Patient Resources
Your visit
In short
Please arrive 15 minutes early and bring your glasses, contact lens information, medication list, photo ID, and both vision and medical insurance cards. Most visits last 45 minutes to 2 hours, particularly if your eyes are dilated.
How long will my appointment take?
- Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time
- Most visits take about 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Dilation, extra testing, or treatment can add time
What should I bring?
- Your current glasses
- Your contact lens box or blister pack (or prescription details)
- A list of your current medications
- Photo ID
- Vision insurance card and medical insurance card
- Completed new patient forms, if applicable
Will my eyes be dilated?
- Dilating drops widen your pupils so the doctor can examine the back of the eye
- Expect light sensitivity and blurry near vision for several hours
- Many people drive afterward, but bring a driver if you are unsure
- Sunglasses help
Is my visit routine or medical?
Routine eye exam (vision care)
- Yearly vision check
- Blur with no other symptoms
- New glasses or contacts prescription
Usually billed to vision insurance.
Medical eye exam (eye health)
- Pain, redness, irritation, or dry eyes
- New flashes or floaters, or a sudden change in vision
- Managing cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease
Usually billed to medical insurance.
Can my visit type change during the appointment?
Yes. If you mention a symptom or the doctor finds or manages a medical condition during a routine exam, the visit may become a medical exam for billing. In that case we bill your medical plan rather than your vision plan, and your plan's copay, deductible, or coinsurance may apply.
What is the refraction fee?
Refraction is the measurement used to write your glasses prescription. Medicare and many medical plans exclude it. When it isn't covered, the refraction fee of $70 is due at the time of service.
Fees are due at the time of service.
What am I responsible for paying?
- Your vision plan and medical plan are two separate benefits
- What is covered depends on your plan
- You are responsible for copays, deductibles, and non-covered services
Questions before your visit? Call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906