Eye exams
A full eye exam, without leaving home
The exam is the same one you would have in an office: vision, glasses prescription, eye pressure and a look at the health of the eyes. It takes 45 to 60 minutes a person.
- 01
Step 1: Talk first
We ask what has changed, how the glasses are working and how the eyes feel, and we listen to a family member who knows the history.
- 02
Step 2: Vision and glasses
We measure how well each eye sees and find the lenses that help most, using methods that don't depend on reading letters.
- 03
Step 3: Eye pressure
A quick, gentle measurement that helps check for glaucoma risk.
- 04
Step 4: The health of the eyes
With a portable slit lamp, and with dilating drops when appropriate and agreed, we look at the front and back of the eye.
- 05
Step 5: Results and next steps
We explain what we found, give a written summary and a copy of the prescription, and say when to come back.
How often
A guide for how often to have an exam
Your doctor may suggest a different schedule for you.
Adults 65 and older
Every year, or as your doctor advises.
Adults with diabetes
At least once a year, with a dilated exam.
Anyone with a change in vision
As soon as it happens. Sudden changes are an emergency: see the box below.
Residents in a facility
On arrival, then on a steady cycle that the doctor sets with you.
What to have ready
Before the doctor arrives
Current glasses
All of them: for distance, for reading and the sunglasses.
Magnifiers and aids
Anything used for reading or close work.
Insurance cards
Vision, medical and Medicare cards, so we can bill the right plan.
A list of medicines
If one is handy. Some medicines matter to the eyes.
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
Book an eye exam
We will ask where the visit will be and who it is for.