Michelle Barnes Optometry, P.C.

09/24/2026

Got Glare? Welcome to Fall 🍂🍁🕶️

During the autumnal equinox, the sun sits directly on the celestial equator, meaning it rises straight in the east and sets straight in the west. Drivers on east-west streets take a direct blast of blinding light during peak commute times.

Also- because autumn brings a lower angle of the sun in the sky, the sun drops below 10 degrees above the horizon roughly an hour before sunset—slipping well below the reach of standard car visors. Intense glare washes out traffic signals, road signs, pedestrians, and cyclists, leading to a notable seasonal uptick in traffic delays and crashes.

What can you do?

1. Keep your windshield clean-inside and out!

2. Keep your distance! Allow more space because your vehicle and the ones in front of you.

3. Wear polarized sunglasses during those peak hours.

09/19/2026

Two more days to vote!

Now through Sept. 20

09/16/2026

The ongoing construction on Logan Boulevard will cause delays for our patients this week and until further notice:
--Only one entrance to our parking lot is accessible; this is on Rt. 36 S (coming from Hollidaysburg)
--Patients traveling in from Altoona on northbound Logan/Rt. 36 will have to pass our entrance and make a legal U-turn at the Garvey Manor entrance or Cedar Blvd.

Please allow extra time and drive safely!

09/15/2026

You can vote daily until September 20 😎

Now through Sept. 20

09/14/2026

THANK YOU!! We are so honored to be named to the Top 5 in the The Altoona Mirror' Hometown Favorites for BOTH "Eye Care Practice" and "Eye Doctor". Now you can vote more ways: On the Mirror Website, or with these QR codes. Voting is live now and runs until September 20.

08/21/2026

Here we go again....

Over-the-counter eye drops used to provide relief from itching and burning have been recalled. Here's a list of impacted products and where they were sold nationwide.

08/10/2026

There’s nothing fishy about this optical illusion! 🐟👀🤓

Of-fish-shells say the meeting between the mayor of Altoona and Al Tuna went reel well. I had a fintastic time creating this 3D piece for the ArtsAltoona chalk walk in Railroad City. If you have any better fish puns, drop me a line and let minnow in the comments — and thanks to Mayor Matt Pacifico for being a good sport.

08/03/2026

Rohto “cooling” eye drops have never been a product I recommend, but I know many use them. If you have any, throw them away!

The FDA classified the action as Class II, meaning the products may cause temporary effects but are unlikely to result in serious harm

07/31/2026

We are closed Friday, July 31.

07/06/2026

“When contact lens abusers stop abusing their eyes, Optometrists will know peace” 👀🤣😎