It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

FULL SERVICE: “We still have a ‘Mom’ and ‘Pop’ feeling. We’re not a chain, and the care is very personalized.” The team at Princeton Optometric Physicians at the Princeton Shopping Center prides itself on personal service and quality products. Shown left to right are: Shari Tullo, Dr. William Tullo (owner), Neil Chapnick, Michelle Costantini, and Gary Evans.

Full Range of Services, Including Eye Exams Offered at Princeton Optometric Physicians

No longer merely functional, today’s eye glasses can enhance your look and style. For some people, they have actually become a fashion statement. The selection at Princeton Optometric Physicians offers an extensive variety of the latest in eye wear.

“Frames are available in a vast array of styles, colors, and materials,” says manager Gary Evans, “and we emphasize what looks well on a person. We fit to suit the face. Your glasses can be customized to your features, eye color, hair color, and the shape of the face. No one is ever rushed. We take time to make sure it’s just right for you.

“We have glasses for everyone and all their needs and life-styles. Bendable, flexible frames for kids’ glasses which get a little more than the standard abuse. Transition lenses, which darken when out in the sun, and lighter when inside, are also popular for kids.

“We also have a lot of European products, with many exclusive to us,” he adds. “We do everything right here, so our service is intensely personalized. Right now, bright colored frames, such as purple, red, and blue, are popular.”

Progressive Lenses

The popular progressive lenses, without lines, can be multi-focal, taking care of distance, close-up, and intermediate. Optician Neil Chapnick points out that “The newest advances in progressive lenses take into account life-styles, and how frames are positioned on the face can lead to a prescription of unparalleled accuracy.”

The site at the Shopping Center has been home to two previous optometric establishments: The Sight Center and the Optical Gallery of Princeton. Since 2006, it has been under ownership of optometric physician Dr. William Tullo, who offers full-service eye examinations. “The only thing an ophthalmologist can do that an optometric physician cannot is surgery,” he explains.

In practice for 21 years in the Princeton area, he sees patients in his office four times a week. Myopia, especially in children, is increasingly prevalent, he notes. “Kids can have their first eye exam in kindergarten, and they will often have glasses in first, second, or third grade. Excessive amounts of time spent on the computer can be a factor here.”

Contact lenses, especially for teens, remain popular, he reports, “and the newest development is daily disposables, which make the risk of infection much less. We can also fit bifocal contact lenses.”

Year-Round

Dry eyes is another condition that is increasing, says Dr. Tullo. “This is partly due to aging, allergies, air pollution, and medications one might be taking. It is also four times more common in women than in men.”

He notes that wearing sun glasses is more important, as the effects of the sun on people who spend a lot of time outdoors becomes more damaging. “it is really important to wear sun glasses year-round. Most of them offer 100 percent ultra violet protection, but a polaroid feature also protects against reflected light, such as you would encounter on the water.”

Many people have been intrigued by a new product, Latisse, which can help eye lashes to grow. This is available at Princeton Optometric Physicians, and is becoming more and more popular.

Patients can expect Dr. Tullo to give them his undivided attention. “One of the things I pride myself on is spending time with patients — close to a half-hour. We have very loyal patients. It’s a pleasure to know them and their families and see the kids grow up.”

Refractive Surgery

In addition to his practice, Dr. Tullo is a consultant for TLC Vision, considered the leading refractive surgery (Lasik) company in the U.S. He lectures throughout the country on refractive surgery, cornea, and child abuse (effects of the last can be identified during an eye exam).

Dr. Tullo is Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at SUNY State College of Optometry in Manhattan. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and will be only the third Diplomat of Refractive Surgery this fall. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Tullo is very pleased with the Shopping Center location. “It offers easy parking for people, and I like the atmosphere here. I look forward to renovating our space to make it even more appealing to clients and patients. Most of all, of course, I am pleased to be able to help my patients. In some cases, it’s almost immediate gratification for them. With a new prescription for glasses, the results can be immediate.”

Princeton Optometric Physicians is open Monday and Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 3.

(609) 921-6620. Website: pop.optometry.net.

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