Shrewsbury – Dr. Joel Hayden, an optometrist from Shrewsbury, has become the first in the state to attain Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) status. The CNS certification is awarded by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CNBS) to promote health through professional nutritional care.
The CNS credential requires an advanced degree qualification along with nutrition experience. Candidates then need to pass a rigorous test. There are only eight optometrists in the entire country that have attained the certification.
“It is an honor to be awarded this certification,” he said. “It took a lot of hard work and countless hours, but it was well worth it. It is my hope to take the information I have learned and continue to enhance my patients” experience in our office.”
Hayden owns Hayden Optometric in Mansfield. He believes many eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, require nutritional intervention and frequently advises his patients about nutrition. He also created the Fish Oil Calculator, an iPhone app to calculate the precise amount of essential fatty acids one should add to their diet.
Apart from being an optometrist, Hayden has a Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts, and a certified Crossfit trainer.
Hayden Optometric is located at 94 N. Main St., Mansfield. 508-339-3952.
