Eye Exam Questions, Answered.
The questions families ask us most about exams, insurance, pediatric eye care, and appointments at our Boca Raton practice. If yours isn't here, send us a message and we'll respond within one business day.
Getting Started
How do I book an appointment?
The fastest way is to book online. You can also call the office during business hours or send a message through the contact page.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients of every age. Visit our New Patients page for what to bring and what to expect on your first visit.
Where are you located?
Our office is in South Florida. See the Contact page for the full address, map, and directions.
What are your hours?
Our standard hours are Monday through Friday. See the Contact page for the most up-to-date hours and any holiday closures.
Pediatric Eye Care
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months, another at age 3, before kindergarten at age 5, and annually thereafter. Many young patients can have their first exam free through the InfantSEE® program. Read more on your baby's first eye exam and how often kids need eye exams.
How can a baby or toddler have an eye exam if they can't read?
We use age-appropriate techniques: pictures instead of letters, observation of how the eyes move and align, and special instruments that measure refractive error without requiring verbal responses. We can determine a great deal about a child's vision long before they can read a chart. See what to expect at your child's first eye exam.
My child passed their school vision screening. Do they still need an exam?
Yes. School screenings catch only a fraction of vision problems and many children pass them despite having significant issues. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates eye health, focusing, eye teaming, and tracking, things screenings don't check. More on this: school vision screening vs. eye exam and signs your child needs glasses.
Do you treat lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye turn (strabismus)?
Yes. We diagnose and manage these conditions through our specialty binocular vision evaluations. Depending on severity and the patient, treatment may include glasses, prism, patching, vision therapy (rendered through our affiliated practice Vision & Learning Center), or surgical referral when appropriate. Read more on amblyopia (lazy eye) and convergence insufficiency.
Do you offer myopia management?
Yes. For kids with progressing nearsightedness, we discuss FDA-approved myopia management options that can slow myopia progression, including specialty contact lenses (like MiSight) and ortho-K. See why childhood myopia is rising, when to start myopia management, and a comparison of MiSight vs. ortho-K vs. atropine.
Insurance & Billing
Do you take my insurance?
We accept most major vision insurance plans and many medical insurance plans. Before your visit we'll verify your specific benefits and let you know about any out-of-pocket costs. Bring your insurance card to your first appointment. See our full list of accepted plans.
What's the difference between vision and medical insurance?
Vision insurance (like VSP, EyeMed, or Davis) covers routine eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Medical insurance covers diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases: things like infections, eye injuries, dry eye, or diabetic eye exams. We bill the right one based on what we find at your visit.
What if I don't have insurance?
We have transparent self-pay pricing and can usually help you find an affordable path forward. Many patients find that paying out-of-pocket and skipping insurance hassles works well for routine exams. Related reading: why cheap kids' glasses cost more and kids' glasses online vs. eye doctor.
Do you accept HSA or FSA?
Yes. Eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and contact lens fittings are all HSA/FSA eligible expenses.
Do you offer payment plans for glasses or contacts?
Yes. Ask us about CareCredit at checkout. It's a healthcare financing option that lets you pay over time, typically interest-free if paid within the promotional period.
Exams & Appointments
How long does an eye exam take?
Plan for about 45–60 minutes for a comprehensive exam. Contact lens fittings and pediatric exams may take a little longer depending on what we need to evaluate.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, your current glasses and contacts (and the most recent prescription if you have it), a list of medications, and any questions you want to ask. See the New Patients page and our what to bring to your eye exam guide for the full checklist.
Will my eyes be dilated?
We may recommend dilation depending on your age, eye health history, and what we see during the exam. Dilation gives us a complete view of the back of the eye and helps catch issues early. It typically makes your vision blurry for 3–4 hours. We can usually offer an alternative imaging option if dilation isn't practical for you that day.
Can my whole family come in on the same day?
Yes. We love booking family appointments back-to-back. It saves you trips and keeps everyone's prescriptions in sync. Just let us know when you book that you'd like family appointments together.
What if I have an eye emergency?
Call the office as soon as possible. For sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a chemical splash, or eye trauma, we can typically see you the same day or refer you to an emergency room if needed. See our urgent eye care page for what we treat and read eye doctor vs. ER to decide where to go. For after-hours emergencies, go to the nearest ER.
Glasses, Contacts & Eyewear
How long until my glasses are ready?
Most standard lenses are ready in 7–10 business days. Specialty lenses, complex prescriptions, or premium options can take a little longer. We'll give you a clear timeframe at the time of order. See our glasses & frames page.
What if my new glasses don't feel right?
Bring them back. Adjustments are always free. If something fundamentally isn't working after a fair adjustment period, we'll work with you to make it right. That's our standard. If a child resists wearing them, read what to do when a child refuses glasses.
Can I use my prescription at another store?
Absolutely. Your prescription is yours and we'll provide a copy at no cost after every exam. That said, we've invested in a careful selection of frames at every price point, so we hope you give our optical a look first. Related: kids' glasses online vs. eye doctor.
Do you carry contact lenses in-stock?
We carry common contact lens brands and trial pairs in-office for fittings. For ongoing orders, we ship directly to your home, often faster and cheaper than buying from online retailers.