Viola Kanevsky, OD, owner and founder of Acuity NYC, treats patients across all stages of life, often caring for multiple generations within the same family.
Multigenerational optometry provides end-to-end vision care for every stage of life, serving entire families—from children to grandparents—within a single practice. By identifying shared genetic eye conditions, maintaining continuous long-term health tracking, and scheduling coordinated family visits, this approach creates an integrated, lifelong routine that addresses the distinct visual needs of each family member.
Establishing a culture of eye health awareness within families helps to foster a supportive environment focused on routine examinations and proactive care. This collaborative approach helps prevent common ocular conditions and can resolve potential issues before they advance, preserving individual visual health while improving overall quality of life for patients.
“Ideally, all family members should schedule annual eye examinations. In my practice, I see infants at 9 months for their Infant See free screening and I often see a grandparent bring their grandchild in for their first eye exam at the time of their own visit,” said Viola Kanevsky, OD, a pediatric and family optometrist who has practiced on the Upper West Side of New York City for over 30 years as the founder and owner of Acuity NYC. “I love this about my practice and it makes a world of difference in making the child less apprehensive and setting them up for excellent habits for a lifetime of good vision.”
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends annual examinations based on age and risk level. Low-risk adults need exams every two years (ages 18–64) and annually at 65+, while children need exams at 6 to 12 months, ages 3 to 5, before first grade, and annually through age 17. “Optometrists recommend examinations to rule out health conditions and address refractive and binocular dysfunctions that seriously affect the way we interact with our highly vision-driven environments,” said Dr. Kanevsky.
Viola Kanevsky, OD.
“At the barest minimum, a comprehensive vision examination, including not only a complete health check but also binocular function evaluation, should occur at 9 months; before entry to school; at major school transitions such as change from preschool to first grade, grade school to middle school, middle to high school, high school to college, and college to graduate school,” said Dr. Kanevsky. She also recommends eye exams for patients who change jobs or have jobs that present different viewing conditions or involve eye-hazards at work; age 40 at the onset of presbyopia; and annually after that since the risk for health-related eye disease increases.
While many eye conditions are hereditary—with common examples including nearsightedness, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration being passed down through generations—genetics is not the sole factor. Environmental factors, daily lifestyle habits, and the natural aging process also contribute significantly to visual health.
“In my practice, I see many infants and toddlers with congenital cataracts, strabismus, nystagmus, and amblyopia, as well as adults with keratoconus, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. Any family history of any of these conditions warrants an examination, as early identification leads to early intervention and better visual outcomes,” said Dr. Kanevsky. “We are all a product of our DNA and even conditions previously thought not to be hereditary, likely have some genetic component.”
Lifestyle Choices Play a Role
Lifestyle choices and good habits also play a big role in eye health for all ages, including turning off digital devices when possible, eating right, and making time to spend outdoors.
“Good nutrition is key at any age,” said Dr. Kanevsky. “Your food should be fresh and colorful to ensure plenty of antioxidants. I think of it as rust-prevention as we age. Breast-feeding sets up a baby with more lutein for their macula and brain than they will ever get from diet in their lifetime. Teenagers in my exam chair are always told never to pick up a cigarette (or vape pen) because if it doesn’t kill them it will make them blind. Cigarette smoking increases risk for macular degeneration by a whopping 30 percent and studies show that the threat of vision loss is somehow more impactful in changing kids’ detrimental habits than the risk of death.”
“With the internet constantly pushing disinformation, stepping away from electronic devices is crucial not just to prevent dry eye and myopia progression, but to protect mental health. Children who spend four hours a day outdoors are half as nearsighted as ones who don’t. The eyes are our most important tool and need to be protected from ultraviolet damage and environmental toxins, and supported with balanced nutrition,” she advised.
