Doctor-Patient Stories
From Blurred Vision to Game-Day Clarity: Kike Hernández’s Story
For professional baseball player Kike (key-kay) Hernández, eye health is vital on and off the field. After struggling with his vision during the first half of the 2024 season, he turned to a doctor of optometry and discovered that comprehensive eye exams are the real game-changer. Now, in partnership with the American Optometric Association, Kike is inspiring others to prioritize their vision and get the care they deserve.
An Ultra Marathoner’s Wake-Up Call: How an Online Exam Almost Cost Him His Vision
When Austin Gaydosh skipped his annual in-person eye exams and relied on the convenience of online vision tests, the consequences were permanent. His story is a powerful reminder that your eyes deserve more than shortcuts in care.
Life with Progressive Vision Loss: One Family’s Story
Sofia’s parents noticed her vision symptoms at a young age. With the help of their optometrist, they created a new path forward.
What Jernine Wishes She Knew About GLP-1s and Eye Health
Flight attendant and online content creator Jernine M. Trott took a GLP-1 medication for more than two years when she woke up one day with severe redness in one eye. No stranger to eye issues as a chronic sufferer of dry eye, Jernine scheduled an appointment with her optometrist right away.
A Mother’s Concern Led to a Life-Saving Diagnosis
When Mineka Holmes noticed something unusual in her infant daughter’s eye, she trusted her instincts. An appointment with a doctor of optometry helped uncover a rare cancer and set lifesaving care in motion.
Doctor of Optometry Urging for MRI Leads to Brain Tumor Diagnosis
After experiencing a persistent ‘semi-dead spot’ in his vision, Tom Pierce headed to an eye exam for the first time ever. In his 30s, he assumed it was simply a normal part of aging.
From Blurry Beginnings to a Clearer Vision: Wildlin Pierrevil’s Story
For Wildlin, a New York–based creator, artist and storyteller, creativity is about seeing the world differently. From composing music to crafting digital art, his vision fuels everything he does. But it wasn’t until fifth grade that Wildlin realized he wasn’t seeing the world as clearly as he thought. Now, in partnership with the American Optometric Association, he’s encouraging others to take care of the one pair of eyes they get.
More Than Makeup: Ash K Holm on Protecting the Eyes Behind the Glam
For celebrity makeup artist, content creator, and educator Ash K Holm, eye health became a priority after she began noticing symptoms she couldn’t ignore. Now, in partnership with the American Optometric Association, she’s helping others understand the importance of in-person, comprehensive eye exams and why your eyes deserve the same care as the rest of your body.
Seeing the World Differently: Natasha Caudill’s Story
For Chicago-based creator and disability advocate Natasha, vision isn’t defined by color — it’s defined by perspective. Born with achromatopsia, a rare form of blindness that allows her to see only in shades of gray, Natasha has built a powerful platform dedicated to education, inclusion, and empowerment. Now, in partnership with the American Optometric Association, she’s helping others understand the importance of eye health and comprehensive vision care.