How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?
If you are younger than 40 years old and have no medical or eye conditions, you need an eye exam about every two years. If you are over 40 years old or have any medical or eye conditions, a yearly exam is very important. Note: it is very important for diabetics, regardless of age, to have a complete dilated exam yearly.
Oftentimes, people get routine eye exams because they are experiencing difficulty with their vision. However, routine eye exams are also essential to maintaining good eye health. In addition to correcting vision problems, a routine exam can detect many eye diseases such as glaucoma and even diabetes before any symptoms are present. Early detection is key to treating such diseases and preventing vision loss.
What Happens During an Exam?
During your exam, a technician will evaluate your eyes, do a pressure check (not the puff of air) and possibly dilate your eyes. During your time with the technician, she or he will also do a refraction. A refraction is not covered by most insurance policies, but is a necessary procedure in order to help evaluate the health of your eyes and determine your glasses prescription. This is the part of the exam where the technician puts a device, called a phoropter, in front of your eyes and asks, “Which is better 1 or 2?”
If you are a contact wearer, the technician will evaluate your contact fit, measure lens size, tear flow, base curve and power annually. This “contact fit” is required every year in order to renew your contact lens prescription. After your visit with the technician, you will see your doctor. He will do a further evaluation of your eyes by looking through a microscope called a slit lamp to check the anterior segment, retina and optic nerve. After his evaluation, he will discuss any findings and plans.
Will my Insurance Pay for My Exam?
If you have a vision plan such as VSP, EyeMed, Davis or Superior, the plan will cover a ROUTINE Eye Exam only (nearsightedness, farsightedness and normal astigmatism). The doctors and staff at Griffey Eye Care are committed to giving you the highest quality of eye care. During your exam, our physicians will examine you for many medical conditions such as glaucoma, dry eyes, cataracts and retinal diseases. If your eye exam involves a medical condition related to your eyes that requires specific counseling, documentation, follow-up care, regular monitoring or referral to a surgeon, then your visit is no longer a routine Eye Exam. This exam would constitute a medical eye exam and be filed under your medical insurance. All co-pays and refraction fees are due at the time of service.
Will my insurance pay for my exam? Some medical plans will offer a complimentary eye exam annually or bi-annually. To find out if a complete eye examination is part of your coverage, you will need to contact your insurance company.
What Happens After the Exam?
After your exam, you will make any recommended follow up appointments and receive a copy of your glasses and/or contact lens prescriptions. If you are ready to look at glasses, you are welcome to stop by our full-service optical boutique to visit with our opticians and pick from over 700 designer frames.
Our licensed opticians specialize in face shape, coloring and vision needs. Your prescription and lifestyle are always discussed to ensure we are meeting your expectations and visual comfort.
Visit Us for Your Next Eye Exam
At Griffey Eye Care & Laser Center, we’re passionate about our personalized approach to eye health education and care. We want you to feel informed about your eye health and options for improving your vision.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are one part of providing our patients with exceptional care. Contact us for your next eye exam.
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I recently went to my family doctor for pain I’d been having in my eye that was moving down my neck. I’d been waiting to have an MRI scheduled, and it was taking forever. I wanted to get a second opinion about what course of action should be taken. My husband and daughter are both patients at this practice and have always received stellar treatment. Dr. Griffey took very good care of me and went the extra step to send a letter to my family doctor while I was still there to concur with what they had said and also confirm that he would suggest an MRI as well. I was very impressed with him and his patient care. And, I appreciate the staff (particularly Tara and Benita) in scheduling me in as soon as possible. I would highly recommend this practice! Thank you all again for your help.
Beth K
I was referred to Dr. Griffey by several people. I was told he was an excellent ophthalmologist, and they were right. This was my first time meeting him and he made me feel so safe, comfortable and confident that he was providing me with the best and most knowledgeable treatment I could ask for. As I sat in the chair, I observed him interact with a baby he kissed on the forehead, it was so special to see him do that because it showed a gentle side of him, and his interaction with his assistants was nice, professional and straight to the point of what he needed in order to help his patient, I remember him saying to one of them that he was not going to let me leave until he reviewed a report from another doctor about my condition and that really made me feel special because it showed his concern. I don’t think I could have asked for a better doctor. Thank you Dr. Griffey for being the best and hats off to your father and grandfather.
C. Blount
I had a wonderful first appointment. The staff is attentive and the techs and doctors are knowledgeable and take their time really getting to know their patients. So happy to have found them.
M. Catherine
I travel from Atlanta, Georgia to see Dr. Griffey, MD, and board certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Griffey has performed two surgeries on me and I would trust him to do anything he deems necessary. The staff is fantastic and I would recommend Dr. Griffey, to all that needed to see a competent Ophthalmologist!!!
M.Bailey Buck
I want to thank everyone at Chesapeake Eye Care for their care on a recent visit. I had an accident involving my eye and even though they were booked, the receptionist worked me in that day. The technician and Dr. Fox saw me promptly and performed a thorough exam. I was very pleased with both of them and appreciated their kindness and professionalism.
P. Brangan
My dad had cataract surgery a couple years ago. I was a little nervous for him, he’d been resisting getting surgery for so long. However, the staff and Dr. Griffey were wonderful to him and everything went very smoothly. He had a great experience, and I am thankful to them for making him so comfortable.
K. Kroll
The best thing I ever did was get LASIK surgery; it is unbelievable how I can see 20/20. When I get in bed at night I still think … wait….no, I don’t have to take my contacts out and it’s been 3 months. It was wonderful in Mexico also with not having to worry about contacts and all the solutions to bring with me. I had an amazing experience with my LASIK surgery with Dr. Paul Griffey and his staff! I would definitely recommend him to friends and family!!!
E. McConnell
I sent my mom to Dr. Griffey for a 2nd opinion on her eyes. Years later, I am still satisfied with the care he has provided. She had an appointment today and Dr. Griffey called me personally to discuss my concerns. WOW!!!!! GREAT PROVIDER!!!!!! I also referred my dad to him after a bad cataract surgery elsewhere. Dr Griffey did his 2nd eye without complications. THANK YOU for taking care of my parents! I have 30+ years in the business as a licensed optician and have worked with many doctors, I would recommend Dr. Griffey to any patient for care!!!!!!!!!!
Selena Cabral
I have been a patient of Dr. Griffey, since 2012. I’m born, raised, formal education, retired Law Enforcement, City of Virginia Beach, VA. After moving to Atlanta, I felt I could not find the care I needed, so I travel back and forth to receive my care. I will not allow anyone to see me. Well worth the trip, and will continue to do so!
Thank you for being The Best…
MBB
We both underwent cataract surgery, in both eyes. Barbara’s was in September of 2018. Mine was in December 2018. We both had excellent experiences, from her first visit, to my last. Dr. Griffey, as well as everyone on his staff, (that we came in contact with), were prompt and very professional. Yet, at the same time they were relaxed and very friendly. We were very impressed that everyone, asked, if we had any questions.
And, we can both see 20/20 again!!.
There was an general atmosphere of confidence and calmness throughout his practice, as well as within the Chesapeake Surgical Center. That made us both feel very comfortable, and well cared for. We have never before experienced such a well run practice. We have, (and will continue to), highly recommend Dr. Griffey to anyone who needs eye care.
Barbara and Eddie
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