Comprehensive Eye Exam Richmond
Detecting Eye Disease Early with Routine Exams
Did you know that the American Optometric Association now recommends annual comprehensive eye exams for all 18 to 64-year-olds? These routine exams may seem unnecessary if you have 20/20 vision, if you had LASIK before, or if you don’t have any trouble with your eyes, but the truth is that these annual visits play an essential role in your long-term health and vision. At Richmond Eye Experts, we make these necessary exams as comfortable, productive, and efficient as possible. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam in Richmond!
Why Choose Richmond Eye Experts for Comprehensive Eye Exams?
- Adults and Kids Over 4 Years of Age Welcome
- In-Network with Most Insurance Plans
- Convenient Appointments Available
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive exam at our optometry clinic starts with an online questionnaire where we collect all your pertinent health and vision history. We use this information to tailor your examination.
Preliminary Testing
You will be brought into a private room, where we discuss your online form, get some baseline measurements for your vision, eye pressure, retinal images, and any other tests the doctors may feel are pertinent to you based on your history. We also offer screening for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration at a small extra cost. These are recommended for patients over the age of 40, or those with family history.
Visual Acuity
We use a standardized vision chart to check your baseline vision with or without glasses. We also have specialized charts and acuity cards for kids who do not know their alphabets yet.
Eye Alignment or Binocular Vision
Binocular vision allows us to judge depth and see a clear single image. Special testing is done to determine that you have no binocular vision issues. This test is typically done with correction.
Peripheral Vision
An assessment of your peripheral visual field will be performed to ensure it is functioning optimally. Should any concerns arise during this initial evaluation, a more comprehensive analysis may be required. Peripheral vision defects can be indicative of various eye diseases that may not be readily apparent to the patient.
Refraction: Prescription Determination
“Which one is better? ONE or TWO?”. Our doctors utilize advanced digital phoropter technology to provide you with a preview of your glasses and contact lens prescription. This process also allows the doctor to assess whether you require bifocals or specialized reading glasses.
Contact Lens Assessment
If you choose a contact lens examination, the doctor will discuss your options, including soft lenses, hard lenses, or ortho-K overnight lenses. In most cases, you'll receive sample lenses on the same day. For first-time contact lens users, our staff will provide training on handling, cleaning, insertion, and removal. The doctor will then evaluate the fit and vision before finalizing your prescription. Additional visits may be required for first-time users or for more complex prescriptions.
Slit Lamp Examination
A slit lamp exam is performed with a special microscope and lights. This helps us identify issues like infections, cataracts and dry eyes.
Retina Evaluation
We take pride in being one of the few local practices offering a comprehensive retinal examination without the discomfort of dilation drops and blurry vision. Our child and adult-friendly Optomap Imaging system enables our doctors to conduct a thorough examination of a wide area of the retina. The doctor will review any current concerns or risk factors that require monitoring. Many of our younger patients find this part of the exam particularly fascinating.
Eyewear Consultation
Get ready for the best part of your eye exam! Our top-notch opticians will help you select the perfect frames and lenses tailored to your prescription and lifestyle. We strongly suggest choosing your eyewear from our optical shop. Our opticians know exactly how to fine-tune your prescription for flawless results. While you might be tempted to browse online or “shop” at those big box stores, they can't match the personalized service and cutting-edge lens technology we provide at Richmond Eye Experts. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on our premium experience!
We have thoughtfully designed our process to be both efficient and comfortable. Many patients remark that it is the most thorough examination they have ever experienced. We look forward to seeing you here!
Pupil Dilation
In some situations, such as for those who have diabetes, we may need to dilate the eyes. Dilation provides a deeper view into the retina and optic nerve. If your pupils need to be dilated, you will need to be careful about your exposure to light after your appointment and wear special sunglasses for a couple of hours.
Understanding the Cost of Comprehensive Eye Exams
A YouGov poll revealed that 70% of participants consider “SIGHT” to be their most important sense. Given the range of issues a comprehensive eye exam can detect, the value of these examinations becomes evident.
The good news is that most insurance plans cover the majority, if not all, of the cost for an annual comprehensive eye exam. However, please note that additional expenses, such as for contact lenses, glasses, or specialized tests, may need to be covered out-of-pocket.