FAQs:
What is a Doctor of Optometry?
Optometrists, AKA Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) are fully trained primary eye care providers. Optometrists must complete a four year doctorate program and extensive national boards to become licensed to practice. Optometrists are leaders of primary eye care who help diagnose, treat and manage many eye conditions to help prevent and preserve eye health and vision. They care for patients by prescribing glasses, contact lenses, as well as eye drops or oral medications, and can even perform laser procedures in some states. Optometrists can also help patients navigate their eye health by referring them to the appropriate surgeons and specialists and help manage their care with their medical providers.
Why should I have an annual eye exams?
Annual eye exams are an important part of preventative care to assess your eyes, vision and overall health. Most people rely on their vision in their daily lives. Many eye conditions do not present with obvious signs or symptoms early on. Even if you feel that there have been no changes in your vision or eyes, annual eye exams can help eye doctors detect early changes in ocular health and can systemic health.
See the American Optometric Association for more information https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams?sso=y
I have vision insurance, is that different from medical insurance?
Yes, a health insurance policy covers unexpected costs for eye conditions such as an eye injury (corneal abrasion), eye infection (pink eye, contact lens related ulcers), dry eye, ocular disease (cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy), etc. Vision insurance (VSP, Davis, Spectera, Eyemed, etc) is a supplemental plan that adds a wellness benefit that covers routine eye exams to determine your refractive error including a refraction to determine your eyeglass prescription, and an overall check for healthy eyes.
I wear glasses and contacts, are they the same prescription?
No, a contact lens prescription is a separate medical device that must be properly assessed before prescribing. A contact lens evaluation is a separate part of the routine eye exam and must be done annually, regardless if the prescription itself has changed or not. A contact lens evaluation fee covers determining a proper fitting lens, based on the corneal fit, refractive error and patient needs. Most vision insurance policies consider a contact lens evaluation as an add on service and offer a discounted copay. You can call your vision insurance provider for specific details regarding your contact lens evaluation fee. In the United States, a contact lens prescription must include the brand, base curve, diameter and power. According to the Federal Trade Commission, patients are required to present a valid contact lens prescription in order to purchase contact lenses from any seller.
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/contact-lens-rule-guide-prescribers-sellers
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/healthy-vision-and-contact-lenses?sso=y
Optometrists, AKA Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) are fully trained primary eye care providers. Optometrists must complete a four year doctorate program and extensive national boards to become licensed to practice. Optometrists are leaders of primary eye care who help diagnose, treat and manage many eye conditions to help prevent and preserve eye health and vision. They care for patients by prescribing glasses, contact lenses, as well as eye drops or oral medications, and can even perform laser procedures in some states. Optometrists can also help patients navigate their eye health by referring them to the appropriate surgeons and specialists and help manage their care with their medical providers.
Why should I have an annual eye exams?
Annual eye exams are an important part of preventative care to assess your eyes, vision and overall health. Most people rely on their vision in their daily lives. Many eye conditions do not present with obvious signs or symptoms early on. Even if you feel that there have been no changes in your vision or eyes, annual eye exams can help eye doctors detect early changes in ocular health and can systemic health.
See the American Optometric Association for more information https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams?sso=y
I have vision insurance, is that different from medical insurance?
Yes, a health insurance policy covers unexpected costs for eye conditions such as an eye injury (corneal abrasion), eye infection (pink eye, contact lens related ulcers), dry eye, ocular disease (cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy), etc. Vision insurance (VSP, Davis, Spectera, Eyemed, etc) is a supplemental plan that adds a wellness benefit that covers routine eye exams to determine your refractive error including a refraction to determine your eyeglass prescription, and an overall check for healthy eyes.
I wear glasses and contacts, are they the same prescription?
No, a contact lens prescription is a separate medical device that must be properly assessed before prescribing. A contact lens evaluation is a separate part of the routine eye exam and must be done annually, regardless if the prescription itself has changed or not. A contact lens evaluation fee covers determining a proper fitting lens, based on the corneal fit, refractive error and patient needs. Most vision insurance policies consider a contact lens evaluation as an add on service and offer a discounted copay. You can call your vision insurance provider for specific details regarding your contact lens evaluation fee. In the United States, a contact lens prescription must include the brand, base curve, diameter and power. According to the Federal Trade Commission, patients are required to present a valid contact lens prescription in order to purchase contact lenses from any seller.
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/contact-lens-rule-guide-prescribers-sellers
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/healthy-vision-and-contact-lenses?sso=y