What do they do at an eye exam?
Your eyes are often referred to as “a window to the soul” but they can also be an effective window to other parts of the body and overall health. Various health issues are first discovered during a comprehensive eye exam, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and even cancer. When an eye doctor (Optometrist or Ophthalmologist) performs a comprehensive eye exam, the tests vary due to the individual needs of each patient. One of the more common and simple tests performed is known as a Visual Acuity Test using a Snellen Chart. This is done by seating the patient at a standard distance, usually 20 feet, and asking them to read characters or letters of different sizes. This helps the doctor assess one’s ability to see. The standard for good vision is 20/20. If a patient does not achieve 20/20 vision, then this patient may be far-sighted, near-sighted, have astigmatism or other possible eye conditions the doctor is able to diagnose and treat.
What does a full eye exam include?
Our doctors go above administering just a basic vision screening, which merely consists of a brief exam and determining prescription for glasses. Instead, they specialize in performing a comprehensive eye exam for a more in-depth and complete evaluation of the overall health of your eyes and your vision, including successful diagnosis and treatment for a wide array of not only eye-related but also possible health-related problems as well. A key piece of a comprehensive eye exam is a patient’s medical background and history. This information will alert the doctor to any existing conditions that may affect the patient’s vision or overall eye health and will further assist them in diagnosing their patient correctly.
What if I just had a comprehensive eye exam, or I am regularly seen by a Retinal, Corneal, or General ophthalmologist?
We regularly work with the different ophthalmology groups in the area, and are happy to provide any area of eye care as part of a team approach.
How long does an eye exam take?
All exams are catered to the individual needs of the patient. You should plan to be here anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes, depending on what we are seeing you for.
Are eye exams scary?
Here at Southern Utah Eye Care, we pride ourselves in providing the utmost care for our patients. We understand that getting your eyes checked may be daunting, stressful, or possibly even scary. Our doctors and staff aim to mitigate these stressors whenever our patients come to visit us.
Our goal here is to provide our patients with a friendly, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, without sacrificing the quality of medical expertise and care they will receive.
How much is a typical eye exam?
The average cost of an eye exam without insurance is between $100-$200, but here at our office we understand the needs and struggles of our patients and we are happy to provide flexible payment options.
Does my vision insurance or health insurance cover my visit?
This is a complicated question: Make sure to speak to one of our employees prior to your appointment if you have any questions or concerns.
We accept vision plans such as VSP, EyeMed, and Spectera for simple vision related diagnoses (near-sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia).
Medical insurance can cover preventive eye exams, but not always. Medical insurance will be billed if medical decision making is warranted (Treatment for dry eyes, flashes/floaters, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes etc. in addition to diagnostic testing)
What other services do you provide?
Myopia control
– Ortho-Keratology- Contact lenses you wear while you sleep (No glasses or contacts are needed during the day!)
– Brilliant Futures Program- MiSight myopia control contacts for kids starting at age 8.
Specialty contact lenses fitting and services (Gas permeable, RGP, Sclerals, hybrids, Duettes etc.)
How long does it take for dilated eyes to go back to normal?
This will vary depending on the type of drop used, but typically anywhere from 2 to 24 hours. During that time, you may notice the inability of the eyes to clearly bring things into focus, as well as an increase in light-sensitivity.
How do you prepare for an eye exam?
There are a number of things you can do to help. If you are new to the area or new to us, we may ask you to bring exam records from the past so we can pick up care where your previous provider left off. This is especially important if you are being treated for any sight-threatening eye conditions (Dry eye, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy etc). If you currently wear glasses or contacts, bring them all with you! Don’t forget to fill out our online New Patient Paperwork to save you time.