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FAQ

Frequently Asked Patient Questions

Q. Can young people get cataracts?
A. While the most common type of cataract occur as you age, it is possible to get cataracts at any age, even infants. Many of the cataracts that occur at younger ages are due to trauma or certain medications. For more information about cataracts click here.

Q. Are you employed by Wal-Mart?
A. No. I am an independent doctor of optometry who chose to locate my practice at Wal-Mart, which is my landlord. I make no income from selling glasses or contacts, only from providing comprehensive exams and treating ocular disease.

Q. How can your fees be so much lower than other eye doctors? Will I receive a quality exam?
A. We provide a thorough exam with the most advanced diagnostic instruments to evaluate your vision needs and uncover any other ocular conditions that may go undetected, if not regularly monitored. I received my doctor’s degree after the same four years of training that all optometrists receive and was licensed to practice by the state after extensive testing. We can offer lower fees because our overhead is lower operating here, and we are able to keep busy seeing patients all day because of our convenient location.

Q. How much does an eye exam cost?
A. A comprehensive eye health and vision exam is $70. A basic contact lens exam is $120. If you have astigmatism or need bifocal correction and want to wear contact lenses, there may be a modest additional cost.

Q. Will I receive a written prescription after the exam? Will the prescription be accepted anywhere?
A. We will supply a written prescription and summary of your exam as you leave the office.The prescription is valid anywhere in the U.S.

Q. I had an eye exam a little over a year ago, and my vision seems fine. Why do I need another exam?
A. We think it is important that all of our patients receive an annual eye exam. Your vision can change over a 12-month period. A regular check-up enables us to uncover any sight-threatening ocular conditions that can develop, unnoticed by you.

Q. Will you accept my insurance plan?
A. For the convenience of our patients, we accept most vision plans for whatever portion of the examination cost the plan covers. Please tell me your insurance company so that we can confirm your coverage.

Q. Why does it cost more for a contact lens exam?
A. We do additional testing with contact lens patients to measure the curvature of the eye to ensure that we prescribe the lens that optimizes fit and comfort. We also do an evaluation after you have worn the lenses for a given period to make sure there are no complications.

Q. Aren’t all contact lenses the same? Shouldn’t I just buy the cheapest ones?
A. They are not all the same. The contact lens companies spend millions of dollars every year to improve their lenses and regularly introduce new and better technology. You wouldn’t want to buy a five-year-old computer. For the same reason, it’s best to keep current and wear the latest and best lenses. Right now the companies are introducing new lens materials that allow much more oxygen to pass through, making them healthier to wear and enabling people to wear them in comfort for 14 hours or more per day. We recommend these new materials to most patients, even though they cost a little more, because we think they are better for their eyes in the long run.

Q. Will my contact lens prescription allow me to buy any brand of lens I want?
A. Your prescription is for a specific brand of contact lens that my examination and experience tell me is best for your vision and ocular health.

Q. Is it safe to wear a contact lens with a small tear in it?
A. A torn lens can damage the delicate outer tissue of your eye and lead to serious infection. If you tear a lens and do not have a replacement, come into the office right away and we will provide, at no charge, a lens that you can wear until your new supply arrives.

Q:I wear contact lenses, but now I’m having trouble seeing clearly to read things up close. What can I do? I still want to wear my lenses.
A: To help see up close with contact lenses, you can try over the counter readers, monovision contacts, or a bifocal contact lens.
Q:What can happen to a person’s eyes if they don’t adhere to a proper contact lens wearing schedule?
A;Not sticking to the proper wearing schedule can cause red, irritated eyes. It will also increase the risk of an eye infection.
Q:Do all contact lenses have UV blocking?
A: No, not all contacts lens have the important feature of blocking UV light, which can damage the eye. Acuvue Oasys has the most UV blocking ability.
Q: Can young people get cataracts?
A: While the most common type of cataract occur as you age, it is possible to get cataracts at any age, even infants. Many of the cataracts that occur at younger ages are due to trauma or certain medications.
Q: What are progressive lenses? How do they differ from regular lenses?
A: Progressive lenses are lenses that have the distance prescription in the top portion of the eyeglass lenses, then gradually increases power to the bottom, reading portion of the glasses.
Q: What’s the difference between buying eyeglasses online or from a Doctor of Optometry?
A: Getting glasses made from a Doctor of Optometry will ensure the proper fit and prescription of the eyeglasses.
Q: Can I convert my glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription?
A: No. While some of the numbers may be the same, a contact lenses prescription includes a brand name, size and power.
Q: How often should I have my glasses prescription checked?
A: Depending on the age, you should have your prescription checked every year or two.
Q: When I wear my contacts, at the end of a long day, my eyes are usually dry and uncomfortable. What can I do to alleviate this problem?
A: There are many things that can be done to help increase end of day comfort in a contact lens. These include certain brands of contacts, artificial tears, and certain contact lens solutions.
Q: What are the best ways to wear contact lenses if I have a history of allergies and allergic conjunctivitis?
A: If you have a history of allergic conjunctivitis, a daily disposable contact lens is the best option.
Q: At what age do you recommend children start with contact lenses?
A: There is no specific “best age” for a child to begin contact lens wear, it is very individualized. Any child must be mature and responsible enough for wearing contact lenses.
Q: What should I do if I have a red eye that’s not getting better?
A: Any red eye that is not improving over time should seek an eye care professional immediately.
Q: I see fine without glasses. Why should I need a routine eye exam?
A: Routine eye exams are needed to evaluate the health of the eye. There are many diseases, such as glaucoma, that do not affect the vision until late stages.
Q: What are some simple tips for nutrition and the eyes?
A: Green leafy vegetables and omega-3’s are great for the health of the eye. And don’t forgot about eating your carrots!
Q: How can I tell if I need bifocals?
A: Signs that you may need bifocals include near blur, holding things out further to see, and possible removing your glasses to see better.
Q: I have an infant, a toddler, and a teenager; should my kids be wearing sunglasses?
A: Yes, sunprotection is important at any age, as it will make the eyes feel more comfortable, but also protect them from damaging UV rays.
Q: My glaucoma medicine makes my eyes very red. I asked my optometrist and he didn’t seem concerned. Should I be?
A: Redness is a common side effect of certain eye drops. If it is very bothersome, different medication could possibly be prescribed.
Q: My previous eye doctor told me I have “stigma!” Am I going to go blind?
A: Astigmatism is a natural refractive condition of the eye that can cause things to be blurry. It is usually easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Q: How long can I stare at the sun without damaging my eyes?
A: You should never stare directly into the sun for ANY length of time as it can cause serious damage to the eye.

Q: What's the difference between buying eyeglasses online or from a Doctor of Optometry?
A: The best way to select a great pair of eyeglasses would be to use a team effort. The eye doctor generally interacts with the client during the exam and then all information is discussed along with the optician. The staff are trained to consider the shape of your face along with the size, and listen to exactly how the client prefers for their customized glasses to perform. Under our care, you get to be more hands- on and ensured of the quality of your purchase. The measurements and quality assurance we provide are critical to guarantee that you are seeing your best at all times. Our opticians take the time to make sure that you are educated thoroughly and that you are making informed decisions before purchasing, and we provide a warranty.