Holistic eye care: the ability to recognize that one’s eyes don’t live in a vacuum — nutrition, sleep, screen time, environment — all of it impacts vision and eye health.
At Sokol Advanced EyeCare, the focus is on lifestyle and proactive steps to stay healthy rather than just reacting when something goes wrong.
“We’re not just about glasses and prescriptions,” said Dr. Tessa Sokol, O.D., and owner of the practice. “We look at the whole person. That means advanced technology for early detection of eye and systemic diseases, treatments that go beyond the basics, and an experience that feels personal, not corporate. Whether for a comprehensive eye exam or specialty treatment, we take the time to understand your health and lifestyle so we can offer personalized recommendations.”
Located in Madison, on the corner of Atwood Avenue and Winnebago Street, the woman-owned, independent practice combines “small-business heart with big-city technology,” Sokol said. The company has won the Best Eye Clinic award in the 2025 Madison.com People’s Choice Awards.
“Our patients say they feel heard here, and that matters to us,” Sokol said. “And because we’re rooted here in Madison’s Atwood neighborhood many of our patients are also our neighbors. That community connection matters to us just as much as the advanced care we provide. Our team genuinely loves building relationships and that warmth comes through the moment you walk in the door. We love supporting the city.”
Sokol offers these tips for maintaining healthy eyes:
Wear sunglasses: UV rays damage eyes year-round, even on cloudy or snowy days.
Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Eat for the eyes: Fill plates with leafy greens, colorful veggies and omega-3-rich foods.
Practice eye hygiene: Keep eyelids clean with gentle cleansers; use hypochlorous spray and avoid rubbing eyes.
Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake helps maintain a healthy tear film.
Exercise regularly: Good circulation supports healthy eyes and lowers risk of disease.
Manage systemic health: Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control dramatically lowers the risk of vision-threatening conditions like diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy.
Listen to the eyes: Do not ignore dryness, flashes or sudden changes in vision — they are warning signs.
Sokol recommends a trip to the eye doctor earlier than what most people would think to do. She and her team offer complimentary eye exams for children between six months and one year old as part of the national InfantSEE program, which supports early detection and gives kids the healthiest start possible.
After that, kids should have another exam before kindergarten and then annually as they grow, even if their vision seems fine. For adults, annual exams are just as important.
“We’re often the first to catch systemic health issues like diabetes or hypertension during an eye exam, sometimes before a patient even knows they have them,” she said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit sokoleyecare.com.
