Eyeglass Prescription Services at Island Family Eyecare

With increasing screen time, natural aging, or changes in refractive error, vision problems can occur for different reasons. For over three decades, Island Family Eyecare in Washington has seen people of all ages failing to pass the visual acuity test. However, complete optometric care, including retinoscopy, pupil testing, near vision, binocular testing, and eye health evaluation, has helped people achieve visual clarity through prescription eyeglasses. The eyecare clinic has recently moved to 290 Madison Avenue North after 30 years of service in Winslow Green.

If you suspect you have an eye condition, talk to our experts, Dr. Kirscher and Dr. Brase, at Island Family Eyecare.

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Why Vision Correction Testing

Although it may sound dramatic, about 2.2 billion people worldwide have either near or distance vision impairment. Moreover, almost 70% of the adult population in the US requires some form of visual aid. Research indicates screen usage, aging population, and genetic predisposition to vision problems may contribute to this high prevalence. (Reference: Eyewear Industry Statistics and Facts [2025])

We recommend an annual eye care evaluation to remain on the safe side. It helps us identify problems as soon as possible and recommend suitable treatment involving glasses and contact lenses, vision therapy, refractive surgery, and cataract surgery comanagement, depending on the results after a comprehensive eye examination.

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Eyeglass Prescription Process at Island Family Eyecare

We can follow a process of multiple tests to assess your vision and determine your prescription.

Visual Acuity Test
A simple yet effective procedure to measure visual acuity is using a Snellen chart, consisting of letters and numbers in varying sizes, where you read the characters from a distance, with each eye tested separately. This test helps us determine the extent of your refractive error.

Retinoscopy
This testing determines the direction and degree of refractive error of your retina. We use a retinoscope to shine light into your eye and observe how it reflects off your retina. Our optometrists will modify the lenses in front of your eyes and evaluate the light patterns to provide an initial estimation of your prescription. This foundational assessment is helpful for young children who cannot undergo subjective refraction.

Autorefractor
This is one of the quickest eye tests and takes only a few seconds where the autorefractor measures how light enters the eye and reflects off the retina, providing us with the data to determine your prescription. Note that this gives the initial data, which our optometrists further refine into the final prescription using the method of subjective refraction.

Subjective Refraction
We place a phoropter in front of your eyes and switch between different lenses while you compare the clarity of images. Based on your responses, we continue to refine the prescription until you get a clear, comfortable vision.

Near Vision Testing
For those over 40 with problems focusing on close subjects, we recommend additional testing to determine the prescription for reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses. This test usually involves reading small print at a comfortable distance.

Binocular Vision Testing
This is usually done to ensure both eyes are working together and to assess alignment and coordination. It can also involve the Von Graefe test, where our technicians can use horizontal and vertical prisms to ensure your pair of eyes is perfectly aligned.

Our doctors, Dr. Kirscher and Dr. Brase, can use different eye testing methods before prescribing eyeglasses. They factor in your work, hobbies, screen time, and other factors to recommend lens types, coatings (like antiglare or blue light filtering), and designs that best suit your individual requirements.

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Eyeglass Prescription Process:

• A detailed assessment of your vision.
• Writing an eyeglass prescription based on the assessment and your lifestyle.
• Recommending the best lens materials, designs (single vision, bifocal, progressive), and treatments (anti-reflective, photochromic, blue light filtering, etc.)

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Achieve Your Clearest Vision at Island Family Eyecare

• Island Family Eyecare has been providing optometric services on Bainbridge Island for over thirty years.
• Recognizes that achieving 20/20 eyesight can be challenging due to changing lifestyles.
• Offers personalized eyeglass prescriptions based on thorough evaluations and understanding of individual needs for clarity and comfort.

Comprehensive optometric care includes:

• Eye exams
• Glasses
• Contact lenses
• Vision therapy
• Ocular disease management
• Urgent eye care
• Comanagement for refractive and cataract surgeries

Dr. Kirscher and Dr. Brase provide attentive care by:

• Addressing patient concerns
• Explaining options available
• Recommending lenses, coatings, and designs tailored to individual work and hobbies.

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Visit Our New Location in Bainbridge Island

We've moved just up the street after nearly 30 years in Winslow Green! Come experience our expanded, brand-new office designed for your comfort and care:

Island Family Eyecare
290 Madison Avenue North
Bainbridge Island, WA

Rest assured, you'll find the same dedicated doctors, friendly staff, and care you've come to expect.