Karen Carter (L), Optical Technician and Doctors Vision Center Hero
When a 6 year-old girl, filled with childish exuberance, is struggling in her elementary school classes and poor vision is the cause, prescription glasses are often the cure. But in many cases, they can be expensive and, at that age, can also be the source of ridicule from classmates. So the right eyewear is even more important in these cases. Wanting the best for her daughter, the young girl’s Mom relied on the expertise of Dr. Gough and her staff at Doctors Vision Center in Reidsville, NC.
During the eye examination, it was evident that the little girl was in need of significant vision correction for distance, which is referred to as a high-plus prescription. The most cost-effective prescription would require her to wear thick bottle-cap lenses with bifocals. For a young girl, first time glasses are a big enough change, but with lenses this large, it only served to create more issues because of the social implications and proverbial name-calling. It also became apparent that, even with Medicaid, the more fashionable, less noticeable frames and lenses would be very expensive. Adding to that, the economy had taken a toll on the family so their ability to afford anything other than the less expensive bifocal glasses with the thick lens was slim. Feeling helpless, the mom was in tears.
A true Doctors Vision Center Hero, Frame Stylist Karen Carter knew she had to do whatever she could to get the little girl the less thick, no-line bifocals with the latest lens technology. At that moment, however, she told the mom that she would order the glasses through Medicaid, but in her heart and mind, Karen was determined to put this little girl in the best possible eyewear that can be offered.
After a series of let downs and dwindling options and considering the family’s financial circumstances, Karen’s steadfastness overcame the disappointment. She said, “I was just determined that something was going to work.” And it did. In casual conversation with her husband Jeff, a local firefighter, Karen mentioned the young girl’s circumstance. Enthralled with compassion, Jeff made it his business to provide the best solution for the little girl as well. Jeff had a meeting that night with the Reidsville Firefighter Association and the situation was presented to his fellow firefighters at the meeting. It didn’t take any convincing for the question, “How much does the family need to get the little girl her eyeglasses?” That night the Reidsville Firefighter Association all pitched in and Jeff went home with enough money to get the little girl the eyeglasses she needed.
After hearing the great news, Karen ordered the eyeglasses the following day. As soon as the glasses arrived, Karen called the mother and suggested she make a follow-up appointment.
When the mother and daughter arrived, Karen surprised the two with brand new, modern eyeglasses for the beautiful little girl. Filled with gratitude, tears began to stream down the mothers face as her daughter modeled the new frames. Soon, everyone in the office began to tear up. The determination displayed by Karen and the goodwill by the Reidsville firefighters association was not only an act of pure kindheartedness, it enlightened everyone and gave hope to a local family as well as the Scales Street Reidsville office staff. Karen is rewarded every time she sees the patient as she is met with a loving hug. Karen Carter is without question – a Doctor’s Vision Center Hero!
About Doctors Vision Center
Based in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Doctors Vision Center has 42 offices throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and specializes in family eye care. The company offers complete medical eye examinations and one of the most extensive in-office selections of contacts, frames and lenses. All Doctors Vision Center offices offer the latest in eye care technology and diagnostic equipment and also have in-house certified frames stylists and opticians.
Dr. Ted Watson and Dr. Peter Hollis founded Doctors Vision Center in 1980. Dr. Watson currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors and Dr. Hollis currently serves as the Medical Director. For more information on eye exams and services, locations, doctors, online appointments or current promotions, visit www.doctorsvisioncenter.com. Information about the practices and promotions as well as access to the “Digital Doc” for online answers on eye care or eye disease can be found on the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DoctorsVisionCenter.