Molina
Davis
United Healthcare/Spectera
VSP
Advantica
Superior

An optometrist, such as Dr. Bell, has a Doctor of Optometry degree (OD), which is obtained by an college undergraduate degree (usually in the science field) and 4 years of specialized training in optometry school thereafter. Some ODs may even go on 1-2 years after optometry school to become more specialized by doing a residency program (though this is not yet required.)

An ophthalmologist has a medical degree (either an MD or DO), and after obtaining that, generally do 1 year internship and 3 years of hospital-based residency in ophthalmology. They can specialize further by doing a fellowship after residency, and thus become highly trained in specific areas of eye anatomy and/or disease (e.g. retina or glaucoma specialist). Ophthalmologists can do eye surgeries, but in most U.S. states, optometrists cannot.

An optician is not an eye doctor, but is an important part of your eye care experience. They use the prescriptions for the eyeglasses written by your optometrist or ophthalmologist to help select and fit the eyewear, customized to your individual needs. Some states do require opticians to be licensed through a specialized training program, though other states this is not required. Some states allow opticians to fit contact lenses, usually after completing a certification program.

Dilation of the pupils with eyedrops is the best way to check the overall ocular health of the eye, since the thin tissue that covers the back half of your eyeball, the retina, can have issues lurking beyond the narrow views of the undilated pupil. Retinal photographs are very helpful in looking at the back of the eye, but are still no substitution for seeing the very far, or peripheral, areas of the retina. The two side effects that are most common are blurry vision, that is much worse up close, and light sensitivity, generally worse with sunlight. We do have plastic disposable dark sunglasses available. These side effects are temporary, however (lasting on average about 4 hours), and when it comes to the health of your eyes and potentially finding sight threatening conditions, should be taken into perspective. Not every patient needs to be dilated every year, but if you are having any new and sudden visual symptoms or an ongoing condition, such as diabetes or glaucoma, you should be dilated.

It depends. Anyone experiencing ocular symptoms or if parents note any eye issues with their children should get them checked out by an eye doctor, especially if they are sudden changes. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children generally should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age ( for a free eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months, go to www.infantsee.org to find providers in your areas.). They should have another exam at age three (should be done by a pediatric eye doctor; many general practices do not have the special equipment and training to do a thorough pediatric eye exam.) They also should get an exam done at the start of school. Risk-free children should then continue to have their eyes examined every two years until age 18.

The AOA recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years for adults ages 18 to 60, and annual exams for seniors age 61 and older. However, if you are a contact lens wearer, you should be seen annually, since the contact prescription expires after 1 year.

"At risk" adults should have more frequent exams. Risk factors for adults include:

• A family history of eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)

• Diabetes or high blood pressure • A visually demanding occupation or one that may pose hazards to the eyes • Taking prescription or non-prescription drugs that may have visual or eye-related side effects • Previous eye injuries or eye surgery

If you are a glasses wearer, bring your most current glasses or the ones you tend to wear the most. If you are a contact lens wearer, bring your most current prescription, contact lens boxes or "blister packs" that have the necessary information on them (the 2 most important parts: the "power" and the "base curve" .) If English is not your first language, you may want to bring a translator. Bringing a driver is optional, though some people (especially far sighted people) feel more comfortable with having a driver after they are dilated.