Discover how Valley Eye Associates supports community eye care through events, outreach, and local partnerships that make a lasting impact.

Protecting Your Vision: March Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month

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With more of us spending our days in front of screens or in high-intensity industrial environments, our eyes are working harder than ever. Whether you’re working from a home office, a corporate skyscraper, or a construction site, your vision is one of your most valuable assets. For most of us, “going to work” really means staring at a digital monitor for 8+ hours. If you’re ending your day with a headache, blurry vision, or eyes that feel like they’re full of sand, you aren’t just tired—you’re likely experiencing Computer Vision Syndrome.

  • The 20-20-20 Rule: This is the golden rule of digital wellness. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This allows your eye muscles to relax and reset.
  • Optimize Your Ergonomics: Position your monitor about 20 to 26 inches away from your eyes. The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level so you’re looking slightly downward.
  • Blink More Often: We blink significantly less when staring at screens, which leads to dryness. Keep artificial tears at your desk to keep your eyes lubricated.

Did you know that nearly 2,000 U.S. workers suffer a job-related eye injury every single day? Shockingly, experts estimate that 90% of these injuries are preventable with the right gear. This amounts to roughly $300 million annual cost of lost productivity due to eye injuries!

  • Wear ANSI-Approved Gear: Ensure your safety glasses or goggles meet the ANSI Z87.1 standard for impact resistance.
  • Match the Tool to the Task: * Safety glasses with side shields for dust and flying particles.
    • Chemical splash goggles for handling hazardous liquids.
    • Welding helmets or face shields for protection against radiation and extreme heat.
  • Always put on your eye protection before entering a hazardous area, not after you start working.

Many eye conditions, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, don’t have early symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to detect these issues before they cause permanent vision loss.

This March, take a moment to evaluate your workspace. Is your lighting too harsh? Are your safety goggles scratched?

Small changes today can prevent a lifetime of vision challenges.

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Seeing the Future: Raising Awareness for AMD and Low Vision

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February marks AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading knowledge about Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and the resources available for those living with visual impairments.

As we age, our eye health becomes increasingly critical to our independence and quality of life. This month, we want to highlight how early detection and modern support can make a world of difference.

Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people over age 50. It occurs when the macula—the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision—becomes damaged. This can make it difficult to recognize faces, read small print, or drive safely.

There are two primary types of AMD:

  • Dry AMD: The most common form, characterized by the gradual thinning of the macula.
  • Wet AMD: A less common but more severe form where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leading to faster vision loss.

The Importance of Early Detection

Because AMD often progresses slowly and painlessly, many people don’t notice changes until significant damage has occurred. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defense. Eye care professionals can often spot early signs of the disease before you notice any symptoms yourself.

Tip: If you notice straight lines appearing wavy or a “fuzzy” spot in the center of your vision, schedule an eye exam immediately.

Living Well with Low Vision

A diagnosis of AMD or low vision doesn’t mean giving up on an active life. Low vision rehabilitation focuses on maximizing the sight you have left through:

  • Magnification Tools: High-powered lenses, digital magnifiers, and specialized software.
  • Lighting Adjustments: Using task lighting and reducing glare to improve clarity.
  • Daily Living Skills: Learning new ways to navigate the kitchen, manage medications, and use technology.

Take Action This Month

Schedule an Exam: If it has been more than a year since your last eye check-up, call us at 920-739-4361 to schedule an examination.

Check Your Vision: Use an Amsler Grid at home to monitor for changes in your central vision.

 

Join the Conversation

Help us spread the word this February. Share this blog with loved ones and encourage the seniors in your life to prioritize their vision health!

Learn More: Visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology for detailed resources on eye health.

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Get to Know Jaclyn Keller

What is your favorite thing about being an optometrist?

I enjoy working with patients and caring for their eye health needs. The eye is so fascinating because it really is the window into the rest of the body. I get to be a part of not just helping them see better and managing ocular conditions, but also potentially making a referral to save their life based on findings in their eye.

 

What are your hobbies?

I love anything outdoors – camping, hiking, etc. I enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters.

 

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is my favorite holiday, not because of all the gifts, but the magic and meaning of the season. I love Christmas music, lights, and trees.

 

Where has been your favorite place you’ve traveled and where would you like to travel to someday?

Banff National Park in Canada is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I would like to travel to Alaska, but my bucket list of places includes many national parks and every state (33/50 so far).

 

What is your favorite thing about working at VEA?

The staff and patients have been great. Everyone has been so welcoming! I look forward to being a part of a team who cares so much about the patients and each other.

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Best of Results 2024

The results are in! We are incredibly honored to have once again been named the Best LASIK Surgery Center in the Fox Valley (18th consecutive year) and Winnebago County (8th consecutive year). We have also been named a Finalist in Fond du Lac. Thank you so much to everyone for your votes. We greatly appreciate your support year after year. Since 1981, we have proudly served patients with one mission in mind: creating an exceptional experience for all our patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin and beyond. We look forward to continue providing exceptional eye care to our wonderful communities!

best lasik eye surgery center

 

For the full lists of winners and finalists, please visit:

Best of the Valley – https://postcrescent.gannettcontests.com/2024-Best-of-the-Valley-Communitys-Choice-Awards-Winners/

Best of Winnebago County – https://thenorthwestern.gannettcontests.com/2024-Best-of-Winnebago-County-Communitys-Choice-Awards-Winners/

Best of Fond du Lac – https://fdlreporter.gannettcontests.com/2024-Best-of-Fond-du-Lac-Communitys-Choice-Awards-Winners/

 

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Get to Know Dr. Phil Smith

We are excited to add Dr. Phil Smith to our surgical team!  Read Dr. Smith’s professional bio here, and learn more about his life outside of the OR below.

What is your favorite thing about being an ophthalmologist?

My favorite thing about being an ophthalmologist is being able to transform people’s lives by helping to restore, improve, or preserve their vision. I am lucky enough to be practicing in a time of tremendous innovation in our field.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays. My wife and I tend to spend quality time with our extended families on or around Thanksgiving. And it is nice to spend the holiday with my in-laws in Hawaii.

Where would you like to travel to?

There are so many places I would love to visit with my wife. Spain would be on the top of the list, as my wife has some extended family there. We enjoy scuba diving, so anywhere with a beach and reef – the Caribbean, Australia, Indonesia. With my Scottish heritage, I would like to visit Scotland, as well, and maybe play bagpipes in the Scottish Highland.

What are you most looking forward to doing now that you’re back in Wisconsin?

I am looking forward to having four seasons again, and the year-round opportunities for outdoor activities. I love the fall with the changing colors and missed good cheese! And the people here are just fabulous. I have made so many life-long friends in Wisconsin. It will be great to be able to visit with them again and make new friends, as well.

Welcome, Dr. Smith!

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Meet the Valley Eye Green Bay Team

The team at Valley Eye Associates in Green Bay loves a lot of things — happy patients, clear vision, Wisconsin summer days. But an even more common thread for them is a love of the outdoors. Though their favorite ways to take advantage of the area’s scenery are as varied as their personalities, we count their ready-for-anything mindset as an asset at VEA.

It’s just one of many assets they bring to the VEA team. Surgical skill is integral to a practice; however, our surgeons, as gifted as they are, cannot cover all the bases required to make our patients’ experience an excellent one.

Thankfully, our surgeons are supported by a highly competent team that not only greets your calls with enthusiasm, but also makes sure you’re welcomed to our practice, gives you details about your surgery, and answers many of your questions. Without their support, our MDs couldn’t accomplish as much as they do each day.

Of our offices, Green Bay is one of the newer locations, and the team there has excelled at coming together to serve one another and their patients. It’s not only time to meet this team, but to read, in their own words, how much they truly care about their patients.

Optometrists

Valley Eye Associates in Green Bay has four optometrists who work alongside our surgeons. Their expertise multiplies the presence of our MDs and increases your quality of care. Each of our ODs has become a specialist in the specific conditions and care of ophthalmology.

Katie Abata, OD

Why eye care?
I love meeting new people and visiting with my patients. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to help patients with their eyes and vision and to hopefully make some sort of connection with them along the way.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
I love walking, running, or biking with my family on the Fox River trail.

Learn more about Dr. Katie Abata

Ross Jensen, OD

Why eye care?
I love working with people! I bring joy to patients as they begin to see better for their daily activities, and I get to help improve vision and comfort of the eye — what could be more worthwhile? Every day is different and every patient is different and I look forward to those differences.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
My wife and I love to hike and take our dogs on adventures. I also like to hunt and fish.

Learn more about Dr. Ross Jensen

Colin Sigmund, OD

Why eye care?
I welcome discussions with patients about eye conditions and figuring out how best to treat them.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
Walking on the many trails in the area with my wife and dog during the summer months.

Learn more about Dr. Colin Sigmund

Ashley Torreano, OD

Why eye care?
Establishing great communication with each patient to best serve their eye care needs is what I look forward to most.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
Visiting parks like Barkhausen, Voyager, and Titletown with my boys.

Learn more about Dr. Ashley Torreano

Technicians

Our technicians provide direct care to patients by performing the pre- and post-surgery measurements and diagnostics vital to good outcomes. Should you need glasses, the data they collect about your eye’s health, specific size and shape, and needs are relayed to our optician for the perfect fit.

Renee Godin

Why eye care?
Patients! I have worked in eye care for 30+ years, and during that time, I have developed some very close friendships with many of our patients.  And every now and then, they share a few great recipes.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
I live outside the Green Bay area, but I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, and gardening.

Angel Henry

Why eye care?
Working in eye care means seeing the look of excitement and happiness on patients’ faces when they can see clearly again after cataract surgery, corneal surgery, or LASIK. Patients are so excited to be able to read, play cards, enjoy their hobbies, or simply see their friends and family with clarity. We only get one set of eyes, and we need to take care of them!

Favorite Green Bay Activity
Taking my nieces, nephews, and grandkids to Bay Beach, Wildlife Sanctuary, or the NEW Zoo.

Patient Service Representatives & Surgery Scheduling

This group of folks plays a vital role at the beginning of your surgical journey. It can be intimidating to know where to start, but these friendly professionals are here to help you book consultations, fill out preliminary paperwork, and begin the process of becoming a patient at Valley Eye Associates.

Morgan Hervas

Why eye care?
My favorite thing about working in eye care is caring for people. Coming from an ER background, I enjoy taking care of patients and  can still do that here as well.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
My favorite thing to do in Green Bay is to go fishing out on the bay.

Rebecca Keup

Why eye care?
I appreciate working with patients and interacting with them. Our clinic is like a small family. We form a bond of friendship with our patients.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
We like to take our dog for a walk on all the area trails. Our favorite one is Mountain Bay Trail Howard/Suamico area. My family also likes fishing and golfing.

Cori Miskin

Why eye care?
I enjoy helping and getting to know our patients. Each time they come in, we become more and more familiar with one another, and it makes our interactions like saying “hi” to a friend each day. I also love my coworkers, which we know makes all the difference in your work life.

Favorite Green Bay Activity
I am still fairly new to Green Bay, so my family and I are still exploring all the different things to do. Right now, since we live right by the bay, we enjoy going down to watch the sunsets and walking on the beach. We also look forward to taking our kids to Bay Beach and Title Town on warm nights, and even to the sledding hill in the winter. We have seen a few games at the stadium and it’s always a fun experience.

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Wishing Dr. Unger a Fond Farewell

We’re sad and excited all at once. Sad because long-time Valley Eye Associates doctor Jennifer Unger is leaving our practice at the end of this month. We’re excited because she’s pursuing a new opportunity, one that we know she will excel in and will bring her joy.

In nearly eight years with VEA, Dr. Unger has become a well-known and trusted ophthalmologist who cares for her patients well and provides them with life-changing treatments that get them back to doing what they love most, with the people they love most.

Dr. Unger’s contributions to our practice are many, and she will be missed. The team at Valley Eye Associates, along with her patients, are all wishing her the very best as her career takes her down a new path.

If you are a patient of Dr. Unger, please know that we are already at work transitioning your care to another ophthalmologist in our practice. We will do this as quickly and as smoothly as possible to avoid gaps in treatment and to maintain appointments that have already been scheduled. If you have questions or know you need to be transferred to another doctor, you are welcome to call our office at (920) 739-4361. Otherwise, one of our representatives will be in touch soon to make alternative arrangements.

As always, we are committed to offering exceptional eye care to our patients in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and the surrounding areas – especially during times of transition and change.

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Happy 15-Year Anniversary, Krystle!

What made you interested in working for Valley Eye Associates?

I was working as a veterinary assistant and realized it was not my “jam”. I previously had worked as a receptionist at my dad’s chiropractic office, so I applied to VEA for a receptionist position until I figured out what I wanted to do when I grow up… and HERE I AM!!

What do you like most about working for Valley Eye Associates?

I love my VEA family! In the last 15 years I have been through a lot with this group and everyone here always has each other’s backs and look out for one another I feel like I have made the best of friends here over the years.

What is your favorite part about your role?

I love being a part of our patients LASIK experience, it brings a lot of happiness to me just knowing I can share that life-changing surgery with them.

How has your role evolved over the years?

Well you see, I started working here at the good ol’ age of 12 (that’s just what I tell patients at least)… But for real, I went from working in patient services right into teching with Dr. Vrabec and then becoming the LASIK leader. It’s been an adventure!

Do you have a favorite memory from the last 15 years?

It’s a toss-up between going to San Francisco to a Johnson & Johnson meeting/tour and Lana booking our hotel rooms in the same hotel as the Furry Convention OR going to the Blizzard game for a work retreat and people waking up with endless all-you-can-eat hot dogs in their purses the next morning.

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Get to Know Dr. Charisse Chin

What is your favorite thing about being an eye doctor?

I love everything about being an eye doctor — from helping patients improve their vision, to the art of surgery, to the sounds the slit lamp makes as I examine a patient — all of it! I feel very fortunate to have “found” ophthalmology and oculoplastics.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Definitely Christmas. It’s such a joyful time. There’s a chill in the air and eggnog lattes – what more could you ask for?

Where would you like to travel to someday?

The Dead Sea. An elementary school teacher shared her experience of floating in the sea with us and it’s been on my travel list ever since.

What is your favorite thing about working at VEA?

It’s the people who make up VEA! Staff members care about helping patients have a good experience. It’s really encouraging to see.

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Get to Know Dr. Adam Kluck

What is your favorite thing about being an optometrist?

I really enjoy getting to know my patients. I also love that it allows me to help people with something as important as their eyesight.

What are your hobbies?

A few of my favorite hobbies are fishing, hunting, golfing, and skiing.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I would probably go with Thanksgiving because it combines family, food, and hunting all into one day.

Where has been your favorite place you’ve traveled and where would you like to travel to someday?

My favorite place would either be Big Sky, Montana or Ontario, Canada. I would love to go skiing in British Columbia someday.

What is your favorite thing about working at VEA?

It is absolutely the great staff and office environment that makes VEA an excellent place to be.

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