KJ Optometrists, located at Level 4 (new wing) of Plaza Singapura.

The inevitable has happened. One afternoon, while out grocery shopping, Mommy noticed Dana squinting as she was struggling to read a sign on a wall not too far away. It was later confirmed one fateful day where she brought home a form from her kindy instructing us to bring her to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) at a certain date and time for further eye checks where an appointment has already been pre-allocated (yes, THAT’s how efficient Singapore is).

I was in disbelief. Though she is an avid reader, we have always insisted on good lighting and, no, it’s got absolutely nothing to do with the usage of any smart gadgets nor an idiot box. In fact, these two are dormant white elephants in our home. I have always pride myself in having perfect eyesight (save for the inevitable presbyopia caused by aging).

The alarming truth is that Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world, especially for children (Did you know that 1 in 3 Primary One pupils is short-sighted?). Children often have a progressive form of myopia that worsens throughout childhood. Their vision, though is easily corrected with eyeglasses, and usually stabilizes in their 20s. I knew that myopia can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors so I harbored high hopes that Dana would inherit my good eye genes but alas.

Over 50% of children below 12 in Singapore are myopic and this trend is still rising…

Whatever it is, we needed a 2nd opinion for Dana’s myopia but I refused to just walk into any optical shop to ask for one. “Of course they will say she needs spectacles! It’s good for their business, right?’ I quipped to my wife. Unknown to many, while there are scores of optical shops in Singapore, most of them are staffed only with opticians, not optometrists and even FEWER would have certified optometrists who are trained to perform eye checks for young children below 7.

What’s the difference, you may ask? In short, an ‘optician’ is a technician who designs, fits and dispenses corrective lenses for the correction of a person’s vision based on prescriptions given by optometrist. The ‘optometrist’, on the other hand, is the licensed healthcare professional who are trained to diagnose and treat eye diseases and to prescribe/fit lenses to improve vision. In a nutshell, the optometrist would be the one you should see about correcting vision, particularly for young children.

Just when we were asking around for recommendations of a trustworthy optometrist, we were introduced to KJ Optometrists in Plaza Singapura.  Established in the 1980s, KJ specializes in eye care for kids and has been providing quality optometric services to the public for 3 decades! It also boasts not 1 but 4 certified optometrists at the Plaza Singapura outlet, including its boss himself Mr. Lee. Impressive!

Other than a wide range of optical products, KJ has a total of 4 qualified optometrists at its P.S. branch to perform eye examination.

During our visits, we found the team at KJ Optometrists very patient, personable and professional. Never in any hurry, they were able to engage children and bring them through an comprehensive 6-stations eye examination which include:

1. Vision Check:  Measurement of how far one can see with/without any glasses.

3 pillars of KJ: comprehensive eye care, high quality products and sincere customer service.

2. Color Vision: A test on the ability to perceive all colours to rule out colour vision deficiency (CVD) which affects future career choices.

Colour vision test

3. Cover Test: To check for squint which can be corrected if detected early in children.

4. Auto-Refraction: A computer estimation of one’s refraction (eye power / degree).

5. Subjective Refraction: A detailed test to determine the degree of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Determining the degrees of her myopia…

6. Stereopsis: A test on the ability to perceive 3D images to rule out possibility of squint (or lazy eyes)

Quite a fun test – checking how good is your 3D vision!

After carrying out these thorough checks, the optometrist patiently explained the benefits of the various models of frames and lenses to us and help picked one best suited for the needs of our active 6 year-old. I was so impressed with their service that I requested to have my own eyes checked as well. I must say I haven’t received such a thorough eye examination ever!

Having go at the 6 stations eye examination myself…

From the time we wake till the time we retire to bed, our eyes are subjected to much strain and exposure to the elements. This is why, just as we rely on a family doctor for our medical needs, it is essential to have a trusted professional optometrist who knows and who cares. KJ Optometrists clearly fits the bill. They believe in using quality products coupled with providing high level of customer service because our eyes are integral to our overall well-being and are virtually irreplaceable. If any Moms or Dads are starting to have concerns about your children’s vision or eye-health, do bring them to KJ Optometrists for eye checks soon! They are the optical professionals you can trust.

Dana learning how to care for her 1st pair of spectacles…

Dana, the bespectacled Princess…

 
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Plaza Singapura Outlet
68 Orchard Road
Plaza Singapura #04-52
New Wing; between Standard Charted Bank & Watsons)
Singapore 238839

Telephone:+65 6333 0280

Sincere, friendly service at KJ Optometrists

One of our fav brand of sunglasses…

All the little girls would love this!