If your yearly eye exam feels like just another box to check, it’s time to rethink that appointment. One of our long-time patients from Laurel Springs came in last fall for what she assumed would be a quick glasses update. She left with a referral to her primary care doctor, and a diagnosis of early-stage diabetes that hadn’t yet shown any symptoms. The signs were visible in her retina before they showed up anywhere else.
At Prate Family Eye Care in Laurel Springs, a routine eye exam is anything but routine. We’re not just here to update your prescription—we’re here to help protect your long-term health.
Preventive Eye Care Saves More Than Vision
Your eyes offer a clear view into your overall wellness. In fact, a comprehensive eye exam can often detect the first signs of chronic diseases, before you notice any symptoms. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma can develop silently, but show early warning signs in the blood vessels, optic nerve, or retinal tissue
At our Laurel Springs office, we use cutting-edge technology like digital retinal imaging and the optomap® Retinal Exam to scan for even subtle changes in your eye health. These scans are non-invasive and painless, but they’re powerful tools in spotting disease early enough for successful treatment.
Why Older Adults and High-Risk Patients Shouldn’t Wait
If you're over 40 or have a family history of eye conditions, annual eye exams are more than a good idea—they're essential. Age-related eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can progress slowly and without symptoms. Our advanced testing methods can catch these early and help you manage them before they affect your vision.
Even if you’ve had “perfect vision” your whole life, don’t skip your annual exam. Patients who feel healthy are often the most surprised to learn that something has changed.
What We Check During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
When you visit Prate Family Eye Care for your annual eye exam, you're getting more than a vision screening. We check:
- Retinal health using high-resolution imaging to detect disease
- Intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma
- Blood vessel appearance which can indicate diabetes or hypertension
- Visual field testing to assess peripheral vision and neurological function
- Lens clarity for signs of early cataracts
- Macular health to monitor risk of age-related degeneration
We also assess your lifestyle and risk factors. For example, if you work outdoors in South Jersey’s variable weather or spend long hours on digital screens, your eyes may need extra support to stay healthy and comfortable.
Why Laurel Springs Trusts Prate Family Eye Care
We serve patients across Gloucester Township and Camden County, not just because we offer state-of-the-art diagnostics, but because we genuinely care. We’ve built our reputation by helping families make smarter health decisions through eye care.
Our team understands the unique needs of South Jersey’s aging population, active construction workers, and growing families. Whether you're a teacher from Stratford or a retiree from Blackwood, your eye exam is tailored to your lifestyle and concerns.
We’re proud to be more than your family optometrist in Laurel Springs—we’re your health partners.
A Baseline for Future Eye Health
Even if your results come back normal, your eye exam sets an important benchmark. By capturing detailed retinal images and measuring your current eye health, we create a personalized baseline that helps us track any changes over time.
This becomes especially important as you age or if your health status changes. Future exams become more meaningful, and more precise, because we know exactly what’s normal for your eyes and what’s not. It's proactive care that protects you in the long run.
The Easiest Health Step You’ll Take This Year
So, when should you book your next eye exam? If it’s been more than a year or if you’ve noticed new floaters, blurry vision, eye fatigue, or just want peace of mind—it’s time.
Eye exams can help detect chronic diseases early, monitor vision changes, and protect your long-term health, all in under an hour. It’s a simple step that makes a real impact.
Book your comprehensive eye exam—it’s the easiest health step you’ll take this year.