Western Mass Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery is one of Westfield’s newest woman-owned businesses. Optometrist Amy Camerota opened her practice at 53 Court Street in May. Located in historic downtown Westfield, the space is easily accessible from surrounding towns, offers plenty of off-street parking, as well as room to grow. Amy, her husband and their two children live in Westfield, and she is excited to have her practice located in the city where she was born and raised.
Read more about Dr. Camerota and Western Mass Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery.
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR PRACTICE?
Primary care optometry. We offer comprehensive eye exams for ages 5 and above, diabetic eye exams, and contact lens fittings, including specialty scleral lens fittings. We also provide ocular disease management, surgical co-management, and emergency eye care. Additionally, we offer a full optical gallery, with a wide variety of unique frames, sunglasses, and accessories. My practice focuses on patient education and utilizing the latest technology. Everyone who walks through my door will be treated with kindness, respect, and exceptional eye care.
WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN OPTOMETRY?
One of the biggest trends in this area is that many great independent optometrists are beginning to retire, leaving a significant void in options. Oftentimes, these private practices are being sold off to the “big chains” that tend to leave customer experience and the quality of care out of the equation. We are here to fill that void.
WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN EYEWEAR?
Crystal, or translucent, and nude color frames. Larger and sleek round shapes are still in style. We offer beautiful, unique brands seldom found in our area, including American made lines - State, American Optical, MODO Brooklyn Made, as well as Massachusetts’s own Randolph Engineering – manufacturer of the original Aviator Sunglass. Same day or next day lens finishing has become a must have for our customers.
WHEN CHOOSING GLASSES, WHAT DO PEOPLE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND?
It’s important to know what type of eyewear will fit your lifestyle. I recommend blue light lenses to my patients who spend hours on a computer each day. UV protection is important for patients who are active outdoors, or who do a lot of driving. Appointments are not required to seek advice from our licensed optician who can properly fit and recommend the most appropriate eyewear.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
I enjoyed science and math in school – optometry is a good combination of those. I was a biochemistry major at Western New England College and then I attended The New England College of Optometry in Boston. I’ve worked at leading institutions, including the Lahey Clinic, VA Hospital in Leeds, The Dimock Health Center and with several well-known regional surgeons including John P. Frangie, M.D. in WestSpringfield. This experience has allowed me greater comfort with the medical side of optometry.
WHAT DON’T PEOPLE REALIZE ABOUT VISION?
Many people underestimate the importance of seeing an eye doctor. Regular eye exams are important, because as eye care providers, we are often the first to diagnose conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even some neurological and autoimmune conditions.
www.westernmasseyecare.com, 413-264-0600
