How to make the most out of your eye exam

Time for an eye exam? Our staff and doctors have come up with some tips and tricks to help you make the best of your eye exam.

Before you schedule an exam, we want you to know what you are signing up for. An eye exam is not only meant to find out if you need glasses but is also a comprehensive ocular health evaluation.  During the health evaluation, optometrists evaluate both the front and back of your eye to look for diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eye. This health evaluation can also detect certain systemic health disease such as diabetes and high blood pressure. So before you schedule an appointment, know that it will be more than answering “which is better, 1 or 2” a few times.

 

When you schedule an appointment:

1. You can schedule an appointment by either calling our office or booking online.
2. When you schedule, make sure to have your insurance information available. This includes knowing whether you have a vision plan or not. If you aren’t sure, contact your HR department or call your insurance company. One common misconception is that our office knows about your specific insurance plan and coverage, but the truth is that we don’t.

Before your exam:

1. If you can, take advantage of the option to fill out paperwork online. Not only will this save time but might allow you to fill out your health and family history more completely from the comfort of your own home.

When you come to your exam:

1. Be on time, or even better come a few minutes early. Our office prides ourselves on ensuring our patients aren’t sitting in the waiting room for long periods of time. When patients come at their scheduled time, we are able to make your experience at our office efficient and enjoyable.
2. Bring all of your insurance cards and information for both your medical and vision plans.
3. Have a plan of how you will pay for your exam. We have several options for our patients, so explore which one might be best for your financial plan. It is important to understand that even if you have a vision plan, not all services or products are covered. When it comes to your bill, we offer discounts for cash payments or day of payment as well as payment plans and services.
4. Other things to bring to your exam: medication lists, the current pair of glasses that you wear (prescription sun wear included), the name of any eye drops (including any OTC drops) you are using, contact lenses boxes if you are a new patient, information about your diabetes, such as your A1C, and name of your primary care physician.

During your exam:

1. Once you get checked in at the front desk one of our trained technicians will conduct your pre-exam testing. The more open and upfront about your vision and eyes you are with these technicians, the better. If you have any questions, concerns or topics you would like to discuss with the doctor, let these technicians know. That way your optometrist can come into the exam room prepared and ready to tackle your concerns.
2. During your exam with your optometrist, bring up any concerns or questions at the beginning. If you are interested in contacts, LASIK or have had any changes to your vision or comfort of your eyes, tell the optometrist. This can help ensure that your exam is efficient and accomplishes the goals you would like to reach.
3. Once your exam is over, listen to the recommendations your optometrist gives you. If we recommend a certain eye drop, specific glasses lens design or give instructions on how to improve your eye health, follow these recommendations as directed.
4. Most importantly, ask questions. If you need clarification or aren’t sure you completely understand, don’t be afraid to ask. We love answering questions that allow patients to be educated and in charge of your vision and health.

After your exam:

1. If you need glasses, you will have the opportunity to browse our selection of frames. A trained optician will be available to answer questions and offer advice. Use these opticians to your advantage. They are knowledgeable and will be able to help you build a pair of glasses that you will be happy with.
2. If you need contacts, one of our staff will be able to explain pricing, discounts, rebates and insurance benefits to you. They are also available to help if you have difficulties with rebate submission or need assistance troubleshooting other common hitches that come with contact lens wear.
3. With both glasses and contacts, you always have the option to take your prescription somewhere else. We want our patients to know that we price our contacts to be less expensive than online retailers and only sell frame and lens material that are much higher quality with advanced technology that sets them high above any online option
4. Lastly, remember that even if you have vision benefits, not all products are covered completely. Our staff will take the time to explain what is and is not covered so there are no surprise charges.

 

Health care can often times be overwhelming, time consuming and overall just confusing. We believe eye care should not be that way. Magnuson Hopkins Eyecare wants you to receive the best quality care while respecting your busy schedule. Following these tips and tricks can help make your eye exam more efficient and productive! But most important, ask questions! We are always here for you.