Understanding Comprehensive Eye Exams
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and a surgical residency in eye care. That means an exam with Dr. Nicola looks beyond whether you need glasses — it screens for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and signs of conditions elsewhere in the body such as high blood pressure.
A typical comprehensive exam includes a vision and prescription check (refraction), eye pressure measurement, a check of eye movement and pupils, a microscope (slit-lamp) examination of the front of the eye, and a dilated examination of the retina and optic nerve.
How Dr. Nicola can help
- Vision testing and glasses prescription (refraction)
- Eye pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma
- Dilated examination of the retina and optic nerve
- Annual diabetic eye exams, with results shared with your primary-care doctor
- Exams for children and adults, in English or Spanish
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have an eye exam?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline exam at age 40, then every one to two years after 65. People with diabetes should have a dilated exam at least once a year, and anyone with glaucoma risk factors, a family history of eye disease, or new symptoms should be seen sooner.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Usually, yes. Dilation lets Dr. Nicola see the retina and optic nerve clearly. Your vision may be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours afterward, so bring sunglasses and consider having someone drive you.
Does insurance cover an eye exam?
Medical insurance, including Medicare, generally covers an exam when there is a medical reason such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or an eye symptom. The refraction (glasses prescription) portion is often not covered by Medicare. Call our office and we will help you check your benefits.
This page is general patient education and is not a substitute for an examination. If you have a question about your own eyes, please call our office.