Open Mobile Menu FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - EYE Ophthalmology Frequently Asked Questions What insurance do you accept? Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, PC accepts most major medical and vision plans, please verify when scheduling to be certain that your plan is accepted. Do I need referral? Our office does not require a referral to be scheduled and/or seen, however some patient’s insurance providers do require a referral. Please check with your plan benefit to see if you need a referral from your Primary Care Provider (PCP). What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist? An Optometrist is commonly referred to as an “eye doctor”, but unlike an Ophthalmologist they do not hold a medical degree. An Optometrist traditionally examines the eye for a prescription and dispenses corrective lenses. They also specialize in the detection of non-surgical management of certain eye diseases. An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in all aspects of eye care including diagnosis, management and surgery of ocular diseases and disorders. Do you offer routine eye examinations? Yes, our office does provide routine eye examinations when there is NOT a medical diagnosis to be evaluated. Upon scheduling, please state if you have a medical condition that would require an eye examination (MS, Diabetes, Lupus or if you are on a medication that requires your eyes to be checked). Do you offer pediatric eye exams? Yes, we provide pediatric eye examinations. These examinations often take longer than an adult exam to complete, therefore we have select time frames on when they can be performed, please inquire when scheduling. How often do I need an exam? Our providers generally recommend annual eye examinations. How long does an eye exam take? A typical eye examination lasts approximately one hour, however children and patients with health concerns can take longer. What is a refraction? The refraction is an important part of the exam; it allows the doctor to determine what part of your vision is correctable with lenses and, if desired, write a prescription for glasses. Some insurances deem refraction an elective service and do not cover the cost. Do my eyes have to be dilated during my eye examination? The only true way to check the health of your eye is to be dilated; the providers at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, PC strongly advise that you are dilated at each complete eye examination for optimal eye health. How long does the dilation last? Every person is different and the length of time varies from person to person, dilation can last up to 24 hours although it most commonly lasts 2 to 4 hours. Can I safely drive after a dilated eye exam? Yes, because dilation generally affects a person’s near vision. Most of our patients drive themselves home, however the effects of dilation vary from person to person and driving should only be done when a patient is comfortable. We do provide disposable sun shades, but suggest bringing a pair of sunglasses with you to your visit allowing for a more comfortable drive home. LASIK: Does your office offer LASIK consultations? Yes, our office does offer complimentary LASIK consultations to determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. What if I’m not a candidate for LASIK? If you are not a candidate for LASIK and would like your eyeglasses prescription we will simply bill your routine vision insurance for your visit. Do you offer patient financing for this procedure? We have partnered with CareCredit® to provide our patients as low as 0% interest for all of the products and services offered at Cascade Eye Skin Centers, P.C., including LASIK. Contact Lenses: Will my exam include a contact lens prescription? You will be refracted for eye glasses at your eye examination, to discuss contact lenses please notify your technician and/or provider of your interest in learning more about contact lenses. Why do I have to have two appointments for contact lenses? Your eyes will be dilated during your eye examination, a separate, undilated, evaluation is required to achieve an accurate contact lens prescription. After discussing contact lens wear at your initial examination with your provider trial lenses will be ordered. Once these lenses arrive, you will be notified to schedule your contact lens fitting appointment. Is there a fee for the contact lens fitting? Most insurance plans do not cover the evaluation of contact lenses (fitting). We recommend verifying with your insurance provider to determine if the fitting fee is included in your plan. We will provide you with a fitting fee quote, based on your type of lens and the complexity of the fit. How long does it take to get my contact lenses once ordered? Contact lenses generally take up to 7 to 10 business days to arrive to our office. When ordering a year supply we offer free shipping to your home. Prescription Optical: How long is my glasses prescription good for? Eye glasses prescriptions are valid for two years after the examination date. How long does it take to get my eye glasses once they are ordered? Eyeglasses generally take 7 to 10 business days to arrive to our optical shop. Do you carry Varilux® product? Yes, Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, PC does offer Varilux® products. 5225 Cirque Dr W #200, University Place, Washington, 98467 Telephone: 253-564-3365 ©2021 Cascade Eye and Skin Centers. All Rights Reserved. Healthcare Marketing by ×