See Well Vision Associates is a comprehensive eye care practice offering routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, and medical eye care for conditions like glaucoma and dry eye. This guide walks you through what to expect during your visit, how to prepare, and how to get the most from your appointment—so you can walk out with a clear prescription and a healthy plan for your eyes.
Ingredients
- Your current eyeglasses or contact lens prescription (if you have one)
- List of all medications you take (including eye drops)
- Your insurance card and photo ID
- List of any vision problems or concerns (e.g., blurry near or far vision, headaches, eye strain)
- Referral or authorization from your primary care doctor if required by your insurance
- Your glasses or contact lenses (wear them to the appointment)
- A pair of sunglasses (for after the exam if your eyes are dilated)
Instructions
- Schedule your appointment. Call See Well Vision Associates or book online. Choose a time when you can relax afterward, especially if you might need dilation. Ask if you should arrive early to complete paperwork.
- Gather your information. Collect your current prescription, medication list, insurance card, and ID. Write down any symptoms you’ve noticed, like blurry vision at night, eye pain, or floaters. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, note that—it affects your eye health.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, update your medical history, and ask about co-pays or coverage. Bring your sunglasses if you expect dilation.
- Complete the pre-exam tests. A technician will likely check your visual acuity (reading an eye chart), eye pressure (using a puff of air or a tonometer), and take images of your retina. These tests are painless and quick.
- Meet the optometrist or ophthalmologist. The doctor will review your history, perform a thorough eye exam using a slit lamp and other instruments, and check your eye health. They may ask you to look in different directions and read letters through various lenses.
- Discuss your results and prescription. The doctor will explain any findings, update your glasses or contact lens prescription, and answer your questions. If you need medical treatment (like for dry eye or glaucoma), they’ll outline a plan.
- Choose your eyewear. If you need new glasses or contacts, you can select frames and lenses in the optical shop. The staff will help you with measurements and ordering. Contact lens wearers may receive a trial pair to test.
- Follow up as directed. If the doctor recommends a follow-up visit, schedule it before you leave. If you were dilated, wear your sunglasses and avoid driving until your vision returns to normal (usually 2–4 hours).
Tips
- Bring your glasses even if you wear contacts. The doctor needs to see your current prescription and may want to check the fit of your frames. If you wear contacts, bring the boxes or a copy of the prescription.
- Ask questions. Write down anything you want to ask—like “Why do my eyes water?� or “Do I need blue light glasses?�—so you don’t forget during the exam.
- Know your insurance. Vision insurance covers routine exams; medical insurance may cover visits for eye diseases. Call ahead to confirm what’s covered and whether you need a referral.
- Plan for dilation. If your pupils are dilated, you’ll be light-sensitive and have blurry near vision for a few hours. Bring sunglasses and arrange a ride if you don’t feel comfortable driving.
Serving Suggestions
After your eye exam, treat yourself to a break for your eyes. If you were dilated, rest in a dim room for an hour or two. Avoid screens for a bit if your eyes feel tired. If you got new glasses, wear them for short periods first to adapt, especially if the prescription changed significantly.
Variations
- Contact lens fitting: If you’re a new contact lens wearer, the doctor will measure your cornea and may schedule a separate fitting visit. This is more involved than a standard exam.
- Medical eye exam: If you have an eye infection, sudden vision loss, or other urgent issue, you’ll see the doctor for a medical visit, which may include additional tests like a corneal scrape or imaging.
- Pediatric eye exam: Children’s exams are tailored to their age and may include picture charts and playful tests. Kids should have their first eye exam at age 3, or earlier if there are concerns.
- Low vision exam: For those with significant vision loss, a low vision specialist can recommend aids like magnifiers and special lenses to maximize remaining vision.
Storage and Reheating
Your eye exam results and prescription are stored in your medical record at See Well Vision Associates. You can request a copy for your records or to take to another provider. Contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year (or less if medically necessary), and glasses prescriptions are typically valid for two years. If you have a follow-up appointment, keep your appointment card and any instructions in a safe place. If you get new glasses, store them in a hard case when not in use, and clean them with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner—not paper towels or your shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get an eye exam? Most adults need an eye exam every 1–2 years, depending on age, health, and risk factors. Children should have an exam before starting school and then every year or two. People with diabetes, glaucoma, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent exams—follow your doctor’s advice.
Will my eyes be dilated? Not always. Dilation is often done for a comprehensive exam, especially if you’re over 40, have diabetes, or have other risk factors. The doctor will decide based on your symptoms and health history. If you’re dilated, your near vision will be blurry for a few hours, so plan accordingly.
Can I drive after the exam? If your eyes are dilated, you may be sensitive to light and have blurry vision, making driving unsafe, especially at night. Bring sunglasses and consider having someone drive you home. If you’re not dilated, you can usually drive normally.
What if I don’t have vision insurance? See Well Vision Associates offers self-pay options and may have payment plans. Ask about discounts for cash payments or bundled services. You can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for exams and eyewear.
How do I get my contact lens prescription? After a contact lens fitting, the doctor will give you a prescription with the brand, base curve, diameter, and expiration date. You can take this to any optical store or order online. Contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year, and you need an annual exam to renew it.
What should I do if I have an eye emergency? If you have sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a chemical burn, or a foreign object in your eye, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately. Do not wait for an appointment. For less urgent issues like red eyes or floaters, call See Well Vision Associates for advice.
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