Routine & Comprehensive Eye Care FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask when planning a routine eye exam. These FAQs cover exam frequency, what to expect during a comprehensive checkup, pupil dilation, self-pay costs, and preparing for your visit.

If you are due for your annual checkup and want a complete overview of our clinical process, you can learn more about our Comprehensive Eye Exams, including advanced retinal imaging, prescription updates, and preventative vision screening.

What is included in the base price of a standard comprehensive eye exam?

The base price covers a full visual acuity test, refractive error assessment (checking for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia), an eyeglasses prescription update, eye coordination and peripheral vision evaluations, and a thorough medical screening for conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.

How often should adults get an annual eye exam?

Adults should schedule a comprehensive eye exam once every year. Regular annual checkups allow the doctor to detect early, asymptomatic stages of eye diseases and ensure optical prescriptions remain up-to-date.

Do I need to get my eyes dilated during a regular eye exam?

Pupil dilation is strongly recommended during routine checkups to allow the doctor to evaluate the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in detail. If you prefer to skip traditional dilating drops, advanced digital retinal imaging can often be selected as an alternative.

Can an eye exam detect underlying systemic health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes?

Yes. Because the eyes are the only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, a comprehensive exam can reveal early indicators of systemic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and autoimmune disorders.

Is a medical eye exam covered by major health insurance (e.g., Blue Cross, Medicare)?

Yes. Medical eye evaluations and diagnostic testing are billed directly through major health insurance plans (such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, or Medicare) rather than routine vision insurance (like VSP or EyeMed).

What should I bring to a medical eye examination?

Bring your major medical health insurance card, photo ID, a list of current medications, medical history details, current eye drops, and your primary care physician's contact information.

What eye symptoms qualify for a medical eye visit instead of a routine vision checkup?

Symptoms qualifying for a medical visit include eye pain, sudden vision loss or blurriness, flashes of light, new floaters, red or discharge-producing eyes, burning/dryness, foreign body sensation, or follow-ups for established conditions like diabetes or glaucoma.

Can you go to an urgent care clinic for eye issues, or should you see an eye doctor?

While urgent care centers can handle minor issues, an eye doctor possesses specialized slit-lamp microscopes and ophthalmic tools necessary to properly diagnose corneal abrasions, deep foreign bodies, and retinal issues.

How do I prevent pink eye (conjunctivitis) when wearing makeup or contact lenses?

Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses or face products, replace makeup every 3 months, never share cosmetics or lens cases, avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless prescribed, and immediately discard contact lenses worn during an active eye infection.

What should I do if a foreign object, chemical, or splash gets in my eye?

For chemical splashes, immediately flush the eye with clean water or sterile saline solution continuously for at least 15 minutes, then seek emergency eye care right away. For foreign particles, flush gently—never rub the eye or attempt to remove an embedded object with sharp tools.

How do I get a stuck contact lens out of my eye?

Wash hands thoroughly, instill several generous drops of rewetting tears or sterile saline to rehydrate the lens, gently massage the closed eyelid, and pull the lid back to slide the lens down toward the lower white part of the eye before pinching it gently off. If the lens remains stuck, visit an eye care professional for safe removal.

What does a pediatric eye exam consist of?

Pediatric exams include child-friendly visual acuity testing, eye alignment and tracking assessments, depth perception and color vision testing, refractive error checks (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), and a complete ocular health examination.

How much does a child's eye exam cost?

Without insurance, a pediatric eye exam costs the standard self-pay rate of $149. With qualifying vision or health insurance plans, pediatric exams are often covered completely or carry a small copay ($10–$40).

What are the signs that my child might have an undetected vision problem or eye strain?

Common signs include frequent eye rubbing, squinting, holding books or screens unusually close, tilting the head to see, complaining of frequent headaches or eye fatigue, losing place while reading, or struggling with school performance.