HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM?
It depends on the person. According to the American Optometric Association, school-aged children should receive an eye exam annually. For people between the ages of 18-60, a comprehensive eye exam should take place every 2 years unless outside factors exist that require more frequent exams. People being treated for diabetes or hypertension should be seen annually, as well as people with a family history of ocular disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration). Contact lens wearers, patients with a history eye injuries, as well as people taking medications with ocular side effects should also be seen every year. Finally, people over the age of 60 should be seen at least once a year, possibly more frequent depending on their medical history.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD RECEIVE THEIR FIRST EYE EXAM?
Our office is a provider for the public health program, InfantSee, which allows an infant between the ages of 6 and 12 months an eye exam at no cost. If the infant is asymptomatic, his or her next exam should be at the age of 3. Finally, your child should a receive their next exam before they start school to reassure you they are seeing well so learning isn’t hampered.
IS A CONTACT LENS FITTING PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM?
No. Contact lenses are elective and since more work is required, a separate charge is applied. A contact lens fitting includes trial contact lenses, solution and rewetting drop samples, all contact lens follow-up appointments (if needed), as well as contact lens prescription once the doctor finds the perfect fit! A contact lens fit can only be done after a comprehensive eye exam as we need to find your glasses prescription to find your contact lens prescription.
HOW LONG WILL MY VISIT TO YOUR OFFICE LAST?
It depends on the appointment. A comprehensive eye exam takes roughly 40 minutes. If the doctor deems it necessary to dilate your eyes the exam may take up to an hour. A contact lens fitting for a new wearer may take even longer as learning how to insert and remove contact lenses can be difficult at first. A contact lens follow-up appointment usually only takes about 10 minutes, though.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT AT YOUR OFFICE?
You should bring all prescription glasses that you are currently using, as well as your last contact lens prescription or boxes. The doctor will also ask for a list of current medications and eye drops that you may be taking. Finally, please bring your health or vision insurance cards.