Minding Your Business - Bass River Optometrics

“At Bass River Optometrics, we believe that eye care and optometry is integral to your overall health and well-being. Your eyes are the windows into your body; they can tell you so much. That’s why it’s important to get annual eye exams,” said Paige Bauer, owner and an optician at Bass River Optometrics. “An annual eye exam can detect medical conditions. And we can refer you to the proper specialist if needed.” 

“Indeed, your eyes can reveal signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health concerns,” agreed Nancy E. Wolf, the resident optometrist at Bass River. An eye exam also screens for glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration. Opticians are technicians who fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-correcting devices.  Optometrists examine, diagnose and treat a patient’s eyes. 

Wolf came to the Cape from her practice in Southern New Hampshire. She grew up on the North Shore and went to school in Boston at the New England College of Optometry. 

 Bass River Optometrics was opened in Chatham in 1957 by Bauer’s father, Dr. Robert Bauer, and was in Chatham for many years. They later opened the Orleans practice and owned both for quite a while. 

“We’re down to just the Orleans one now,” said Bauer. “My daughter took over the space in Chatham with her shop All Points Beautiful. [In Orleans] we have Dr. Wolf, an optometrist, and two opticians.” Bauer is one of those registered opticians. She can fit you for glasses after the optometrist examines you and writes up your prescription. An optician is on site five days a week, and Wolf sees patients three days a week. 

“We welcome anyone who is looking for a new pair of glasses with a prescription from another doctor, too, of course,” said Bauer. “We can help anybody! We can repair glasses. We have a wide selection of frames here in the shop. Most are American made, too.”  

Optometry is a fashion plus medical field. “There’s no other field like that,” said Bauer. “We can help you find the perfect pair to fit both your individual style and needs. The entire staff is committed to serving our patients as well as those with outside prescriptions with the utmost care and exceptional service.”  

Added Bauer, “For more than 60 years, our family has been taking care of patients’ eyes and helping them see clearly. Call us to schedule an appointment for a customized eye exam today. We look forward to assisting you with all your future eye care needs.”