We know there can be a lot of questions when it comes to visiting your optometrist's office. To help provide some insight we've put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ'S) we often hear.  If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Our friendly staff members at Vision Plus Bellevue are happy to help provide additional information. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT EYE EXAMS

 

 

How often should I have an eye exam? 

In most cases, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended every year.  More frequent visits may be recommended for patients under certain circumstances.  At your exam, your optometrist will help evaluate your eyes and discuss a recommended follow up schedule with you. 

My vision seems fine, do I need an eye exam?

Yes. Periodic eye exams are an important part of your preventive health care. Many eye problems have no obvious early signs or symptoms, so patients can often be unaware that problems exist. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems is important for maintaining good vision and eye health.

What does it mean to have your eyes “dilated” at your eye exam?

An important part of your eye exam is evaluating the interior part of the eyes for problems like retinal detachments, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic related eye disease, as well as many other conditions.  In order to view this part of your eyes, your optometrist may recommend dilating your pupils.  This means giving you eye drops that cause your pupils (the black circular opening in the colored portion of your eye) to temporarily open wider or dilate.  The larger opening allows the doctor to see the inside portions of the eye more easily.  The drops can cause your vision to be more blurred and light sensitive for several hours afterwards, but the effects are completely temporary.

 

Are there alternatives to having my eyes dilated?

We do offer a newer option called Optomap Retinal Imaging, which uses a special camera to take an ultra-wide angle scan of the inside of the eye.  In most cases this image can be taken without the use of eye drops, so it is often a popular option for patients.  There are a small number of cases where dilation may still be recommended, but in most cases the Optomap can provide a safe, convenient, and simple alternative to dilation.

 

What types of insurance do you accept?

At Vision Plus Bellevue we accept most major health and vision insurance plans including: Vision Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed (Access & Insight Plans), NBN, Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, Aetna, First Choice Health, Cigna, Lifewise, United Health Care, Metlife, Healthcare Management (HMA), Medicare (for medical services), selected Kaiser Permanente plans , and others.  We also offer discounts for AARP members.  If you have any questions regarding insurance, please feel free to contact us and one of our staff members can gladly assist you.