How frequently should I have my eyes examined?
Our doctors typically recommend an eye exam at least every 1 year. If you have a medical condition, the follow-up may be more frequently to monitor that specific condition.
At what age should I bring my child in for their first eye exam?
An exam by a pediatric Optometrist / Ophthalmologist at approximately by age 3 is first advised. Our office can then monitor and evaluate your child starting at age 5, and then each and every year while they are in school. Be sure not to rely only on the “school screenings”, as we have seen many kids who have passed the “screenings”, yet benefited greatly from a visual correction or vision therapy.
What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?
Besides one being 4 letters longer and more difficult to say, the reality of the matter is that they are a lot more similar than they are different. Much of the training that they receive is the same. Both are well versed in ocular anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and ocular disease detection. The distinction between the two would be that Optometrists are experts in vision correction with glasses and contact lenses along with ocular disease detection, where as Ophthalmologists have received advanced training in ocular disease and surgery. You should see an Optometrist for routine, annual eye care, and an Ophthalmologist if you have advanced eye disease, or a severe injury to the eye. Optometrists have received ample medical training along with more training on correction of refractive error, or “blur” with the use of spectacle lenses and contact lenses. Optometrists are “Primary Care Ocular Physicians,” as they are able to detect eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and hundreds more. Optometrists are also medically trained and pharmaceutically certified to treat most common forms of eye disease and ocular injuries, like conjunctivitis or “pink eye,” glaucoma, corneal abrasions, dry eyes, allergies, and many more. If an Optometrist detects a severe eye condition that warrants further evaluation, advanced treatment or ocular surgery, they can then refer you to the appropriate Ophthalmologist who specializes in the area of eye care that you require.