The world around you changes every day, and so can your vision. Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or it’s been a while since your last exam, knowing what to expect during a comprehensive eye exam can help you feel comfortable and prepared. At Professional Family Eyecare, our goal is to make every appointment thorough, welcoming, and informative so you can leave with peace of mind and a clear understanding of your eye health.
What’s Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is much more than checking whether you need glasses. During your visit, our doctors will assess both your vision and the overall health of your eyes. As Dr. Calen Bruner explains, “We check not just the vision and glasses prescription, but the health of the eyes — the anterior and posterior segments — so we can detect issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes.”
Your exam includes:
- Vision testing: To determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
- Eye health evaluation: A detailed look at the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels to detect potential eye or systemic health issues early.
- Eyewear consultation: We’ll discuss your current glasses or contacts and whether any updates are recommended.
This full-scope approach ensures we’re not just correcting your vision, we’re helping protect your overall well-being.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Arriving prepared helps us make your visit smooth and efficient. Please bring:
- Your insurance cards
- Your current glasses
- Any contact lens boxes or information, including your brand and prescription
This information allows us to monitor changes over time and ensure your lenses fit properly. Our friendly front desk team will guide you through the check-in process and make sure everything is ready before you meet with your doctor.
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
A typical comprehensive eye exam lasts about one hour. Pre-testing generally takes about 30 minutes, followed by a 30-minute exam with your doctor. Your appointment may take slightly more or less time depending on whether you’re new to the practice, have specific concerns, or need additional testing.
We believe in taking our time with every patient. You’ll never feel rushed — your questions matter, and we want you to feel confident about your eye health.
Do I Need to Be Dilated?
Many patients wonder about dilation. At Professional Family Eyecare, dilation is recommended based on age and clinical findings.
- Patients 65 and older are typically dilated using mild drops such as phenylephrine.
- Patients under 65 often have Optomap imaging instead. If the images show anything concerning, like floaters, flashes, or retinal changes, the doctor may recommend dilation for a more detailed view.
This personalized approach ensures a comfortable experience while still providing the detailed information we need to protect your eye health.
Why Routine Eye Exams Matter
Changes to your vision can happen gradually, and many serious eye conditions progress without noticeable symptoms. Routine eye exams allow us to detect issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration early — when treatment is most effective.
Even if your vision seems stable, an annual exam ensures your eyes remain healthy and helps prevent future complications.
Why Families Trust Professional Family Eyecare
Since 1956, Professional Family Eyecare has been committed to providing compassionate, community-centered vision care. We’ve cared for generations of families, from children getting their first pair of glasses to adults managing long-term eye health.
We take time to explain our findings and show you incredible details about your eyes using advanced technology like Optomap and OCT imaging. And we do it all with warmth, laughter, and genuine care. At our office, an eye exam isn’t just a medical appointment, it’s an experience you can actually enjoy.
FAQ: Common Questions About Eye Exams
How often should I have an eye exam?
Adults should schedule a comprehensive eye exam once a year to monitor changes and detect eye diseases early.
Can I get glasses or contacts the same day?
You can choose and fit your frames during your appointment. Glasses typically arrive in one to two weeks, and contact lens orders can often be placed the same day if your prescription doesn’t change.
Does Professional Family Eyecare accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major vision insurance plans, including VSP and EyeMed. Patients with medical conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes may have their exam billed through medical insurance instead.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
Your eyes deserve exceptional care. Whether it’s your first exam or your tenth, we’re here to make the process easy, informative, and comfortable. Schedule your next comprehensive eye exam with Professional Family Eyecare today and enjoy the clarity that comes with healthy vision.