.st0{fill:#7e9dbd}.st1{fill:#18457c}.st2{enable-background:new} Menu Home For Patients For Patients FORMS & INFO FAQ HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES Eye Health What is a medical eye exam? When making an appointment for your exam you may be asked whether you need a medical eye exam. These exams are specific to medical conditions (diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, etc.) of your eye and do not include a refraction. What’s the difference between being nearsighted and farsighted? Nearsighted or Myopic individuals have their sight at near, with objects being blurry in the distance. Farsighted or hyperopic people have trouble seeing up close. Why do I have to hold things further away to read? As we age the lens in our eyes begins to lose elasticity, which then affects our ability to accommodate. This is usually the point when we choose to get reading glasses, bifocals or progressive addition lenses. Will my eyes get worse by wearing eyeglasses? Although this is a very common belief there is no evidence to support it. How often should I have my eyes examined? We recommend that those under the age of 18 or contact lens wearers have annual eye exams. For healthy eyes over the age of 18 we recommend an eye exam every two years. You will want to consult with your doctor during your exam to get his/her recommendation based on your individual needs. What is a refraction? The word refraction means many things, including the way light passes through an object. Generally, when referring to an eye exam, it is defined as the series of tests done by your optometrist or ophthalmologist to help define your need for an eyeglass prescription. These exams are known as routine or eyeglass exams. What is astigmatism? It is a vision condition that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or sometimes the curvature of the lens inside the eye. An irregular shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. Optical What is a blended or progressive lens? A progressive addition lens is one made without lines, and which provides the wearer with a smooth transition to a variety of distances. These lenses are good for distance, arms length and close work. Are all lenses considered safety lenses? While all lenses pass ANSI standards in regards to safety, they are not considered safety lenses. Insurance Do I need my insurance card or proof of insurance at my appointment? Yes. Please be sure to bring your insurance cards with you to your appointment. Do I need to check my insurance benefits before my appointment? Yes! Checking your insurance benefits before your exam is your responsibility. Most insurances have a members website where you can check your benefits. If you have Vision Service Plan you will not receive an insurance card but can check benefits here. To help you, we recommend you follow these steps: Contact the health plan’s phone number on your insurance card. If this is a medical visit, ask your health plan if a referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is necessary. If so, please contact your PCP for a referral. Some PCP’s will not issue referrals to their patients after the visit, so it is important that you call first. If this is a routine vision exam, ask the health plan if you have vision benefits. How often are you eligible for a routine vision exam? Do you have a co-pay? Do you have benefits for glasses and contact lenses? How often are you eligible for glasses and/or contacts? What does your insurance pay toward frames, lenses and contact lenses? Will my exam be covered by my vision insurance or my medical insurance? Patients who see their eye doctor are sometimes seen using vision insurance benefits and sometimes seen using medical insurance benefits. Some patients have both types of insurance and others have only medical insurance. Vision Insurance: You are interested in a complete eye examination Glasses Contacts Medical Insurance: Your medical doctor has referred you for an examination You are having a medical problem with your eyes You have an infection or eye injury How do I get a referral if I need one? You are responsible for obtaining necessary referrals for office visits. Our office will request referrals for any surgeries. Why am I getting a bill? We contact your insurance as a courtesy at the time of the order. In return, we receive an estimated amount out of pocket quote. The remaining amount owing after insurance is patient responsibility. DOWNLOAD FORMS Notice of Privacy Practices Patient Information Form SEND US A MESSAGE Please use this form for general inquiries. Responses may take 1-2 business days. During business hours or to make an appointment, we recommend that you call us. Name* Email* Phone Comments CAPTCHA SEND MESSAGE Our Locations GET DIRECTIONS TO EACH OF OUR OFFICES 904 Pacific Blvd SE Albany, OR 97321 Monday: Closed T - F: 7am-12pm; 1pm-5:30pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed (541) 928-2020 Lincoln City 2930 NE West Devils Lake Rd Suite 2 Lincoln City, OR 97367 M-F | 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm (541) 614-0946 Corvallis Office 2400 NW Century Dr Corvallis OR, 97330 M-F | 8am - 5pm (541) 752-4622 Albany Office 2715 Willetta St. SW Suite B Albany, OR 97321 M-F | 8am - 5:30pm (541) 926-5848 Lebanon Office M-F | 8am - 5pm (541) 451-5808 .st0{fill:#7e9dbd}.st1{fill:#18457c}.st2{enable-background:new} Eyecare Associates is now a proud partner of NVISION Eye Centers. 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