Preparing for an Eye Exam
Depending on your age, family history, general health and eye health, it is recommended to have an eye exam every one to two years. Of course if you experience any serious symptoms that affect your eyes or your vision, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.
The Difference Between an Optometrist (OD) and an Ophthalmologist (MD or DO)
Optometrists
Optometrists or Doctors of Optometry attend optometry school which is usually at least four years of graduate level training. They are able to perform eye exams, provide prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and treat eye diseases as as glaucoma, dry eyes, or eye infections that may require medication or drops. They can consult with and co-manage patients in pre- or post-op surgical care, however they do not perform surgery.
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that attend medical school and later specialize in ophthalmology. They are able to do all of the services mentioned above but also perform eye surgeries such as cataract surgery, refractive surgery such as LASIK and deal with more urgent eye conditions such as retinal detachment.
Infant and Child Eye Exams
Adult Eye Exams
Once you reach 40, you become susceptible to a number of age-related eye conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts or macular degeneration, therefore annual or bi-annual exams are strongly recommended.
As you continue to age, particularly after age 55, the risks of eye disease increase, and early detection can be critical to preventing significant vision loss or blindness. Scheduling a yearly eye exam can make all the difference in maintaining your independence and quality of life.
How to Prepare for Your Exam
You need to know if you have medical insurance, vision plan coverage or both. Medical insurance usually does not cover “wellness/refractive” exams for glasses or contact lenses. Vision plans will cover exams for glasses or contacts, but usually cannot be used for red eyes, floaters, or other medical eye health problems. Please bring your insurance cards with you.
In addition to bringing your current pair of glasses or contacts if applicable, it is important to be aware of your personal and family history and to have a list of medications or supplements you are currently taking. Your pupils will probably be dilated as apart of your exam, so plan accordingly.
Marion, VA Office
Monday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: | Closed |
Sunday: | Closed |
Cedar Bluff, VA Office
Monday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: | Closed |
Sunday: | Closed |
Bristol, TN Office
Monday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: | Closed |
Sunday: | Closed |
Abingdon, VA Office
Monday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: | Closed |
Sunday: | Closed |