Comprehensive Eye Exams

Plan on 45 to 60 minutes from check-in to checkout. That covers history, pre-testing, retinal imaging, and unhurried time with the doctor going through your results. Add another 15 to 20 minutes if you are selecting frames or lenses afterward, since fitting and lens choices deserve real attention. If you are short on time, tell us when you book and we will schedule you into a slot that fits.

Once a year is right for most patients, even with stable vision, because the health screening matters as much as the prescription check. Children, contact lens wearers, anyone with diabetes or high blood pressure, and patients with a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration should not stretch past twelve months. If we find something worth watching, we will recommend a shorter interval and explain why.

Usually not. Our digital retinal imaging captures a wide, high-resolution view of the retina and optic nerve without drops, so most patients leave with normal vision and can drive straight back to work. If the doctor needs a wider peripheral view, or if your history calls for it, we will explain why and get your agreement before using dilating drops.

We accept VSP, EyeMed, Heritage, Blue Shield, and Medicare. We verify benefits before your visit, so you know your copay in advance. Call us at (310) 305-2950 with your plan details and we will confirm coverage, tell you what the exam includes, and flag anything billed separately such as contact lens fittings. Out-of-network patients receive itemized paperwork for reimbursement.

No, a contact lens evaluation and fitting is billed as a separate service from the comprehensive exam. It requires additional corneal measurements, lens selection, a trial period, and a follow-up visit to confirm fit and comfort. We quote the fee up front, and most vision plans include a contact lens allowance that offsets part or all of it.

Yes, and we encourage it. We routinely schedule families into back-to-back slots so everyone is examined in one trip rather than three. Let us know how many people you are bringing and their ages when you book, and we will reserve enough time for each person without rushing anyone through the exam.

Bring your current glasses and contact lens boxes or prescription, your vision and medical insurance cards, a photo ID, and a list of any medications you take, since several affect the eyes. If you have had eye surgery or been treated for an eye condition elsewhere, records from that provider help us establish an accurate baseline.

Yes. We treat red eyes, infections, styes, corneal abrasions, foreign bodies, sudden floaters, and other urgent eye problems, and these visits are typically billed to your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. Call us as early in the day as you can and we will fit you in. For sudden vision loss or severe trauma, seek emergency care immediately.