Eye Examinations
Regular eye examinations are important in maintaining eye health by detecting and preventing disease.  Some diseases, such as glaucoma, develop gradually without causing pain or vision loss.  Patients may not notice any problems until significant and irreversible damage has been done.  Early detection of eye diseases can allow for a choice of treatment options and reduced risk of permanent damage.

Patients should see their optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination every 1-3 years, depending on their age, risk of disease and overall physical condition.  Children should have regular tests to ensure proper development of their vision and prevent any interference with their academic achievements.  Older adults are often at higher risk for eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.  Even if your eyes are healthy, you should still have regular eye evaluations.

Digital Retinal Imaging
As part of our mission to provide the latest technology in eye care, we offer an elective procedure called Digital Retinal Imaging. The digital retinal camera takes a high-resolution image of the optic nerve, retinal blood vessels, and retina (the light-sensing tissue in the back of the eye). These images assist your optometrist in the early detection of:

• glaucoma
• diabetic retinopathy
• macular degeneration
• retinal holes, tears or detachments
• other vision-threatening conditions

Contact Lens Fitting 
Eye examinations for contact lenses include special tests that typically aren't performed in routine eye evaluations for eyewear.  If you are interested in contacts, or already wear contacts and want your prescription updated, make sure you say so when you schedule your appointment.  This will ensure your examination includes extra time to perform these additional tests needed for a proper contact lens fitting.

There are many options of contact lenses, such as rigid or soft contact lenses, daily or weekly disposable, overnight wear, and even colored or designer contact lenses.  A trial fitting process then begins with the patient wearing contact lense for a few minutes.  This process continues until both you and your doctor are satisfied with the fir and comfort of the contact lenses.

It typically takes about two office visists to complete the contact lens fitting.  After that, you will need to be examined annually.

Low Vision Services
If you have vision impairment from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, stroke or other causes of vision loss, then you may benefit from Low Vision Services. Through the use of magnifiers, telescopes, low-vision aids or closed circuit television, patients with vision impairment can return to reading books, newspapers or mail. Dr. James Olson works directly with each patient to determine the best possible solution.


LASIK Pre-Op and Post-Op Care
Vision Care Associates provides pre-operative and post-operative care to patients undergoing refractive surgery. If you need a recommendation for a surgeon or have questions, we can assist you.

Other Surgical Post-Op Care
Vision Care Associates provides post-operative care to patients undergoing cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, DSEK/DSAEK, strabismus surgery and others. We will work closely with your sugreon for your successful recovery.  



Vision Therapy
Vision therapy, also called vision training, is an individualized program of eye training procedures used to improve or correct vision skills, such as eye movement control, eye focusing and coordination, and the teamwork of the two eyes. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dorsett in our Aberdeen office for evaluation and treatments.



InfantSEE
InfantSEE is a health program sponsored by the American Optometric Association (AOA) where participating optometrists provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection of potential eye and vision problems at no cost regardless of income. The program helps detect problems that may lead to learning and developmental issues if left undetected. This allows parents of young children peace of mind that their infant’s vision is developing properly. If you are a parent of an infant and desire this evaluation, please call our Aberdeen and Yankton offices for appointments. For more information, click here