As screen time climbs to all-time highs and digital demands continue to shape daily life, our eyes are working harder than ever. While the New Year often inspires early morning workouts, cleaner eating, and lifestyle resets, 2026 may be the perfect time to broaden your definition of wellness—starting with your vision.
For the team at Wildwood Eyecare, a longstanding East Cobb - Marietta favorite with more than 75 years of combined optometry experience, eye health is a cornerstone of whole-body wellness. The trio behind the practice has spent decades enhancing patients’ vision, providing trusted guidance, and managing both routine and complex medical eye needs. Their reputation is built on loyalty, deep community roots, and a standard of care that goes far beyond the typical eye exam.
What truly sets Wildwood Eyecare apart, however, is the dynamic, deeply experienced team that surrounds the doctors and elevates every patient encounter. From the moment a client walks through the door, they’re greeted by associates who know not just their prescription history, but their preferences, their concerns, and the little details that transform an appointment into a genuinely personalized experience
Full-scope optometrist Dr. Nicole Mardak, who joined Wildwood nearly 12 years ago, has witnessed remarkable advancements in ocular disease detection, prevention, and treatment. She emphasizes that optometrists are far more than providers of glasses and contacts - they’re essential members of every healthcare team.
“Retinal imaging has become part of the wellness visit and allows us to detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders,” she explains. “The retina is the only place in the body that gives doctors a non-invasive view of the vascular and nervous system. It offers incredibly valuable insight into overall health.”
Wildwood Eyecare integrates this state-of-the-art technology with personalized care that sets them apart. Appointments are intentionally unrushed, allowing doctors to understand each patient’s unique lifestyle, needs, and concerns. They invest in the newest diagnostic tools to preserve long-term eye health, and their optical boutique carries distinctive frames and specialty lenses that cannot be found elsewhere—including eyewear tailored to occupations, digital demands, and specific hobbies like golfing, knitting, or fishing.
The Wildwood team is also known for fitting contact lenses for even the most challenging cases, including high astigmatism and keratoconus. With the ability to fit every modality—from daily disposables and custom soft lenses to rigid corneal and scleral lenses—Wildwood is equipped to help patients achieve comfort and clarity, no matter the prescription.
As 2026 begins, Dr. Mardak encourages patients to shift from reactive to proactive eye care. “This New Year, commit to proactive eye care! Early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage and allow for clear, comfortable vision to last a lifetime,” she urges.
Healthy Habits for Clear Vision in 2026
While maintaining long-term eye health begins with a skilled optometrist, small everyday habits can significantly reduce strain and support vision longevity.
1. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
“When we look at screens, we blink only one-third of our normal rate,” says Dr. Mardak. This dramatically increases dry eye symptoms, now appearing in younger and younger patients.
Her advice: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes your focusing system, reduces fatigue, and keeps eyes comfortable.
2. Protect Against UV Damage
Bright sunlight doesn’t just create temporary discomfort—over time, it contributes to serious damage, even blindness. Wearing sunglasses labeled 100% UVA/UVB protection is a must for both children and adults.
3. Eat for Eye Health
A nutrient-rich diet plays a vital role in maintaining 20/20 vision. Leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial, while smoking should be avoided at all costs due to its link to macular degeneration and other vision-threatening conditions.
4. Schedule Routine Eye Exams—Even If You See Well
Many ocular diseases, including glaucoma, develop silently. “Regular eye exams are essential for everyone,” says Dr. Mardak. “They offer peace of mind and help detect sight-threatening problems long before symptoms appear.”
A Practice Rooted in Community, Committed to Care
Wildwood Eyecare has remained an independent, patient-centered practice for more than 50 years, serving East Cobb with integrity, continuity, and personalized medical expertise. Whether it’s helping someone see clearly for the first time, supporting long-term eye conditions, addressing injuries, treating infections or offering personalized lens solutions, we’re dedicated to protecting the gift of sight for every patient.
In Dr. Mardak’s words, “I became an optometrist because nothing is more rewarding than helping people see clearly and care for their most precious sense—their vision.” Start 2026 with clarity—literally. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, visit wildwoodeyecare.com.
“This New Year, commit to proactive eye care! Early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage and allow for clear, comfortable vision to last a lifetime,” Dr. Mardak urges.