When I was a teenager, I enrolled in a local community college so I could take a sign language class. I thought that ASL would be a great language to know and something that would come in handy in many different facets in my life: with a hearing impaired co-worker, eventually as a mother, and most importantly, if my hearing were to ever fade.
But while I took over a year of ASL classes “just in case”, I never thought to prepare for if my sight were to fade. In fact, the mere idea of losing my sight makes me so incredibly fearful that I simply push the thought from my mind. Imagine never seeing these adorable faces again, seeing their eyes light up when they see me, or seeing the world through their eyes as they explore everything around them. I shudder to think.
Because of my crazy irrational fear of losing my eyesight, I’m here to admit I have never, ever had an eye exam. Yes, it’s true. I had yearly hearing tests as a child because my ears were so bad, but never once have I had my eyes checked by an optometrist. Not as a teen, not as an adult. Never.
While I still wholeheartedly feel my vision is good since I can see things others cannot and can read signs both near and far, I am finally going to face my fear this weekend and get my first eye exam. Luckily, this is going to be pretty painless because I’m going to be partaking in a vision screening at a local event that actually sounds like a ton of fun.
The event is the Washington Brewers Festival and it takes place this weekend, June 15-17, 2012 at King County’s Marymoor Park. Transitions lenses will have a booth set up at the festival and be offering attendees the Ultimate Sightseeing Experience which includes a free vision screening by Pearl Vision and a photo kiosk that I intend to take a family picture in {yes, the event is family friendly… Father’s Day, anyone?}.
Not only do I plan on getting an eye exam this weekend, but I am also making a promise to take care of my family’s vision by signing the Family Eye Promise. Check out all the great information they have about eye health and be sure to make the promise yourself. Go on, it only takes a minute, and for each promise Transitions will donate a book to those in need.
So, were you as surprised as I was by the fact that 50% of vision loss can be prevented with an eye exam? Yikes! If you needed a good reason to schedule an exam, that would be it!
It really is time that I make protecting my vision a priority and learn ways I can prevent loss of vision as I age. It’s important to me to not only take care of my eyes but also the little eyes of my kids that I adore so much. Even if they do inherit my husband’s bad vision, I want them to know that there are things they can do to protect their vision and that regular vision exams can prevent further loss.
How else can we all appreciate all the beautiful sights in our city as a family? Whether it’s our majestic skyline, the gorgeous islands of the Pacific Sound, the many sights of the Fremont Sunday Market, or the hustle and bustle of Pike Place, there’s so many amazing sights Seattle has to offer that I want my kids to grow up appreciating. Transitions also loves Seattle and they have compiled a list of the top 10 favorite Seattle sights as voted by you.
Seattle natives - anything you see missing from their list that you would add? What sights would you miss the most if you were to lose your vision? Now. isn’t that worth scheduling yourself a preventative exam?
So, why not start by a doing a free vision screening this weekend at the Seattle Washington Brewers Festival and have some fun at the same time!
Event Info:
Washington Brewers Festival
King County’s Marymoor Park (6046 W. Lake Sammamish)
Friday, June 15 from 4 pm – 9 pm (21+ only)
Saturday, June 16 from 11 am – 9 pm (all ages)
Sunday, June 17 from 11 am – 6 pm (all ages)
Learn more about Transitions lenses and the Washington Brewers Festival
I received compensation to participate in a SocialMoms and Transitions lenses blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.
