Having grown up in our fair city, optometrist Tina McCarty is all about staying true to her roots, so she still lives in Maple Grove with her husband and family. She treats clients at the heart of downtown, on Main Street, at Eye Care Center. McCarty’s partners and staff serve patients both young and old, stressing preventative care, treatment and educating patients on the latest in corrective procedures.
With three growing boys, McCarty intimately understands that children are growing up in a world that is completely different from that of their parents. Having digital technology at their fingertips can cause eye strain. Her advice is the 20/20/20 rule, favored by clinicians: “Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look away at least 20 feet.”
And while smart daily practices are important, McCarty also underlines the importance of eye care beyond the normal vision screening, adding that a first comrehensive exam should be done at around age 3.
Helping patients sort through the choices they need to make over a lifetime of care is essential in McCarty’s field. There are a lot of emerging trends, ranging from surgical implants to contact lenses and cataract fixes, and a well-trained family eye doctor can help select the right procedure or product for the best results.
Good To Know
Minnesotans love the sun, and sunshine provides a natural way for people to get vitamin D. However, McCarty points out that “most people think that the worst exposure to the sun is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., but for eyes, in reality it is at dawn or dusk.” “Fifty percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before we are 18 years old,” she says. So, don’t leave home without your sunglasses (for the tiny tots, too). For those who prefer contacts, choose ones with UV-blocking protection. Other notable tips for eye health are to avoid second-hand smoke exposure and eat lots of dark green veggies. Next time you’re out at the grocery store, pick up some spinach—your eyes will thank you for it.
Beyond Vision
This hometown doctor is also a firm believer in being active in the community and beyond. McCarty remains involved in the same church she attended as a child. She volunteers at her children’s school on a regular basis and, on a big-picture level, each October the Eye Care Center donates to World Sight Day, a call to action from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The money goes toward communities around the world, benefiting people living in low-income countries. It’s the perfect organization for an optometrist with a pay-it-forward attitude.
It’s no wonder that McCarty was recently named Optometrist of the Year by the Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA). Humbly, McCarty says she was surprised, and acknowledges that “it is an amazing honor and privilege to be recognized by my colleagues.” She feels equally blessed by her family, who were all there for the ceremony and celebration.
McCarty is a past president for the MOA and serves on the public affairs committee for the American Optometric Association. You might also catch her as a frequent guest on Health Check on Northwest Community Television, Channel 12.
&
Eye Care Center
7880 Main St. N.
763.420.6981
