Among the many routine healthcare screenings that patients are encouraged to prioritize, there’s one that is too often overlooked: the annual eye exam.

“Eye exams are essential for the screening of potential vision-threatening diseases” says Dr. Elizabeth George, a board-certified Optometry specialist at Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland. “During a routine exam, we assess the structures of the eye, screen for eye diseases, check eye muscle function, and even evaluate peripheral vision. If we notice a change in your vision, we can also provide prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.”
Here are three common conditions that can be recognized and diagnosed during a routine eye exam:
Cataracts – Although considered a normal change with aging, cataracts often cause significant visual difficulties as they progress. Cataracts are characterized by the natural lens in the eye becoming cloudy. The progression of cataracts is slow & gradual, and a dilated eye exam can detect the presence of the condition early. Minimally invasive surgery can be performed to replace the clouded lens of the eye. This is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the United States and boasts a remarkable 95% rate of effectiveness.

Dry Eye Syndrome – The surface of the eye is a complex and sensitive system. When that system becomes imbalanced, dry eye syndrome can occur. There’s a lot of different factors that can contribute to dry eye, but one of the major culprits is prolonged screen time on computers and mobile devices. “We don’t blink as often when we’re focusing on a screen, which can cause the surface of the eye to get irritated and dry over time,” Dr. George explains. “It is essential to take frequent breaks from screen time, which allows the focusing system of the eye to reset.”

Glaucoma – Millions of Americans have glaucoma, but nearly half of them may not realize it.  That’s because glaucoma usually does not result in noticeable symptoms until substantial vision loss occurs. Glaucoma occurs when high eye pressure impacts the optic nerve and causes damage over time. When detected early, the progression of glaucoma may be slowed or prevented with prescription eye drops. 

Watson Clinic’s skilled Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, vision tests, and much more for patients 5 years and older. The department can also offer swift referrals to Watson Clinic’s Ophthalmology department when surgical intervention is needed. To schedule an appointment with any member of Watson Clinic’s Optometry department, call 863-680-7486.
To learn more from Dr. George on the importance of eye exams and the common conditions they can detect, tune in to episode 2 of the Watson Clinic Health Talk podcast by visiting WatsonClinic.com/Podcast.

At Lakeland Electric, we understand the valuable role that local organizations play in our community. That's why we are dedicated to supporting non-profits through our Community Giving program. We know that the work you do is incredibly important, which is why we invite you to apply for our grant program. We want to maximize our support and help as many organizations as we can. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about how we can assist your important work in our community.

Volunteerism is not just a part of our Community Giving at Lakeland Electric; it's a cornerstone. Our employees often lead by example, donating their time and skills to various causes and projects. These volunteer efforts make a significant difference in the community and foster a culture of service and empathy within our organization. We are proud of our employees' dedication and their commitment to making a positive impact in the community we all call home.

Lakeland Electric’s role in  is both vital and multifaceted. Through our various initiatives and programs, we provide essential services and contribute to the community's social, educational, and economic well-being. At Lakeland Electric, we're inspired by the incredible power of community and support.

If you are a State of Florida-registered non-profit organization serving the public within the Lakeland Electric territory, please consider applying for our Community Giving Grant Program. The selection process is competitive because we at Lakeland Electric want to honor and help those doing the very best for our community.
​
Each year, we receive far more requests for sponsorship than our dollars allow. We will limit the amount of funding each organization grants to $1,000.00. To assist us with our decision-making and ensure we maximize our outreach to the community, we ask that each organization interested in being considered for Community Giving Grant funds prepare and submit an application for review.

Community Giving Grant Application
The application timeline for the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Giving Grant is as follows:

• Lakeland Electric begins accepting applications on June 15, 2024
• The deadline for application submissions has been extended until August 18, 2024 
• Selected organizations are notified via mail during the last week of September 2024
• Funding is disbursed during October 2024

Review our Community Giving Grant Procedure

If you received a grant last fiscal year (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024), please complete and return the Update Form when applying for a new grant. 

Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected]