Dr. Michelle T. Valella

Dr. Valella’s Practice in Battle Creek, Michigan focuses on integrating traditional medical optometry with modern holistic health practices. Dr. Valella and her staff treat patients by restoring their overall health using methods that support the mind, body, and spirit, which can help to resolve ocular and systemic disease. Dr. Valella encourages her patients to work toward a lifestyle with healthy food, restful sleep, enjoyable exercise, quiet spiritual time, and loving relationships.

About Us

Dr. Michelle T. Valella and her staff provide exceptional eye health care and personalized service to help every patient see the world clearly. Using modern optometry equipment and techniques combined with holistic health and wellness practices, Dr. Valella’s Practice in Battle Creek, MI keeps patients of all ages healthy from the inside out with proper food and nutrition. This approach helps patients maintain good eye health and return to it sooner when problems arise.

Get to know
Dr. Michelle Valella

Dr. Michelle T. Valella earned her Doctorate degree in optometry from Ferris State University - Michigan College of Optometry. She became interested in optometry when she started wearing glasses in the first grade and did her science fair project on refractive eye disorders. Dr. Valella has been practicing optometry for over 35 years and she decided to add a holistic approach to primary care for glasses and contacts lenses after she earned her certification in Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness from Western Michigan University, College of Health and Human Services. This helps her to find and treat the underlying cause of medical eye conditions such as cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma, dry eye, macular disease, eye infection and eye injury, corneal disorders, LASIK, and systemic diseases.

Our Staff

Donna

General Manager

Destiny

Lead Retail

Sandra

Retail

Shaiann

Retail

Angela

Lab Manager

Sean

Lab Tech

Tia

Doctor Tech

Aime

Doctor Tech

Services

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid is known as blepharitis. It can cause swollen eyelids with crusty eyelashes. There are many causes of blepharitis, so it’s important to visit Dr. Valella’s Practice to get an eye exam and diagnosis. Depending on the cause of the blepharitis (dry eye, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or other), Dr. Valella can recommend a customized treatment plan to treat blepharitis and recommendations to avoid problems in the future.

Cataracts

Many people don’t know they have cataracts until their vision becomes blurry. This is why regular eye exams are so important in all adults over 40 years old. Cataracts affect the lens of the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss without diagnosis and treatment. At Dr. Valella’s Practice, patients are screened for early signs of cataracts. With early diagnosis, patients have more treatment options and a better chance to preserve their vision.

Comprehensive
Eye Exams

All adults should get a comprehensive eye exam every two years if they don’t need vision correction and every year if they do wear glasses or contacts. For those with clear vision, eye exams check for early signs of eye disease, including cataracts, glaucoma, cornea disease, macular disease, and more. This is especially important for patients with a family history of eye disease. For patients who need vision correction, you should schedule an eye exam every year at Dr. Valella’s Practice. In addition to checking for eye disease, she will check your vision and update your prescription for glasses and/or contacts

Contact Lens Exams

Many people who need vision correction prefer to use contact lenses instead of glasses. And some people use both! Dr. Valella’s Practice offers contact lens examinations for patients who are already comfortable wearing contact lenses and those who want to try them for the first time. Dr. Valella will carefully exam your eyes and vision to determine the best fit and prescription. She can also recommend the best type, modality, and brand to give you clear vision with a comfortable fit. Dr. Valella and her staff also teach new contact lens users how to put their lenses in, take them out, and properly care for their new contacts.

Corneal Disease

Corneal disease includes any condition that affects the cornea, the outer layer that protects the eye. If you have any pain or redness in your eye, tearing, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light, you should schedule an appointment at Dr. Valella’s Practice to check for corneal disease. Some types of common corneal diseases are keratitis (an eye infection) and ocular herpes (a viral infection in the eye). If you have any concerns about your eyes, make an appointment with Dr. Valella for an eye exam so you can get a diagnosis and treatment.

Diabetic Eye Exam

At Dr. Valella’s Practice, patients receive holistic care, which means looking at your overall health. Diabetes and pre-diabetes can affect your eye health and put you at higher risk for eye diseases, like diabetic retinopathy. In addition to working with your regular doctor to control your diabetes, you should schedule annual eye exams to check the blood vessels and internal structure of your eyes.

Dry Eye Treatments

Dr. Valella’s Practice offers many dry eye treatments depending on the cause of the problem. Starting with a comprehensive eye exam to check your ocular health and asking about the patient’s specific symptoms (red and irritated eyes, eye fatigue, itchy or burning eyes, blurry vision, etc.), Dr. Valella will create a personalized treatment plan to offer relief.

Eye Emergencies

To preserve your vision and eye health, it’s important to visit an optometrist right away if you or a family member has an eye emergency. This may include a foreign object, chemical splashes, a scratch, or an infection in the eye. Some symptoms of an eye emergency may include vision problems (blurry or diminished), swelling, discharge, unusually tearing, redness, sensitivity to light, and more. Contact Dr. Valella’s Practice right away if you have any concerns.

Eye Trauma

Whenever you experience an eye trauma, you should schedule an appointment with an optometrist to ensure your eye and the surrounding areas don’t have permanent damage. Keep the eye clean and covered until you can have Dr. Valella check your eye. If you have contact lenses, it’s best to take them out until you get an eye exam at Dr. Valella’s Practice.

Foreign Body Removal

If you or a family member get a foreign body (dust, glitter, glass, metal shaving, etc.) stuck in an eye, contact Dr. Valella’s Practice for an emergency appointment. In some cases, a foreign object can be removed by flushing the eye with water, but if it’s causing pain, vision problems, or is not easily removed, it’s best to let an optometrist, like Dr. Valella, assess the situation and remove the problem with professional tools. You should also contact Dr. Valella if you remove a foreign object from your eye, but still feel pain over 24 hours later.

Floaters

Small spots that drift through your field of vision (often known as floaters) should be mentioned to your optometrist during your eye exam. If you notice spots, lines, shadowy shapes, or flashes in your visual field, schedule an appointment at Dr. Valella’s Practice for a comprehensive eye exam. Floaters can be a symptom of an eye disease, so your eyes should be checked as soon as possible.

Geriatric Eye Care

After the age of 65, adults need to take extra care of their eyes to mitigate the rising risk of many eye diseases. Dr. Valella’s Practice recommends all seniors get annual eye exams to check their vision and look for early signs of eye disease, like cataracts and glaucoma. Regular appointments help Dr. Valella look for small changes over time so she can diagnosis and treat problems before vision loss starts.

Glaucoma

Adults over 40 are at higher risk for glaucoma, commonly known as the “silent thief of sight” since it has subtle early signs. With regular eye exams, Dr. Valella can detect and diagnosis glaucoma before vision loss starts or becomes permanent. Make sure every adult in your family schedules an annual eye exam to check for glaucoma.

Holistic Approach to Ocular Conditions

After earning her certification in Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness from Western Michigan University, College of Health and Human Services, Dr. Valella began to incorporate a holistic approach to her optometry practice and the treatment of eye disease. Dr. Valella encourages her patients to support the health of the eye as well as their overall body. This helps Dr. Valella avoid drugs at the first choice for treatment, but instead she recommends positive, realistic changes. This may include looking at nutrition, sleep, exercise habits, stress reduction, social interactions, and more to help patients become healthy from the inside out.

LASIK

If you’re tired of using glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision, you might be interested in LASIK. A laser eye surgery, LASIK can treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Talk to Dr. Valella during your regular eye exam and she can assess whether you are a good candidate for LASIK.

Macular Degeneration

Over time, the macula in the retina can develop problems causing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). If not caught early during annual eye exams, people may have gradual vision loss (especially in seeing fine details when driving, watching TV, and looking at a digital screen) as well as blind spots in their field of vision. Let Dr. Valella know about any changes in your vision during your eye exam.

Macular Disease

The macula is in the center of the retina, and it helps the eye see fine details and read fine print. When the macular cells are damaged by a macular disease, a person may notice a loss of their central and night vision, trouble reading or distinguishing colors, blurry vision, and a sensitivity to light. If you have any changes or sudden trouble with your vision, contact Dr. Valella’s Practice for a comprehensive eye exam that looks for signs of macular disease.

Pediatric Eye Care

In addition to regular appointments at your pediatrician, parents should schedule their child’s first eye exam around six months old. This first appointment helps to assess a child’s developing visual health. If there are no concerns, the next appointment should be scheduled around the child’s second or third birthday. Additionally, Dr. Valella’s Practice recommends regular exams for children once they start school to make sure vision problems aren’t making it harder to learn.

Primary Care

Every member of your family should be visiting the optometrist regularly. In addition to vision checks, Dr. Valella looks for early signs of problems so they can be diagnosed and treated. It is also helpful to have an optometrist your family knows and trusts in the event of an eye emergency.

Uveitis (Iritis)

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, which are the vessels that supply blood to the retina. There are many types and causes of uveitis, but they need to be diagnosed and treated right away. Uveitis in the iris (the visible pigmented area of the eye) is known as iritis or anterior uveitis. Uveitis and iritis can affect one or both eyes with symptoms that include eye pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, red eyes, and seeing dark, floating spots. Contact Dr. Valella’s Practice if you have any concerns about your eyes for treatment.

Frequently
Asked Questions

What is your total out-of-pocket exam fee?

At Dr. Michelle Valella's optometry practice, we strive to provide comprehensive eye care services at competitive rates. The total out-of-pocket fee for a standard eye exam, including a thorough vision assessment and an ocular health evaluation, is $69. This fee covers the detailed examination process, allowing us to ensure your vision needs are accurately addressed. Please note that additional services or specialized tests, if required, may incur extra charges. Our office staff is always ready to assist you with any billing questions and to help you understand insurance coverage options. For a precise cost estimate based on your specific needs, please feel free to contact our office directly. Ensuring your eye health and comfort is our top priority.
How much does it cost for a soft contact lens fitting at Dr. Michelle Valella's practice?

At Dr. Michelle Valella's optometry practice, the cost for a soft contact lens fitting is between $45-125 in addition to the standard exam fee and any other testing services. This comprehensive fitting includes an initial eye examination, precise measurements of the cornea, and personalized care to ensure optimal comfort and vision with your new contact lenses. Dr. Valella and her team are committed to providing exceptional service and customized solutions to meet your unique eye care needs. If you have any further questions or would like to book an appointment, please contact our office directly.
What types of insurance do you take?

At Dr. Michelle Valella’s optometry practice, we strive to make top-notch eye care accessible to as many patients as possible. We accept a broad range of insurance plans to cater to our diverse clientele. Currently, we work with most Commercial insurances EyeMed, Davis, Spectera, Superior, etc. For any other specific insurance providers, or if you have questions about your coverage, please contact our office directly. Our staff is more than happy to assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and ensuring you receive the maximum coverage available. In addition to vision insurance, Dr. Valella's practice is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary credentials to begin accepting medical insurance.
How do I use my insurance at Dr. Michelle Valella's optometry clinic?

Using your insurance at Dr. Michelle Valella's optometry clinic is a straightforward process. When you schedule your appointment, inform our staff that you will be using insurance, and provide them with your insurance details either over the phone or through our online booking system. On the day of your appointment, bring your insurance card and a valid ID. Our friendly team will handle the verification and any necessary paperwork to ensure your visit is covered. If you have any questions about specific coverage details or co-pays, feel free to contact our office ahead of time. We're here to help you make the most of your benefits and ensure a seamless experience.
I’m not sure what vision insurance I have. What should I do?

If you're unsure about your vision insurance, don't worry—Dr. Michelle Valella and her team can help you navigate this. Start by checking any insurance cards you've been issued or any emails from your insurer that might specify your vision coverage. You can also contact your HR department if your insurance is provided through an employer. Once you have some details, give our office a call, and we'll assist you in verifying your coverage. Our team is experienced in working with numerous vision insurance plans and can help ensure you receive all applicable benefits for your eye care needs. If you still can't find your information, come in anyway, and we can help you figure it out during your visit. At Dr. Michelle Valella's practice, your eye health and convenience are our top priorities.
Should I call my optometrist or my primary care doctor if I think I have pink eye?

If you suspect you have pink eye (conjunctivitis), the first step depends on your payment preferences and insurance coverage. If you plan to use your medical insurance, it's advisable to contact your primary care doctor initially. They can evaluate your condition and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. However, if you are willing to pay out-of-pocket for immediate and expert eye care, you can directly call Dr. Michelle Valella, your optometrist. Optometrists specialize in eye health and can provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my eye examination with Dr. Michelle Valella?

Yes, there are a few important steps to prepare for your eye examination with Dr. Michelle Valella. Prior to your appointment, you will receive an email containing some essential paperwork. Please complete this paperwork before your visit. If you are unable to fill it out beforehand, make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to your appointment to complete it in the office. Additionally, remember to bring your current glasses or contact lens boxes with you, as these will provide valuable information for your optometrist. Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth and efficient examination process.
I still have questions about my eye care options. What should I do?

If you still have questions about your eye care options or any of the services provided by Dr. Michelle Valella, please don't hesitate to call our office at 269-224-0077. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you with any inquiries or concerns you might have. Whether you need more information about eye exams, contact lenses, eyeglasses, or any other vision services, we're committed to providing you with the guidance and support you need.

Contact Us

Our Address

5424 Beckley Rd Ste E

Battle Creek, MI 49015

Phone:

(269) 224-0077

Opening Hours

Call for Available Hours.