Patient Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about exams, insurance, contact lenses, and more. Can't find your answer? Call 925-934-4313.
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.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, MES Vision, Medicare, Blue Shield, and Aetna. Please bring your insurance card — we will verify coverage and benefits on the spot. For a complete list, see our payment options page or call us at 925-934-4313.
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.
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.
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.
What is myopia control, 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 control 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.
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.
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.
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