Personalized Eye Care

for Your Needs

History of

Kennebec Eye Care Beginning in 1955

In 1955, Dr. Robert Moody graced Waterville, ME with a new eye care practice; Kennebec Eye Care. Over the years, Dr. Moody entrusted his practice to the capable hands, (and eyes,) of Dr. Peter Paradis took ownership in 2017. Since then, Dr. Paradis and his three fellow optometrists have strived to provide the best in eye care by offering a wide variety of services.

Professional optometrists

Licensed for Patient Care

Our four optometrists come from a variety of backgrounds and are all highly qualified, each holding an advanced therapeutic state license. This license allows them to treat external ocular diseases as well as internal diseases such as glaucoma, dry eyes, diabetes, and macular degeneration. Each optometrist has different availability, so call today to schedule your appointment with the best doctors eye care has to offer.

Dr. Peter Paradis, O.D.

Dr. Paradis graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington and earned his optometry degree from The New England College of Optometry in 1998.  He joined Kennebec Eye Care in 2009, and took ownership of the practice in 2017.  

Dr. Kerry Kaplan, O.D.

Dr. Kaplan graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, and earned her degree in optometry at The New England College of Optometry in 1998.  She joined Kennebec Eye Care in 2014.

Dr. Lesley Sobeck, O.D.

Dr. Sobeck graduated from Ferris State University , and earned her degree in optometry in 2008 at The Michigan College of Optometry.  She joined Kennebec Eye Care in 2017.

Dr. Laura Dowd, O.D.

Dr. Laura Dowd, O.D. graduated from the University of Maine and earned her degree from the New England College of Optometry in 2009.  She works at Togus, VA and joined Kennebec Eye Care in 2018.

Meet The Staff

at Kennebec Eye Care

Our doctors are not the only ones who care for our patients every day. Meet our highly skilled optometric and optical staff!

Managers:
Carrie P. – Employed in 1992 – Office Manager
Celeste L. – Employed in 2011 – Assistant Office Manager, Front Desk
Danielle D. – Employed in 2017 – Optical Manager

Staff:
Melissa G. – Employed in 2010 – Technician, Optician, Front Desk

Erica S. – Employed in 2014 _ Contact Technician

Kevin L. – Employed in 2016 – Lab Technician

Laurie H. – Employed in 2020 – Front Desk

Brittany H.  – Employed in 2021 – Technician

Angela P. – Employed in 2023 – Technician

Ezra J. – Employed in 2022 – Optician

Megan D.  – Employed in 2023 – Technician

John R. – Employed in 2023 – Optician

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Care

How can I best care for my glasses?

When cleaning your glasses, make sure to use a microfiber cloth.  Avoid using the corner of your shirt, napkins, paper towels, or tissues, as these can damage your lenses and may leave scratches.  Rinse lenses under lukewarm water if you do not have access to lens cleaner (specifically designed for this purpose).

>> Back to Top

What is a Transitions Lens?

A Transitions lens changes from traditional clear to a dark tint protecting you from harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.

>> Back to Top

What is a Progressive Lens?

Many know or refer to these lenses as no-line bifocals. You can look up to see clearly in the distance. Look ahead to view your computer in the intermediate zone, and drop your gaze downward to read and do fine work.

>> Back to Top

Why do I have to pay extra for my contact lens exam?

Fitting a patient with contacts requires the doctor to perform additional procedures and utilize their training and expertise. This takes additional time beyond those of a patient that does not wear contacts. The doctor will check your fitting style and vision to determine that contacts are a good fit for your visual needs.

>> Back to Top

Do I need a prescription to purchase contacts?

Yes, patients require a prescription to purchase contacts. It is illegal to sell contacts without a valid prescription.

>> Back to Top

What happens at a contact lens fitting?

You will visit the office for your contact lens instruction, where you will sit with a contact lens technician and be instructed on proper techniques of insertion, removal, and care for your contacts.  Your vision and placement of the new lenses will be checked by the doctor.

>> Back to Top 

Why Should I remove my contacts nightly?

When you are sleeping with your contacts, you are depriving your corneas of oxygen. Because your eyes are not able to lubricate themselves properly, you risk possibility of infection.

>> Back to Top

What should I bring to my eye exam?

  • Your insurance cards, both medical and vision, even if you think we already have them on file. Failure to bring them could result in a rescheduling of your appointment. 
  • A form of payment, even if you believe your insurance will cover fully. We accept cash, card, check, and flex-spending cards.
  • A list of medications, vitamins, and supplements that you are taking. 
  • The contact information of your current primary care provider. 
    >> Back to Top

Can I use my flex-spending or health savings card to pay for my visit, my glasses, or my contacts?

Yes, your flex-spending or health savings card can be used to pay for any of these things.  Please make sure that you know the balance on your card before you pay to avoid exceeding your benefits.   Some restrictions may apply.  Check with your Human Resource Department for clarification.

>> Back to Top

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

An Ophthalmologist (MD) has a medical degree and is licensed to perform eye surgery.  An Optometrist (OD) has a degree in optometry and is qualified to screen for eye conditions along with determining the need for glasses and/or contacts.

>> Back to Top

What is Optomap?

Optomap, an ultra-widefield retinal examination, is the revolutionary diagnostic tool that allows doctors to view a majority of the retina.  It is a non-dilating camera that captures a digital image of the retina.  It takes just a few minutes to perform, and is immediately available for review with the patient in the exam room.

>> Back to Top

At what age should I bring my child in for an eye exam?

We recommend as early as 6 months but we recommend that every child comes in for an exam before starting kindergarten.

>> Back to Top

What is the difference between nearsighted and farsighted?

Nearsightedness (Myopia), causes images in the distance to appear blurry.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia), causes images near to you to appear blurry.

>> Back to Top

What is color blindness?

Color blindness is the inability to distinguish between certain colors.

>> Back to Top

What does 20/20 vision mean?

20/20 vision is the standard quality of vision that healthy eyes should be able to attain.   The first number represents the distance (in feet) that the patient is standing away from the eye chart.  The second number represents a calibrated size of image that the patient is attempting to read.  A 20/40 letter is twice the size of a 20/20 letter on the chart, etc.

>> Back to Top

What is the purpose of having my eyes dilated?

Dilation gives the doctor the ability to view your eye at a wider angle and with a three-dimensional view.

>> Back to Top

Are there any side effects to pupil dilation?

Dilation is a safe procedure that has very few side effects, other than temporarily blurry vision and sensitivity to light for a few hours.

>> Back to Top

What is uveitis?

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.  This often causes light sensitivity and blurred or decreased vision.

>> Back to Top

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a hazy cloudiness of the natural lens of the eye that makes vision unclear and blurry.

>> Back to Top

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. The extra fluid increases the pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve.

>> Back to Top

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is a medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field. Early on there are often no symptoms. Over time, however, some people experience a gradual worsening of vision that may affect one or both eyes. While it does not result in complete blindness, loss of central vision can make it hard to recognize faces, drive, read, or perform other daily activities.

>> Back to Top

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is the change in the quality and/or quantity of your eyes’ natural tears.

>> Back to Top

What is a visual field test?

Visual field tests are used to detect defects or blind spots within your central and peripheral vision.

>> Back to Top

What is an OCT?

An OCT is a high-resolution picture of the back layers of your eye using light waves.

>> Back to Top

Kennebec Eye Care Personalized Care in Kennebec County, Maine, Serving:

Waterville, Maine
Augusta, Maine
Fairfield, Maine
Clinton, Maine

Unity, Maine
Albion, Maine
Oakland, Maine
Skowhegan, Maine

Jackman, Maine
Benton, Maine
Winslow, Maine
Sidney, Maine

Belgrade, Maine
Vassalboro, Maine
China, Maine