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.
I had a great visit yesterday! Everyone from the front desk to the person who helped me pick out my glasses was so nice. Dr. Yu was excellent and very patient with all my questions. Even though English is not my first language, I felt very welcome and comfortable here. Highly recommend!
Andrea
Dr. Jensen provides professional service. The optical staff are friendly and very helpful. You won’t be disappointed with the service you receive.
Thomas
Wonderful place, caring staff and great eye doctor make this the place for eye care in central Illinois.I highly recommend Bixby Eye Center.
Mark
I did have a very good experience at Bixby Eye Center.The doctor and assistants were thorough, helpful, and knowledgeable.Robin, and others (didn’t get their names) were fun, looking for the just-right glasses, & recorded them on my record to be sure I found them again after my eye exam next week…found exactly what I wanted!I’ve had their glasses in the past, and their quality far exceeds others.
Dorothy
Always friendly staff. Doc is excellent.
Roy
A great experience for my first visit! I was impressed by everyone and everything about Bixby. They were kind, understanding, patient and very good at what they do.
Steve
I had my first appointment with Bixby Eye Center yesterday, following Dr Gysin to this office. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, Rockin Robin was a big help with the glasses side and my husband and I are both very happy with having Dr Gysin taking care of our eyes :). Thank you!
Mark
Everyone is very professional and friendly. They go out of their way to make you feel like family.
Janet
Such a friendly staff! Would recommend!
Paige
I had a great experience, and I feel confident in the new prescription I’ve been given. Pretty sticker shocked by the price. Never had an eye exam cost so much before, even at Illinois Eye Center. If you are self-pay like me, you should probably ask how much before you schedule an appointment.
Josh
if anyone is looking for an eye doctor i highly recommend this place. it’s like the disney world of eye doctors. they are so nice and pay such great attention to detail, whether it’s medical or aesthetic. they’re all so fun and energetic!
Trisha
I expect a professional experience with an eye exam. I wasn’t prepared to actually enjoy the event.The entire cast of women, from front desk thru the assistants and then the delightful Dr, the atmosphere of kindness and efficiency was excellent. I feel safe and well informed there.
Christine
Dr. Jensen and the rest of the staff at Bixby Eye are fantastic. Thanks for the quality care
Doug
As always my experience was great. Everyone is so kind and friendly. They are so professional. I have been with the Bixby Eye Center for 50 years. Hopefully I’ll be with them another 50. The doctors and staff are are great.
Graylin
Good experience, very friendly, professional, and very helpful.
David
Staff is very friendly. Wait was acceptable in a pleasant lobby. Exam was efficient.
Larry
They have Dr. John P. Gysin, O.D.and he's absolutely amazing with the whole family's care. We're loving his new look.
Cora
I had a wonderful experience for my first office visit. The team was very welcoming and professional even with the slightly busy time I was there. Dr.Yu was accommodating and gave great recommendations for my request. I will definitely return with my next annual visit.
Alisa
Dr Yu and her Optical Assistant were extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind! After my exam I had the best time chatting with Robin who helped me with lenses/frames and went above and beyond to help me. 10/10 do recommend!
Alesia
I appreciate their efficiency and kindness. They are always a pleasure to visit. Thanks. RHJ.
Robert
The staff made the husband and I comfortable and made picking out new glasses fun but focused on making sure the glasses we liked would fit us comfortably so we wouldn’t be disappointed later.
Teresa
I went to Bixby eye for the first time Tuesday. What a fantastic experience. Receptionist was very friendly. Everyone was nice and caring all had smiles on their faces. Made me feel like a friend instead of a patient. Exam was thorough and pleasant. I got a new pair of glasses it was the easiest time I've ever had getting glasses. I would recommend Bixby eye center to everyone.
Don
I like how they are so detailed and just take good care of you and answer any questions
Taunya
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!
Was taken back right on time for my appointment and they kept everything moving forward. I have been going to Bixby Eye Center for over 40 years and wouldn't think of going somewhere else.~ Gale Grant ... See MoreSee Less
👓 Cleaning Your Glasses on the Go? Do It the Right Way! ✨Reaching for your shirt sleeve or a napkin to clean your glasses is tempting, but those rough fabrics act like sandpaper on your lenses. 🛑If you use a lens cleaner spray and a microfiber cloth, follow these steps to keep your vision spotless and scratch-free:1. Blow Away the Grit 💨Gently blow on your lenses before wiping. This removes loose dust particles that could scratch the glass when rubbed.2. Spray Both Sides sprayHold your glasses by the frame. Spray a light mist of dedicated lens cleaner on the front and back of each lens.3. Use Only Microfiber 🧵Wipe gently using a clean, microfiber cloth. Never use paper towels, tissues, or napkins, as their rough fibers leave micro-scratches.4. Wipe in a Zig-Zag 🔄Wipe the lenses side-to-side or up-and-down rather than in circles. Circular wiping can grind trapped dirt deeper into the lens.🧼 Pro-Tip for Your Cloth:Did you know your microfiber cloth traps oil over time? Wash it regularly in warm water with a drop of dish soap, then let it air dry. Do not use fabric softener, or it will leave streaks on your glasses!Tag a friend who needs to rescue their lenses! 👇 ... See MoreSee Less
