1. What do I need to bring for my first visit?
Please bring a list of the current medications you are taking. Also inform us of any medicines you are allergic to. If possible, please bring your current eyeglasses or contact lenses.
2. Does your office accept credit card payments?
Absolutely! For your convenience, we accept Discover, Visa, American Express and MasterCard.
3. My primary physician is sending me to your practice for a medical condition with my eyes. Will my health insurance cover treatment?
Typically, most health insurances provide coverage if your primary doctor refers you to our practice for a medical problem. However, you should contact your insurance company prior to your visit if you have questions about coverage.
4. What should I do if I have an eye emergency?
Please call our office. Although there may be a wait, one of our doctors will see you as soon as possible.
5. How long will a full regular eye exam take?
Typically, a comprehensive routine eye exam can take one to two hours. If you are selecting new eyeglasses, it may last an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Is it safe for me to drive home after an eye exam?
During the exam we may have to dilate your pupils, which will make your eyes sensitive to light, and slightly distort your vision. These effects are normal, and usually subside within a few hours. You should plan to bring something to shield the sun from your eyes after your appointment, such as sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. If you feel you will be unable to drive after the appointment, please bring someone with you to drive you home.
7. What is the difference between a routine eye exam and a contact lens exams?
Routine eye exams are designed to detect vision problems and are an important preventive measure for maintaining your overall health and wellness. In fact, a thorough eye exam can detect a number of serious medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes and even cancer.
Contact lens exams are designed to evaluate your vision with contacts. Although your vision may be clear and you feel no discomfort from your lenses, there are potential risk factors with improper wearing or fitting of contact lenses that can affect the overall health of your eyes
8. I have medicare coverage. Why do i have to pay out of pocket for a refraction? What is a refraction?
Medicare does not pay for routine vision exams is when patients have no medical complaints with their eyes and just want their vision checked. Medicare will pay for medical and surgical eye care only. Medicare and surgical eye care includes treatment for diseases for glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts, eye infections and any other eye-related problem.
A refraction is the test used to determine your best-corrected vision and may be necessary during a medical eye exam. Medicare will not pay for the refraction portion of an eye exam. Anything medicare does not cover will become the patient responsibility. If a refraction is done in the course of your eye exam, you will be asked to pay the $40 refraction charge at the end of your visit.
9. I recently had my eyes examined for new glasses. Now i think i have something medically wrong with my eyes. Will my medical insurance cover another office visit?
Many patients delay seeing their eye doctor thinking medicare or their insurance will not cover their eye care. Medicare and most insurance plans cover office visits especially for glaucoma, diabetes, cataracts and other medical conditions that can directly affect your eyesight.
10. What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. Although cataracts are not painful, they do cause many symptoms, such as blurry vision. Surgery is the only treatment option. Following diagnosis, Drs. Farbman, Gill and Chen can refer you to a specialist who will remove your cataracts and place intraocular lenses to restore your vision.
11. What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disorder that damages the optic nerve, which sends visual information from the eye to the brain. The condition typically occurs as a result of high fluid pressure inside the eye (called intraocular pressure). This happens when aqueous humor, a clear liquid that continuously flows in and out of the eye does not flow properly. The fluid typically flows out through a drainage system; at the angle where the iris and the cornea meet. If the system fails to function properly, the fluid cannot exit the eye at a normal rate, which causes pressure to build up. Left untreated, vision progressively deteriorates; resulting in blindness.
12. What are some risk factors for developing glaucoma?
Although anyone can experience glaucoma, the condition is more prevalent among persons with a family history of the condition, adults older than 65, diabetic patients, and African-Americans over 40. Nearsighted individuals, persons with high blood pressure, and those who take steroid medicines for a long period of time are also more likely to develop glaucoma.
13. What is refractive surgery?
Refractive surgery is designed to decrease or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contacts. There are several refractive surgery procedures available. Following diagnosis, Drs. Farbman, Gill and Chen can refer you to an eye care professional who specializes in laser refractive surgeries.
14. What is a refraction?
A refraction is a clinical test used to determine your eye's refractive error and the best corrective lenses needed to correct your vision. A refraction is a non-covered service by medicare and many general insurances.