Dr. Richard Kern is a lifelong Peorian. He comes from an Optometric family, having practiced with his father for over twenty-five years. He attended Bradley University and received his Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. Dr. Kern joined Bixby Eye Center in 2018.
Dr. Kern was a figure skater for many years and volunteered as a teacher at Owens Center in Peoria. He received the Rhodell Owens Award from the Peoria Park District for his efforts. He continues to serve skating as a national level judge for US Figure Skating and travels the country judging competitions. In his spare time, he plays duplicate bridge and walks his Shih Tzu, Max.
The one thing Dr. Kern thinks all our patients should know is that he is much taller than he looks!
By the time the eyes are fully developed, myopia is correctable withglassesorcontact lenses, but it’snot curable. High myopia increases the risk of eye emergencies like retinal detachment or the development ofglaucoma.
If detected in childhood, myopia can be controlled. At The Bixby Eye Center, we use several methods of myopia control to help set your child up for success. Book an appointment for them today.
Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is arefractive error. You likely have some degree ofmyopiaif objects in the distance appear blurry, but close-up objects are clear.
Irregular eye shapescause light to focus improperly on the retina, leading to blurry vision. Myopia occurs when the eye’selongated shapecauses light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia development isthought to be genetic. If you have myopia, there is a good chance your children will too. However,recent researchreveals that close-up work, like the kind done on computer screens and smartphones, may be a contributing factor as well.
Another study showsthat myopia can result from environmental factors, including exposure to sunlight, vitamin D levels, and dopamine levels. The amount of time that children spend outside may have an impact on their propensity to develop myopia. So, send your kids to play in the sunshine to lower their risk of developing myopia.
Whatever the cause, we can help control its progression at The Bixby Eye Center.
Controlling myopia progression in childrencan help prevent vision-threatening conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma. We will examine your child’s eyes and provide a solution tailored to their unique needs.
Here are some of the methods we can employ:
MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses can help keep your child’s vision preserved. These soft, single-use lenses provide a comfortable experience and immediate distance vision correction. Furthermore, they slow the elongation of the eye using ActivControl™ technology.
Through a clinical trial over 3 years, the results found that MiSight contact lenses reduced myopia progression by 59%. Children ages 8 to 12 can safely wear these contact lenses to help manage myopia.
Children as young as 7 are able to safely wear contacts, and they generally tolerate them well. Multifocal lenses not only slow the progression of myopia, but they correct it as well.
Stellest Lenses
Essilor® Stellest® spectacle lenses are ophthalmic lenses designed to slow myopia progression while correcting refractive error in children.
Low-Dose Atropine
Atropine eye drops can be effective in reducing myopia progression. Atropine is applied to the eyes once a day and used until myopia stops progressing.
Sometimes, atropine is used alongside multifocal lenses. It’s beneficial for children at high risk for developing serious myopia due to the early onset of nearsightedness.
We Can Help Control & Correct
In adults, myopia can only be corrected, but in children, it can be controlled. Whether you need to see an optometrist for anew pair of glasses, or you need to investigate myopia control methods for your child, we can help.
Request an appointment at The Bixby Eye Center today.
Wonderful, one of the best experiences I’ve had in quite a while, everyone was amazing. They took care of my daughter like she was all that mattered. Not just Dr Gysin, everyone in the center. Thank you so very much.
darius
Great visit, quick to get in and out, professionals throughout
Roxane
I've always had a good experience there. Dr. Jensen and the staff do a wonderful job they make the appointment quick and easy.
Rob
I went to Bixby for the first time yesterday. They made me feel welcomed as soon as I walked in the door. The receptionist was very friendly. My exam went great and all my questions and concerns were answered. They were very thorough with the exam. I was quite pleased. I recommend Bixby Eye Center highly.
Kathy
I have always been more than happy with my experience at Bixby eye center. But Don Stahl took it even higher for me Thank you again Don 10⭐️ for you 👌👍👏
Ronald
I forgot to post when I had my appointment awhile ago but I am posting now. Love this place. They were so thorough. Their equipment is state of the art and I felt like they wanted to make sure that I had all the information about whatever questions I had. If you are looking for a place for eye care, I would pick this one.
Amy
the entire experience was beyond my expectations!
Jeff
BEST EYE EXAM I EVER HAD!!! Staff friendly and helpful. Highly recommend DR. YU, she was great about answering all my questions and explaining changes in my eyes that are age related. I truly believe she genuinely cares about her patients.
Tina
The best eye doctor the best customer service and humor picking out my glasses and the front desk staff was the best they have ever had.
Margina
Always friendly and helpful..
Ronald
I have gone to Bixby for over 20 years. The exam is professional and I have confidence in their evaluation.
Mike
Dr. Jensen and the whole staff were wonderful. I recommend everyone go to Bixby for their vision needs.
Gina
Terrific service and products. Convenient location. Everyone there is friendly and professional: the receptionists, owner, optometrists, the medical assistants and technicians, and glasses specialists I received my new script glasses within two weeks. I love my new glasses and I only wish I hadn't visited sooner. So nice to be able to see clearly again. Thanks Bixby Eye Center!!
Monique
I'm very happy with the comprehensive and meticulous care they provide.
Mark
Excellent and expedient service. Use state of the art technology. Very friendly staff!
Chris
Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
Ruth
Excellent service
Fanfan
The staff are so friendly and nice.
Diana
All good. I have a good pair of glasses for the next year!
Edward
Dr Yu gives the most thorough and comprehensive eye exam I've ever had. She remembers my history from visit to visit, she's very personable and easy to talk with. It's family here! I don't feel like just another patient, another number. The staff at Bixby love their jobs and it shows in their attitudes. They are never too busy to allow you the time to pick out a new frame and give honest opinions about how it looks on your face. They have competitive pricing, a large selection of affordable frames and a big selection of sale frames too. Bixby is the best office for eye health.
Mary
Coming here is like coming home. They remember you, they know you, it is a comfortable atmosphere. My husband and I moved away from the area 20 years ago but refuse to move our visual care needs to any other office; we gladly take the day off work and drive 3 hours each way to Bixby Eye Center.
Jeanette
Very friendly from walking in the door until walking out of the door. Made certain that my glasses were fitting correctly, regardless how many trips to the back room it took. Did not pressure me to buy glasses, since my prescription had not changed.
Sue
Staff were very friendly & I went in as a new patient. I had a yearly diabetic eye exam & they explained everything in detail as far as the results. I should have made the change to Bixby long ago!
Danis
They were so kind! Best eye center around!
Karla
Staff was great! Got my eyees checked, great advice and ordered some contacts. Good times!
Bracey
Great experience overall! Thanks Bixby team.
Brianna
Outstanding staff and care
Bryan
10 outta 10 experience for my 1st time there. Everyone was great and made you feel comfortable, seen, heard, informed, and taken care of. I’d recommend to anyone looking for an eye care professional.
Andrew
I’ve always had a professional visit everyone truly treats me as a patient make sure I understand every Dr Jensen is absolutely knowledgeable explains listens all staff at Bixby Eye Center are wonderful pleasant it’s a pleasure every time I have an appointment thank you much appreciated Peggy Burnside 🤗
Peggy
I have been seeing Dr. Jensen at Bixby Eye Center for several years and have had a great experience at every visit.
Shanna
Don is exceptional at his job of frame selection and service !
andrew
THE ENTIRE STAFF IS AWSOME THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS GREAT AND THE DOCTOR IS ALWAYS ON SCHEDULE
Vernetta
Customer service is outstanding! Everyone takes the time to explain everything and answers your questions!👍
Roberta
A GREAT experience at Bixby Eye Center. With the closing of my previous eye care center, I had the opportunity reboot. The staff from top to bottom is simply AMAZING at Bixby. They took great care to understand where I was in my eye care journey and where I wanted to go. I feel great about my decision selecting Bixby and would recommend them, give them a shot.
Chris
From the moment I walked into Bixpy Eye Center, I was greeted with exceptional kindness and warmth. The customer service was truly outstanding – every staff member was friendly, respectful, helpful, caring, and made me feel incredibly welcome. I felt genuinely listened to and properly taken care of throughout my visit. What stood out most was the sense of comfort and belonging I experienced. I'm especially thankful for their efforts in ensuring I received a thorough eye exam and for providing me with a backup pair of glasses while I await my new ones. I highly recommend Bixpy Eye Center to anyone seeking top-notch eye care with a personal touch!
Elexys
I am not a patient here ( YET). I called this morning needing help with a repair to my existing frames. My lense fell out and I lost the screws. On the phone was helpful and said they could help me any time. When I arrived Robin met with me to fix my glasses. She wasn't only helpful but helped me in ways I didn't ask! Friendly,and fun and rockin style! I will definitely be coming to then for future appointments!
Ashley
Had a wonderful visit. The staff and Dr Yu were very professional and warm and welcoming. The best eye exam I’ve had in 30 plus years. I would and will recommend them to everyone. And thank you to Rockin Robin for making sure I had many choices for frames🥰
Cindy
Was seen and greeted by a very nice and caring staff. Very efficient and knowledgeable about my issue and treatment . When leaving I felt like I was not a new patient but part of the Bixby Eye Center family.
Sherry
Had a good second part of my eye examine. Employees are professional and friendly. They always answer all my questions. Would recommend to others.
Rosemarie
They are great. Very thoughtful. They take great care of you
stephanie
Rockin Robin was so extremely helpful and full of positive energy. It’s clear that everyone at Bixby loves what they do. Thank you
heather
They were on time, officiant and very personable. They make you feel you are the only one there and not rushed
Jennifer
Very friendly and professional! Highly recommend.
Drew
Robin Sayles made picking out new glasses so fun. She was upbeat and made our day. Highly recommend.
Jean
Everyone was courteous and explained things very well, including the change in how my insurance covered my visits.
Mary
Staff are very friendly & just very nice. The dr was great too!
Gary
Great customer service every time! Following my eye exam, the doctor referred me to a specialist due to some irregularities he was seeing. No one had ever caught it before! Thankfully, I’m now on medication and able to take extra care of my eyes.
Grace
Great eye technicians and doctor! Very attentive!!
Theresa
Everyone is very nice and pleasant to work with. The only thing I don't like is they set your next appointment without asking you if it works with your schedule.
✨ Gazal Trunk Show at Bixby Eye Center ✨Join us April 17th from 9am–4pm for a special one-day Gazal Trunk Show featuring bold, artistic eyewear you won’t see every day.Explore the full collection, enjoy a personalized shopping experience, and find a frame that truly stands out.🎉 Stop in and you’ll be entered to win a FREE Gazal frame — no purchase necessary!Call ahead if you’d like to reserve a one-on-one styling appointment, or just drop in and browse. We’d love to see you! 👓📍 6807 N Knoxville Ave, Peoria📞 (309) 692-0000#glassesstyle #glasses😎 #eyecenterboutique #eyecenter#eyecentershop #bixby #Bixby #bixbyeyecenter #glasses#thebixbyeyecenter#peoriaillinois #seethedifference #opticalboutique#gazal#gazaleyewear ... See MoreSee Less
Say hello to Ashlyn! 👋✨Ashlyn is one of the new friendly faces you’ll see in both the clinic and at the front desk! She’s funny, optimistic, and already fitting right in with our team. She loves getting to joke around with everyone and help make your visit a great one.She’s brand new and already doing a great job—we’re so excited to have her on the team! 💙When she’s not at work, you’ll find her chasing sunsets 🌅 or watching Yellowstone. And at home, she’s busy spoiling her 5-year-old pup, Addie 🐶💕Speaking of home, she’s a recent transplant from Colorado and is really loving Illinois life so far!Welcome to the team, Ashlyn!#MeetTheTeam #BixbyEyeCenter#TeamSpotlight... See MoreSee Less
