It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

QUALITY EYE CARE: “We believe that if you treat people the way you want to be treated, you can’t go wrong. And you continue to treat them well, not just the first time they come in. People have choices, and we want to give them a reason to come back.” Optometric physician Dr. Mary E. Boname and dispensing optician Ben Fazio are owners of Montgomery Eye Care in the Montgomery Center.

Ten Years of Quality Service Marked By Montgomery Eye Care

Full-service quality eye care and the latest in state-of-the-art eye wear are the priorities at Montgomery Eye Care in the Montgomery Center.

Owners optometric physician Dr. Mary E. Boname and dispensing optician Ben Fazio are proud to be celebrating their tenth anniversary at this location.

As an optometric physician, Dr. Boname is certified to treat diseases of the eye, prescribe drugs and ointments, and glasses. She does general eye examinations, fits contact lenses, and treats red or irritated eyes, and glaucoma.

“I’m like a primary eye care physician,” she explains. “If patients need surgery, then I refer them to an ophthalmologist. I think one of the reasons we’ve been successful is because we take time to educate people, whether it’s about their lenses or their eye condition. My role is to inform people even if their situation is beyond the scope of what I can do for them. Then, I will refer them to someone who can help them. I am happy to have found doctors who have the same philosophy I have.”

A graduate of Cornell, Dr. Boname went on to Bucknell University, earning an M.S., then graduated from The New England College of Optometry. She is one of only 2500 optometrists and vision scientists in more than 30 countries who are Fellows in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Boname sees patients from all over the Princeton area, and they range in age from four to over 100! Many are regulars who have been with her since the beginning of the practice, and her patients now number 8500.

Protective Lenses

“I most enjoy interacting with my patients,” she says. “They’re like my family. I’m involved with their lives. And I see the full spectrum of eye conditions. It is so gratifying when I can take care of problems for someone.”

Recently, Dr. Boname has noticed an increase in the need for glasses in younger children, possibly a result of consistent computer use. “We’re seeing a lot more kids needing glasses, often by age 10. They spend so much time with computers these days, and from an early age. I also want to make parents aware of the need for protective lenses for their children when they play sports. In addition, this is important for anyone doing household or outdoor work involving power tools, and chemicals.”

Another condition that seems to be on the rise is dry eyes. An annoying problem in which eyes can feel irritated and appear bloodshot, it can usually be alleviated when treated with solutions and eye drops.

“Dry eyes are caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive computer work, contact lenses, allergies, age, medication, and certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis,” points out Dr. Boname. “I have a lot of interaction with dermatologists and rheumatologists. It’s always very important for me to know what medications patients are taking.”

Contact lenses continue to be a big part of her practice, and these are becoming safer as the technology improves. “I’m doing more specialty fits, including for astigmatism. The material of the lenses has changed, and has become more comfortable, healthier, and oxygen-permeable. Contacts are very safe if properly used, but patient education about the correct use of the lens solutions is so important.”

Dr. Boname has been giving a series of lectures on contact lens and dry eye solutions for her peers at various locations, and she also writes a regular educational column for Town Topics focusing on patient awareness of eye care facts, diseases and conditions.

Frame Styles

With the tremendous assortment of frame styles available today, more patients are opting for glasses. In many cases, they have really become a fashion statement, with small, lightweight, often rimless styles, the choice of the moment.

“We always have the latest styles of brand name frames, such as Gucci, Fendi, Calvin Klein, Oakley, and Giorgio Armani,” reports Ben Fazio. “These are the hot brands right now.”

Color in frames and rimless frames are highly favored, he points out. “The rimless lenses are the favorites now, and they are also very lightweight. The stems and bridges can have color. Generally, color in women’s frames is very popular now, too. Also, ladies’ sunglasses are getting bigger, and they are available in prescription or non-prescription.

“There’s a lot of new lens technology now, especially including progressive lenses, such as the Varilux Physio line. This enables patients to have clear vision at all ranges. The technology has been around for a while, but now we can offer the latest state-of-the-art changes for all levels — far, intermediate, and close. It focuses the way your eye focuses.”

Cool Look

“The latest transition lenses are better than ever,” he adds. “These are clear indoors and dark outside. With the better technology, the change occurs quickly.”

Children’s glasses are more important than ever, and many styles are available, including the Flexon line noted for its flexibility and durability. There is also a full selection of sports protective eye glasses, as well as the popular Oakley sunglasses. “They have a very cool look that the kids really like,” says Mr. Fazio.

Taking time to fit the glasses properly is major, he adds. “I want people to know we’ll get what’s best for them. The color, size, and shape of the frame should complement the person’s features. Fitting and adjusting eye glasses is one of the most important things an optician can do. The proper fit determines how well you can see.”

Mr. Fazio and Dr. Boname look forward to continuing to provide the best eye care and eye wear for their patients. They are in the process of converting to electronic record-keeping, and the practice has the latest in eye care equipment. In addition, patients can order contact lenses from the website.

It is all offered in an attractive setting, featuring displays of vintage glasses and family photos, as well as an extensive selection of the latest in eye wear.

“I am so happy to be able to help people,” says Dr. Boname. “I am grateful to Ben, and to our office manager, Peggy Conti, who is so important to our practice. And I especially want to thank and acknowledge my parents, Walter and Charlotte Boname, for all they have done for me. I had a great childhood, and I consider them my best friends.”

Montgomery Eye Care is open Monday 10 to 8, Wednesday and Thursday 10 to 7, Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 9 to 3. 609-279-0005. Website: www.mecnj.com.

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