Meridian Vision Center

06/19/2024

Sunglass season is upon us! Stop in and see the new styles we just received!

01/24/2023

Due to anticipated weather conditions we will be closed January 25, 2023. We hope everyone stays warm and safe. We will reopen on Thurs January 26, 2023 at 8:30. Sorry for any inconvenience this creates.

The staff at Meridian Vision Center

06/30/2021

Exciting new line we are now carrying. New summer styles

06/28/2021

With over 25 years of experience, we have witnessed the optical industry go through numerous changes. And today I wanted to take a moment to discuss: buying prescription glasses on the internet.

If you purchase eyewear online, you are sacrificing the quality and fit of what is considered by the U.S. F.D.A. to be a Class 1 medical device. This has been a cause for concern in the eye health industry.

In a research study conducted by the Vision Council, researchers found that of the 200 pairs of eyeglasses received 44.8% of them had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues outside of standardized guidelines.

Several pairs had wrong lens types. And even more alarming, was the fact that 23% of adult eyeglasses and 29% of children’s failed to meet impact test standards.

Today, advancements in technology have allowed the consumer to have far more choices in eyeglasses, and especially, lenses, which vary in type, finish, and preference; for example multi-focal purpose lenses. So, whether you are an architect, pilot, mechanic, musician, or an avid reader each profession can demand a specific lens type.

And who is best to help you w**d through all these choices than a person who has dedicated their profession to fit you with the best combination of eyewear and lenses. It is truly an art to achieve optimal comfort and function from your eyewear.

02/15/2021

Due to the pending weather conditions, we will be closing early today at 2:30. We will be closed on Tues 2/16 and will resume normal business hours on Wed 2/17. Everyone be safe and keep warm!!

01/21/2021

COVID-19 AND YOUR EYES

Eye Health Reference
COVID-19 and Your Eyes
IN THIS ARTICLE
Symptoms
How the Infection Spreads
Seeing Your Doctor
How to Protect Your Eyes
The new coronavirus behind the pandemic causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19. Its most common symptoms are a fever, coughing, and breathing problems. Rarely, it also can cause an eye infection called conjunctivitis.

Symptoms
Based on data so far, doctors believe that 1%-3% of people with COVID-19 will get conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye. It happens when the virus infects a tissue called conjunctiva, which covers the white part of your eye or the inside of your eyelids. Symptoms include if your eyes are:

Red
Swollen
Itchy
If you have conjunctivitis, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The more likely causes are the many different viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and allergens that can irritate your eyes.

Many forms of conjunctivitis go away with over-the-counter treatments in about 1-2 weeks.

But if you also have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, ask your doctor what, if anything, you should do. Call before you head to a hospital or a medical center to see if it’s safe for you to visit and for any instructions for your arrival.

How the Infection Spreads
The new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, gets passed on primarily through droplets from a cough or a sneeze. These particles most often enter through your nose or mouth as well as your eyes. It’s also possible to catch the virus if you touch a contaminated countertop, doorknob, or other surfaces. But this doesn’t seem to be the main way the virus spreads.

If you have conjunctivitis from COVID-19, you may infect others with SARS-CoV-2 if you touch your eyes and then touch people or surfaces without washing or disinfecting your hands. Avoid touching your face, especially the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Seeing Your Doctor
Earlier in the pandemic, many doctors temporarily closed their offices except for emergency care. Call or go online to find out whether your doctor’s office is accepting routine visits. You should still contact your doctor if you notice eye symptoms, especially if you have:

Macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy
Regular eye injections
Loss of vision or changes like blank spots or flashes
Painful or red eyes, headache, nausea, and vomiting
Contact your doctor if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve had contact with people who are sick. Your doctor may suggest a virtual visit over your computer or smartphone.

How to Protect Your Eyes
Like everyone, be sure to wash your hands often and stay home whenever you can. If you go out, keep 6 feet away from others and wear a mask. It also may be a good idea to:

Contact lenses: There is no evidence wearing contacts puts you at more risk for COVID-19 than those who wear eyeglasses. But you should continue to practice safe hygiene habits for wearing and caring for them. Washin your hands before putting them in, or taking them out..

Wear glasses. Your glasses lenses may help protect your eyes from any respiratory droplets. If you don’t wear glasses, try sunglasses. And if you’re caring for someone ill, don safety glasses or goggles.

Stock up eye medication. Check with your insurer to see if you can refill glaucoma drops and other essential prescriptions in advance. You might be able to get a 3-month supply. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any help.

Don’t rub your eyes. It can be a hard habit to break. Moistening drops may help ease itchiness. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after you do it. If you must touch your eyes, use a tissue instead of your fingers.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on September 23, 2020

05/05/2020

See through the eyes of someone affected by vision impairments using our Vision Loss Simulator. Give it a try in virtual reality using your phone

04/27/2020

Hello, patients! We are very pleased to announce that we are back to our normal operating hours (M 8:30-6, T & W 8:30-5, Th 8:30-3), and we are resuming routine eye care this week! In order to decrease risk for our patients and staff we are implementing the following changes to how we will operate:

- We will be scheduling routine exams on a more limited basis than we normally would. As these appointments will be in high demand, we ask that you only schedule an appointment if you are sure you can make it. Additionally, we ask that you not bring anyone with you to your appointment.

- We will be sending out all paperwork electronically before your appointment and ask that whenever possible you complete this from home in order to cut down on people waiting in the office. If the waiting room gets too full, you may be asked to wait in your car until your appointment is ready to begin.

- We ask that if you have a mask, please bring it with you. If you are having any symptoms of being sick, please call us and we will reschedule your appointment.

-Our waiting area has been rearranged to encourage social distancing and increased sanitation measures are in place. We ask that you help us when you are in the office by maintaining social distance and sanitizing your hands often.

Please feel free to call the office at 317-926-5467 or go to meridianvisioncenter.com to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Barnhart and staff

04/01/2020

In compliance with the Governor's stay at home order. Meridian Vision Center will be limiting our hours of operation to: Mon, Wed and Thurs 10-1 for pick ups and emergencies only. Please be aware you can still order contacts and schedule appts (for after May 1) on our website www.meridianvisioncenter.com.
We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this challenging time.

09/17/2019

We have patients ask us all the time if they need to be dilated. The answer is only if you want a complete eye health exam! Read below what the doctor looks for and why you need to be dilated!

Just because your eyes feel healthy doesn’t mean they are healthy. The good news is you can find out for sure by getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam!

Learn more about dilated eye exams: https://nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/eyeexam

09/17/2019

Welcome back Michael Kors! We have missed you!

08/05/2019

Schedule an eye exam today!