Vision is a subject both familiar and complicated for me. I wore glasses beginning in first grade. But several decades ago, I had eye surgery designed to correct vision–and instead, it damaged my corneas. So I’m always vigilant about whom I trust with my eyes.
That’s why the story I hear from Normandy Optical’s Vanessa Shumake resonates.
“It’s this patient's first time in our office,” Vanessa begins. “He couldn't see very well. During our assessment, I asked if he had a primary care doctor. He says no. So I check his blood pressure, because that's something we do here—and his blood pressure is through the roof. Our doctor checks him out: he's having what looks like a retinal issue.
“Immediately, we call a retinal specialist. Turns out, he was so used to high blood pressure that he just let it go. He could have gone completely blind. Because we conduct such a thorough assessment, we made a difference for him.”
In all the years I’ve worn glasses and contacts, no one has ever checked my blood pressure during an eye exam. Ever. So it’s clear to me that Normandy Optical is not your average optical store.
As evidence: Normandy Optical celebrated their 75th anniversary this year. When you consider the seismic changes in eyecare since 1949, that’s a stunning accomplishment.
It seems to me, part of their longevity has to do with their level of care. Vanessa tells me that Normandy can handle virtually every medical eye issue that doesn’t require surgery. For instance, let’s say a mechanic gets metal in his eye. Normandy’s doctors can perform foreign body removal.
“We’re more than just glasses here,” Vanessa concludes.
By this point, her comment strikes me as an understatement. But when Vanessa does tell me about glasses, they’re stories of ordinary miracles.
“We have grown adults that put their new glasses on and they're like, ‘My gosh, I see.’ They had no idea what they'd been missing this whole time. They’ll do one of these"—Vanessa imitates gaping in shock and wonder—“in disbelief that they've been that blind for that long, just going through life like it's just fine.”
Normandy uses top-quality material in their corrective vision wear, which is not true of every optical store. “Some places, it is cheaper,” Vanessa admits, “but you kind of get what you pay for. I’ve had clients from other places come in saying, ‘I can't see out of these—it’s blurry.’ Or there’s literally a thin line of what's clear and the rest is distorted. The clarity depends on the quality of the material.”
The materials aren’t the only thing about Normandy that’s high-quality. “I've come in on my days off so I could drive glasses to patients who were leaving on vacation, because they wanted their sunglasses that didn't come in on time,” Vanessa recalls. “I want my people to be happy.”
So the care is there. But what about flair? Normandy’s chic boutique boasts an incredible selection of designer frames, from Tom Ford to Gucci, and Yves St. Laurent to Ray-Ban. The fashionable styles and vibrant colors may be why Normandy is such a hit with kids. “It also might be that we take almost all vision insurance,” Vanessa says with a smile, “or maybe it has to do with the stickers and candy we give them.”
Even if you don’t have prescription lenses, Vanessa says most people put stress on their eyes all day long from staring at their screens. “A good anti-reflective with a blue light filter helps,” she advises. She also says there’s a difference between regular progressive lenses and computer progressives, “because your computer might sit only two feet away, but if you work security, your monitors sit up to ten feet away. We ask the right questions to tune the prescription to your life, if that makes sense.”
It does. So does her recommendation that everyone get a yearly eye exam. “It’s preventive care,” Vanessa explains. “Worst case scenario, you need glasses, eye drops, maybe to see a specialist. It's better to know than wish you knew. Most things are treatable, but when you put it off, it might be too late. You never want to mess with your eyes. You don't realize how much you use them until you can't see.”
I know from experience she’s right—and I can see (pun intended) that Normandy Optical does things differently.
"Optical care is about seeing the world as clearly as possible,” Vanessa concludes. “And we’re all about making sure you don’t miss a thing."
Schedule an appointment or walk in. Visit normandyoptical.com or call (248) 855-5810.
Normandy Optical in West Bloomfield provides comprehensive pediatric eye care for children, contact lenses from major brands, IPL eye treatment, high-quality blue light glasses that reduce exposure to harmful blue light from digital devices, and an impressive selection of designer frames from top designers.