The American Optometric Association (AOA) announced its partnership with professional baseball player Kike Hernández to champion in-person comprehensive care from a doctor of optometry. The partnership is part of AOA’s multi-year Eye Deserve More campaign that encourages Americans to prioritize maintaining their eye health as an essential part of their health and wellbeing.
“From the quality of our bats to the software we use to analyze our swing, athletes rely on the best tools to perform. But I learned the hard way that the most advanced equipment I own are my eyes,” said Hernández. “Last year in the first half of my season, I was struggling at the plate and trying everything to improve, I knew something wasn’t right, but it was something I couldn’t see. After being encouraged to see an optometrist in-person, I was diagnosed with astigmatism. After working with my optometrist, I was able to turn my season around and help my team win.”
Hernández’s story is a reminder that even elite athletes can miss critical signs of eye health and vision issues. Despite passing standard vision screenings, his astigmatism was impairing his ability to see the ball clearly. Astigmatism is a common vision condition that occurs due to an irregularly shaped cornea (the lens) that prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which causes vision to be out of focus at any distance. Hernández also has pterygium, which is an abnormal growth of tissue caused from sun exposure. His diagnosis and treatment not only improved his performance but also transformed his perspective on eye health.
In today’s tech-driven world, Americans are more likely to upgrade their devices than prioritize their eye health. According to recent surveys, 77% of Americans say having the latest technology is essential1, and nearly half feel compelled to install daily updates on their phones. Yet, the human eye—arguably the most sophisticated technology we possess—often goes neglected. To help educate Americans on the immense power within their own eyes, AOA developed The Eye, a conceptual product with impressive specs and an intricate design to convey the incredible complexity of our visual system. Even with all the advancements in modern tech, it’s impossible to actually replicate the amazing things your eyes can do, which is another reason why it’s so important to prioritize and maintain your eye health.
“It’s time to refocus,” said Emily Benson, OD, Clinical Optometrist at University Hospitals and member of the AOA. “Your eyes are your most powerful technology. Whether you’re at work, playing with your kids, driving, or stepping up to the plate in a major league game, ensuring your eyes are performing at their best starts with a comprehensive, in-person exam with an optometrist.”
Doctors of optometry are America’s frontline providers of eye and vision care, conducting more than two-thirds of primary eye health care in the U.S. A comprehensive eye exam can detect over 270 serious health conditions—including diabetes, high blood pressure and even brain tumors—often before symptoms appear. Unlike online vision tests or screenings, in-person exams provide a complete picture of eye and overall health.
“Going through this really changed the way I think about eye health, especially with a daughter and new baby on the way, it’s even more important that we take care of our eyes because they impact so much of our lives on and off the field,” said Hernández. “Now when I see others struggling, I encourage them to get an in-person exam with an optometrist. I recently told a teammate to go and it turns out he also has an astigmatism that he got corrected.”
To learn more about Hernández’s story and how to protect your most advanced tech—your eyes—visit SeeTheEye.com.
