FAQ
What is the difference between an eye exam and a vision screening?
A vision screening is a quick test to check for potential vision problems. It is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam is a thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. The eye doctor checks for refractive errors, as well as signs of eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts.
Does my child need an eye exam if they passed a school vision screening?
Yes. School screenings only check distance vision and often miss issues with eye health, eye teaming, or near vision. A full exam ensures your child’s eyes are developing properly.
What should I bring to my eye exam?
For your appointment, please bring your current glasses and/or contact lenses (including the boxes or a picture of the prescription), a list of any medications you are taking, and your insurance cards. It's also helpful to have a list of questions or concerns you have about your vision or eye health.
Why do you dilate my eyes during an eye exam?
Dilation is an important part of a comprehensive eye exam. Eye drops are used to enlarge your pupils, allowing the doctor to get a better view of the inside of your eye. This helps them thoroughly check the health of your retina, optic nerve, and surrounding blood vessels. Dilation is crucial for detecting and monitoring conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The effects of the drops can last a few hours, so we recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging for a driver if you're concerned about your vision.
Do you provide care for children and patients with special needs or disabilities?
Yes. Our team has experience caring for patients of all ages, including children, adults, and individuals with developmental or physical disabilities. We adapt our exams to each patient’s needs to ensure comfort, safety, and thorough eye care. Families are welcome to accompany loved ones during visits.
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive exam at 6–12 months, again at age 3, and before starting school. Even if your child isn’t reading yet, we have ways to check their eye health and vision development.
How often should adults have an eye exam?
Most adults should have an eye exam every 1–2 years. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, or those wearing contact lenses may need more frequent exams. Regular eye exams not only check vision but also detect early signs of health conditions.
Do you offer same-day or emergency appointments?
Yes. We reserve time each day for urgent visits, such as eye injuries, sudden vision changes, or infections. Call us right away if you experience flashes of light, loss of vision, severe eye pain, or a foreign object in your eye.
What if I have an eye emergency outside of your normal business hours?
If you experience a sudden loss of vision, a painful eye, or an injury, please call our office number even after hours. We have an emergency on-call service for our patients to provide guidance. If you are experiencing a severe medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
No referral is needed. You can call us directly to schedule an appointment at any time.
How long will my appointment take?
A comprehensive eye exam usually takes about 30–45 minutes. If you’re being fitted for contact lenses or having additional testing, please allow a little extra time. Some children may need extra time or even more than one visit to complete a full eye exam and feel comfortable with our office and staff.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept a wide range of vision plans and medical insurance, including but not limited to: VSP, Spectera, MarchVision, EyeMed, Medicare, Medicaid, BCBSOK, and many other commercial insurances. Because coverage can vary, we recommend calling our office with your insurance card handy. Our staff will be happy to verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises. If your insurance plan is not listed, our office may still be able to join your network. Please contact us for more information.
What if I don’t have vision insurance?
We welcome self-pay patients and offer affordable exam fees. Ask about our membership packages for exams, glasses and contact lenses.
Can I use my HSA or FSA card for eye care?
Yes. You can use HSA/FSA funds for exams, glasses, contact lenses, and many eye care products.
What is anti-reflective (AR) coating and why should I consider it?
Anti-reflective coating is a thin layer applied to your lenses that reduces glare from headlights, computer screens, and overhead lighting. It helps your lenses look nearly invisible, so people see your eyes instead of reflections. Many patients notice improved night driving and reduced eye strain with AR-coated lenses.
What are photochromic lenses?
Photochromic lenses, sometimes called “transition lenses,” automatically darken outdoors and return to clear indoors. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while eliminating the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses. They’re especially helpful if you spend time moving in and out of bright sunlight.
How long will it take to get my glasses?
Most glasses are ready in 1–2 weeks, depending on the lenses and customizations you choose. We’ll let you know when they’re ready for pickup.
Do you offer warranties on glasses or lenses?
Yes, many of our frames and lens treatments include a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. Ask our opticians for details.
Can I bring in my own frames to use with new lenses?
Often, yes — as long as the frames are in good condition. Our opticians will inspect them to ensure they can safely hold new lenses.
Can I order glasses or contacts directly through your office?
Absolutely. We carry a wide selection of frames and lenses to fit every style and budget. For contact lenses, once your prescription is finalized, you can order refills through us for convenient delivery.
Why do contact lenses require an in-person fitting?
Contact lenses are classified as a medical device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and require a proper fitting. We must evaluate the fit of the lenses on your eyes to ensure it is the correct size, shape, and material for your unique needs. The fitting ensures the health and safety of your eyes. A poor fit can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, or even serious eye infections and corneal damage. During your fitting, we measure your eyes, assess your tear film, and provide training on safe insertion, removal, and care.
How much do contact lenses cost compared to glasses?
The cost depends on the lens type (daily, monthly, specialty) and your prescription. Some patients spend less on contacts than glasses, while others prefer to invest in both for flexibility. We’ll review your options and costs during your fitting.
Can I order contact lenses online through your office?
Yes. Once your prescription is finalized, you can conveniently order contacts through our office, often with direct shipping to your home. This ensures your lenses are authentic and safe for your eyes.
Do you offer payment plans for glasses and contacts?
Yes. We accept CareCredit and can discuss payment options to make your eyewear more affordable.
What’s the best way to contact the office?
We make it easy to reach us in the way that’s most convenient for you:
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Phone: Call our office during business hours to speak directly with our staff.
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Text: Send us a text message for quick questions or to confirm appointments.
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Email: Reach out anytime by email, and we’ll respond as soon as possible during office hours.
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Contact Us Page: Use the form on our website to request an appointment, ask a question, or send us a message.
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In-Person: Stop by our office during regular hours — we’re always happy to help in person.
No matter how you prefer to connect, our team is here to assist you.