FAQ's
Are you accepting new patients? YES! We always look forward to serving new patients and their families.
Where is your office? Our address is 1901 Harrison St. This is a high-rise building that faces Harrison St. but our office doors open onto 19th street. Just come around the corner and you’ll find us. Is parking available nearby? There are two hour metered parking spaces in front of our office and building on 19th street or Harrison. Which insurance plans do you accept? We accept Vision Service Plan, Medical Eye Services, some Eye Med plans, and Vision Care Plan (Comp Benefits). We are also providers for medical plans such as Medicare and many PPO plans (Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Aetna, and United Health Care, etc.) |
What does my vision insurance cover? What does it not cover? There are many different plans, programs and coverage. Our staff will be happy to obtain this information and explain your coverage and how to maximize your benefits. It is impossible to discuss what your vision plan covers without looking at your specific program. There are dozens of different insurance plans, each with their own unique features, coverage, and limitations. For this reason, it is ultimately the responsibility of each individual patient to be familiar with and understand his or her benefits. Do not assume that your insurance covers “everything.” If you have any questions at all regarding your insurance benefits, ask our staff prior to receiving services; our staff is always happy to assist you in any way that they can to determine exactly what your coverage is.
If I do not have insurance, how much does an eye examination cost? Our fees are based on the thoroughness and time that we take to evaluate all aspects of your vision and eye health, including how each patient uses their eyes (sports, computer, hobbies, etc.), and a complete medical and family history. Currently, the fee for a typical well-vision examination for eyeglass wearers is $160. We also recommend baseline Optomap retinal images. The fee for these images is $39. Contact lens wearers require additional evaluation fees (see below). The cost of your examination may vary depending on what is found during the course of your visit and what services are necessary to address your complaints and your eye care needs. Yes, you can find cheaper exam fees but they may not take the time it takes to really evaluate your exact needs. (see How long should I allow for my exam?)
What is a contact lens evaluation? A contact lens evaluation is for current for contact lens wearers and includes a careful evaluation of your contact lens fit and vision. It is very important that the contact lenses be checked regularly to insure a lens fit that is optimal, safe, and healthy. There is no guarantee that any contact lens fit will remain safe indefinitely. In certain instances, the doctor may catch a potentially serious problem with your lenses, even though they feel completely comfortable to you. There are a number of procedures that are performed during an evaluation for contact lens wearers that are not a part of a general comprehensive eye examination. For this reason, there is an additional fee for the contact lens evaluation. For those of you with eye care insurance, please be aware that this additional evaluation fee may not be covered by your eye care insurance. If you have contact lens coverage through your insurance, you may elect to use it to pay this additional fee. Keep in mind, however, that many insurance programs will only contribute toward eyeglasses OR contact lens services and lenses, not BOTH.
What is a contact lens fitting? A contact lens fitting is a series of visits for patients who are new to contact lenses, or for those who are changing the type of lenses that they will be wearing. During a contact lens fitting, your doctor will discuss your lens options and choose the most suitable lenses for your eyes and your needs. If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you will also be shown how to properly insert, remove, and care for them. After spending some time wearing your new lenses over the first one to two weeks, your doctor will re-evaluate your fit to ensure that the lenses are working properly and are a healthy option for you. Several sets of lenses and several fitting visits may be necessary to arrive at the most optimal and acceptable contact lenses.
I have been told I cannot wear contacts or have a difficult fit, can you still fit me with contact lenses? Although not everyone is a good candidate for contact lenses, we have fit many difficult cases where patients have been told in the past that they cannot wear lenses. The advancements of contact lenses allow for patients with challenging conditions such as dry eye, astigmatism, bifocals and corneal diseases, such as keratoconus or disfigured corneas, to be successfully fit. We will be happy to discuss this option with you at your examination.
How long should I allow for my examination? A full eye examination usually takes at least 50-75 minutes. We schedule an additional 20 minutes if you wear contact lenses (70-95 minutes). You may need to allot additional time if you plan to choose eyewear. We strive to stay on schedule but occasionally we encounter situations that require more of our attention. Please try to be patient in these situations, next time it might be you that requires the extra time, delaying the next patient.
What is your appointment cancellation policy? We ask that you make every effort to keep your appointment once it has been made. However, if you should need to change your appointment time, it is helpful to let our office know as far in advance as possible so that it may be available to someone else. We require at least 48 hours notice for any cancellations in order to avoid a late cancellation fee.
What should I bring to my appointment? There are several items that you should bring to help ensure that your appointment goes smoothly. New patients should download and fill out the Patient History Form (2 pages). This can help expedite your appointment. Bring your most recent pair of eyeglasses, as well as any other prescription eyeglasses that you currently wear, including those for work, computer use, reading, and sun protection. Make a note of any medications that you take as well as any eye drops that you use (even if you use them infrequently). For contact lens wearers If you are new to our office, please bring your latest contact lens prescription or the current boxes or packaging for your contact lenses. All contact lens wearers should wear their contact lenses for at least 4 hours before their appointment whenever possible. Please be prepared to provide information about the solutions that you use with your lenses. Bring your glasses, as you will not be able to wear your lenses for at least one hour after the exam.
Why do you ask for my medical insurance information? Often during the eye examinations performed in our office we detect medical conditions that require additional attention from other medical professionals. Knowing what your medical insurance is helps to guide us in making a referral to the appropriate specialist. Also, we often provide eye care services to our patients, which fall under medical insurance rather than vision insurance. Examples are evaluation and treatment for conditions such as “pink eye”, sties, dry eyes, foreign body removal, etc. In such cases, we may submit a claim to your medical insurance for payment.
What is your payment policy? Payment is required at the time that services are provided. A deposit of at least 50% is needed to proceed with an eyeglass or contact lens order. The remaining balance is due when your order is completed. The fees are not reversible once prescription lenses have been started. Any special order materials require payment in full prior to the order being placed.
What forms of payment do you accept? We accept cash, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Care Credit and debit cards for payment in our office.
Can I use my Flex Spending Plan, Health Savings Account or Cafeteria Plan for services in your office? Yes, you can use your flex spending dollars toward the cost of your eye examination, office visits, insurance co-payments and overages, and any eyewear that you receive, including prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and related supplies, eyeglass accessories, and even non-prescription sunglasses. Just about anything purchased in our office may qualify for flex dollars reimbursement.
When should I see an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist? Optometrists are your primary eye care providers, just as your primary care physician provides general health care for you and your family. Optometrists are extensively trained in evaluating and treating vision problems, as well as prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, Optometrists are also trained in the detection and management of a variety of eye disorders such as dry eyes, eye infections, lazy eye (amblyopia), diabetic eye disease, cataracts, and glaucoma. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating eye diseases and performing eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are specially trained to treat specific conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, or to perform refractive surgery such as Lasik, while others treat specific areas of the eye such as the cornea or retina. As with referrals to other medical specialists, patients typically see the ophthalmologist upon the recommendation of their optometrist or primary care physician when a specific disease or problem is detected.
Do my eyes have to be dilated at my examination? A dilated eye exam is recommended for all new patients and most returning patients, especially if you have not had Optomap retinal images. If you have certain health conditions, or if you have a history of certain eye conditions or diseases, dilation will be advised.
What are retinal images? Why are they important? A retinal image is a digital image taken of your retina, which is the light-sensing tissue that lines the inside of your eye. A healthy retina is absolutely essential for maintaining normal vision. Your images enable the doctor to detect even subtle changes in your retina and optic nerve. Each time you have an examination, these images are evaluated and by comparing prior images we can detect small changes in the retina or optic nerve at the earliest possible point. This is extremely important in the detection of common and devastating eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and melanoma cancer. Also, the digital images allow us to observe the peripheral structures of the retina in greater detail than ever before.
How often should I have my eyes examined? For most individuals, eyes should be examined once a year, regardless of whether or not you have any vision complaints with your eyeglasses and/or contacts. In some cases, eye examinations may be recommended more frequently, but there may also be instances where the doctor may indicate the need to examine you at less frequent intervals.
At what age and how often should children be examined? It is highly recommended that every child receive a comprehensive eye examination around the age of 3 years and before they enter kindergarten to insure that there are no vision conditions that may hamper a child’s performance in school. School age children should be examined once a year as children’s vision can change rapidly. In our office we examine children as young as 6-12 months of age in conjunction with the Infant See Program. If serious eye problems are suspected, a referral to a pediatric specialist is advised.
Do you fill prescriptions from other doctors? Yes, we will fill all outside prescriptions provided that they have not yet expired.
Can I re-use my existing frame? We are able to use an existing frame if you keep a few things in mind. Older frames are typically not under warranty and if a frame part breaks, parts are not available. When this happens, it necessitates buying a whole new pair of glasses because lenses cannot usually be re-cut or put into another frame. As long as the frame is in good serviceable condition, it can be reused. Use of your own frame is always at your own risk. Our opticians will help to assess your existing frame and advise you about the suitability of reusing it.
If I do not have insurance, how much does an eye examination cost? Our fees are based on the thoroughness and time that we take to evaluate all aspects of your vision and eye health, including how each patient uses their eyes (sports, computer, hobbies, etc.), and a complete medical and family history. Currently, the fee for a typical well-vision examination for eyeglass wearers is $160. We also recommend baseline Optomap retinal images. The fee for these images is $39. Contact lens wearers require additional evaluation fees (see below). The cost of your examination may vary depending on what is found during the course of your visit and what services are necessary to address your complaints and your eye care needs. Yes, you can find cheaper exam fees but they may not take the time it takes to really evaluate your exact needs. (see How long should I allow for my exam?)
What is a contact lens evaluation? A contact lens evaluation is for current for contact lens wearers and includes a careful evaluation of your contact lens fit and vision. It is very important that the contact lenses be checked regularly to insure a lens fit that is optimal, safe, and healthy. There is no guarantee that any contact lens fit will remain safe indefinitely. In certain instances, the doctor may catch a potentially serious problem with your lenses, even though they feel completely comfortable to you. There are a number of procedures that are performed during an evaluation for contact lens wearers that are not a part of a general comprehensive eye examination. For this reason, there is an additional fee for the contact lens evaluation. For those of you with eye care insurance, please be aware that this additional evaluation fee may not be covered by your eye care insurance. If you have contact lens coverage through your insurance, you may elect to use it to pay this additional fee. Keep in mind, however, that many insurance programs will only contribute toward eyeglasses OR contact lens services and lenses, not BOTH.
What is a contact lens fitting? A contact lens fitting is a series of visits for patients who are new to contact lenses, or for those who are changing the type of lenses that they will be wearing. During a contact lens fitting, your doctor will discuss your lens options and choose the most suitable lenses for your eyes and your needs. If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you will also be shown how to properly insert, remove, and care for them. After spending some time wearing your new lenses over the first one to two weeks, your doctor will re-evaluate your fit to ensure that the lenses are working properly and are a healthy option for you. Several sets of lenses and several fitting visits may be necessary to arrive at the most optimal and acceptable contact lenses.
I have been told I cannot wear contacts or have a difficult fit, can you still fit me with contact lenses? Although not everyone is a good candidate for contact lenses, we have fit many difficult cases where patients have been told in the past that they cannot wear lenses. The advancements of contact lenses allow for patients with challenging conditions such as dry eye, astigmatism, bifocals and corneal diseases, such as keratoconus or disfigured corneas, to be successfully fit. We will be happy to discuss this option with you at your examination.
How long should I allow for my examination? A full eye examination usually takes at least 50-75 minutes. We schedule an additional 20 minutes if you wear contact lenses (70-95 minutes). You may need to allot additional time if you plan to choose eyewear. We strive to stay on schedule but occasionally we encounter situations that require more of our attention. Please try to be patient in these situations, next time it might be you that requires the extra time, delaying the next patient.
What is your appointment cancellation policy? We ask that you make every effort to keep your appointment once it has been made. However, if you should need to change your appointment time, it is helpful to let our office know as far in advance as possible so that it may be available to someone else. We require at least 48 hours notice for any cancellations in order to avoid a late cancellation fee.
What should I bring to my appointment? There are several items that you should bring to help ensure that your appointment goes smoothly. New patients should download and fill out the Patient History Form (2 pages). This can help expedite your appointment. Bring your most recent pair of eyeglasses, as well as any other prescription eyeglasses that you currently wear, including those for work, computer use, reading, and sun protection. Make a note of any medications that you take as well as any eye drops that you use (even if you use them infrequently). For contact lens wearers If you are new to our office, please bring your latest contact lens prescription or the current boxes or packaging for your contact lenses. All contact lens wearers should wear their contact lenses for at least 4 hours before their appointment whenever possible. Please be prepared to provide information about the solutions that you use with your lenses. Bring your glasses, as you will not be able to wear your lenses for at least one hour after the exam.
Why do you ask for my medical insurance information? Often during the eye examinations performed in our office we detect medical conditions that require additional attention from other medical professionals. Knowing what your medical insurance is helps to guide us in making a referral to the appropriate specialist. Also, we often provide eye care services to our patients, which fall under medical insurance rather than vision insurance. Examples are evaluation and treatment for conditions such as “pink eye”, sties, dry eyes, foreign body removal, etc. In such cases, we may submit a claim to your medical insurance for payment.
What is your payment policy? Payment is required at the time that services are provided. A deposit of at least 50% is needed to proceed with an eyeglass or contact lens order. The remaining balance is due when your order is completed. The fees are not reversible once prescription lenses have been started. Any special order materials require payment in full prior to the order being placed.
What forms of payment do you accept? We accept cash, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Care Credit and debit cards for payment in our office.
Can I use my Flex Spending Plan, Health Savings Account or Cafeteria Plan for services in your office? Yes, you can use your flex spending dollars toward the cost of your eye examination, office visits, insurance co-payments and overages, and any eyewear that you receive, including prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and related supplies, eyeglass accessories, and even non-prescription sunglasses. Just about anything purchased in our office may qualify for flex dollars reimbursement.
When should I see an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist? Optometrists are your primary eye care providers, just as your primary care physician provides general health care for you and your family. Optometrists are extensively trained in evaluating and treating vision problems, as well as prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, Optometrists are also trained in the detection and management of a variety of eye disorders such as dry eyes, eye infections, lazy eye (amblyopia), diabetic eye disease, cataracts, and glaucoma. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating eye diseases and performing eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are specially trained to treat specific conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, or to perform refractive surgery such as Lasik, while others treat specific areas of the eye such as the cornea or retina. As with referrals to other medical specialists, patients typically see the ophthalmologist upon the recommendation of their optometrist or primary care physician when a specific disease or problem is detected.
Do my eyes have to be dilated at my examination? A dilated eye exam is recommended for all new patients and most returning patients, especially if you have not had Optomap retinal images. If you have certain health conditions, or if you have a history of certain eye conditions or diseases, dilation will be advised.
What are retinal images? Why are they important? A retinal image is a digital image taken of your retina, which is the light-sensing tissue that lines the inside of your eye. A healthy retina is absolutely essential for maintaining normal vision. Your images enable the doctor to detect even subtle changes in your retina and optic nerve. Each time you have an examination, these images are evaluated and by comparing prior images we can detect small changes in the retina or optic nerve at the earliest possible point. This is extremely important in the detection of common and devastating eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and melanoma cancer. Also, the digital images allow us to observe the peripheral structures of the retina in greater detail than ever before.
How often should I have my eyes examined? For most individuals, eyes should be examined once a year, regardless of whether or not you have any vision complaints with your eyeglasses and/or contacts. In some cases, eye examinations may be recommended more frequently, but there may also be instances where the doctor may indicate the need to examine you at less frequent intervals.
At what age and how often should children be examined? It is highly recommended that every child receive a comprehensive eye examination around the age of 3 years and before they enter kindergarten to insure that there are no vision conditions that may hamper a child’s performance in school. School age children should be examined once a year as children’s vision can change rapidly. In our office we examine children as young as 6-12 months of age in conjunction with the Infant See Program. If serious eye problems are suspected, a referral to a pediatric specialist is advised.
Do you fill prescriptions from other doctors? Yes, we will fill all outside prescriptions provided that they have not yet expired.
Can I re-use my existing frame? We are able to use an existing frame if you keep a few things in mind. Older frames are typically not under warranty and if a frame part breaks, parts are not available. When this happens, it necessitates buying a whole new pair of glasses because lenses cannot usually be re-cut or put into another frame. As long as the frame is in good serviceable condition, it can be reused. Use of your own frame is always at your own risk. Our opticians will help to assess your existing frame and advise you about the suitability of reusing it.