Walmart Vision Center - Independent Optometrist Lori Hassinger

07/16/2025

👀Back to School time is around the corner. August 11th! Give us a call today for your eye exam and look your best for the school year ahead!
We are open Monday Wednesday and Friday from 8am until 5pm. We also have convenient Saturday hours from 9am until 12pm. 727-393-2002 👀

12/16/2024

Put a Dilated Eye Exam at the top of your Christmas List. Treat your eyes to an exam today. Invest in your future, invest in your vision this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Dr, Lori Hassinger
727-393-2002

10/18/2024

Happy Halloween from your team at Dr. Hassinger's office. (Located next to the Walmart Vision Center at the Baypines Boulevard Walmart in St. Petersburg) 🎃

Let's keep those eyes bright and spooky!

Call today for an exam!

727-393-2002

01/31/2024

10 TIPS TO LOVE YOUR EYES!

1. FOLLOW THE 20/20/20 RULE TO GIVE YOUR EYES SCREEN BREAKS.
When using a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, to avoid eye strain and headaches.

2. SPEND TIME OUTSIDE.
Children should spend at least two hours a day outside. This also helps their eyes develop in a healthy way and helps them avoid developing nearsightedness.

3. WEAR SUNGLASSES OUTSIDE.
Make sure your sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection to prevent radiation from the sun damaging your eyes.

4. WEAR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES, IF YOU NEED THEM.
You should wear your prescription glasses to see clearly and prevent your eyes from having to work harder which can lead to eye strain and headaches.

5. CHECK YOUR COSMETICS TO AVOID EYE INFECTIONS.
Check the expiry date on eye makeup and replace your brushes regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria that could cause eye infections.

6. EXERCISE REGULARLY.
Doing regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure which can affect your sight.

7. EAT A HEALTHY DIET.
Eating a balanced diet ensures you have the vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy eyes.

8. DON’T SMOKE.
Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss.

9. BOOK AN EYE EXAM TO DETECT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY ARISE.
An eye exam can detect an eye condition even before it’s affected your eyesight, so even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your eyes, you should book an exam.

10. PRIORITIZE YOUR EYES - YOU NEED THEM TO LAST ALL YOUR LIFE.
Put reminders in your calendar to have regular eye exams. You should have your eyes examined every 1-2 years.

Source: The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB): https://www.iapb.org/love-your-eyes/how-to-love-your-eyes/

01/02/2024

Start the new year off with healthy eyes! Call today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. 727-202-3812.

12/11/2023

How do people with astigmatism see Christmas lights?

Most people with good vision have eyes which are perfectly round, which means that their eyes focus light well onto the retina. People with astigmatism have eyes which are shaped more like a football than a soccer ball, meaning that light which enters their eyes is distorted by the abnormal curvature. This leads to the image not focusing properly on their retinas, producing a blurry and distorted image.

Astigmatism is typically diagnosed at an eye test with your optician. There are a number of factors that increase your likelihood of experiencing astigmatism which include; a strong prescription (either short or long-sighted), thin corneas, family history of astigmatism, or corneal scarring from surgery or an eye injury.

If you have astigmatism, it’s likely that lights may appear:

Streaky
Blurry
Fuzzy
Surrounded by glare
Surrounded by halos

This is because, at night or in dim light, your pupil dilates in order to allow more light into the eye. As it dilates and grows large, more peripheral light enters your eye. The main effect of this is increased blurring and glare resulting in fuzziness, particularly around lights. When it comes to Christmas lights, it may be that you struggle to see the individual bulbs or lights on a string, instead seeing a general blur with all the lights merging together.

If the above description of lights sounds familiar to you, then it’s possible that you have astigmatism. Thankfully, astigmatism isn’t an eye disease – it’s simply a refractive error, a bit like being long-sighted or short-sighted. This means that it can be rectified with a number of solutions, including glasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery.

If you think you might have astigmatism, or if you just want a comprehensive exam to check the health of your eyes, give Dr. Hassinger a call at 727-202-3812 to schedule an appointment.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

11/13/2023

09/15/2023

As the holiday approaches, many of us are looking for that perfect costume. Unfortunately, Halloween is a popular holiday for eye injuries, so here are 5 tips for eye safety to keep in mind while choosing your costume.

1. Avoid decorative contact lenses. Contacts purchased at Halloween costume shops or drug stores are typically unregulated. These contacts do more than change your eye color - they can create eye infections, corneal abrasions, sores and even in serious cases, cause blindness. All contacts should be fitted by your eye doctor following a comprehensive eye exam.

2. Use hypo-allergenic cosmetics. It is important to use these cosmetics, especially around your eyes. Avoid metallic, flaky or glitter eye make-up. Cosmetics you purchase at Halloween stores tend to be poor quality and can create rashes and allergic reactions. It is important to thoroughly wash your face before going to bed. Never share cosmetics with anyone to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Eyelash extensions should be applied by a professional only. Only use eyelash extensions that are applied by a certified aesthetician. Ones purchased at Halloween stores are not high quality and can cause irritation, infections and watery eyes. Many people find out they are allergic to the glue used to adhere the lashes to your eyes, so be sure to do a spot test first to determine if you have a sensitivity.

4. Avoid costumes that obstruct your vision. It is unsafe to drive with large hats or wigs that reduce your line of sight. If you are dressing as a pirate, please only wear the patch once you have arrived at your destination.

5. No sharp props. Avoid costumes that have swords, spears or other sharp objects to keep those around you safe. There are more trips to the ER than you might imagine on Halloween from someone getting poked in the eye.

As a general rule of thumb, “if in doubt, count it out!" Following these 5 Tips for Halloween Eye Safety can help minimize infections. Please keep yourself and others safe while you are enjoying the Halloween festivities! Please call our office to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting. 727-393-2002.

07/12/2023

Did you know over 227 million Americans play video games? And that number is only expected to rise, along with the time we spend on our screens. In fact, the average gamer spends over eight hours per day, with about half of them spent playing video games across many types of screens.

Excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain and an increased risk of myopia (nearsightedness). A recent survey conducted by the AOA found that many gamers are experiencing eye-related symptoms from their gaming and over half have already been diagnosed with an eye-related issue.

Eye health tips for games
--Use the 20-20-20 rule in-between matches (Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
--Create an automated gameplay pause in your settings or reminder to blink.
--Keep artificial tears or lubricating eye drops on hand.
--Stop any gaming or computer activity at least one hour before bedtime.
--Stay hydrated with plenty of water.
--Clean your face and eyelashes daily.
--Use daily contact lenses vs. monthly for late night gamers.
--Distance yourself your device, at least 20 inches for larger screens and 13 inches for smaller devices.
--Ensure that room lighting is similar to screen brightness.
--Most importantly, visit and talk with your doctor of optometry.

Source: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/the-effects-of-gaming-and-ways-to-combat-eye-stress?sso=y

06/16/2023

This summer, and every day, make sure to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays!

Many sunglasses shoppers forget to check the UV rating before purchasing a pair. Be sure to select sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection, or block both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Here are additional tips to protect your eyes from UV damage, no matter what the season:

--Wear a hat along with your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed hats are best.
--Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.
--Know that clouds don't block UV light. The sun's rays can pass through haze and clouds.
--Sunlight is strongest midday to early afternoon, at higher altitudes and when reflected off of water, ice or snow.
--Never look directly at the sun. Doing so at any time, including during an eclipse, can damage the eye's retina and cause a serious injury known as solar retinopathy.
--Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.

By embracing these simple guidelines, you and your family can enjoy the sun safely all year long.

Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun

06/12/2023

Why do optometrists live long lives? Because they DILATE!

05/15/2023

Start your summer off right, call now to schedule your eye exam! 727-393-2002.