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Northern Virginia Ophthalmology Associates, P.C. — Your Vision Is Our Focus

Eye Exams

Comprehensive eye exams

In short

A comprehensive eye exam checks much more than your glasses prescription. Your NVOA doctor measures your vision and eye pressure and examines the retina and optic nerve to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration — often before you notice any symptoms.

Visit length
About 45 minutes to 2 hours, especially if your eyes are dilated
Bring
Glasses, contact lens box, medication list, ID, and insurance cards
Dilation
Common; blurs near vision and causes light sensitivity for several hours
Offered at
Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
Request an AppointmentCall (703) 534-3900

What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

  • Vision testing and refraction to determine your prescription
  • Checks of how your eyes focus, move, and work together
  • Eye pressure measurement
  • A dilated look at the optic nerve and retina
  • Screening for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease
  • Imaging when needed

How often should I have an eye exam?

For adults without symptoms or risk factors, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline exam at age 40, then exams every 2–4 years from 40 to 54, every 1–3 years from 55 to 64, and every 1–2 years from 65 on. People with diabetes, glaucoma risk, a family history of eye disease, or vision changes need exams more often. Children should have vision screenings at well-child visits and a full exam if a problem is suspected.

Is an eye exam routine or medical?

A routine exam checks vision and updates glasses or contact lens prescriptions and is usually billed to vision insurance. A medical exam evaluates symptoms or manages a condition — such as eye pain, floaters, cataracts, or glaucoma — and is billed to medical insurance.

Your Visit

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive after my pupils are dilated?

Many people can drive after dilation, but vision may be blurry and bright light uncomfortable for several hours. Bring sunglasses, and bring a driver if you are unsure.

What is a refraction and why is there a fee?

A refraction is the measurement used to write a glasses prescription. It is often excluded from medical insurance coverage, so it may be billed separately at the time of your visit.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

An ophthalmologist (M.D.) is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease and performs surgery. An optometrist (O.D.) provides eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye conditions. NVOA has both on the same team.

Doctors who provide this care

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.

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