What the exam includes
We start with your history: how your eyes feel, what you do all day, and any medications or health conditions that affect vision.
Then we measure your vision and refraction to write an accurate prescription for glasses. We check how your eyes focus and work together, test your eye pressure, and examine the front and back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
How often should you come in?
Most adults should have an exam every one to two years. Children should be checked regularly as they grow, since vision can change quickly during school years. People with diabetes, glaucoma risk, or a family history of eye disease usually need a yearly exam.
Eye exams for kids
Children often don't realize they can't see well, and a school vision screening only checks a few things. A comprehensive eye exam also checks how the eyes focus, track and work together, which affects reading and learning.
All of our doctors are well qualified to provide thorough, comfortable eye exams for children, and we see kids for routine exams, glasses and contact lenses. If your child is nearsighted or their prescription keeps going up, ask us about myopia control.
Screen time and tired eyes
Long hours on computers and phones can cause eye strain, headaches and blurred vision. We look for focusing and dryness problems behind those symptoms and recommend lenses and habits that help.
Optomap retinal imaging
Our office offers Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging. This state-of-the-art technology captures up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single image in a fraction of a second, giving your doctor a far wider view of the back of the eye than a standard exam.
It's quick and comfortable, with just a brief flash of light and nothing touching your eye. Your images are saved to your record so we can compare them at every visit and spot small changes early, and in many cases it can reduce the need for dilation.
Optomap vs. dilation
Dilating drops take 20 to 30 minutes to work and can leave your vision blurry and light-sensitive for hours, which makes it hard to drive, work or read. With Optomap there are no drops and no waiting, and you can get right back to your day. It also captures a wider view of the retina in one image and saves it, so your doctor can compare changes from year to year. We still dilate at our office when your doctor feels it's needed, at the doctor's discretion.
Glasses after your exam
Your prescription is yours to take anywhere. Costco Optical is right next to our office if you want to pick out frames the same day. It is a separate business from our practice.
Bring with you
- Your current glasses and contact lens boxes
- Your vision and medical insurance cards
- A list of medications you take
Common questions
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
Plan on about an hour for most visits. Visits that include a contact lens fitting or dilation can take a little longer.
What's the difference between a vision screening and an eye exam?
A screening only checks whether you can read letters at a distance. A comprehensive eye exam measures your prescription, checks how your eyes work together, and examines the health of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
Does my vision plan cover the exam?
We accept VSP and Spectera vision plans, which typically cover a routine eye exam. You're responsible for co-pays and anything your plan doesn't cover. If you don't have insurance, you can still schedule and self-pay for your exam.
Can I buy glasses somewhere else?
Yes. Your glasses prescription is yours to use anywhere. Costco Optical, a separate business, is right next to our office if you'd like to shop for frames the same day.