Eye exams are an important part of your diabetes care |
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If you have diabetes or you are pre-diabetic, did you know that in addition to monitoring what you eat and seeing your primary care doctor, you must be vigilant about protecting your vision? Those who have diabetes are at an increased risk for developing a serious eye disease, yet, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly two-thirds of people with diabetes do not go for their annual sight-saving eye exam that is critical to vision loss prevention.
“There is a lot to think about when you are diagnosed with diabetes, but one of the most important things you can do right away is get to your eye doctor who can assess whether any damage has occurred in the eyes,” says Miriam Englander, MD., who specializes in treating retinal diseases.
The most common diabetes related condition of the eyes is diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when blood sugar levels are too high for extended periods of time, which can damage blood vessels that supply the eye’s retina. Over time, these blood vessels become damaged and can swell, leak, and may eventually close off completely, leading to the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
“Although these changes occur over time with diabetes, sometimes, when people are diagnosed with diabetes they may have had the condition for years without knowing it, so an eye exam is very important,” says Dr. Englander. “In some cases, we discover undiagnosed diabetes during an eye exam, because we can see the damage to the eyes.”
During early stages of diabetic retinopathy, an eye exam is the only way to detect it, as there are no warning signs or symptoms. Treatments with medications and lasers are most effective when it is caught early.
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We are committed to protecting
your health and safety
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The health and safety of our patients and our staff remain our top priority.
We are deeply committed to providing the safest possible environment for your eye care. We recognize that some of the COVID-19 safety measures may pose an inconvenience to you and your families, and we appreciate your cooperation and your patience.
First and foremost, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please reschedule your appointment: fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, loss of smell/taste or shortness of breath.
To allow for physical distancing and increased safety for everyone, we cannot allow visitors in our clinic at this time. Essential caregivers may accompany our patients, but they are the only exception. Patients and essential caregivers will be screened for symptoms, and must wear a mask at all times. Caregivers must stay with the patient for the entire visit. Again, we appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you soon! Please visit our website to learn more about our safety measures.
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Schedule your visit through Patient Gateway! |
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Did you know you can schedule your appointment with OCB Eye Health Services through your Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway account?
OCB EHS has been experiencing a high volume of phone calls and as a result, our patients have had longer than usual on hold times. If you are already a patient with us, you can easily schedule an appointment through Patient Gateway!
Here's what to do: Once you have logged on to the Patient Gateway site, select the "Visits" tab and you will find a "schedule your appointment" tab. This will bring you to a list of your doctors. Simply select your OCB Eye Health Services doctor to schedule your next visit.
If you do not yet have a Patient Gateway account, we highly recommend setting one up. Through the secure portal you can not only schedule appointments, but you can message your doctor directly, view test results and pay your medical bills online! Just go to Patient Gateway and follow the steps to create an account.
If you are a new patient, please visit our website to schedule your first appointment.
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Protect your vision today! |
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Protecting your eye health is critical to protecting your vision! Vision loss usually occurs gradually and painlessly, and most people do not notice until after the damage has been done. If you have an eye condition such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, routine follow up care is very important and there is no need to delay your care! We are here for you!
OCB Eye Health Services has convenient locations to serve your eye care needs.
We follow stringent CDC and MA Department of Public Health protocols to keep you safe. Learn about those here.
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Build Your Career at OCB Eye Health Services |
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Are you or is someone you know looking to pursue a career in ophthalmic care? Demand for ophthalmic healthcare professionals continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 25% growth rate for this career field over the next two years. OCB Eye Health Services provides training, excellent health benefits and a variety of opportunities.
Join us at one of our upcoming job fairs!
Dec 1st, OCB Eye Health Services Weymouth, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 97 Libbey Industrial Parkway
Dec. 3rd OCB Eye Health Services Quincy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1900 Crown Colony Drive.
To view our open positions and to learn more visit OCB Careers.
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From all of us at OCB Eye Health Services, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday! |
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