Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to my appointment?

During your exam you will be asked for a complete history which will include questions about your health conditions, medications, and family history.

Things to bring to your appointment:

• Your current glasses and sunglasses.
• List of your medications and supplements.
• Your insurance cards, we will ask for your ID (driver license) and medical insurance during check in. Some vision insurance will send cards, but they don’t always.
• Any concerns you have, or questions for the doctor.
• If you are doing a contact lens evaluation at the time of your exam, please wear the contacts into your appointment.
• If you are a new patient, please fill out our patient registration form under the patients tab.
• Copays and testing fees like retinal photos are due at the end of the appointment.

How long does an exam take?

Typically an exam is around 45 minutes to one hour for a complete examination.

Why is it important to have your eyes examined by an eye doctor?

Your eyes are often the first line of defense when it comes to detecting and treating many systemic diseases and conditions! Even if you don’t need glasses or contacts it is important to be seen by a doctor that checks the health of your eyes. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder and many more can cause changes in your eye health. The eyes are a window to your overall health!

Will my eyes be dilated?
We have amazing technology that can help see into the back of the eyes without dilation. Retinal photos are a great tool that help us follow your health. If changes are detected in the back of the eye, there are occasions where dilation is necessary. Dilation lasts about four hours and will cause light sensitivity and blurry near vision. Most patients feel safe driving home with dark glasses we provide.

What are retinal photos?

We use an Optomap retinal camera to take a photo of the back of your eye. It has a quick flash, similar to the flash of a traditional camera. There is no harm to the eye, and no radiation. It allows your doctor to evaluate the photos and compare them to previous years. It is a great tool to diagnose, document, and follow any health changes in the eye.

Do you use the “puff of air” test?
No, we use a device that is more comfortable and accurate to test eye pressure!

How often do I need an eye exam?
We recommend speaking to your doctor about the recommended frequency. Factors such as age, health, and family history can determine how often an eye exam is recommended. Getting a yearly exam can help identify vision and health problems early on. Prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses are valid for 2 years from the date of the exam unless there is a medical condition requiring a yearly prescription.

Can I look at glasses after my exam?
Absolutely, we have amazing opticians who would love to help you pick out your new favorite pair of glasses! We also have prescription and non-prescription sunglasses!

Can I use my HSA/FSA Card?
You can use your Health Savings Account card for prescription eyewear and testing (including exam copays and retinal photos). We would be happy to provide an itemized receipt if needed!

Do you take old glasses?

We collect your previously loved glasses to donate to the Lion’s Club. Just bring them to any staff member and let them know you would like to donate them! Please keep your case, we aren’t able to donate those.

Can I recycle my contact lens packaging?

Yes, you can bring them in and we send them in to be recycled. We are a recycling center for the Biotrue One by One program. The blister packs and contact lenses can be recycled from any brand. There is no need to clean the packaging.

The BioTrue One by One program also donates $10 to Optometry Giving Sight for every 10 pounds collected!

Optometry Giving Sight is a global fundraising initiative aiming to solve unnecessary blindness and vision impairment.