Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take Medicare or Medicaid?

Yes, we accept most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.

How can I gain access to the patient portal?

Here is the link to the patient portal.

Do I need to bring my insurance card to every appointment?

Yes, please bring a copy of your current insurance card and any relevant medical information including a list of your medications to every appointment. Your co-pay will be collected at the time of visit.

Should I bring my current glasses with me to the appointment?

Yes, please bring your current glasses and contact lens prescription(s) with you to your appointment. By knowing the current prescription and seeing how it is working for you, your provider can better assess if a new prescription is needed.

How long will my appointment take?

Appointment durations can vary based on individual needs and the type of examination required. Generally plan for an hour to an hour and a half for your appointment. Surgical consultations may be as long as 3 hours.

Can you give me a prescription for my glasses?

If needed, we can provide you with a prescription for glasses.

How long does dilation last?

Dilation typically lasts for a few hours. Many patients opt for digital retinal imaging to be performed in lieu of dilation.

How often should I be seen?

This is dependent upon your age, prior eye problems, medical history and family history. Individuals who are at a higher risk of eye problems may need to be seen more frequently. These may include:

Individuals of African or Hispanic descent (higher risk for glaucoma)
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma or retinal detachment
Individuals with glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration or retinal detachment.
Anyone with a previous eye injury.
Individuals taking certain medications - Plaquenil, Prednisone or other types of steroids are just a few medications that can affect the eyes.
Individuals who have conditions like diabetes, hypo- or hyper-thyroid disease.

Your eye care provider will make recommendations specific to your needs.

Why do I need an annual exam if I am diabetic?

Per the American Diabetes Association, an annual exam is the best way to determine if you could be experiencing the earlier stages of a diabetic related eye conditions. The sooner we are able to detect any diabetic-related eye conditions, the better we can preserve your vision and help prevent future vision loss or blindness.

For women with diabetes planning pregnancy, it's important to have a comprehensive eye exam beforehand. During pregnancy, schedule exams in the first and last trimester to monitor any changes in eye health. Stress from pregnancy can elevate blood vessel pressure in the eyes, potentially increasing diabetic related eye conditions. Regular monitoring during pregnancy helps safeguard eye health amidst these changes.

What are symptoms of eye disease should I pay attention to?

Common symptoms of eye disease you should pay attention to include:

Blurred or distorted vision
Changes in color perception
Decreased vision or sudden loss of vision
Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
Double vision
Eyelid abnormalities
Excessing tearing
Flashes of light or floaters in vision
Injury to the eye
Loss of peripheral vision
Redness or Irritation
Sensitivity to light

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call one of our offices today to schedule an appointment for an eye examination to diagnose and treat any potential eye conditions.