January 1st, 2026
Dear Friends:
Happy new year! It is hard to believe that this marks 29 years of providing eye care to the incredible community of Los Alamos. Stay tuned for a big community celebration of 30 years in the near future.
Advanced technology has truly elevated the quality and level of eye care we deliver, with a focus on early detection and intervention. My OCT-Angiography (OCTA) continues to be a powerful instrument for the early detection and management of eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Everything may appear fine at the surface, but a deeper dive with an OCTA scan may indicate a serious condition.
Did you know we can assess the severity of your glaucoma and diabetes by looking at your eye’s blood vessels? I recommend OCTA for all patients with diabetes or at risk for diabetes. Metrics such as foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and blood vessel density can indicate risk for and signs of eye disease.
Recently, I saw a patient with blurry vision and was hopeful that it could be improved with a new eyeglasses prescription. OCTA revealed macular edema (swelling); retinal ischemia (not enough oxygen); and capillary drop-out (damage to the blood vessels) due to uncontrolled diabetes. A prompt referral to the retinal specialist and primary care physician was indicated.
My OCTA improves my ability to manage eye conditions such as keratoconus. When standard contact lenses do not fit well or give clear vision, you may be a candidate for specialty contact lenses. OCTA is immensely helpful with fitting these lenses.
If your child is nearsighted (distance vision is blurry), please talk to us about myopia management. Myopia increases your childś risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular diseases. Both daytime and nighttime contact lenses and Atropine eye drops help decrease the progression of myopia. If your child is unable to wear contact lenses, we now have a FDA approved option for myopia management eyeglasses. The Stellest lens uses groundbreaking technology called H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target), which features over 1,000 points in concentric rings to focus light on the peripheral retina (peripheral defocus). This prevents the eye from elongating and worsening the myopia. Clinical studies show that Stellest lenses slow down myopia progression by 67%.
I am highly motivated to educate all parents about myopia management due to my experience. Growing up, my optometrists never gave us these vision saving options. I can attest to the fact that a 7D myope is at much higher risk for serious eye problems over a 5D myope.
All of us are spending way too much time on our digital devices and computer monitors! I tell parents that their kids need 2 hours of outdoor play on a daily basis to prevent their eyes from getting worse. But this also applies to adults! If you have a job, like mine, that requires all day monitor use, then make a point to take a walk or hike, do something fun without digital devices after work and on weekends. Talk to us about blue light filtration for your eyeglasses and computer glasses.
In 2026,Los Alamos Family Eyecare will continue to sponsor “The Chosen” at SALA Event Center. In addition to this incredibly moving, historical drama series, there will be faith-based movies for your family, Church, or youth group to enjoy. These will be free to the public. On February 14th, 2026, I am thrilled to sponsor the movie “Sight,” an inspiring drama about Ming Wang, who flees Communist China to become a renowned eye surgeon.
Do you have dry eye symptoms related to eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) or eczema? We now offer TeaTree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser, which also works as a moisturizing, non-irritating make up remover. Starting in February, we will offer the Rayban line of eyewear! The newest AI driven Meta frames have incredible capabilities as a low vision device and with enhancement of daily life. With your Davis Vision benefits, you may order Rx lenses in the Meta frames.
My staff and I wish you and your families abundance, happiness, and joy in 2026!
Sincerely, Lisa Shin, O.D.
Contact me: 505-662-9681 lshinrecall@gmail.com 800 Trinity Dr Ste B