Vision correction for all ages
18-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
60+
According to the FDA, the minimum age of a person undergoing LASIK vision correction surgery is 18 years old. We recommend and often require that a patient maintains a consistent prescription for a minimum of 12 months before they may be considered as a candidate for LASIK surgery. This is to minimize the risk of vision changes after we preform LASIK surgery.
Patients in their 30s who may have previously considered LASIK usually have established a consistent lifestyle and may be more financially able to afford LASIK surgery. At this point in life patients are usually more prepared to undergo such an incredible and life-changing procedure improving the quality of life for their many remaining years.
We will eventually lose the ability to focus up close as we age. This is called presbyopia, and it usually begins around age 45. Most people will need to use bifocal or reading glasses at this age. Surgery is available for those who are bothered by glasses and want to be less dependent on them. Refractive lens exchange or clear lens exchange is a surgery to replace the natural lens in the eye that is no longer focusing near and far with an artificial lens that can focus for both near and far.
For patients over the age of 50, traditional LASIK is no longer a popular option due to the need for reading glasses and addressing presbyopia. However, Monovision LASIK can be a great option for those looking to improve their distance vision in one eye while also gaining near vision in the other eye. Monovision contact lenses may also provide excellent results as an alternative to surgery.
60 years old and over patients who experience blurry vision are recommended to schedule a cataract evaluation with one of our ophthalmologists. The probability or developing cataracts drastically increases as we age. Cataract surgery is often the most recommended treatment plan for this age group. We are offer the most advanced Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery as well as a wide variety of premium lenses. A thorough evaluation with one of our ophthalmologists will help your decide what procedure will be best for you and your vision goals.
Welcome to Shepard Eye Center
Our Santa Maria, Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians are proud to offer some of the best eye care services in the area. For over 50 years, the caring, highly trained professionals at Shepard Eye Center in Santa Maria have provided comprehensive eye care using the most current, state-of-the-art techniques and procedures.
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Stephen Bylsma, MD
Internationally recognized for his leadership in eye care, Dr. Stephen Bylsma specializes in state-of-the-art vision-correction surgery including LASIK and intraocular implants as well as cataract, glaucoma and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Dr. Bylsma is a member of the clinical faculty at UCLA, Department of Ophthalmology associated with the Jules Stein Eye Institute.
Rami Zarnegar, MD
Dr. Zarnegar received his Medical Doctor degree from St. Louis University, where he also served his residency in ophthalmology. In addition, he earned his Bachelor of Science degrees from Santa Clara University, and pursued post-graduate studies at San Jose State University and Stanford. Dr. Zarnegar serves as an adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at Touro University College of Medicine.
Randall Goodman, MD
Prior to joining Shepard Eye Center, Dr. Goodman served as Chief of Ophthalmology at the United States Air Force and Veteran’s Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received his Medical Doctor degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. After serving for two years as an Air Force flight surgeon, he completed his ophthalmology residency at Wilford Hall Air Force Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center.
Dan Shepard, MD
Dr. Shepard received his Medical Doctor degree and his Master’s degree in Public Health, Administrative Management from the George Washington University. At Texas Tech University he completed his ophthalmology training, prior to embarking on a two-year fellowship program in medical and surgical issues of retinal and vitreous diseases at Tulane University.
Pamela Golchet, MD
Dr. Pamela Golchet is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Fellowship-trained Retina Specialist with training and experience developed at nationally renowned medical institutions.
James Franta, OD
Dr. Franta received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University. While pursuing his doctorate, he underwent training at the Vancouver Veterans Hospital, Grace Peck Memorial Clinic and Pacific University’s Portland Clinic. Dr. Franta demonstrated dedication to advanced training while studying anterior segment disease and glaucoma at the University of California at Berkeley’s School of Optometry.
Kenneth Kendall, OD
Dr. Ken Kendall has been in private optometric practice in Lompoc since 1990. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocular Science and earned his doctorate of optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, where he was also class president. As part of his professional training, Dr. Kendall completed his clinical externship at the Department of the Navy’s Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California.
Tim Nelson, OD
Dr. Nelson received his undergraduate B.S. in Vision Science in 1988 and Doctor of Optometry (OD) in 1990 from Pacific University. He holds a California Therapeutic License with Glaucoma Certification and an Oregon Advanced Therapeutics with Injections License.
Daniel Agarwal, MD
Dr. Daniel Agarwal is a board-certified ophthalmologist with a specialization in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous. He received his Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology from Duke University, where he graduated magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa and Graduation with Distinction honors.
David Bowin IV, OD
Dr. Bowin received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, and a Doctor of Optometry from Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, Arizona, with a focus in Ocular Disease. He attended Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.
Jason Bunker, OD
Dr. Bunker received his Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He received his Doctor of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton, California. Training was completed with Externships at the Veterans Administration Clinic in Santa Maria, California as well as the Veterans Administration in Salt Lake City, Utah and Wellish Vision Institute, located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Daniel Christensen, OD
Dr. Christensen received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He received his Doctor of Optometry from Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, Arizona.
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Business hours
- Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
