Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding your visit and eye exams in general. Please click on a question to view the answer.

  1. What should I bring with me to my visit?
    Please bring your driver’s license/photo ID, your insurance card, your glasses (if you wear glasses), your contacts lenses and contact lens parameters (if you wear contacts), your sunglasses, and a method of payment for your copay. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, contactless payments (Apple and Google Pay), personal checks, and cash.
  2. How long will my exam take?
    Most complete exams take about an hour, though it can be longer if testing needs to be performed.
  3. Will my eyes be dilated and why?
    Dilating the eyes is a key aspect of a comprehensive and complete eye exam. When the eyes are dilated, drops are given to expand, or dilate, the pupil. This dilation allows the doctor to examine the internal structures of the eye and check for conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Some ocular diseases do not have any early symptoms, making dilation an important part of the eye exam.
  4. How long does dilation last?
    Dilation usually lasts three to six hours, though it can sometimes last longer.
  5. Can I drive when I am dilated?
    Everyone is different; some people are only minimally bothered, while others feel more of the effects. If you are concerned about your ability to drive, you may want to make arrangements for a ride. At the very least, you should bring dark sunglasses to your visit.
  6. What is a refraction?
    A refraction is the test that is performed to measure your eyes in order to determine your eyeglass prescription. You are shown a variety of lenses and asked to choose which you prefer, resulting in an eyeglass prescription.
  7. I have heard that refractions are sometimes not covered by insurance. Why is that?
    Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans do not cover refractions, since they consider refractions a part of the “routine” portion of the examination, and they do not cover routine testing. Other insurance companies have similar policies. If you have a refraction during your visit, we will submit it to your insurance company along with the medical examination charge. If it is denied, we will pass that charge on to you.
  8. I take prescription eye drops. How do refills work?
    We advise you to contact your pharmacy. If they need approval from us, they will reach out to us electronically. This is the easiest and fastest way to get a prescription refilled.