Valley Vista Eye Care Optometric Center

Valley Vista Eye Care Optometric Center Putting the care back in eye care. LASIK)

Formerly the practice of Sheldon Smith, O.D., new ownership as of April, 2011.

Personalized Eye Care:
• Routine exams for glasses and contact lenses
• Emphasis in hard-to-fit contact lenses
• Eye disease management
• Full-service optical boutique
• On-site lab allows fast delivery for eyeglass orders
• Co-management for laser vision correction (i.e. We are open on Saturdays by appointment only.

Keratoconus:  what is it and how is the contact lens in this photo relevant?Keratoconus is a condition that affects the ...
03/05/2026

Keratoconus: what is it and how is the contact lens in this photo relevant?

Keratoconus is a condition that affects the shape of the cornea, gradually thinning and bulging outward into a cone shape. With a misshapen cornea, a patient will experience distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and frustrating prescription changes. Standard glasses and contact lenses cannot adequately correct vision for those with moderate to severe cases of keratoconus.

Here are some quick facts regarding keratoconus:
👁️emerges in teen years
👁️progresses through middle age
👁️typically in both eyes, but asymmetric
👁️affects approximately 1 in 300 people
👁️caused by combination of environmental and genetic factors

Risk factors include:
👀family history
👀eye rubbing
👀other conditions such as Down Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, asthma, hay fever, retinitis pigmentosa

Early detection is key for the best possible long-term prognosis. Thankfully, our tools for detection and management have been continuously improving during the past two decades, and more great options are on the horizon.

Treatment options:
☑️glasses
☑️specialty contact lenses
☑️collagen cross-linking
☑️multiple types of surgery

The contact lens in the first two photos is one of the specialty lens options that we use to treat keratoconus. It is called a scleral lens, and it is far more comfortable than you might imagine by looking at this photo because it rests on the white part of your eye (sclera) rather than on your cornea. Fitting scleral lenses is one of my most favorite things to do because they have such a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. Swipe through for a few more useful illustrations.

If you have noticed frequent changes in your vision or difficulty seeing clearly, scheduling an eye exam is an important step toward protecting your eye health.

(Quick aside: scleral lenses are used to help people with other conditions such as dry eye, but in my office, they are most commonly used to address keratoconus.)

In eye care, the nature of our work allows me to change lives, particularly with specialty contact lenses or advanced dr...
02/25/2026

In eye care, the nature of our work allows me to change lives, particularly with specialty contact lenses or advanced dry eye treatments. Those victories fuel me.

Recently, a patient’s family was told we had a particularly special victory. During the exam, I found something that suggested a life-threatening issue. Within a few hours, imaging confirmed the need for urgent surgical intervention, and the procedure was successful.

As her loved ones reviewed next steps, the neurosurgeon shared an optimistic prognosis, and he said, “The optometrist saved her life.”

Some days in this profession are heavy. The insurance battles can be soul-crushing. But the victories? They are sacred. At the end of the day, what mattered most is that my patient got what she needed. I was honored to be one link in the chain that made that possible.

📷: the almond trees in Yolo county are in full bloom right now!

Treating blepharitis with NuLids blepharoexfoliation. ✨👁️Blepharitis isn’t just “crusty lashes” — it’s inflammation. Thi...
02/19/2026

Treating blepharitis with NuLids blepharoexfoliation. ✨👁️

Blepharitis isn’t just “crusty lashes” — it’s inflammation. This gentle in-office treatment removes lash debris and biofilm, exfoliates the lid margins, and helps stimulate and massage the meibomian glands to improve oil flow. The result? Reduced irritation, healthier tear film, and more comfortable eyes.

No downtime, quick recovery, and a cost-effective option compared to more invasive procedures.

Posted with patient permission. As we shared in our recent IPL post, lasting relief comes from treating the source — not just the symptoms.

Healthy lids = healthier eyes.

Sometimes warm compresses just don't cut it!  This 95-year-young patient had a chalazion (often called a stye).  After j...
02/17/2026

Sometimes warm compresses just don't cut it! This 95-year-young patient had a chalazion (often called a stye). After just two treatments with intense pulsed light IPL treatments spaced one week apart, the lesion essentially melted away.

No surgery.
No daily compress routine.
Just targeted treatment that works.

If you struggle with recurrent styes or chalazia, know that there are options beyond “just keep doing warm compresses.” Schedule an appointment so we can discuss IPL.

Posted with permission; the patient happens to be my mother-in-law. And yes, we are working on the underlying eyelid inflammation!

Roxie is fully focused on those Valentine tulips. 😍🌷Making sure everyone can see life this clearly is what I do.  From p...
02/14/2026

Roxie is fully focused on those Valentine tulips. 😍🌷

Making sure everyone can see life this clearly is what I do. From petals to people, we make sure you can swoon over all the little things in your life. After all, bending light is an optometrist’s super power.✨👓

Happy Valentine’s Day from our office to you. ❤️

In this photo, Erin is measuring interpupillary distance (PD) for my aunt.  The PD is a key component in the precise des...
02/12/2026

In this photo, Erin is measuring interpupillary distance (PD) for my aunt. The PD is a key component in the precise design of progressive lenses. Did you know that we measure and record it differently for distance, near, and progressive lenses? There’s more to it than meets the eye! Pun intended.

While many online eyewear companies suggest this measurement is simple enough to do at home, accurate lens design involves far more than a single number. Proper PD measurement is part of a thoughtful process that considers comfort, visual performance, and long-term eye health.

Your local brick-and-mortar eye doc is looking out for you. Precision, expertise, and accountability don’t come from a checkout cart.

(Posted with permission.)

A Walter Payton jersey and an old letter.  Huh?💙🐻I have worn my Walter Payton jersey on the Friday before the Super Bowl...
02/06/2026

A Walter Payton jersey and an old letter. Huh?💙🐻

I have worn my Walter Payton jersey on the Friday before the Super Bowl for 20ish years. That day took on special meaning in 2011. I was seeing patients as an associate in Sheldon Smith’s practice where I had worked since the prior summer, and I was wearing my #34 jersey like the dutiful Chicago girl that I am. Between patients Sheldon stopped in to drop off a letter while I was doing an exam. The letter was his written acceptance of my offer to buy the practice.

No ceremony or confetti, just a quietly powerful moment with life clicking into place.

Fifteen years later, the jersey still comes out every Super Bowl Friday. Still grateful. Still a little in awe of how one ordinary workday can change everything.

I hope you all have fun watching the Super Bowl this weekend. Who are you hoping will win? We will be rooting for the Seahawks in our house! With so much heaviness in our country right now, I hope we can all enjoy a day of athletic excellence with connection and joy, and then next week return to speaking up, and resisting the things that harm our communities.

A little behind the scenes look at Valley Vista Eye Care.Many of you know that we relocated from Walnut Street to Colleg...
02/04/2026

A little behind the scenes look at Valley Vista Eye Care.

Many of you know that we relocated from Walnut Street to College Street in 2021. It was important to me that every part of the new space was designed with patient comfort and quality care in mind. Your experience in our office matters just as much as the exam itself, so that principle drove my design decisions. We created a space where patients feel relaxed, informed, and cared for from the moment they walk in the door.

Here are a few other ways our office stands out:

· We are the only office Woodland with an onsite edger for making glasses.
· We offer advanced contact lens fittings for people with keratoconus, dry eyes, and high astigmatism.
· We are the only office in Woodland that offers Lumenis Optilight IPL for dry eye treatment.
· We left the vision plan networks to avoid their stipulations that limit options for the care that I provide.

Our team is committed to using modern technology and thoughtful processes to deliver thorough exams while making your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible. Come see the difference for yourself and experience eye care that truly puts patients first.

SJP and me! (Yes, she hangs out in my office now.)There is a new drop called Vizz. It’s a once-daily prescription eye dr...
02/02/2026

SJP and me! (Yes, she hangs out in my office now.)

There is a new drop called Vizz. It’s a once-daily prescription eye drop that helps improve near vision by making your pupil smaller.

Translation: less squinting and less dependence on reading glasses with clearer up-close vision for up to 10 hours.

We have samples available for patients who want to see if is a good fit.

Curious? Schedule a visit, and let’s talk about if it can work for you. A link for requesting appointments is in our bio

Neglecting eyelid hygiene can lead inflammation due to a buildup of debris, bacteria, and even demodex mites along the l...
01/30/2026

Neglecting eyelid hygiene can lead inflammation due to a buildup of debris, bacteria, and even demodex mites along the lid margin. The NuLids Pro device helps address these issues by gently cleansing and revitalizing the eyelids. Many of my patients are doing daily lid hygiene with tea tree oil products to manage the chronic onslaught of inflammation, but sometimes more support is needed.

We offer NuLids treatment as an add-on option during your exam or office visits related to dry eye. It is a remarkable device designed to exfoliate and stimulate your eyelids, ensuring they stay clean and functional for your everyday activities.

Regular eyelid hygiene isn’t just for those with existing eye issues—it’s essential for everyone. By prioritizing the health of your eyelids with treatments like NuLids, you can reduce your risk of developing dry eyes and other uncomfortable conditions. Take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes with NuLIDS, the proven solution for regular eyelid care and optimal eye health.

Schedule a visit with us to explore your options!

Imagine hearing everyone squeal with delight for a double rainbow after a thunderstorm, but you’re unable to enjoy natur...
01/29/2026

Imagine hearing everyone squeal with delight for a double rainbow after a thunderstorm, but you’re unable to enjoy nature’s splendor due to glaucomatous vision loss. It would heartbreaking!

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, so let’s talk about this condition that’s often called the silent thief of sight. Glaucoma is family of serious eye conditions that can cause permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early.

If you check out the second image here, you will see a graphic that shows how glaucoma can destroy your peripheral vision, then without treatment, it closes in to a “tunnel vision” configuration. The third image shows the relevant anatomy. When you lose vision due to glaucoma, it means you have lost neurons in the back of your eye. We can’t get you more neurons to replace those that are lost, so we need to protect the neurons you have with early detection.

But here’s the good news: current diagnostic tests and treatments allow us to manage nearly all cases of glaucoma without vision loss.

Regular eye exams are critical for detecting glaucoma early in the disease process. During a comprehensive exam, we review family history, measure eye pressure, and assess the health of your optic nerves. If clinical signs or risk factors indicate that glaucoma may be developing, then we can take care of you. Early detection is key!

Glaucoma is one of the conditions on our minds when eye doctors emphasize that you should not wait until your vision is blurry to get an eye exam. You could have "perfect" 20/20 vision while you also have glaucoma. If it has been a while since your last eye exam, scheduling one can play an important role in preserving your eyesight.

Your eyes deserve personalized care from people who truly take the time to get it right.At Valley Vista Eye Care, we bel...
01/26/2026

Your eyes deserve personalized care from people who truly take the time to get it right.

At Valley Vista Eye Care, we believe quality eye care starts with listening. With thorough exams with patient education because when you are armed with knowledge, you will be empowered to make the best decisions for protecting your vision. For example, we review your retinal photos in detail to ensure you understand why the dilated exam is so fundamental to proper vision care.

I schedule an hour for each patient exam, and questions are encouraged. It’s exceedingly rare to get an hour of time with a doctor in today’s healthcare environment, so this is an area that sets us apart from other offices. My goal is that you will leave with your questions answered, and a plan that will maximize your vision.

The doctor-patient relationship is sacred, and we hope to build long-term relationships so that you can feel confident in your care year after year. Please call our office to experience personalized eye care that you can trust.

Address

433 College Street
Woodland, CA
95695

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+15306622020

Website

http://pay.withcherry.com/valleyvistaeyecare

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