Patient Center
Frequently
Asked Questions
Common questions about exams, insurance, contact lenses, and more. Can't find your answer? Call 925-934-4313.
Eye Exams
How often should I have an eye exam?
For most adults, once a year is a reasonable baseline. If you have a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the eyes, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits. Children should be seen annually, especially during the school years when vision can change quickly.
At what age should a child have their first eye exam?
We recommend a first eye exam around age 1, then before starting preschool (around 3–4), and again before first grade. From there, annual exams through the school years are ideal. We participate in the InfantSEE program for infants under 12 months.
How long does a typical eye exam take?
A comprehensive eye exam generally takes 45 minutes to an hour, including any testing and time with the doctor. Contact lens fittings or specialty exams may take longer.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist (OD) handles most routine and specialty eye care — exams, prescriptions, contact lenses, eye disease monitoring, and co-management of surgical patients. An ophthalmologist (MD) performs surgery. We often work alongside ophthalmologists when our patients need procedures such as LASIK, cataract surgery, or eyelid surgery.
Will I be dilated during the exam?
Most patients are dilated every other year. If you have diabetes, certain retinal findings, or another condition that benefits from closer monitoring, your doctor may dilate annually. We'll always let you know before applying the drops so you can plan around it.
Can I drive after being dilated?
Dilation makes your near vision a little blurry and your eyes light-sensitive for a few hours. Most patients are fine to drive — but if your doctor expects an issue, they'll mention it before applying the drops. If you don't feel comfortable, you're welcome to wait in the office until vision settles, or come back another day with a ride.
Insurance & Billing
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept major vision plans (VSP, EyeMed, Spectera) and medical plans (Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Blue Shield PPO, AETNA PPO, CIGNA PPO, United Healthcare PPO). Please bring your insurance card — we will verify coverage and benefits on the spot. For the complete list, see our payment options page or call us at 925-934-4313.
How long is my glasses or contact lens prescription valid?
Glasses prescriptions are valid for 2 years; contact lens prescriptions are valid for 1 year. Even when a glasses prescription is still good, we recommend a yearly comprehensive exam — eye health changes that a refraction alone won't catch.
Can I use a prescription from another office?
Yes. As long as the prescription is current — within the last two years for glasses, or one year for contacts — we can use it to make your eyewear or order contact lenses.
Eyewear & Frames
Do I need an appointment to look at frames?
No appointment needed just to browse. Our opticians are happy to help you find frames during office hours. However, fittings and orders do need to happen during a visit, so allow some extra time if you plan to buy.
Can I bring my own frame to put new lenses in?
Yes — provided the frame is in good condition and able to accept prescription lenses, we can fit your new prescription into it. Bringing your own frame is at your own risk, since we can't take responsibility for damage that occurs in transit or at the lab.
Contact Lenses
Can I try contact lenses before committing?
Yes. We fit trial lenses during your contact lens fitting appointment so you can wear them before finalizing your order. For specialty lenses such as sclerals, multiple follow-up visits are part of the fitting process.
Can children wear contact lenses?
Many children can wear contact lenses successfully, typically from around age 10 or 11, depending on maturity and motivation. For children with myopia, certain lens designs such as MiSight 1-day contacts are specifically indicated for slowing progression.
How do I reorder contact lenses?
Call us at 925-934-4313 or stop by the office. We will confirm your current prescription is active and order through your preferred lens brand. If your prescription has expired, we will schedule a contact lens renewal exam.
Myopia Management
What is myopia management, and does my child need it?
Myopia (nearsightedness) tends to progress during childhood. Higher myopia increases lifetime risk of conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma. Myopia management uses treatments — orthokeratology, soft lenses, eye drops, or glasses — to slow that progression. A comprehensive exam will tell us whether your child is a good candidate.
Specialty Services
Do you treat dry eye?
Yes. We offer in-office treatments including BlephDex lid cleansing, TearCare thermal pulsation, and amniotic membrane therapy (BioDOptix). We also recommend at-home routines and nutritional support. Treatment is tailored to the cause — evaporative dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or other underlying conditions.
Do you do LASIK?
We do not perform laser surgery ourselves, but we co-manage LASIK and PRK patients. We handle the pre-operative evaluation, refer to skilled surgeons in the Bay Area, and see you for all your post-operative follow-up visits.
Practical Info
Where do I park?
Our office is at 1844 San Miguel Drive, Suite 312, in Walnut Creek. Free patient parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building — just look for the main entrance facing San Miguel Drive. We'll point out the way when you call to schedule.
Contact Us
Have a question, or ready to schedule?
All appointments are scheduled by phone — please give us a call during office hours.
Call 925-934-4313