You might not believe it now, but I used to be the kid with the “coke bottle glasses.” The kind so thick they practically needed their own zip code. Growing up in Canada, where snow and ice were the norm for six months of the year, glasses weren't just a fashion challenge. They were a functional nightmare. I spent many winter weekends cross-country skiing with my family, my breath fogging up the lenses, ice crystals forming around the rims. Imagine trying to navigate a snowy trail when you can’t see five feet in front of you.
Nearsightedness wasn’t just an inconvenience. It shaped how I saw, quite literally, the world around me. Reading the blackboard from the back of the classroom? Impossible without my glasses. Spotting my friends waving across the street? Only if they got close enough for a handshake. And let’s not even talk about middle school gym class.
But everything changed when I was 15.
That was the year I got contact lenses. I still remember walking out of the optometrist’s office, blinking at the world like it was brand new. Trees had individual leaves. Faces had expressions from more than ten feet away. And best of all, I could ski without stopping every five minutes to wipe my foggy glasses. It wasn’t just a vision correction. It was a revelation.
I felt more confident, more capable, more like myself.
That moment stayed with me.
It planted a seed that eventually grew into a career. I knew I wanted to help others experience the same transformation, especially kids and teens who, like me, might feel stuck behind thick lenses or struggle with their self-image because of vision problems. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a young patient’s face light up when they put on their first pair of properly prescribed glasses or when they try contacts for the first time and realize how much freedom and confidence it can bring.
As an optometrist at Envision Ghent Optometry in Norfolk, I carry those memories into every exam room. I understand the frustration of smudged lenses, the self-consciousness of standing out, and the thrill of finally seeing clearly. My goal is always to listen first because I’ve been there.
Whether you're a parent noticing your child squinting at the TV, or a young adult thinking about switching to contacts, know that you're not alone. Clear vision isn’t just about sharp eyesight. It’s about opening up possibilities, building confidence, and seeing the world (and yourself) in a whole new way.
I’d love to hear your story. What was your first experience with glasses or contacts like? If you or your child is struggling with nearsightedness, schedule a consultation with us at Envision Ghent Optometry. Let's find the clearest path forward, together.