventures. Well, we got 'em. Just not quite the way we had hoped, eh? In February, I had accepted a position with a software company in Charlottesville, VA. Queue the excitement and small town girl in a new city montage! But, COVID-19 sunk its teeth into nearly aspect of our lives, and I was laid off only six weeks later.

I made the decision to move to my home town of Maryville, TN (don't worry folks, my pony is coming with!) and I am pleased to announce that I have accepted a position within a long-standing laboratory as an IT Support Specialist!

I wanted to thank everyone for the memories and opportunities to serve you! I've loved nearly every minute of working with Dr. Komornik and Sea Eye Care. There are patients that have made an impact on my life that I never saw coming and I hope you could say the same about the services and interactions I've provided.

Though I will still be around SEC in a more social media format (photos, graphics, etc.) you will be in excellent hands! Halie has so many qualities that make her a perfect fit for Sea Eye Care! Best of luck to SEC's newest employee, I know she will be a fabulous addition!

Thank you all!!!
- Erika Price
20200430 165450

The New Normal
4/2020

The CDC changed it's guidelines on routine eye exams at the beginning of this week to allow them to resume. We did not open right away, and rather have taken all of this week to work on ways to implement new procedures and protocols here at Sea Eye Care to keep our patients in the cleanest, safest, and most lysol-drenched hand-sanitizer soaked office you'll ever see.

Here is the non-exhaustive list of what we are doing to provide the best environment for our patients:

- only seeing patients for scheduled visits, so that you'll be the only one in the office outside of Dr. K and Haley.  This not only included exams but also scheduling times for glasses selection, contact lens pick-ups, glasses dispensing, purchases facemask distributions, etc.
- limiting guests that accompany our patients.
- wearing masks and ask that patients bring a mask to wear (or we will provide one no charge if you don't have one).
- promoting our online paperwork, so that forms to be filled out in the office are limited.
- scrubbing down any and all surfaces that come in contact with medical grade cleaners.
- putting any frame that has been tried on through our sanitization process before going back on display.
- performing telehealth for any visit that can be done via that platform
- screening patients before they come in about recent travel, coughing/sickness symptoms and signs, exposure to any others testing positive,
- screening patients with a non-contact thermometer before the appointment begins.

We hope our patients understand why these changes are being made and why they are so important. We do not take re-opening lightly and want everyone to know how careful we are being about our changes. We look at our patients like family, and want to provide the best environment for their eye care needs.
​​​​​​​
James Komornik, OD, FSLS
April 30, 2019
Optometrist.near.me.eye.doctor.virginia.beach.norfolk.east.beach.

Giving Back Program
2/2020

This quarter our Giving Back Program made a Polar Plunge team to help raise money for the Special Olympics. One of our patients asked if we would make a team and do the plunge, and our staff and our patients donated money towards our team's goal. Last weekend Dr. Komornik took the plunge!! ❄️

There were thousands of people out at the ocean front and over 1.3 million dollars were raised to go towards this year's Special Olympics. You can learn more by visiting their site.

James Komornik, OD, FSLS
February 20, 2020

It's Always Sunglass Season in East Beach

Patients ask us all the time about the differences between non-polarized lenses, cheap over-the-counter polarized lenses, quality polarized lenses (INVU), and high-end polarized lenses (Costa). Most sunglasses block 99% or more of ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B wavelengths (which is what is recommended). Where sunglasses differ is their functioning outside of UV protection.

The basic difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses is how they filter light. To describe this, here is a quick breakdown on how light travels.

Light travels as a transverse wave. A simple way to describe transverse waves is to look at how water travels. When a rock hits a pond, waves extend outward from where the rock landed. Looking at just one of those waves, the wave has height that changes as it oscillates up and down, but it also is traveling over a distance horizontally. This is a 2-dimensional transverse wave. Light travels as a 3-dimensional transverse wave, so rather than just having oscillation up and down in one direction as the wave travels horizontally, light has oscillation in each direction (360 degrees) as it travels horizontally.

Non-polarized sunglasses overall dampen the amount of light that passes through the lens. Polarized sunglasses do the same, but also selectively filter the light. Polarized sunglasses block light oscillating in side-to-side directions. This is beneficial because when sunlight bounces off water, windshields, roads, etc most of the light is then oscillating in that side-to-side direction. So with polarized sunglasses, much more glare is cut down off of those surfaces because it blocks that light more efficiently than non-polarized lenses.

There are cheap polarized sunglasses online and at the gas station, however getting quality sunglasses makes a significant difference.

INVU sunglasses at Sea Eye Care offer many characteristics not available in over-the-counter sunglasses via their multi-layer light management system. Part of this includes a layer in the middle of the lens that's sole job is to block glare. This technology acts as an anti-reflective coating to achieve this. Unlike cheap anti-reflective coatings, this layer is actually in the middle of the lens so does not peel away or scratch off. INVU sunglasses also have a flexible layer to absorb shock and prevent shatter, and a hard coat outer layer that is resistant to scratches.

What makes Costa standout even more than INVU and others?
Costa 580® lenses have technology that separates them from the rest of the pack. They are not only  polarized lenses that block ultraviolet light, but they also selectively filter and enhance other colors (wavelengths) to improve contrast. Costa absorbs high energy blue light (<530 wavelength) which is light that is prone to scattering which can lead to glare, haze, and visual fatigue. These lenses also filter out yellow light at the 580 nanometer wavelength. This was a carefully chosen wavelength by their development team. By blocking it, the result is an improvement in overall contrast by enhancing the vibrancy of reds, greens, and blues.
Costa also provides multiple lens colors and mirror options to customize patients' vision. Blue mirrored lenses are most suited for individuals who are in bright settings, and they are recommended to those who are out on the open water like offshore fishermen. This is because it is best for cutting large amounts of glare from the open water and with its grey base, it is of the darkest of lenses. Green mirrored lenses are the favorites at Sea Eye Care. This is due to their enhancement of contrast due to the copper base color that also subjectively enhances vision. Green mirrored lenses are ideal for those on bays, ponds, and rivers. Great for people driving by water, at the beach, or fishing on the flats. Copper silver mirrors are another frequently sought-after lens due to its versatility. This lens is made to be worn for everyday activities with having a natural contrast that works well in bright and cloudy settings.

Costa is a company that has always had and held their promise to protect our planet and being as ecofriendly as possible. One of the ways they do this is how the manufacture the frames. They use a Bio-Resin Raw Material Process which help reduce the carbon footprint during frame production. They do this by harvesting natural castor oil from castor plants which is then transformed into a bio-based plastic resin. By utilizing bio-based plastic resin, it reduces the emissions that other companies' use with the typical petroleum based resin. An added benefit of using bio-based plastic resin is that Costa frames hold their shape in various temperatures and conditions.

Other advantages of Costa frames include their variety of materials. They have co-injected nylon frames for more active lifestyles as they are the most resistant to heat and cold while being flexible yet durable. There are also acetate frames which is a renewable naturally hypoallergenic material. Costa metal frames are made of titanium which is lightweight and extremely durable. Costa metal frames also are marine-grade corrosion resistant. Lastly, Costa does have rimless frames as well for a lighter design.

Many Costa frames also put your function first with innovative technologies. Most Costa frames are actually ventilated to allow some of that nice ocean breeze to cool your head down. They also have channels in the temples to allow that airflow to push sweat away from your face.

Come see the difference of these innovative technologies at Sea Eye Care today. Visit our Norfolk office in East Beach or text 804-505-4280 to learn more.

James Komornik, OD, FSLS
January 19, 2020

Transitions: Should You Change?

Our monthly blog on how Transitions can be for almost everyone is brought to you by our Optical Manager, Erika Price:

    People often think of photochromic lenses as if they’re still the same as the early 90s (think Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park). Photochromic lenses have a reputation that they never get clear, while never quite getting dark enough outside. Let’s not even begin to talk about how long they took to change! Thankfully, today’s photochromic lenses are quite the opposite! With new Generation 8 Transitions, lenses are dark within 35 seconds, change back within 2-3 minutes, and remain clear while indoors.

    I am a firm believer and user of Transitions in my daily lifestyle. While sunglasses are certainly handy and effective, they simply don’t cooperate with my hobby. As many of you know, I am an avid equestrian. I’m frequently going in a barn, out to pastures, back in the barn, forgetting something in the car, back out of the barn, back to the barn, saddling up, spending time riding in the sunshine, dismounting, and ultimately heading back to the barn.
This means a lot of visual and lighting changes for me in short time spans. Regular sunglasses simply can’t keep up, but my Transition lenses can!

    I am going in and out of darker spaces for hours on end. In this situation, prescription sunglasses literally left me in the dark while in the stables. I could barely locate my horse’s brushes and spent much of my time in the aisle-ways squinting to distinguish items in low light. While prescription sunglasses certainly have their perks, Transitions have a variety of uses within my lifestyle. I am happily able to dismount and head inside without having to switch glasses.

    Transitions are no longer the product you remember of days gone. Today, they’re a fantastic addition to any pair and provide a comfortable adaptation to nearly any lighting situation. These aren’t your grandma’s Transitions! They also double as a perfect blue light filter when spending long hours in front of computer screens and other digital devices. Stop in and see new colors that are available such as sapphire, amber, emerald, and amethyst!

Happy trails, everyone!

Erika Price
November 12th, 2019

Halloween 2019! 

   Happy Halloween from Sea Eye Care! We had a blast today dressing up and participating in the season's festivities.

   Dr. Komornik sported Yoda ears and wore colors that of the wise Jedi Master. Erika came to work as a scarecrow. It was a busy day but we had a lot of fun. Our amazing neighbors at Angel's Daycare planned a special treat for the little ones. They wanted to do trick-or-treating for their kids and asked the businesses in our shopping center to participate. It was a great turnout and the kids' costumes were very excellent!

   Halloween is a fun holiday that we all love, but there are some very important things to watch out for in the preparation of this day. The main one is decorative contact lenses. There are a plethora of resources for getting spooky and colored contact lenses to try to make a costume come together. However, unless they are a prescribed pair of contact lenses from your optometrist, they are not safe for your eyes and should not be worn. Contact lenses, even if just worn once a year, are medical devices that must be prescribed by a professional who evaluates the fit of the lenses and ensures they are safe for the eyes. If bought without a prescription from a street vendor, halloween store, beauty supply store, novelty shop, or online it is an illegal act and illegal for a good reason. If a contact lens is not approved by your eye doctor, it could lead to serious problems.

   There have been countless cases of decorative contact lenses leading to serious corneal ulcers (Dr. Komornik has had to treat a patient for this before) and infections which can potentially lead to blindness. Decorative contact lenses are prone to becoming contaminated and can increase your chance for infection.

   It is of the utmost importance that after Halloween if you notice any eye symptoms (blurred vision, irritation, itchiness, pain, discharge, etc) after using any contact lens to contact your optometrist immediately.

   At Sea Eye Care we do have the availability to prescribe safe-to-use theatrical contact lenses, so next year if you have an idea for a costume please let us know ahead of time so you can be fitted and the lenses can be ordered in time for Halloween!

   The other common eye problem that occurs on Halloween deals with getting irritants in the eyes. This can come in the form of face-paint, make-up, parts of costumes, or even props. If you have an eye problem on Halloween or if there is a sensation that is persistent afterwards please call our Norfolk office at 757-355-5553 or text 804-505-4280 immediately. We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Halloween 2019!

James Komornik, OD, FSLS
October 31st, 2019

Giving Back Program
8/9/19

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Mobile Eye Exam July 29th, 2019

Our Giving Back Program allowed us the absolute pleasure to meet this kind lady and her family last July. She currently is not able to leave the house, and her daughter reached out to us to see if we could help. We typically do not do mobile eye exams, but Dr. Komornik brought some of his equipment, diagnostic drops, and a case of glasses to help with her eye care needs.

He provided a comprehensive eye exam including screening for glaucoma by checking the pressure in the eye (seen in the picture above), examining the front and back of the eyes to rule out ocular disease, and helped with the glasses selection.

They went through many frames with her daughter and son-in-law until they found the perfect frame for her. The exam and glasses were covered by Sea Eye Care's Giving Back Program, and we can't wait until they come in to see how she likes them!! 
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Remote Area Medical Clinic May 4th-5th, 2019

At Sea Eye Care, we have a Giving Back Program where we donate our time and resources by volunteering at events like this past May's Remote Area Medical clinic in Chesapeake.

Remote Area Medical (aka RAM) is a clinic that provides multidisciplinary medical care to those in need. Pictured is our doctor, James Komornik, performing retinoscopy on a non-verbal patient to obtain their glasses prescription. That weekend hundreds of patients received the care they needed, and we felt honored to give our part and help out where we could. Dr. Komornik wrote glasses prescriptions and performed eye exams on those in attendance. 
Norfolkfireworksvirginiabeach23518eastbeachchesapeakebaybridgetunneltidewateroptometristoptometryeyedoctorsunglasseseyeglassesshadesvabeach

Happy Fourth of July 2019
7/4/19

Sea Eye Care wishes everyone a Happy Fourth of July. Our nations history is truly special and we should not only use Independence Day, but everyday, to remember those who have fought and served for our country to gain and keep its independence.

In spirit of this special day, many take part in fireworks. It is beautiful how the different colors and shapes take flight in the dark sky capturing large audiences in awe. However, Dr. Komornik and staff want to go over a few things to be careful of to make sure there are no eye injuries during this observance; there were 1,100 eye injuries on Independence Day in 2018!

-- Discuss safe measures with children and teenagers before the holiday.
-- Don't let kids or unqualified persons handle or set-off fireworks.
-- Never leave fireworks left unattended.
-- Be careful with Sparklers. Although they seem innocent: sparklers are the main cause of firework injuries to children  resulting in an ER visit. This is because they get over 2,000 degrees.
-- Make sure viewers are at a safe distance before lighting off fireworks. We recommend at least 500 feet.
-- If a firework did not go off/explode: do not touch it and stay clear.
-- If you are the one setting off the fireworks- you should wear ANSI standard Z87.1 glasses/goggles in case of an accident.
-- If something does go wrong- call us immediately on our outside hours line 804-505-4280 to seek further guidance. Do not every try to remove any objects from your eye that become lodged during an accident.
-- The most common eye problem that is experienced by many is irritation to the eyes during the event. This is often from smoke and firework particulates falling in the eye and the decreased blink rate seen while viewing fireworks to result in dry eyes. We recommend Oasis Tears or Refresh Repair artificial tears if these symptoms occur after watching the fireworks. If problems persist, it is best for you come in for an evaluation at our next opening as there could be something more severe at hand.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July, enjoys the time with friends and family, and follows these safety guidelines. Also make sure you come check us out to view some of our new sunglass lines to get you ready for the beach this summer! Call our Norfolk office to schedule an appointment!

James Komornik, OD
July 4th, 2019

sources: https://blog.virginia.org/2018/07/july-4th-fireworks/ and www.aoa.org 

Eye Exams in a Flash at Sea Eye Care
6/2/19

After attending the Tidewater Comicon we had a fun video idea.

So we reached out to the experts and great people at Jefferson Multimedia Company to make this video. This started as being just for fun, but Matt really ran with the idea and we're pretty excited about the outcome 😊⚡😎

Maybe The First Optometry Office at a Comicon??
5/16/19

Sea Eye Care had the pleasure of having a booth at the Tidewater Comicon in Virginia Beach this year! Why would an eye doctor's office have a booth at an event like this you might ask??

Well, one of the most common complaints that Dr. Komornik hears about on a daily basis from gamers, streamers, and almost anyone who uses electronic devices before bed is A. eyestrain and B. problems falling asleep.

The reason for the eyestrain is that the backlight for most of these devices mostly uses wavelengths in the blue spectrum. Blue light scatters more and this maybe associated with the eye strain. The perfect example of how blue light scatters more can be shown the sky. The sky is blue because "Rayleigh Scattering" occurs when the light from blue wavelengths scatters more off of particles and water vapor in the sky compared to other wavelengths.

When light scatters in the eye it can cause confusion to the visual pathway which may lead to eyestrain!

The main hype around blue light lately comes from its affect on circadian rhythm: which can affect your wake and sleep cycle. There are special cells in the retina (ip retinal ganglion cells) that project to an area of the brain (hypothalamus) that is responsible for peoples wake and sleep cycle. So, using devices and other screens before bed may actually trick your brain into thinking you are outside enjoying nice sunlight and thus should stay awake longer. 

At Comicon we were discussing new ways to help these problems. There are yellow tinted glasses that are readily available in all stores and online which aim to block this blue light. Although they may have some success doing this- they look terrible!

At Sea Eye Care we have the newest of technology that most other shops and online retailers do not have accessible. This tech are lenses which block the blue light with a blue-blocking layer built into the lens without making them look yellow.

Unfortunately, online retailers and some eye care offices try to use blue light to scare patients into buying products. At Sea Eye Care we practice evidence based medicine and do not push products. To set the record straight that many misinformed in the eye care field are spreading false rumors about to the public:
1. Blue light from digital devices etc does not cause eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc!
2. Blueblocking anti-reflective coatings do not block enough bluelight to have any benefit towards your wake/sleep cycle. Many places will recommend these with that promise. Although at Sea Eye Care we do recommend anti-reflective coatings for their other benefits like cutting down glare and reflections.

In addition to discussing blue light with the attendees Dr. Komornik provided eye screenings while our optical manager Erika provided glasses adjustments and cleanings. It was a fun time and we met so many incredible people at the event!

Text us today at 804-505-4280 to learn more or schedule an appointment at our Norfolk office to discuss how your devices may be causing you problems and the options we have available!
James Komornik, OD
May 16, 2019

Grand Opening Event Announcement

Grandopening
Sea Eye Care is thrilled to announce after having our “soft opening” in April, we are ramping up for a Grand Opening Celebration! 

The event will take place at our office at 9573 Shore Dr Ste E Norfolk, VA 23518 on the First of June. 

We will have available eye exams (with $10 off retinal screening images for all), having sales on glasses AND sunglasses, and there will be food from THE GOURMET GANG on-sight.

During the celebration, one of our close vendors, Kenmark, will be available for a trunk show. What does this mean?? ALL of the newest frames from lines including VERA WANG and LILLY PULITZER will be at your fingertips in addition to our already very modern optical.

Anyone who comes to the event will get a chance to win prizes including give-a-ways from local restaurants and other businesses, a free glasses frame, free lenses, and much much more!!

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the event and enter for a chance to win prizes! You can also schedule an eye exam the same day, but we advise to call ahead as openings are filling-up fast! We also encourage patients to schedule before the event for a thorough eye exam and then return just to take advantage of the vast selection, special discounts, and other prizes the day of the event without having to have an eye exam that day. We also will be taking donations to give to the local Vetshouse, Inc which provides for homeless veterans.

We hope you join us- and please tell friends and family to come along as well! Text 804-505-4280 to schedule and learn more!

James Komornik, OD
May 1st, 2019

Help For Color Deficiencies
4/1/2019

    A common misconception is that people with color vision deficiencies are “color blind.” There are few, extremely rare conditions that would result in someone not being able to differentiate any colors. Most people who call themselves color blind really have a color vision deficiency.

    In the back of the eye is the retina. The retina is what houses the light receptors. There are four different types of light receptors: three of which are responsible for color vision. These three types differ slightly, to be better at absorbing different wavelengths (colors) compared to the others. These different light receptors have a peak wavelength that they respond best to, and they are less capable at absorbing light of wavelength further and further away from that peak. The three types of light receptors’ peak absorption is spread across the different colors of light in such a way that they allow the best differentiating of colors.

    In patients with color vision deficiencies, one of those light receptor’s peak absorption is skewed one way or the other compared to most people, and this can result in difficulty in telling apart certain shades colors. Some patients are actually missing one of those light receptors and this too results in trouble discriminating certain hues.

    Many people do not realize how common it is to have a color vision deficiency. Males, in particular, are very prone to this problem. 8% of males have a red-green color deficiency (deuteranomalous trichromacy or protanomalous trichromacy). The resultant color vision can vary. Some patients find their color deficiency to be very problematic in their everyday life, while others have gotten used to their color vision.

    There is no current technology to totally fix color vision deficiencies to pass a standard color vision test as there is no way to change the peak absorption of a patient’s light receptors, but there are modalities of correction that can be used to help better define different shades of color in a patient's everyday life.

    At Sea Eye Care, we now have contact lenses that can be used for these patients. The way they work is the patient wears one contact lens that is colored in such a way that it adjusts the speed and wavelengths the light enters that one eye.

    Since the eyes now receive and send the brain the stimuli at slightly skewed times and in slightly different forms, it adds a dynamic to the information. This dynamic helps differentiate different wavelengths of light and although it doesn’t fully fix their perception of color, it can help enhance color perception.
- Dr. James Komornik

Colored Contact Lenses
3/1/2019

    Have you ever made eye contact with someone and the result was you being left in awe? Some people’s eyes are absolutely stunning. Some people also have a favorite eye color they just wished they had. Some, love the brilliant blue. Others prefer the calming hazel. The problem is, we cannot change the color of our eyes because the color is made from a structure in the eye called the iris. From person to person, the iris has varying levels of pigment. Depending on the amount you have, the color of it will be perceived as varying shades of brown, green, hazel, blue, etc.

    Many wish they could change their eye color. Years ago there were a few companies that mass-produced colored contact lenses to allow this wish to become a reality for patients.

    Unfortunately, due to a drop-off in the eye color craze, there was a large decrease in the production of these lenses. Many eye care providers do not even mention this option, because they are no longer as readily available. However, at Sea Eye Care there are new technologies to bring this, almost lost art, back!

    At Sea Eye Care our doctors can fit you in both normal (mass-produced) and specialty colored contact lenses. Currently, Air Optix Colors is one of the only easily accessible colored contact lens. This lens works great for patients with no need for astigmatism correction and those who are looking to highlight, enhance, or slightly change their eye color.

    If a patient needs astigmatism
c orrection, or a color outside of Air Optix Colors scope, a specialty colored contact lens is required. At Sea Eye Care we utilize the X-Cel Specialty contact lenses that can work for patients with and without astigmatism, and it can make more drastic changes in eye color to give patients the look they want. Call to set up a colored contact lens consultation at our Norfolk/Virginia Beach office today!
- Dr. James Komornik

No More Need For Glasses?
2/1/2019

    At Sea Eye Care, we have the top frames available and they can cover every person’s sense of style. However, we also understand that some of our patients would like the option to not have to wear glasses. Some patients have tried contact lenses without success, and think they are stuck with glasses as their only option. For those people, there are options out there, like Orthokeratology (also known as Vision Shaping Treatment).

    Visual Shaping Treatment (VST) is AKA Orthokeratology and Corneal Reshaping Technology (CRT). This technology utilizes specially designed contact lenses that gradually and safely reshape the front surface of the cornea. The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye that covers the colored part of the eye (the iris).

    When VST contact lenses are placed on the eye, they act like retainers worn overnight. By the next morning, the patient can take the VST lenses out and have clear vision all day without having to wear glasses or contacts. VST does not damage the cornea, flatten it, or cause thinning or scarring of the tissue, rather it reshapes the cornea by adjusting the fluid dynamics. VST is more cost-effective than refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK. VST also differs from surgical options, because it is completely reversible if a patient ever wants to discontinue the treatment.

    VST can also be used in younger individuals as a form of “Myopia Control.” This is especially useful for patients who have parents with high nearsighted (myopic) prescriptions. There is a genetic component to nearsightedness, and many parents want to prevent their kids from having high prescriptions. These kids can wear the VST lenses at night and not only will they see clearly during the day without correction, but doing so slows the process of becoming more nearsighted. This is a very well-studied process, and has been shown to slow or halt the rate of myopia.

    The alternative to orthokeratology/VST is to have a refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK. These procedures involve a laser etching and reshaping the center of the cornea to adjust its refractive power, so that patients will no longer need glasses.

    Come to Sea Eye Care at our Norfolk office just outside of Virginia Beach for a VST or LASIK consultation, and we can determine if you would be a candidate!
-Dr. James Komornik

What's the Difference between Medical Insurance and a Vision Plan?

    Vision Plans (such as VSP and EyeMed): Allow for a patient to receive routine eye exams for glasses and possibly contact lenses. These plans may also give a discount on glasses or contact lens purchases. Vision Plans do not cover any evaluations or testing for eye diseases or medical complaints such as eye irritation, dryness, eye allergies, diabetic evaluations, floating spots in vision, or glaucoma evaluations, to name a few.

    Medical Insurance (such as Medicare, Anthem, Optima, etc): Allow for a patient to be evaluated and treated for any medical complaints such as dryness, eye allergies, eye pain, eye redness, etc. Medical Insurance also allows for diagnostic testing and evaluation of eye diseases such as glaucoma, keratoconus, diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts, and blepharitis, to name a few.  Medical insurances typically do not cover refractions for a glasses prescription or contact lens evaluations, so patients may have to come back under their Vision Plan, or self-pay, for these routine services.

    Before a patient’s exam, our office provides a checklist sheet to help determine which level of eye services that will be given for that exam.

Vision Plans accepted at Sea Eye Care:
Vision Source Plan (VSP), Eyemed, Tricare

Medical Plans accepted at Sea Eye Care:
Medicare, Medicaid, Optima, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Tricare, Humana, United Health Care

Exciting News Coming From East Beach

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Dr. James Komornik, a Virginia Beach local, has started his own practice Sea Eye Care that will be opening later this month! He provides comprehensive primary eye care including eye exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, specialty contact lens fittings, and the management of eye diseases.

The expected opening date will be March 25th. We are excited about this venture as Dr. Komornik and his family members' own have put a lot of work into the build-out for this office. Doing much of the demolition and data/electrical ourselves already, and set to for painting, laying the floors, and the finishing touches in the upcoming weeks. A special shoutout to Jeremy Mallen, Dana Mallen, Ron Komornik and Beach Electronics and Manufacturing, Terry Komornik, Corey Roberson and Kittrell Electric, Gus Boubouheropoulos and Atlantic Computer Specialists, James Komornik and his wife.
Send a text to (804) 505-4280 to make an appointment or learn more!