2018 is here! It’s a new year, which means many people are signing up for gym memberships, starting new diets, and resolving to have a healthier and happier year. Speaking of health— Did you know that smoking negatively affects every organ of your body? With every puff of smoke, thousands of toxic chemicals are wreaking […]
Family Eyecare Center of Optometry Westchester, Playa Del Rey 310-670-4411
Family Optometrist in Los Angeles
Life Is Full of Hard Decisions. Make This an Easy One.
Dr. Harold T. Ashcraft, OD
Family Eyecare Center of Optometry
8735 La Tijera Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90045
310-670-4411
Things To Do in Westchester-Playa Del Rey California
There are many fun and interesting things to do and to see in Playa Del Rey and Westchester, California. Here are some of the highlights—from the beach to sports, protected natural habitats, education, theatre, museums, and some great food.
Ballona Park - Playa Del Rey
Flight Path Learning Center and Museum
The Flight Path Learning Center and Museum, aptly named because it is right under the flight path of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), is dedicated to the history of aviation. Some of the things you will see at the Flight Path Museum are displays of the flight experience of the early days of air travel and books about aviation and operation manuals of airplanes. They also have a large panoramic mural remembering the 100th anniversary of flight. Numerous historic photographs of the aviation history of Southern California are on display. In the main gallery there are photographs, uniforms, stewardess and pilot uniforms, and airport related artifacts. They also have a biplane model collection. Looking out the windows of the museum, you can see across part of the runway of Los Angeles International Airport all the way to the Theme Restaurant at LAX. For those interested in the history of aviation, the Flight Path Learning and Museum is a hidden gem. It is located at 6661 Imperial Highway, Westchester, California, 90045.
LAX Airport - Westchester, CA
Ballona Creek Wetlands
The Ballona Creek Wetlands is a water way which drains part of the Los Angeles basin. It is located just north of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westchester, east of Playa Del Rey, north of Marina Del Rey, and south of Playa Vista and Culver City, California. The Wetlands are owned by the state and managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. The eighty three acre area was previously owned by Howard Hughes and the developers of Playa Vista. The preservation of the wetlands was an ongoing battle between developers and environmentalists for decades. The area is home to wildlife including the snowy egret, the California killifish, the California least tern, and the great blue heron. There are also many unique plants in the wetlands including the yellow pincushion, the southern tarplant and the Ballona wallflower. Birdwatchers can also see local and migratory birds. The Ballona Creek Wetlands are located at 303 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.
Ballona Wetlands - Playa Del Rey
Proud Bird Restaurant
The Proud Bird is a popular airplane-themed restaurant. Located a short distance from one of Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) runways, you can get a front row view of airplanes coming in for landings. Additionally, when you look out the windows, you will see vintage aircraft parked outside. The Proud Bird Restaurant caters to social affairs and private parties. In the lobby of the Proud Bird hang black and white photos of the Tuskegee Airmen near their airplanes. The Tuskegee Airmen are a group of African-American pilots who fought in World War II. They were the first African-American aviators in the US Armed Forces and were named after their training area at Moton Field near Tuskegee, Alabama. The Proud Bird is currently under renovation and will reopen at the end of the year 2016. The Proud Bird is located at 11022 Aviation Blvd, Westchester, CA 90045.
Proud Bird - Westchester, CA
Pann’s Restaurant
Pann’s is another classic restaurant near the Los Angeles International Airport in Westchester, California. It is often recognized for its distinctive architecture, namely its tilted roof and sign. Stone walls are visible inside and outside and glass windows wrap around the restaurant. A visit to Pann’s is like stepping back into the 1950’s with its plush leather booths. It has been the site of films like “Bewitched”. Pann’s serves breakfast all day long, but also has changing “blue-plate specials”. In the background, you will hear classic and current soundtracks. If you want to revisit the past, stop by Pann’s Restaurant. Pann’s is located at 6710 La Tijera Blvd, Westchester, CA 90045
Otis College of Design
Otis College of Design is a privately owned art and design school in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles, California near LAX airport. It was founded in 1918 by Harrison Gray Otis, who donated land near Westlake, Los Angeles for the school. At that time, it was the first independent school of art in the city of Los Angeles. Since 1997, the main campus has been located in the former IBM headquarters building in Westchester. More than 1000 students are pursuing programs in the fields of illustration, animation, interior design, digital media, toy design, fashion design and fine arts. The college has a gallery featuring pieces of art made by current and former students. Otis College is located at 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Westchester, CA 90045.
Otis College - Westchester, CA
Loyola Marymount College
Loyola Marymount College is a four-year private Catholic college that emphasizes the liberal arts in the Jesuit (Society of Jesus) and Marymount traditions. It replaced Loyola University (1911) and St. Vincent’s College, which was established in 1865. It is located on the bluffs in Westchester (Los Angeles) California and overlooks the communities of Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, and Playa Vista, California. Loyola Marymount has about 9000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Iggy the Lion is the school mascot. Loyola is located at 1 Loyola Marymount University Drive, Westchester, California 90045.
Westchester Playhouse-Kentwood Players
Operating over 60 years, the Westchester Playhouse is one of the oldest theatres in Los Angeles. The playhouse features the Kentwood Players and its goal is to provide high quality theatre at a very reasonable cost. Most of the shows are Broadway successes. There are about 200 members of the Kentwood Players. The Kentwood Players have won a number of local awards including the Hometown News “Best Performance Space” and the Argonaut Top 3 “Best Theatre Venue or Company” of West Los Angeles. The Westchester playhouse is located at 8301 Hindry Ave, Westchester, California 90045.
Westchester Playhouse
Centinela Adobe
The Centinela Adobe, also known as La Casa de la Centinela, is a Spanish Colonial style house that was built in 1834. It is one of forty three remaining adobe structures in Los Angeles County. The Centinal Adobe is the oldest remaining building in the area. Some people have called the Adobe the “Birthplace of Inglewood, California”. It is now primarily a house museum, under the operation of the Historical Society of Centinela Valley. It is also commonly used as a voting site. It is open Sundays from 2-4 pm. Volunteer docents staff the Adobe. It is located at 7634 Midfield Ave., Westchester, California 90045.
Centinela Adobe - Westchester, CA
The Shack Restaurant
The Shack Restaurant is a comfortable, affordable, and friendly place for a visitor who wants to enjoy great food and drink, and plenty of fun. You can order fries, the famous “Shack Cheese Burger”, or choose a variety of other foods like classic salads, BBQ chicken or even tacos. The restaurant also features a broad variety of games, satellite TV, and secure rooms for private parties. It is so close to the beach you can walk there in just a few minutes. All these features make the Shack Restaurant a great place to visit. The Shack is located at 185 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.
The Shack - Playa Del Rey
Carl E. Nielson Youth Park
Carl E. Nielsen Youth Park is a popular park for playing soccer, baseball or softball. It hosts regular baseball games for the Westchester Little League. The park is operated by the Westchester Playa Del Rey Youth Foundation, under a lease from the Los Angeles World Airports. Every weekend upwards of 2000 young people participate in a variety of sports at Nielsen Field. The Carl E. Nielson Youth Park is located at 6000 Will Rogers Street, Westchester (Los Angeles), CA 90045.
Westchester Recreation Center
Westchester Recreation Center is the place to be if you are into sports and outdoor activities. The center features a broad range of facilities such as children’s play area, five picnic areas, two indoor gyms, one outdoor basketball court, a seasonal pool and skate park. The center also offers a wide variety of educational and sports programs during winter, spring and summer. Some of the adult recreation services and sports activities available at this center include badminton and volleyball area. The
Westchester Recreational Center is located at 7000 West Manchester Ave, Westchester (Los Angeles), CA 90045
Westchester Golf Course
Westchester Golf Course is a 4,364 yard, 18-hole public golf course conveniently located in the center of Westchester. If you are looking for a place to have fun while taking a friendly challenge with other golfers, then Westchester Golf Course is a place to be. With the nice weather in Westchester, you can be golfing all year long while others in colder climates need to pack away their clubs for the winter. You can play day or night, take lessons, relax in a clean environment and get access to the renovated driving range. The course delivers a great golfing experience. Whether you are just starting the sport or are a pro golfer, consider Westchester Golf Course. Westchester Golf Course is located at 6900 West Manchester Ave, Westchester CA 90045 and is open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Westchester Senior Citizen Center
Westchester Senior Citizen Center is a multipurpose senior center for both locals and visitors. It is a good place for senior citizens to enjoy dinner parties, socialize, or play games like pool, chess or cards. It is also a good place for those who want to carry out holiday celebrations, workouts, and other exercises. Westchester Senior Citizen Center’s wide varieties of services are funded by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, so the park is able to provide free social services to the elderly. Some of these services include transportation, community education and advocacy, health issues, in-home services, case management and many more. It is located at 8740 Lincoln Blvd, Westchester CA 90045.
Senior Center - Westchester, CA
Westchester Library
Westchester-Loyola Village Branch Library, simply known as Westchester Library, is a public library that offers free and easy access to books, ideas, internet and technology information. The library has many electronic resources such as word processing, subscription databases, online catalog, language learning, photograph collection and a wide variety of historical documents. If you want to get involved, partner or support the work of Westchester Library, you can join the library foundation, make a donation, donate a book, shop in the library store, become a friend of the library or volunteer to work as an intern. Westchester Library is located at 7114 West Manchester, Westchester, CA 90045.
Westchester Library
Randy's Donuts
Randy's Donuts is a popular bakery in a landmark donut-themed building located in Inglewood, California on the eastern border of Westchester, California. The building is located a few miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The building was designed by Henry J. Goodwin and features a giant donut structure on its roof. Randy's Donuts has been featured in many films such as “Stripped to Kill”, “Into the Night”, “The Golden Child”, “California Girls”, “Escape from Petropolis” and many more. If you are looking for tasty roadside donuts, pop into Randy’s for a great treat. Randy’s Donuts is located at 805 West Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301
Randys Donuts - Inglewood, CA
Playa Del Rey Beach
Playa Del Rey Beach, also known as “Toes Beach” to locals, is nestled next to LAX Airport and the entrance to Marina Del Rey Harbor. Although not as well known as some beaches, Playa Del Rey Beach is worth a visit. You can bike, skate, or run along the bike path that stretches for miles, all while getting a close-up view of planes taking off from the airport’s runway. The beach has volleyball courts for those who want to warm up after enjoying the waves. Public parking is available across the street near Del Rey Lagoon Park. Playa Del Rey Beach is located at Pacific Avenue and Culver Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90293.
Playa Del Rey Beach
Dey Rey Lagoon Park
Del Rey Lagoon Park is a small park located across the street from Playa Del Rey Beach. There are many activities to enjoy here. Kids can come here to use swings, slides, and to climb on the monkey bars. There are basketball courts, a baseball field, and a large grassy area for other games. While walking around the saltwater lagoon, you can often see ducks and geese—if you get close enough, sometimes you can feed them! Del Rey Lagoon is located at 6660 Esplanade Place, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.
Del Rey Lagoon Park -Playa Del Rey
Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is the perfect spot for people of all ages to have a good time. During the day the sand is lined with people relaxing under their umbrellas, working on their tans, or families flying kites and tossing Frisbees. Surfers, boogie boarders, and swimmers come to take advantage of the waves. In the evenings, people flock here to gather around a bonfire. Whether night or day, Dockweiler Beach is always a popular place to hang out. It is located at 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.
Dockweiler Beach - Playa Del Rey
Vista Del Mar Park
Vista Del Mar Park is a small park located right next to the beach. You can see beautiful views of Santa Monica, Malibu, and airplanes taking off from LAX runways. The park offers a playground for children to play on, picnic benches, a small grassy area, and restrooms. It is the perfect tucked-away place to come relax. Vista Del Mar Park is located at Vista Del Mar Boulevard & Century Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Vista Del Mar Park - Playa Del Rey
Dockweiler RV Park
If you want to park your RV on the beach, Dockweiler RV Park is only campground in Los Angeles County to do so! Step outside your RV and you can head down to the water, bike on the bike path, play some beach volleyball, or just enjoy the ocean breeze. Cook your meals on the barbeque and eat at the picnic tables, which are found in every campsite. This RV park has hot showers, a place to do laundry, in addition to a pump-out station and full hook-ups. Extra parking spots are available for additional cars. Dockweiler RV Park is open year-round (except in January when closed for repairs) and is located at 12001 Vista del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293. Make a reservation before it fills up!
Dockweiler Rv Park - Playa Del Rey
Inn at Playa Del Rey
A stay at the Inn at Playa del Rey is sure to offer a memorable experience for any weekend getaway. The rooms are comfortable, clean, spacious, and offer beautiful views overlooking the Ballona Wetlands. You can take part in watching birds and sunsets from your balcony, or walk a short distance to relax on the beach. The Inn offers free car parking and free bicycles for those who want to try out great restaurants nearby, or venture north to Venice Beach or south to Manhattan Beach. The Inn at Playa del Rey is truly a hidden gem, and only a few minutes from LAX airport. It is located at 435 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90293.
The Inn at Playa Del Rey
Tandoor-A-India Restaurant
If you’re looking for a delicious meal with aromatic flavors, be sure to check out Tandoor-A-India. This Indian restaurant is sure to impress with its chicken tikki masala, flavorful curry dishes, and tasty garlic naan. The owner has been operating for over 20 years. If you’re in a rush, order online and have it delivered to you. It is located at 8406 Pershing Drive, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293.
Tandoor India - Playa Del Rey
Which Eye Doctor Should You See--An Optometrist or Ophthalmologist?
Selecting an eye doctor is one of the most important health decisions you can make. This isn’t easy, when you consider that your eyesight and the eyesight of your family is at stake.
And then there is the big decision, what type of eye doctor should you see? Should you call an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? What is the difference anyway? In addition, you might be asking yourself, what does the optician do? So you can see how hard it can be to select the right eye doctor for yourself.
And then there is the big decision, what type of eye doctor should you see? Should you call an optometrist or an ophthalmologist? What is the difference anyway? In addition, you might be asking yourself, what does the optician do? So you can see how hard it can be to select the right eye doctor for yourself.
Finding the right eye doctor for your situation and condition is crucial in receiving the best possible eye care. The first step in this process is understanding the differences and similarities between optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Then you can make an informed and smart decision.
Differences: Optometrist vs Opthalmologist vs Optician
Part of the confusion is that there are three professionals in eyecare. They are optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians. Two of the three, optometrists and ophthalmologists, are licensed eye doctors. The third, the optician, is not an eye doctor, but usually works together with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. Each of these professionals plays a different role in your eyecare.
Let’s take a look at these three types of eye care providers. Then you will be able to choose the right eye doctor for your needs.
OphthalmologistsWhat is an ophthalmologist? Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care. An ophthalmologist has completed college, four years of medical school, and four years of an ophthalmology residency and internship. Ophthalmologists have been trained to perform eye exams as well as diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medication and perform eye related surgeries. These eye doctors are also able to write prescriptions for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Even though ophthalmologists are already medical specialists in eye care, some are even more specialized. For example, there are ophthalmologists who specialize in Lasik refractive surgery, cornea and anterior segment disease, glaucoma, and retinal problems such as retinal detachments or age related macular disease. Some ophthalmologists also do research into the causes and cures of eye problems and eye diseases.
Optometrists
What is an optometrist? Optometrists are eye doctors who have earned their Doctor of Optometry degree. Together with other pre-med and pre-dental students, they have taken classes in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, math and the other basic sciences and have graduated from college with a Bachelor’s degree before being admitted to optometry school.
After graduation from college, they continue on for another four years of optometry school. Coursework in optometry school includes classes in ocular disease, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, vision therapy, optics, refraction, and many hours of hands-on experience seeing patients for eye examinations.
In order to earn a license to practice optometry, optometrists must pass a series of nationally administered tests called the National Board of Optometry. They must also take and pass a state board examination for the state in which they would like to practice. To gain additional training and get more experience, some optometrists complete a one year post graduate residency in areas like contact lenses, ocular disease or low vision.
Optometrists are the Primary Care Eye Doctors
Optometrists do most of the eye examinations and refractions (measurement of common eye conditions like farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism) in the United States.
During an eye examination, an optometrist will examine your eyes for vision and health problems like cataracts, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration. They also test for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. They may prescribe and correct poor vision by prescribing eye glasses and contact lenses.
Some optometrists do vision therapy. Vision therapy uses eye exercises to build up the strength of your eye muscles and to make the eye’s focusing system work more efficiently.
Optometrists are also licensed to treat a variety of eye diseases. They can write prescriptions for common eye diseases like pink eye, eye allergies, glaucoma and other diseases. Although optometrists do not perform eye surgery like cataract operations and Lasik refractive surgery, they often participate in the pre and post-operative care.
Summary of Optometry Services
- General vision and eye examinations
- Measuring common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and presbyopia (not able to focus eyes at close-age related)
- Diagnosing and treating common eye conditions and diseases like pink eye (conjunctivitis), glaucoma, diabetic related eye disease, age related macular degeneration, eye allergies, and cataracts
- Prescribing eye medicines like antibiotics for common eye conditions such as pink eye (conjunctivitis or red eye) or other eye infections
- Diagnosing and treating computer vision syndrome and digital eye strain.
- Prescribing and fitting eyeglasses
- Discussing and recommending eyeglass treatments such as transitions lenses, thin and light lenses such as high index and polycarbonate, all types of bifocals, progressives, and lenses for computer vision syndrome
- Vision therapy evaluation and treatments
- Treating sight limiting conditions like age related macular degeneration with low vision devices such as telescopes and reading microscopes
- Pre-operative and post-operative care for eye surgery like cataract surgery or Lasik surgery
Optician
An optician is not an eye doctor but is still an important person in the eyecare system. Opticians cannot diagnose or treat any eye problems or diseases. Opticians do not do vision examinations. Their main function is to fit and sell glasses based on the prescriptions written by the optometrists and the ophthalmologists. Under the direction of ophthalmologists and optometrists, some also fit and dispense contact lenses. An optician has not attended medical school or optometry school but have specialized training in optics, and the dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist?
It is common for ophthalmologists or optometrists to work together. Both of them may also work with opticians to provide for the patient’s overall eyewear and eye care.
So, if you are looking for an optometrist or ophthalmologist, where should you start?
For most eye care, you would start with the optometrist by scheduling an examination. This eye examination could be for glasses or for contact lenses. It could also be a medical eye examination for pink eye, red eye, eye allergy, dry eye, eye tearing, or conditions such as seeing floaters or flashes.
During the eye examination, the optometrist would do a thorough search for eye diseases and look at how your other medical conditions might affect your eyes. Glasses or contact lenses might be prescribed.
An optician would help you pick out frames and talk to you about different kinds of lenses such as bifocals, progressive lenses, and things like polarized sunglasses. The optician might also discuss lens options such as anti-reflection coatings, blue light filters, transitions lenses that darken in the sun, or thin and light materials like polycarbonate or high index.
If the eye examination shows that surgery is needed or if a more detailed medical eye health examination is indicated, you might be referred to an ophthalmologist for further advanced eye care. Although this is a common scenario, your particular experience with the eye doctor may be very different.
What About Vision Insurance? Does the Eye Doctor Take VSP, Davis Vision, Eyemed, or Medicare?
After you decide on the right type of eye doctor for your needs, it is important to make sure they take your insurance. The most common eye insurances for general eye care are Vision Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed, Davis Vision, Spectera (United Health Care Vision Insurance), Medical Eye Services and Medicare. Medicare usually provides insurance for medical eye care but does not cover glasses unless you have had cataract surgery. Many of these insurances are riders on the medical insurances such as Aetna, or Cigna. If you have an HMO like Kaiser, you might need to see the eye doctor inside the plan or on a direct referral.
When to Get a Referral From an Optometrist for an Ophthalmologist
If you are looking for an eye doctor for a surgical treatment like a cataract operation, you might look for an ophthalmologist first. But if you have been seeing an optometrist over a period of time, you might ask the optometrist for a referral. They often have inside knowledge about which ophthalmologist you should see.
Since most ophthalmologists are specialists in certain parts of the eye, you don’t want to schedule a visit with an ophthalmologist who really doesn’t do what you need.
For example, if you have a retinal condition like age related macular degeneration; you wouldn’t want to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery.
By choosing the right doctor for your condition, you will not only help you save time but will also get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment. This will help ensure that you have a lifetime of great vision.
Optometrists & Ophthalmologists in Westchester, CA & Playa Del Rey, CA
Family Eyecare Center of Optometry
Dr. Harold T. Ashcraft OD.
8735 La Tijera Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045
Familyeyecareoptometrist.com
310-670-4411
Westchester Eyecare Center
Dr. Jennifer Tabibzadeh OD.
8616 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045
Dr. Mark Simmons OD.
6225 West 87th Street
Westchester, CA 90045
Dr. Daniel Rosen OD.
5385 West Centinela Ave.
Westchester, CA 90045
Del Rey Optometry
8511 Pershing Drive
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Dr. Anna M. Pennino OD.
8511 Pershing Drive
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Dr. Ivy W. Lin OD.
8511 Pershing Drive
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Dr. Jenny H. Sung OD.
8511 Pershing Drive
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Dr. Lawrence Goodwin MD
8717 La Tijera Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045
Retina Institute of California
8616 La Tijera Blvd.
Westchester, CA 90045