How long are eye exams?
The eye examination process can take anywhere from 30 - 60 minutes. This includes the pretesting by the optometric technician, paperwork, and the eye exam itself. If you have questions about the paperwork, insurance, or the eye exam please be sure to arrive early to have your questions answered. You are always welcome to stop by early to learn more about us, the optical boutique, or just to chat! If there is extra time A staff member will be happy to fit you for eyeglasses while you wait for your eye exam.
If you are in a rush please let us know and we will do what we can to get you in and out as quickly as possible.
What does a routine eye exam include?
External Examination of the Eye – During this crucial part of the exam, the Optometrist will evaluate the any areas of issue that may cause vision issues or medical issues of the eyelids, tear ducts, glands, and other extremities.
Corneal Evaluation – The cornea is responsible for protecting they eye and it is responsible for 2/3rd of the total refractive power of the eye. Careful examination of the cornea ensure that you will not have vision discomfort or issues due to problems such as dry eye, astigmatism, keratoconus, light sensitivity, and additional eye issues. The proper fitting of contact lenses evaluates the changes in the cornea each year as well as your prescription power needed.
Refraction – The refraction helps determine the final power for your prescription lenses in your eyeglasses and contact lenses. During this portion of the exam the doctor will evaluate what power lenses you see the most clearly out of.
Posterior Examination of the Eye – during this portion of the exam the Optometrist will review interior portions of the eye. In most cases it is important to be dilated to allow additional light into the rear portion of the eyes, giving the doctor a clear view. Many eye disorders such as macular degeneration and other retinal issues can be detected during this portion of the eye exam.
How much are eye exams for glasses?
An eyeglasses exam is generally performed by an Optometrist. The eye doctor will perform a thorough exam of the eye which can be broken down into several steps.
Refraction - The doctor will perform a series of tests to see what your eyeglasses prescription will be. $40
Superficial Eye Health Check - The doctor will check the health of your eye to see if any factors such as dry eyes, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye issues that will affect your final eyeglasses prescription. $89
Dilation - The doctor may need to dilate your eyes to take a more thorough look at the overall health of the eye. The dilation allows additional light to enter your eye and the doctor will be able to identify any underlying issues, that may exist, that are related to your eyes and affect your vision. $40
The total price for an eye exam totals to $169.00. Each season there may be specials on eye exams, glasses, sunglasses, and additional eye care products or services. Please inquire to see what the current specials are.
What does a contact lens examination involve?
- A contact lens exam starts with all the steps listed in a Routine Eye Exam and ends with a lens fitting and final evaluation. The lens fitting allows the doctor see how the eye reacts to wearing a contact lens, its solution, as well as checking for comfort and vision.
- Manufacturers make small changes to contact lenses themselves, the solution, where they are manufactured, packaging, and ordering options. These changes are important considerations when being fit or refit in contact lenses. The advancement in Daily Contact Lens wear has highly improved the quality of life, the eye health, versatility, and satisfaction of contact lens wear.
How much are eye exams for contact lenses?
A contact lens exam will include all the steps taken during an eye exam for glasses as well as additional steps to determine the best fit, brand, and modality of contact lenses for you. These steps include but are not limited to;
Lens Fitting - The fitting of contact lenses can change each year depending on how much the shape of your eye changes. Patients that have an astigmatism will generally have a longer eye exam to make sure that the lenses fit over the irregularly shaped cornea.
Lifestyle Fitting - The doctor will not only choose the best fitting and most comfortable fitting lens for you but also choose a lens that will fit your lifestyle appropriately.
The final outcome of the contact lens evaluation and your diagnosis will determine the evaluation/fitting level. The fees are on top of the eyeglasses exam and is recommended to be completed the same day as your eyeglasses exam if possible.
Spherical (No Astigmatism, Multi-focal) = $129
Toric (Patient with an Astigmatism) = $129
Multi-Focal (Patient with Fitting for multiple distances) = $129
How Often Should I get my eye examined by an Eye Doctor?
- Routine eye exams should be done yearly to not only detect any prescription changes, but to make sure the health of the eye is in good condition. In rare cases, the Optometrist may ask you to come in sooner to evaluate more specific vision issues as seen in patients with diabetes, corneal irregularities, and other medical issues of the eyes.
- Since contact lenses rest on the cornea directly, contact lens exams and fits are not only highly recommended each year for health reasons but mandated by the state to ensure that your eyes are healthy enough to wear or continue to wear contact lenses. In many cases we recommend pre-scheduling your eye exam each year so that you do not run low on your contact lens supplies.
Can I get an exam for eyeglasses and contact lenses at the same time?
- Yes, it is possible to see the eye doctor to have your eyes checked for an updated glasses prescription as well as contact lens prescription. In most cases your examination will be completed in a single visit. We allot ample time during your visit to complete all the necessary steps without having to bring you back multiple times. In rare cases, or specialty eye exams it may be necessary for you to have several eye appointments to finalize your prescription.