Why Small Businesses Matter in Westport: Dr Shreya Patel, Optometrist

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Dr. Shreya Patel, Optometrist!

Four questions with Shreya Patel, founder of Dr. Shreya Patel, Optometrist.

Why did you start your business?

I was seeing patients in a group practice in New Haven county for several years. However, I loved the idea of serving those in the community where I lived. So when the opportunity arose a few years after we moved to Fairfield County, I jumped at it. Also, with my practice, I can care for my patients exactly as I would like. Getting to know local families and seeing them around town makes it even more special for me. I am so grateful for how well received we have been.

Finish this sentence in regard to your business. "I wish I could…"

I want to stress the importance of preventive eye health exams to people. Vision screenings are not substitutes for comprehensive eye exams. Many times patients will admit they have not had their eyes checked in several years because they can see fine. Eye exams are critical because vision-threatening eye diseases (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertensive retinopathy) have no or minimal symptoms until the diseases have progressed.

What is your best selling product/service?

Our best selling products are for dry eye treatment and management of nearsightedness in children. There are various causes of dry eye, and symptoms present differently in individuals. It is a chronic disease and will continue to advance if not sufficiently treated. At our office, we offer a variety of dry eye treatment options based on the specific individual and cause. Similarly, we are proud to offer individualized myopia (nearsightedness) management treatment options. Children who become nearsighted very early in life tend to experience a worsening that continues throughout childhood. Highly nearsighted eyes have a higher likelihood of coexisting eye disease. When detected early, myopia control measures can be taken to slow the progression of nearsightedness and reduce the child’s risk of serious eye problems later in life.

Do you use any local businesses to support your business?

This community has been wonderful to us, and we need to give back to local businesses in return. For example, we refer patients to other local health professionals, and we have used local vendors such as Baker Graphics, Granville Printing, and Helmlock. We Also work with Homes with Hope and have donated our time to the Gillespie Center.

Shreya Patel nominates Flora Levin MD.

Dr. Shreya Patel, Optometrist, is located at 147 Post Road East I in Westport. Visit Dr. Shreya Patel, Optometrist online here.

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!