The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

vision

A Perfect Vision for Eye Designs

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Jaime and his daughter Alex inside Eye Designs of Armonk
Jaime and his daughter Alex inside Eye Designs of Armonk

Jaime Herman Says Key Focus is Customer Care

By Matt Smith

In constructing one of his better-known sonnets, William Shakespeare wrote, “The eyes are the of the soul.” While it’s obvious the playwright was simply waxing poetic, and not referencing the importance of eye care, the adage still holds relevance in terms of the latter subject–and many present-day eye care professionals can attest to the truth of Shakespeare’s statement. Just ask Jaime Herman, founding manager of Eye Designs of Armonk, who has been in the optical business for the last 30 years.

The Westchester resident, who found himself attracted to the industry “because [of] all the different aspects to it”–from medical to science to fashion–initially began his career as a partner in an eye care shop in New Hyde Park, Long Island, where he worked for 12 years. After a brief two-year stint at another shop in Florida, he found his way to Armonk, where he has managed Eye Designs since August of 1999.

“We bring in eyewear from around the world that show the latest fashion styles and best quality,” he says, when asked what he thinks makes his business the most successful. “Whether it be digital progressive lenses, computer lenses, [or] anti-reflective coatings, we use the latest technology in prescription lenses.” Additionally, optometrist Dr. Janet Woo is on hand at the store for eye exams and contact lens fittings. The shop also has an extensive collection of children’s frames.

And as for eyewear specific to your “summer adventure?” They’ve got you covered there as well! “When I think of the summer, I think of the beach,” he says. “And [in terms of eyewear] that means…a great pair of cool sunglasses with polarized lenses.” Eager to help vacationers–especially men–“look and feel cool” while catching rays this summer, Eye Designs offers a wide selection of sunglasses from such high-end designers as Salt, Oliver Peoples, Mykita, and Maui Jim.

But despite their fabulous offerings, which have no doubt contributed to their longevity in the area, Herman notes that the success of Eye Designs lies mainly in its customer care. “[That’s] really our number one goal,” he comments. “Everything else is secondary.”

And he’s not kidding. A strong proponent of the motto, “See and be seen,” emphasizing the customer’s comfortability level in addition to how they appear, he takes pride in ensuring his customers “look good and leave happy.” Because, after all–and this one really relays the relevance of Shakespeare’s quote to the eye care business–he views eyewear “as a portrait of someone’s personality.”

“[For] the people who need to wear glasses, they’re such a big part of [these] people [and who they are] personally,” he says. “If someone’s wearing glasses, it’s basically the first thing you see when you’re looking at them. It’s a huge statement…a very personal thing, and a big reflection on the individual.”

In managing Eye Designs for as long as he has, Herman certainly recognizes the significance of this reflection, and the impact it has not only on the customers, but the business itself. “When somebody puts on an absolutely perfect pair of glasses in the store–[meaning] they can see clearly and the style looks fabulous–when they walk out the door and people see them in that eyewear [and] say, ‘Wow! Look how great those glasses look!,’ then the next question might be, ‘Where did you get those glasses?’” he says. “So, it’s important to me that our customers look great, not only for themselves, but because [in purchasing our products] they become our own representatives, in a way.”

As proud as he is of the success of his booming business, however, there is still one (well, two) facets he prides above all the rest: his daughters, Alex and Joelle. And while he’s certainly proud of them no matter what they choose to do, with his strong commitment to Eye Designs, it doesn’t hurt that Alex (25)–for the time being–is assisting him in the shop. (She’s been a member of the Armonk team since 2013).

“It’s exciting and to have her here,” he says. “I’m proud as her dad to see how she interacts with everyone she encounters in the practice and the industry. She brings a youthful energy to the practice [and] the patients seem to love her.” Meanwhile, his youngest, Joelle (18), recently celebrated her graduation from Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy, and will be headed off to college in the Fall.

So, all in all, there’s a lot to be proud of–and Herman’s not taking any of it for granted. So much so that, despite a three-decade career in the business (and Alex presumably set to take over at some future point), he doesn’t see himself leaving anytime soon. Not that we’re complaining, but why not? It’s simply because he can’t “envision” himself in any other career. And why should he have to? He’s got all he needs right here in Armonk! “And it’s a clean business,” he adds, with a laugh. “I’m not operating on broken limbs.” He pauses, then smiles, before reiterating once again: “It’s clean, professional, and always interesting…and that’s true even after 30 years.”

Eye Designs Armonk is located at 575 Main Street in Armonk. For more info, visit www.eyedesignsofwestchester.com.

Matt Smith is a freelance writer based in Chappaqua. For more information, visit www.mattsmiththeatre.com. 

The Eyes Have It!

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Dr. Janet Woo, an optometrist for more than 18 years and with Eye Designs of Armonk since 2011.
Dr. Janet Woo, an optometrist for more than 18 years and with Eye Designs of Armonk since 2011.

By Miriam Longobardi

If you thought vision screening for your child was only for accuracy, think again. What we see is determined by our brain’s interpretation and processing of information and there are a number of connections between learning and vision. Dr. Janet Woo, an optometrist with Eye Designs of Armonk, and Dr. Carolyn Lederman, an ophthalmologist with Lederman and Lederman, LLP in Purchase, shared some of the impact visual processing and other issues can have on learning, as well as some common warning signs your child may well be experiencing vision problems.

According to Dr. Woo, “As young children acquire language, they tend to visualize images associated with people, colors and objects. Visual memory helps them recall something that they have been asked to retrieve or, as in reading, parts of a story. Children with poor visual memory tend to struggle with recall and multistep directions.” As an elementary teacher I see this type of behavior often. For example, if students are directed to go and take out their homework planner, a highlighter and red notebook, they may only remember one or two of those directions. Another common processing issue is visual closure. In other words, if an adult is shown a picture with parts missing or a word with letters missing, the brain takes over and fills in these gaps. Children who struggle with closure need to be taught other strategies to do this.

Other common visual processing issues I have seen amongst students are reversals of letters and numbers, color blindness and difficulty tracking without using a finger while reading. Some children skip entire words or lines of a book which leads to gaps in reading comprehension. Dr. Woo noted that many children experience double-vision when their eye muscles are fatigued but think that is normal so do not report it. They may abandon books or stop watching a movie and claim they are bored or tired when in fact eye fatigue is the cause.

Carolyn Lederman, M.D., is a pediatric opthalmologist in practice for 18 years with Lederman and Lederman, LLP, with offices in Purchase and Stamford. She is also assistant attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Carolyn Lederman, M.D., is a pediatric opthalmologist in practice for 18 years with Lederman and Lederman, LLP, with offices in Purchase and Stamford. She is also assistant attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Lederman agrees that vision issues may go undetected in children. “A child does not complain because he or she does not know what normal vision is. Good vision is essential for proper learning in school. Children who cannot see well may not be able to participate in class and may be distracted or withdrawn. Children, parents and teachers are often unaware of a child’s visual difficulties. Parents and teachers are frustrated by a child’s lack of progress which may resolve after a comprehensive eye exam uncovers a problem and treatment is initiated.” Lederman notes that while vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or other learning disabilities, any child who isn’t reading at grade level or is suspected to have or has been diagnosed with a learning disability should have a comprehensive ocular exam.

Another concern Dr. Woo reports is that eye strain due to screen exposure is hazardous. “I recommend no more than 30 minutes at a time of looking at a screen, whether phone, computer or video game,” she said.

Dr. Lederman cautions parents and teachers to note warning signs in children. “Squinting, blinking or face turning may indicate a vision problem, as can holding books close or moving closer to the board or television. If the eyes don’t seem aligned (both eyes looking at the same thing at the same time), a child should be examined immediately. Normal ocular alignment is critical. If a child closes one eye when reading or comments on double vision, he or she should be examined.”
Headaches may also be an indicator.

Early detection of vision problems is a key part of treatment. Tracy M., a Mount Kisco mother of three, was told by her pediatrician that her youngest daughter, Maggie, may have amblyopia, commonly termed, “lazy eye,” and was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. This was at Maggie’s 18-month-old well check-up. The ophthalmologist confirmed the diagnosis, and prescribed a patch to be worn three hours a day on the dominant eye as well as glasses. The patch was used for another five years. Tracy herself was diagnosed with the same condition (but not until she was age five), and recalls wearing an eye patch. “Nowadays they have patches with all sorts of cute designs on them for kids. Maggie would even decorate her own patches.” Maggie continues to wear corrective lenses and her eyes are now able to work together.

So what tests and screenings should typical children have? According to Dr. Lederman, “The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have designed a screening schedule for all children from birth through school years. Children as young as three years old should have their vision checked at their annual well visit examination; newer devices assess visual development even in pre-verbal children. School nurses assess vision and ocular alignment when students are entering kindergarten and periodically during a child’s years in school. Some test color vision and depth perception. If any abnormalities are suspected as well, a child should have a comprehensive ocular examination.”

Miriam Longobardi is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester.  A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society, has completed four marathons and travels the world. Follow her on Twitter@writerMimiLong.com.