FAQ
TOP QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM PATIENTS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE AN EYE EXAM?
As recommended by the American Optometric Association (AOA), annual eye examinations are encouraged for patients of all ages, including patients who do not wear glasses as well as patients who have undergone refractive eye surgery. Vision & eye health can easily change during the span of a year. Visual changes often go unnoticed as the focusing system adapts and strains as a result of the gradual shift.
For many eye conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration & cataracts, sight is not affected during the early stages of the disease process. With annual eye care, early detection & intervention can play a significant role in the preservation of eye health & vision.
ARE SCREENING TESTS PERFORMED FOR THE DETECTION OF CATARACTS, GLAUCOMA & MACULAR DEGENERATION?
Yes. Seeking annual comprehensive eye care allows for assessment, early detection & management of these & many other ocular conditions.
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IS IT NECESSARY TO OWN A COSTCO MEMBERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
Costco membership is not required to schedule an appointment at our practice. Premiere Eyecare LLC operates independently of Costco. If entering the warehouse without a membership card, simply inform the door greeter that you are there to see the Optometrist. The prescription(s) issued to you at the completion of your exam may be filled at any eyeglass or contact lens source. A Costco membership will provide you with the option of purchasing your eye wear needs at Costco’s Optical Department.
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HOW LONG DOES AN EYE EXAM TAKE?
Typically a routine eye exam takes about 20-30 minutes. If your pupils need to be dilated, the exam will take an additional 30 minutes. If you are also here for a contact lens exam, and are new to contacts, the exam will likely take longer.
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DO YOU ACCEPT WALK IN APPOINMENTS?
We normally welcome walk in appointments, but do recommend scheduling an appointment to better suit your schedule and to guarantee availability. However, due to COVID 19, we prefer that you schedule an appointment so that we can minimize the amount of patients in the office.
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DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO MY FIRST EYE APPOINTMENT?
It is helpful to take along:
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your current glasses and/or contact lenses
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any previous optical prescriptions, if you have them
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any letters or documents about previous visits to the hospital eye department
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a list of any medications that you are taking – even if they aren’t for a problem with your eyes
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DO YOU EXAMINE CHILDREN, AND CAN MY CHILD WEAR CONTACT LENSES?​
We examine children at age 6 and above. First time contact lens wearers must be above the age of 13.
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DO YOU HAVE EYE EXAMS FOR DMV FORMS?
Yes! We can complete your Department of Motor Vehicle form here, however you will need a full eye exam.
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WHAT IS DILATION, AND DO I HAVE TO BE DILATED?
Dilation is enlarging the pupil or the opening of the eye through use of eye drops in order to examine the internal structures of the eye. Dilation allows the doctor to check for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, tumors of the eyes, retinal detachments, retinal hole/tears, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, and macular degeneration. Patients with any of these personal conditions or a family history of these conditions should have their eyes dilated annually. Patients with symptoms of flashing lights, floaters, red eyes, headaches or loss of vision must be dilated to rule out a possible medical condition.​ We recommend dilation for all new patients and patients who have not had their pupils dilated in over a year. Your vision may be affected after dilation, so we recommend you bring sunglasses and not drive after. For patients who cannot dilate, our practice offers Digital Retinal Imaging.
WHAT IS A DIGITAL RETINAL IMAGE, AND DO I NEED IT?
We also offer Digital Retinal Imaging which allows for instant viewing of the retina and optic nerve in great detail. This technology combines retinal photography with a computerized imaging to examine and document the internal structures of the eye. This scan will allow us to confirm and health eye or detect the presence of abnormal conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and melanomas that can lead to vision loss. This is an opportunity for you to view and discuss the images of your own eye with the doctor, as we feel that it is important that our patients understand what we see and look for. The results are documented and used as a baseline to track any changes in future eye exams. We recommend this for all our patients as part of their comprehensive eye exams. We especially recommend this for patients who cannot dilate their pupils. Although it does not replace dilation, is is an excellent screening device.
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DO I NEED BOTH DILATION AND DIGITAL RETINAL IMAGING?
Our doctor recommends both tests. Physically looking into the eye with dilation is still invaluable. However, using digital retinal imaging provides different types of information and can often times pick up subtle changes. Combining both allows the eye doctor to make a better health assessment.
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DO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
We are only in network with the following insurances:
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Vision Service Plan (VSP)
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Spectera
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MES.
We ask that you call us to verify your insurance benefits before your visit.
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WHAT ARE YOUR FEES IF YOU DON'T TAKE MY INSURANCE OR I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE?
Please see below our exam fees. Please note that all contact lens exams will include a prescription for eyeglasses as well.
Eye Exam for Glasses
Basic Contact Lens Exam (Soft)
Specialty Contact Lens Exam (Toric/Multifocal/Monovision)
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Exam
Contact lens training for new fits
Dilated Fundus Exam
Digital Retinal Imaging
Medical Eye Exam, (Red/Pink eye, allergies, contact lens infections)
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$75
$115
$140
$165
$20
$30
$25
$100