Eye exams
A full check of your vision and the health of your eyes.
What an exam covers
Regardless of your age or physical health, it is important to have regular eye exams.
In a complete eye exam your doctor does not only determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. He also checks your eyes for common eye diseases, assesses how your eyes work together as a team, and evaluates your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
The tests range from simple ones, like reading an eye chart, to complex ones, like using a high-powered lens to examine the health of the tissues inside your eyes.
How often
Eye care experts recommend a complete eye exam every one to three years, depending on your age, risk factors and physical condition. We think it is important that all of our patients have an annual eye exam: your vision can change over twelve months, and a regular check-up lets us catch sight-threatening conditions that can develop without you noticing.
Children
The American Optometric Association recommends exams at 6 months, at age 3 and at the start of school, then at least every two years. Children who wear glasses or contacts should be examined at least every 12 months. Children's eye exams
Adults
Anyone who wears glasses or contacts should have an exam every year. If you do not need vision correction, have one every two to three years up to age 40, depending on your rate of visual change and your overall health. Adults with diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions are often advised to come more often.
Over 40
Have your eyes examined every one to two years to check for common age-related problems such as presbyopia, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Over 60
The risk of eye disease keeps increasing with age, so everyone over 60 should be examined every year.
What to expect
Before you come
Decide whether you also want a contact lens exam, and tell us when you book: it includes extra testing and may cost extra. Bring your insurance cards, your current glasses or contacts, and a list of the medications or supplements you take.
The exam
Dr. Terry checks your vision and the health of your eyes. Your pupils will probably be dilated, so plan for that.
Your results
He explains the results, describes your options and listens to what you need. You leave with a written prescription and a summary of your exam, valid anywhere in the U.S.
Visual field testing
A visual field test measures how much side vision you have. It is straightforward and painless, and it does not involve eye drops.
You rest your chin on a chin rest and keep your head still. Lights flash on, some bright and some dim, and you press a button whenever you see one. Each eye is tested separately.
Questions
I had an exam a little over a year ago and my vision seems fine. Why do I need another?
Your vision can change over a 12-month period. A regular check-up lets us uncover any sight-threatening conditions that can develop without you noticing.
Why does a contact lens exam cost more?
We do additional testing with contact lens patients to measure the curve of the eye, so we prescribe the lens that gives the best fit and comfort. We also check again after you have worn the lenses for a while to make sure there are no complications.
Will I get a written prescription?
Yes. You leave with a written prescription and a summary of your exam. The prescription is valid anywhere in the U.S.
Book an eye exam
Our assistant can take your details and the time that suits you, and the office will confirm.