Complete Eye Exam

Our ophthalmologists or optometrist will evaluate the health of your eyes. A complete exam includes testing vision with an eye chart, measuring for glasses, and evaluation of the front and back portions of the eye with special microscopes. During our exams we evaluate all patients for the presence of sight-threatening eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. If necessary, we will prescribe glasses. Regular and thorough eye exams conducted by qualified and experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and diagnosing eye disease.

Medical Eye Examination

During a medical eye exam an ophthalmologist or optometrist examines the general health of the eye. As part of this examination a determination of refractive error is often done to help diagnose and treat eye disease. If evidence of disease is detected during this examination, various treatment options may be offered, including medications and surgery. Some office visits also require a refraction in addition to the medical eye examination.

Refraction

A refraction is different from the determination of refractive error in that a decision must be made about which lenses should be prescribed to treat the refractive error. For those who already wear glasses, the technician uses a specialized instrument to determine the power of the patient's current glasses. Using another instrument called a phoropter the patient often participates in the selection of various lenses in the process of determining the refractive error. Based on current glasses power, historical information, the determined refractive error, and other information from the examination, the doctor selects the optimal corrective lens power for each eye. The doctor additionally considers the need, if any, for specialized lens materials and treatments. Then a prescription for glasses is provided to the patient.

Insurance Coverage

While a refraction is necessary for a patient to receive a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, many insurance plans do not cover this service. Medicare, for example, does not cover refractions. Some other insurance plans cover refractions under a separate vision care portion of the plan. As a patient, you can check with your insurance plan or plans to find out if you have coverage for refractions and any limitations on that coverage. The charge for a refraction at Springfield Eye Associates is $55. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be responsible for the refraction fee in addition to any applicable co-insurance payment for the office visit. We greatly appreciate your payment at the time of service.

Basic Eye Anatomy