FAQs
Frequently Asked...
How often should I have an eye exam?
We recommend that everyone have their eyes examined every year for two reasons:
1. Clear Vision
2. Healthy Eyes.
The first reason is obvious. But what people often fail to consider is that eye health problems can develop without any symptoms. An eye doctor can detect diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, etc.) long before people realize they've lost some vision. Even people who think they see clearly are often surprised at what they've been missing...
Are online "eye exams" as good as an in-person eye exam?
Although online "exams" can be useful in giving you an approximate prescription, there are MANY reasons an in-person eye exam is far superior:
1. An online test cannot let you look through what is being prescribed. This makes it impossible to decide if you feel comfortable with it. In our 15+ years of experience, most patients prefer something slightly different than their technically-exact prescription.
2. There is no detailed health assessment. At best, what they can tell you is very limited. Our comprehensive exam includes high-resolution, digital retinal photos taken by a specialized camera that allows us to detect things like diabetes and cancer. There is no way a laptop and a cell phone can provide this type of critical information.
3. There is no real-time doctor interaction. In a live exam, your doctor is there to ask follow-up questions about any unusual findings and to answer any questions you have about your vision and our recommendations.
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Yes, coming in to an office requires much more effort. But isn't a lifetime of clear vision worth it?
What will happen during my eye exam?
Our doctors perform a thorough check of both your vision and your ocular health. Generally, our exams follow these steps:
* One of our technicians will perform computerized testing to check your field of vision, to get an estimate of your prescription, and to measure the pressure inside your eyes (a gentle puff of air).
* The doctor will ask about your vision to determine of your having any symptoms or difficulties. He/she will also ask if you've everworn glasses or contacts and for what purpose.
* Next, the doctor will see how well you can see, then present you with a series of lenses asking you to compare two at a time to determine which lens combinations help you to see the clearest. With this information he/she will be able to determine your prescription for both distance viewing and for reading.
* Last, the doctor will look inside your eyes to assess their health and to determine if you have any eye diseases or are at risk for developing any.
* Then, the doctor will present your results to you and make any necessary recommendations (glasses, contacts, or referral to a higher-level specialist).
At what age should I bring my children in?
The American Optometric Association recommends the following:
* First basic exam at 12 months, to ensure proper development and to rule out any birth-
related issues.
* First comprehensive exam at 3.5 years.
* Then, before kindergarten and every year thereafter.
How long should I plan to be there for?
On average, your exam will last 35-40 minutes. Plan additional time for picking out new glasses!
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Can I put new lenses in my own frame?
In general, yes you can. Though we always advise getting a new frame with your new lenses - that way your frame is warranted for a year against manufacturing defects and can be reordered if you break it. Old frames are often discontinued and can't be replaced if broken. Also, keep in mind that if your frame is on it's last leg it might break when trying to put new lenses in it! Some non-prescription frames aren't meant to accept prescription lenses, but we'll let you know if that's the case.
Do you have an on-site lab for making glasses?
Yes! We are able to make many prescriptions on-site within an hour. If we are updating your existing frame and we need to special order lenses, you can typically keep your glasses until the final step, which should also take about 60 minutes.
Which insurances do you accept?
We are providers for most major vision insurances, including:
Vision Service Plan (VSP)
EyeMed
Blue View Vision
Medical Eye Services (MES)
Spectera
Davis Vision
Superior Vision Plan
Vision Care Plan (VCP)
Vision Plan of America (VPA)
If you don’t see your plan listed, call us and ask about it – we still may be able to be a provider for you.
In addition, many major medical insurances often provide vision benefits. We are also part of the PPO networks for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We’re more than happy to research your benefits for you if you are unsure if you have coverage.
If I have an eye infection, or something in my eye, should I go to see you or my "regular doctor"?
You should come see us. Optometrists are doctors whose education and clinical experience deal almost entirely with the human eye we are eye experts. We are licensed to diagnose and manage all ordinary eye infections and diseases, including prescribing eye drops and oral medications if necessary. In addition, we have instruments in our office that are made exclusively for examining the eye.
Will wearing glasses make my vision worse?
In short, no, it will not. Wearing your correct prescription is ideal for your eyes – they are less likely to strain when they see clearly. The only time glasses can cause the eyes to get worse is if they are made incorrectly – too strong – in someone whose eyes are still developing (children or young teens). You may find that once you start wearing your glasses, you’ll want to wear them more often – but that’s just because you like seeing clearly!
