Frequently Asked Questions

Eye exams aren’t one-size-fits-all, but at least once every two years is a good schedule for patients younger than 60 who don’t need new glasses or contact lens prescriptions. For older patients and patients with risk factors, an annual exam is recommended. Keep in mind that the eye doctor is often the first one to spot early signs of chronic diseases like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. One more reason to stay on top of those appointments!

 

Checking for vision changes is one part of a Comprehensive Eye Exam. 

We do not offer vision checkups without a Comprehensive Eye Exam, which includes looking inside the eye and checking for other systemic issues beyond just changes to your vision. 

Most patients who ask this question are concerned about cost, or whether insurance will be billed to Medical or Vision Insurance. Most Vision Insurance covers the cost of a Comprehensive Eye Exam, including refraction.  Whether your medical or Vision insurance is billed depends on your unique medical history, not whether you receive a Comprehensive Eye Exam or “refraction only”. 

If you have questions or concerns about cost, please reach out to our office and we will be happy to give you an estimate of your expected costs. 

We accept the following: 

Vision Insurance: Eyemed, VSP, Spectera, DavisVision, SuperiorVision

Medical Insurance: BlueCross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare as well as Medicare and Medicaid. 

We are a new practice and becoming an “in-network” provider takes time. Please be patient with us as we navigate this process.  For an up-to-date list of the providers we accept, please contact our office. 

There are two types of insurance that may pay for your eye care services and products. You may have both and our practice may accept both, depending on the type of care you receive:
• Vision Care Plans (VSP, EyeMed, Superior, VCP, etc.)
• Medical Insurance (BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, etc.)

Vision Care Plans cover only a basic comprehensive examination for eye diseases, eyeglasses and contact lenses. They do not cover the diagnosis, management or treatment of eye diseases. Vision Plans often offer an annual allowance toward the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Medical Insurance must be used if you have any eye health problem or systemic health problem that has ocular conditions. Your doctor will determine if these conditions apply to you, based on your exam and your medical history.

If you have both types of insurance it may be necessary for us to bill some services to one plan and other services to the other, depending on your medical history and the types of treatment received.

An Optometrist (OD) has a degree in optometry and is licensed to practice optometry. An optometrist has had approximately eight years of training and is qualified to perform routine eye care, prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and treat most eye conditions and diseases. An optometrist will typically refer to an ophthalmologist if a patient has a severe eye problem that needs surgery or extensive treatment.
 
An Ophthalmologist (MD) has a medical degree and is licensed to practice medicine. An ophthalmologist has had approximately twelve years of training and is qualified to diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform surgery, and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. An ophthalmologist often specializes in a specific part of the eye, and treats severe problems with the eyes