Glasses of Binyon – Susan Johnston

A story of long-term community connections

When the kids and I walked into Galbraith Mountain Pediatric Dentistry office for the first time, I was understandably nervous.  The three year old wore her tiara and lugged along her stuffed elephant (named Sugar- great choice for going to the dentist) and the one year old is always unpredictable, because he’s one.  As new patients we were brought into a big room with an exam chair, and several bins of toys – mostly stuffed animals all outfitted with huge sets of teeth and giant toothbrushes.  A woman with cute glasses and a kind face entered the room and introduced herself as Susan, the dental assistant who would help us out on our first visit.

I noticed her glasses right away

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

Susan made sure the kids knew they could play with the toys in the room and explained this first visit is all about making sure they feel comfortable.

We sat down to look over the paperwork I filled out.  I answered a few questions then she said- “Oh! I see you work at Binyon, I’ve been seeing Mark for years!” (True story – I found her initial patient paperwork dated April 1992.)

“I wondered!” I answered, “I recognized your Lafont frames!  And these are Mark’s grandkids!”

“Too funny!” she replied, “That must make you Caitlin, I’ve known you since you were a kid!”  Before Susan worked at Galbraith, she worked for Dr. Richard Todd’s office where I’d been a patient growing up.  My memory went back to a tall, energetic woman with short brown hair that would call us back to the exam rooms and we laughed at the connection in our small Bellingham world.  Her hair is a beautiful silver now and her energy and smile are just as I remember.

Then it was her turn to come to the doctor!

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

A few months after our re-acquaintance at the dentist, Susan came in for her eye exam and was planning on updating the lenses into her current Lafont frames to her new prescription.

“You know I love fun glasses… Do you have anything new?” she asked.  I couldn’t wait to show her the new Anne et Valentin collection – bold looks with many petite options that I knew fit her style perfectly.  I grabbed a light pink frame and said, “This one.”  She put it on… and couldn’t take it off.  “Yes- this one.”

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

Later we came to photograph Susan in her element- helping kids at the dentist.  She explained she doesn’t always wear these new frames to work – she had a collision with another employee a few months ago which sent her glasses flying and we ended up repairing a broken temple.  She has several pairs of fun glasses and she tells me, “If you have to wear glasses, make it a part of your wardrobe! You need different frames and lenses for different needs and outfits.”

pediatric dental assistant wearing anne et valentin glasses photography by Katheryn Moran Photography

Susan and her fun glasses collection help to brighten kids’ day at Galbraith Mountain Pediatric Dentistry.  Thank you Susan, for taking part in our Glasses of Binyon feature and thank you to Katheryn Moran of Katheryn Moran Photography for the wonderful portraits.

 

Slow down “birthday induced changes” – part 3

Have you considered what it would be like to lose your sight?

A recent article in US News and World Report discusses a nationwide survey showing vision loss to be equal to or worse than losing hearing, memory, speech or a limb.  How about you?  Is age-related vision changes and loss a concern?  Have you considered what it would be like to lose your sight?  Are you taking steps today that could reduce risks of vision loss or blindness tomorrow?

See clearly – check yearly!

regular maintenance, routine eye exam, binyon vision center, bellingham eye careHow often do you take your car to be serviced or head to the dentist?  How often do you update the anti-virus software on your PC to protect your hard drive?

A routine eye check-up can monitor your eye health – catch problems before they start and keep your eyes in top working condition.  There is a lot more to a comprehensive eye exam than “which is better one or two”?

“I don’t need my eyes checked – I can see just fine!”

A patient came to see us for his first routine eye exam at the age of 55.  He had just started to wear over the counter readers but never had any vision problems.  During the visual fields test, Dr. McEathron discovered a field loss in his vision.  The glaucoma pressure test and assessment of the optic nerve confirmed a likely diagnosis of glaucoma.  The patient immediately began treatment for moderately severe glaucoma.  The 10 degrees of near vision field loss seen will never be recovered – the daily prescriptions drops the patient takes will slow progress of the disease, but as of now there is no cure.  Another important note to mention- the patient had no family history of glaucoma.

Fit an eye exam into your schedule

Eye exams are recommended every year.  The affordable health care act has deemed pediatric vision one of ten essential health benefits.  Many insurance plans include coverage for a routine eye exam yearly.  For more information on what your insurance plan covers, call our office and we can provide you with details.

In the beginningregular maintenance, routine eye exam, binyon vision center, bellingham eye care of the year- your birthday month – as soon as school’s out for summer or before the year is out – pick a time to schedule your yearly eye check up/regular preventative maintenance and stick to it!  Your future self will thank you!