Schedule a routine or comprehensive eye exam in Arizona. If you are not sure which exam you need, give us a call, and we can help you choose the correct appointment.
The type of eye exam you need depends on your vision, symptoms, medical history, and reason for your visit. A routine eye exam primarily evaluates your vision and prescription needs, while a comprehensive eye exam provides a more in-depth evaluation of your eye health and can help detect and manage medical eye conditions.
Routine Eye Exams
A routine eye exam focuses primarily on your vision and prescription needs. During the exam, your eye doctor evaluates how clearly you see and determines whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or an update to your current prescription. Routine eye exams generally do not include dilation unless your eye doctor determines that additional evaluation is necessary.
A medical, or comprehensive, eye exam is a detailed evaluation of your vision and overall eye health. You should schedule a medical eye exam if you have symptoms, a diagnosed eye condition, or a health history that might affect your eyes. Your exam will include dilation, imaging, diagnostic testing, and a close examination of the front and back of your eyes.
Comprehensive eye exams help detect, diagnose, and monitor conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
Many eye diseases can develop before you notice symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam helps your doctor identify changes early and recommend treatment or follow-up care when needed.
What’s Included In a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
1
Visual Acuity Test
Reading letters on a chart to measure clarity of vision.
2
Peripheral Vision and Eye Muscle Testing
Checks how well your eyes track and work together.
3
Eye Pressure Test
Screens for glaucoma by measuring intraocular pressure.
4
Retinal Exam
Often requires dilation to examine the retina and optic nerve for early signs of disease.
5
Slit-lamp Exam
A microscope allows us to evaluate the cornea, lens, eyelids, and other front structures of the eye.
6
Refraction Test
Determines your prescription for glasses or contact lenses by switching between different lenses.
Eye Exams and Insurance
Routine vision services and medical eye care may be processed differently. The insurance that applies to your appointment depends on the primary reason for your visit, the services provided, and your individual benefits. Please bring both your current vision and medical insurance cards, if applicable.
A comprehensive eye exam usually takes between 60 minutes and two hours, depending on factors such as your age, medical history, and the specific tests recommended by your doctor. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your appointment may also include additional refraction testing to update your prescription. Patients with ongoing eye conditions such as diabetes or AMD may need further imaging or follow-up evaluations, which can prolong the visit.
A medical exam includes dilation; the appointment may take a bit longer because the drops need time to work. Dilation is one of the most important parts of the exam. It allows your doctor to thoroughly examine the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in the back of the eye, helping detect issues long before symptoms appear.
A routine eye exam primarily focuses on checking your vision and determining whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or an updated prescription. A medical comprehensive eye exam provides a more detailed evaluation of your eye health and may include dilation, imaging, and diagnostic testing to detect or monitor eye conditions.
If you simply need your vision checked or your glasses or contact lens prescription updated, you may need a routine eye exam.
If you have eye symptoms, a diagnosed eye condition, or a medical condition that can affect your eyes, you may need a comprehensive medical eye exam. Our scheduling team can help determine the appropriate type of appointment based on the reason for your visit.
Routine eye exams are generally billed to vision insurance because they focus on vision correction and prescription needs. Your exact coverage and out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific vision benefits.
Medical comprehensive eye exams are generally billed to medical insurance when the visit is related to symptoms, a medical diagnosis, or the evaluation and management of an eye condition. Patients without medical insurance may also choose to pay out of pocket.
Routine eye exams usually do not involve dilation unless your eye doctor decides it is necessary. In contrast, comprehensive medical eye exams include dilation, allowing your doctor to examine the retina, optic nerve, blood vessels, and other structures at the back of your eyes.
A comprehensive eye exam typically takes between 60 minutes and two hours. The length of your appointment may vary based on your medical history, eye health, dilation, and whether your doctor recommends additional testing or imaging.
A comprehensive eye exam can help detect, diagnose, and monitor conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, dry eye disease, corneal conditions, and retinal diseases.
Refraction testing can help determine if you need a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses. However, keep in mind that refraction may not be covered by medical insurance, which could lead to an additional out-of-pocket expense. Please give us a call at (602) 955-1000 to verify your benefits and/or schedule your appointment.
Dilation may cause temporary blurry vision and increased light sensitivity. It is advisable to bring sunglasses and arrange for someone to drive you home if you are concerned about your ability to drive safely after the appointment.
How often you need an eye exam depends on your age, vision, overall health, family history, and risk factors for eye disease. Your eye doctor can recommend an exam schedule based on your individual needs.
See Clearly for Years to Come! Start with an Exam.
Your eyes do more than help you see; they help you live FULLY. From the moment you wake up to the end of your day, your vision supports everything you do. Regular eye exams are among the most powerful ways to protect your vision for the long haul.
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