Sat Sep 27 02:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:
**Summary:**
The American Optometric Association (AOA) has partnered with baseball player Kike Hernández for its “Eye Deserve More” campaign. Hernández shares his experience of struggling with his vision despite passing standard screenings, ultimately being diagnosed with astigmatism and pterygium by an optometrist. His diagnosis and treatment improved his performance and highlighted the importance of comprehensive, in-person eye exams for overall health. The campaign aims to educate Americans about the importance of eye health, emphasizing that eyes are sophisticated technology that require dedicated care. The AOA stresses that optometrists offer crucial frontline eye care and can detect serious underlying health conditions through comprehensive exams.
**News Article:**
**Baseball Star Kike Hernández Joins AOA to Advocate for Eye Health**
**ST. LOUIS, Sept. 25, 2025** – Professional baseball player Kike Hernández is teaming up with the American Optometric Association (AOA) to champion comprehensive, in-person eye care from doctors of optometry. The partnership is part of the AOA’s ongoing “Eye Deserve More” campaign, which urges Americans to prioritize eye health as a critical component of overall well-being.
Hernández’s journey highlights the importance of regular eye exams, even for elite athletes. Despite passing standard vision screenings, he struggled with his performance until an optometrist diagnosed him with astigmatism and pterygium.
“I learned the hard way that the most advanced equipment I own are my eyes,” Hernández said. “After working with my optometrist, I was able to turn my season around.”
The AOA emphasizes that comprehensive eye exams go beyond simple vision checks. Doctors of optometry can detect over 270 serious health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, often before other symptoms appear.
“Your eyes are your most powerful technology,” said Dr. Emily Benson, Clinical Optometrist at University Hospitals and member of the AOA. “Ensuring your eyes are performing at their best starts with a comprehensive, in-person exam with an optometrist.”
The “Eye Deserve More” campaign also features “The Eye,” a conceptual prototype highlighting the complexity and capabilities of the human eye. The AOA hopes this initiative will encourage Americans to invest in their eye health, recognizing its vital role in overall health and quality of life.
For more information, visit SeeTheEye.com.
First Piper 