• Why do you dilate patients?
• Why do you refract patients?
• Why aren't contact lens prescriptions & glasses prescriptions the same?
• Why can't I have a contact lens prescription without having a fitting?
• Why does the exam take so long?
• Why do you need to know about my insurance before I arrive at the office?
• Can I request medication refills or contact lens replacement orders by e-mail?

Q. Why do you dilate patients?

A. Dilation allows the doctor to evaluate the retina and optic nerves as well as the lens and refraction of the eye. With dilation the doctor is looking through a large opening rather than a small one. This is particularly important in evaluating the status of Diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and neurological problems.

Q. Why do you refract patients?

A. Refraction is the determination of the focusing power of the eye. It is necessary to determine if there is any error and if correction of that error provides good vision. Refraction is a necessary part of every comprehensive eye exam, but many insurance companies, including Medicare, deny coverage as a non-covered procedure requiring the patient to pay this fee.

Q. Why aren't contact lens prescription & glasses prescription the same?

A. Because contact lenses fit directly on the eye they are able to correct much of the astigmatism that must be ground into a conventional glasses lens. Very often we can extrapolate the contact lens prescription from the glasses prescription, but one cannot determine the glasses prescription with any degree of accuracy from the contact lens prescription. Before a contact lens can be prescribed it must be fit to the eye ensuring a healthy relationship with the eye.

Q. Why can't I have a contact lens prescription without having a fitting?

A. Contact lenses fit directly on the cornea of the eye and must be properly fit to ensure the continued health of the eye. The fitting process with the follow-up visits ensures this. Once a satisfactory fitting is accomplished the patient is free to purchase replacement contact lenses wherever the patient wishes. Annual exams are stressed to ensure continuing healthy relationships between the contact lens and the eye.

Q. Why does the exam take so long?

A. The patient must first have a history obtained followed by the undilated portion of the physical exam. Dilation takes 20-45 minutes followed by the dilated portion of the physical exam. Any additional tests which are required or time spent with the optician or with a contact lens fitting add to this time. We strive to have the patient finished with the exam in the least amount of time consistent with the provision of the care which they require.

Q. Why do you need to know about my insurance before I arrive at the office?

A. With the vast array of insurances and coverages that our patients have we must check with carriers to determine whether you need a referral from another doctor, what you benefits are for exams and optical goods, and what benefits you are currently eligible for. Doing this ahead of time ensures a smooth visit with no wasted time once you are in the office. You also are spared the aggravation of discovering that you must go about making your appointment in a different manner in order for your costs to be covered.

Q. Can I request medication refills or contact lens replacement orders by e-mail?

A. Yes, you can! Simply click one of the following links to send an e-mail to our office requesting whatever it is you need. We will respond by e-mail, or if indicated, by phone, verifying the receipt of your request.

• To order Contact Lens replacements, click here.
• To request medication refills, click here.