The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Eye Designs

Seeing the Importance of Eye Care

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Dr. Janet Woo
PHOTO BY SUZANNE SAMSEN

While Shakespeare told us that “eyes are the window to your soul,” the opposite is also true–they are our window for our bodies and minds outward. It often isn’t until something goes wrong with our eyes that we fully appreciate their essential role. So, what can we do to take better care of our eyes? The Inside Press spoke with Westchester optometrist Dr. Janet Woo, of Eye Designs.

What do you wish folks knew about eye health?

Eyes are affected by our whole-body health. Issues like hypertension, diabetes, nutrition, living a sedentary lifestyle–all affect our eyes. In addition to making sure you’re getting regular eye exams, getting regular exercise, staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, etc., all contribute to ocular health.

What’s important when it comes to getting eye exams?

Your glasses should match your lifestyle. When patients come to see me, I inquire about their hobbies, interests, workplace, and diet in order to assess them holistically and functionally. Ideally, the lenses for working at a screen all day and playing golf are going to be different. Plus, folks are staring at different kinds of screens for so long, it is especially important that they have the lenses that will protect their eyes. Sharon Decker (Eye Designs owner and optician) is passionate about staying up to date with the latest in both lens and frame innovation, bringing the latest to our patients.

What’s most important for protecting our eyes from screen exposure?

The blue light emitted from screens is damaging. While there are many “blue light protective lenses” on the market, not all are. A professional optician or optometrist can help with making sure the lenses are protecting you. Enlarging the font on your phone will only get you so far. Come in for an exam.

Taking breaks ensures you are blinking. When on screens, our blink reflex slows down which dries out the eyes. Many people suffer from dry eye disease and need to be evaluated for the direct cause; artificial tears alone may not be effective. So, take short breaks and blink–full complete blinks! If you are working near an AC or heating vent, you may want to place a humidifier in the room to keep the air from getting too dry.

Our eyes are also meant to see near and far. Oftentimes folks are looking at their screens very close up for long periods of time, which can be damaging. Again, taking frequent visual breaks is important, remembering to look as far away as possible. For kids, being outdoors is great for their vision because everything is far away.

What are the signs that someone may need glasses?

If you’re driving and notice that signs are harder to read or notice when you’re at a computer that your eyes are more fatigued, are red, burning, or your vision is blurring, these are all signs you’re experiencing eye strain. Even if you are unsure, it’s best to get checked out.

At what age should kids start getting their eyes checked?

I usually start seeing kids around 5 years old or when they know their letters. Kids should get their eyes checked yearly, if not more often, because they are growing at a rapid pace and their prescription may evolve faster than adults. We are cognizant that kids may be resistant to glasses, so we make it a priority to ensure the kids love their glasses. That just means they’re more likely to keep them on! Plus, we can order glasses for sports and other extracurriculars they’re involved in as well as fit them for contact lenses.

Dr. Janet Woo can be seen at the Armonk Eye Designs location on Thursdays and Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. She holds a Masters in Human Clinical Nutrition, bringing a holistic perspective to her practice.

Eye Designs Locations

Armonk
575 Main Street
914-273-7337

Mamaroneck
323 Mamaroneck Avenue
914-698-2111

Scarsdale
747 White Plains Road
914-723-5800

Fashionable, Functional, and Fabulous Frames: Eye Designs Celebrates 40!

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Eye Designs
co-owners Sharon
Decker and Harris
Decker

In 1984, Eye Designs quietly opened its doors in Westchester with a simple yet ambitious mission: to provide more than just eyewear but a sense of community. Over the years, what began as a small boutique in Scarsdale has grown into three trusted destinations where patients and customers are treated like family. With a focus on personalized service and high-quality frames, Eye Designs has become a local institution, seamlessly blending fashion with function. Founders and co-owners Sharon and Harris Decker’s dedication to transforming eyewear shopping into a meaningful experience has kept generations of Westchester residents returning, forging connections beyond the lenses.

Sharon’s love for glasses was more than a personal passion – it became the foundation of Eye Designs, a boutique optical store she opened in 1984. Working in Manhattan, she was inspired by the city’s cutting-edge fashion scene. At the time, most locals traveled into the city for a top-tier eyewear experience, with Westchester dominated by chain stores and only a few high-end optical shops. Sharon’s vision was clear: “Manhattan styles, Westchester convenience.” Despite early skepticism, Sharon was determined to prove otherwise. She created a space where fashion, function, and community seamlessly came together. 40 years later, Eye Designs stands as a testament to her belief that you don’t need to travel far for luxury eyewear.

Key Armonk staff: Jaime Herman (right), manager and licensed optician, and Alexis Taal, optician

As Eye Designs celebrates its 40th anniversary, Sharon reflects on its incredible journey. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years,” she says with pride. From the crash of the 2000’s to the challenges of the pandemic, Eye Designs has weathered every storm while staying on top of the latest eyewear trends and advancements in lens technology. “Thinking back from when I started to now, it’s the fashion and making customers happy that excites me most,” Sharon shares. For Sharon and Harris, the real joy comes from helping people feel good and confident–the right pair of glasses, they believe, can completely transform someone. Their team regularly attends optical shows to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that Eye Designs always offers the latest eyewear trends. For Sharon and Harris, that commitment to style and innovation has made the past 40 years so special.

As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Eye Designs launched the “Acts of Kindness Campaign,” a heartfelt initiative to give back to their communities. “We wanted to make sure the 40th anniversary coincided with the acknowledgment that Eye Designs would not be here without the community’s support,” says Harris. Through this campaign, they’re partnering with organizations close to their hearts, including donations to the Armonk Art Show and pet rescue organizations, among other charitable contributions. The campaign reflects Eye Designs’ commitment to making a positive impact and will continue throughout the rest of the year.

The Armonk store of Eye Designs, celebrating 25 years, has flourished under the leadership of manager Jaime Herman, who has played a key role in building the store from the ground up, creating a space that reflects the unique personality of the Armonk community. Each Eye Designs location carries its own distinct collection, and at the Armonk store, customers can explore the exclusive “Armonk Collection,” featuring frames and styles such as Cuttler and Gross, which is not found at other locations. With two to three exclusive lines that are only available in Armonk, each visit promises a personalized experience tailored to the local style and trends.

With the holiday season approaching, Sharon, Harris, and the Eye Designs team are recommending green frames as the standout choice for the festivities. From striking emerald greens to vibrant lime hues, there are so many unique options to choose from this year. Little oval frames, a style on the verge of a major comeback, are also trending. As always, each frame at Eye Designs is carefully curated for its quality and distinctiveness, ensuring you’ll find something truly special for the season.

Eye Designs Delivers Precision and High Style in Eyewear

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My first impression upon walking into Eye Designs in Armonk Town Center is that I have walked into a carefully curated museum with display cases exhibiting eyeglass frames as beautiful as works of art. However, far from the austere feel of a museum, this boutique optical shop is warm and inviting. Combining a natural instinct for choosing the right frames for every customer and 40 years of experience, store manager and optician Jaime Herman exudes a sense of warmth and competence.

Jaime (right) and Alex Herman
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

Exceptional Customer Service

Eye Designs has been in Armonk for 23 years and has developed a reputation for great customer service. A Westchester Magazine “Best of Westchester” winner, with another location in Scarsdale, the business focuses on meeting customers’ needs. When choosing frames for someone, Herman strives to get to know them, find out what they have worn in the past, and see if they are looking for a change.

“There is a certain trust there and I take that seriously,” says Herman. “It’s a big part of someone’s appearance and they’re allowing me to help them with this. If someone doesn’t know what works for their face shape, I can guide them. I know within a second of putting a pair of frames on you, if it’s right and if it will work.”

It is precisely this personal touch that differentiates Eye Designs from chain stores and online retailers of eyeglasses.

“For me, the excitement of the business is buying frames and then putting them on a customer’s face and then having them walk out in public and be noticed,” says Herman. “I’ve been doing it close to 40 years and it still keeps me invigorated.”

Meeting all your Eyewear Needs

From eye health to eyewear fashion, Eye Designs has you covered. With optometrist Dr. Janet Woo on staff, the store is a full-service optical shop. They administer eye exams, fit contact lenses, and do free repairs for glasses bought there or elsewhere. They also carry an extensive collection of children’s frames.

A typical visit to the store might start with an eye exam by Dr. Woo to check the health of your eyes and to determine the visual correction required. Upon obtaining a prescription, the fun begins working with Herman and the staff to choose the frame and figure out the best lens. Whether needing progressive lenses, transition lenses, anti-glare coatings, or computer lenses, customers are expertly guided to the right lens for them.

Of course, with summer approaching, Eye Designs is fully stocked with great sunglass frames to get you ready for the beach. Whether with or without prescription lenses, Eye Designs can fit you with stylish sunglasses that will keep your eyes protected.

A Fine-Tuned Selection

Eye Designs carries a high-end collection of unique frames. Herman has traveled to optical shows all over the world to assemble the right mix of frames and stay on top of the trends for his clientele. Hailing from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Denmark, and across the globe, lines they carry include Anne & Valentin, Blake Kuwahara, Dabrach, Face a Face, Mykita, Lindberg, and many more.

Prices for frames generally range from $300 up to $1000. A pair of progressive glasses which adjust for close-up, middle distance, and far vision can range from $1000 to $1500. Herman does have some budget frames available.

“People are spending a nice amount of money on their glasses so they have to feel confident that they’re getting their money’s worth, that they’re getting the right thing, that they’re going to be taken care of, and that once they walk out the door, they’re not alone with their glasses,” says Herman.

Rave Reviews from Happy Customers

Herman is most proud of the fact that people that have been coming to the store for years are almost like family. He has a comfortable and easygoing relationship with many customers. Some will text him to see when he is going to be in the store or just to ask a question. The store has maintained its success because people recommend their friends and relatives.

“There is no reason to go into the city to get your eyewear,” says longtime Armonk resident and Eye Designs customer Lauren Miller Cogan. “Jaime has the unique ability to determine where you are in the fashion spectrum and find a frame that suits you. My family has been going to Eye Designs for 21 years and I just love him. He’s so great.”

Another longtime Armonk resident, Stacy Wilder, says “Ever since they opened 23 years ago, Eye Designs has been my family’s go-to place for eyeglasses. Of course it’s important to see well–and they are masters at getting the prescription right– but when you wear glasses all day, every day, it’s also nice to have many great choices and the latest, best quality frames. Jaime and the staff always go above and beyond, provide honest opinions, and are happy to make any necessary adjustments whenever needed.”

“I want people to know that the knowledge and experience that we have here can pretty much guarantee that they’ll have a great experience coming to the store,” says Herman. “Moreover, the customer service that we provide will assure them that their hard-earned dollars will be spent properly here.”

Eye Designs is located at 575 Main Street in Armonk, NY. They can be reached at (914) 273-7337. eyedesignsofwestchester.com

Expert Advice for Relieving Today’s Increased Eye Strain

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How to Relieve Eye-Related Discomforts Especially During this Period of So Much Additional Screen Time

By Dr. Janet Woo

Many of my friends and family have been asking me what to do about the fatigue and dry eyes that have occurred this past month. Let me begin by saying that digital electronic use will naturally decrease your blink rate. When you are engaged and reading something, you end up staring. This decrease in blink rate will result in an increase in the rate of incomplete blinks. Your top lid doesn’t go all the way down to meet the bottom. When this occurs, the pool of tears that lay at the bottom doesn’t get washed up over the eye to wet it properly by the top lid. This inaction leads to tear film instability and dryness results. There is an eye exercise for this.

Blink exercise:
1. Close your eyes completely with the top lid meeting the bottom. Count 1- 1 thousand and 2 one thousand, then open your eyes.
2. Repeat step one.
3. Squeeze your lids together for a count of 1 one thousand, 2 one thousand.
4. Open your eyes.

There are also Blink Training Apps available to download, but if you put a sticky note that says BLINK on the side of your monitor, it’s less “screen” time.

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DIRECT air vents blowing in your face will also dry your eyes. Forced hot air heating systems can become problematic, if you are near a vent. Air conditioning vents should also be directed away from your face. Don’t forget ceiling fans too. There are small desk top humidifiers that also can help keep the humidity levels comfortable in your workspace during cold weather. Properly clean after each use.

Set up your work space so that your eyes are looking downward at the screen. Standing desks are great if you are mobile, keep a pad under your feet and the screen is slightly lower than your direct view. When you look upward the eyes become enlarged and expose more of the surface to, you guessed it, drying out. Individuals wearing progressives (multifocals) will also suffer from fatigue with computer screens at eye level because the straight ahead position is meant for distance viewing not intermediate where your screen is. You will end up tilting your chin to catch the sweet spot located lower. You will tire from trying to clear up the view and staring will dry out your eyes.

It is also important to keep well hydrated and that means drinking 8-10 glasses of water/day. I advise my patients to keep a very large container filled with water and make sure it is finished before bedtime. Coffee and highly caffeinated beverages are diuretics and you will end up losing water.

Smoking can also exacerbate dry eyes and those individuals that wear contact lenses know that well.

Contact lens wear and increased screen time will undoubtedly end up with reduced wearing time. That is because the contacts need the water to stay wet and comfortable. The blink exercise or discontinued contact lens wear, using artificial tears formulated for contact lenses will also help with the discomfort. I read somewhere that more people are wearing their glasses because it “makes them look smarter” during the online conference calls. Our patients look fantastic in their eye glasses.

What else can you do to help your dry eyes? Warm (touch to your wrist to test warmth) compresses, light lid massage in the shower (eyes closed, look up and gently, rub your lid margins where the lashes attach to the lid), lid scrubs to remove debris like skin flakes trapped at the base of your lashes (blepharitis), omega 3 fatty acids (triglyceride form of fish oil) about 2-3,000 mg/day- check with your physician for contraindications and artificial tears properly dropped into the eye. Many people miss.

Some of you may have fatigue and dry eyes as a result of simple eye strain with all the near tasks required these past few weeks. A thorough eye exam to eliminate any tear film/meibomian gland dysfunction/lid margin issues as well as a proper refraction and prescription for appropriate lenses ie. progressive, office lenses, computer/reading lenses is in order. Until then, physical/social distance in public, face covering, disinfecting surfaces and hand washing for 20 seconds will help to keep you healthy.

Dr. Janet Woo is an Optometrist and Nutritionist who can be reached via Eye Designs Armonk.

Eye Designs Armonk: 575 Main Street Armonk, NY 10504 W 914.273.7337  mobile 203.554.2084

At the Eye Designs of Armonk 20-Year Anniversary Party

Reasons to Celebrate 20 Years of Eye Designs

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Courtesy of Eye Designs

1. Voted Best of Westchester

2. Customers come first; like family.

3. We are an independent business.

4. Our wonderful optometrist, Dr. Woo

5. Voted #1 in kids’ eyewear

6. Honesty & integrity are our hallmarks.

7. We use the latest technology in lenses.

8. We bring European trends to Armonk.

9. We offer courtesy repairs and adjustments.

10. We are proud to be a part of this community.

Visit us at eyedesignsofwestchester.com