Cornell Eyecare
by Virginia Bruce
So how do you test the eyesight
of a baby? Dr. Chad Lawson knows, and it’s not that hard. “We
have a retinascope that measures prescriptions by bouncing light
off the retina. In fact, we can test anyone’s eyes
this way, and it is accurate enough to prescribe glasses. But with
adults we like to do the other tests because getting the correction right
can be somewhat subjective,” he says.
 Dr. Lawson takes care of the
vision of his patients at Cornell Eyecare, located on the north side
of Cornell west of Saltzman. He began working there with Dr. Raymond
L. Roy, Jr in 2001, when he bought the practice from Dr. Roy, who still sees
clients two days a week. “He’s not retiring,
he’s exploring other ventures,” Lawson says. Lawson had previously
worked for a doctor in Tigard and at a chain store.
Both Dr. Lawson
and Dr. Roy got their degrees from Pacific University College of
Optometry. Dr. Roy built the building on Cornell in 1978, when he
founded the practice after working with his father in Portland. He chose
the location because Cedar Mill was a growing community. And they have another
thing in common – both
have wives who work in the practice. “When
Dr. Roy is here, his wife Marietta comes in and works with him. And
my wife Caryn also works here part time and also buys all our frames,” Lawson
explains. Other employees include office manager Pam Flores and receptionist
Mary Ingram.
What’s the advantage to getting your vision care and correction
from a practice like Cornell Eyecare rather than the discount mall
shops? “Most
people who go to the mall shops discover that their service is unpredictable,” explains
Dr. Lawson. “Our service and professionalism stand above others. We
use only the best products, which are a great value.”
Does Dr. Lawson
ever recommend corrective surgery for his patients? “Yes,
but it’s important for patients interested in laser refractive surgery
to know the risks and benefits. I take it on a case-by-case basis.
Surgery does work, but you also need to remember that your eyes are
always changing slightly,” Dr. Lawson cautions.
People should have
their vision tested every one or two years, he says. Headaches, blurry
or double vision, trouble with concentration, tired eyes and squinting
are all signs of vision problems. If you’re interested
in getting more information about vision problems, Dr. Lawson recommends
webmd.com.
 Children get a basic screening in schools, but they’re not
tested for near vision, lazy eye, or eye disease, so they should
get their first checkup at about 6 months and again every one to two years. “It
can sometimes be challenging to work with young children,” he admits, “but
I have three children of my own and I enjoy working with them.”
Cornell
Eyecare recently installed a new sign in front of their store, since
the construction work on Cornell is done on their side of the road. “There
was a lot of delay and confusion during the construction, but we
are near the end and looking forward to the road’s completion,” Dr.
Lawson says. He enjoys learning about Cedar Mill’s history, and is
proud that the business has been in the community for over 25 years. “And
the area is still improving, with lots of small businesses.”
Cornell
Eyecare is located at 12955 NW Cornell Road. Their phone number
is 503-643-5556. They are open from 8-5 Monday-Wednesday, 8-7 on Thursday,
and 8-3 on Friday. They welcome new patients, and the average wait for an
appointment is just a few days. The first appointment usually takes about
an hour. They have a website at www.cornelleyecare.com.
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