FAQ Answers
Why are eye exams important?
An annual eye exam is important to check the refractive status of the eye, the alignment of the eyes and the overall eye health. Similar to an annual physical, an eye exam can detect diseases of the eye that the patient may not be aware of at all. In children, they are important because children do not know what normal vision is; a vision problem can lead to a learning problem, which can lead to self-esteem issues.
What’s the Difference between an Optician, an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
Opticianry
A certified optician will fit, grind and dispense spectacles. They will also adjust and repair glasses, to the best of their ability, if they are broken. An optician with a NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) license is certified to fit and train contact lenses.
Optometry
An optometrist is a primary eye care provider for the eye, the visual system and the adnexa, the structures around the eye. They examine, diagnose, treat and manage these aspects of your health through eye exams; prescribing oral and topical medications; and minor procedures, such as removal of foreign objects from the cornea.
Ophthalmology
As secondary eye care provider who performs surgeries to the eye and adnexa.
I have perfect or “20/20” vision. Do I still need to have a regular eye exam?
20/20 is considered to be normal visual acuity, the ability to identify letters or numbers on a standardized chart, and is just one aspect of vision that optometrists check. Many other aspects of your vision, including eye turns, eye tracking, stereo vision, color vision, visual processing and overall eye health are accessed with a complete annual eye exam. It is possible to have 20/20 vision and need refractive correction.
I have already had a vision screening, do I need an eye exam?
Vision screenings test visual acuity and other basic aspects of vision and are usually performed in a school or remote setting. They are useful to assess a large volume of patients, but do not replace a complete eye exam. Because they do not asses the full scope of visual health, it is possible to pass a vision screening and need glasses, contacts or ocular health intervention.
What insurances are accepted at Pacific Vision Care, Optometric Services, Inc.?
Here is a list of vision insurances that we accept:
vision insurances
Here is a list of medical insurances that we accept:
- Aetna (PPO, Managed Choice, Aetna Select)
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO
- Blue Shield of California PPO
- Cigna PPO
- Medicare (straight)
- Multiplan, PHCS, PHCS Savility
medical eye insurances
We also welcome walk-in’s and private pay patients.
What are the benefits of Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses allow the patient the freedom to be able to see clearly without the use of spectacles. They can also be used to correct distorted or irregular corneas that are found in eye diseases such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration. Lastly, Dr. Derrick Woo, OD, can fit you in a special contact lens, Paragon CRT, that you can wear at night so that you do not need to wear glasses nor contacts during the day! Make sure to inquire about all these options!
What’s involved in a contact lens exam and fitting?
A contact lens exam is a comprehensive exam with a separate contact lens fitting.
During the contact lens fitting process, the optometrist will fit you in a special personalized lens that will be tailored for your specific eye curvature, corneal dryness, contact lens wear time, occupation and hobbies. He will follow you closely to ensure that the unique contact that he has prescribed you fits well and has no complications.
What are the side effects of pupillary dilation?
Pupillary dilation is sometimes necessary to assess the health of the retina that can be compromised due to diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and retinal tears. Sometimes, pupillary dilation is also used to measure a prescription exactly. The patient may experience sensitivity to light and blurry vision at distance or near. If this procedure is indicated, the optometrist will advise you specifically as to the tasks that you may or may not perform while your eyes are dilated.
Can I swim or shower with contact lenses on?
It is permitted to take a shower with contact lenses on, as long as the water does not enter the eye in a continuous fashion. Patients who wear contact lenses can swim with swim goggles, or may opt to acquire prescription swim goggles from our office.