FAQ
How much is an eye examination?
The cost of an eye exam depends on the insurance plan that the patient has and what services the doctor provides during the exam. We have a standard fee schedule, but we price all examinations based on the contracted fee schedule. If a patient has no medical or vision insurance, then we will charge the exam based on the discounted Medicare fee schedule.
Does my insurance completely cover the exam?
Very few plans completely cover an exam. Lots of plans have a set amount that they cover up to a max and most do not cover the refraction. The refraction is considered the “routine” part of the exam and therefore the patient is asked to pay this at the time of service. We participate with VSP, Davis and Blue Choice Vision. Most of these have a co-pay.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Most patients can be scheduled to come in within two to three weeks for a vision examination. We have a policy of completing a triage form and forwarding to our doctors to make a decision as to how soon a patient can be scheduled. We try to schedule patients at the location that is most convenient for them but will offer a different location if the patient is willing to travel.
Do you take walk-ins?
We highly discourage walk-ins because we schedule by appointment. If a patient takes the time to call, we will do our best to accommodate their schedule. Very few of our doctors have vacant slots on their schedules because most of them have a cancellation list which is worked first whenever we become aware of openings on the schedule. However, we will triage a walk-in emergency and try to schedule them.
Why does my insurance not cover the refraction?
The refraction, or determination of the refractive state, is the part of the examination excluded by insurance companies. This is the part of the exam where the doctor determines if a patient needs glasses. As this is considered to be routine by most plans, it is generally not covered. However, lots of employers offer separate vision plans and some groups have a vision provision written into the medical coverage. This should be listed in the schedule of benefits or exclusions section.
Why is a glasses prescription only good for a year?
Very few vision providers will recommend that a person hold a prescription for more than a year without having it filled. Generally, if a person is going to purchase a pair of glasses, you want to have the most up to date prescription. However, we will give a patient a copy of a glasses prescription at any time when requested but it will be dated as of the actual date that it was measured. It is at the discretion of the optical practice whether or not they fill a prescription that is older than a year.
Why do I have to have an eye exam yearly if I wear contacts or glasses?
Not every patient who wears glasses is required to have an eye exam yearly. This decision is based on several things including ocular history or presence or absence of other medical/systemic diseases. All patients who wear contact lenses are required to have an eye examination yearly to check the health of the eyes as contacts fit directly on the eye ball. Each physician will discuss his plan for the patient when examined.