• What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?
• Which doctor do I see if I want new glasses or contact lenses?
• How long does my prescription for my glasses or contact lenses last?
• How long will my appointment in the Eye Department take?
• Will my eyes be dilated?
• Can I drive after my eyes are dilated?
• What should I expect during my eye exam?
• Why is total eye care so important?
• How often should I have my eyes examined?
• How much does it cost for my eye exam?
• Will this visit be covered by my insurance?

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (M.D.) specially trained in the medical and surgical care and treatment of the eyes. Becoming an ophthalmologist can take 12 or more years of advanced education and training, including four years of college, four years of medical school training, and four years of internship and residency training. Some ophthalmologists obtain additional fellowship training after completing their residencies and learn more about one or two specific aspects or elements of the eye. After this training, they may practice as subspecialists.

Optometrists (Doctors of Optometry, or O.D.'s) attend four years of college and four years of optometry school, where they are trained to examine the eyes to determine the presence of any eye or vision problems, and deliver treatment options for many conditions. Optometrists prescribe glasses, contact lenses and some medications.
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Which doctor do I see if I want new glasses or contact lenses?

An optometrist (O.D.) will prescribe glasses or contact lenses. The ophthalmologists (M.D.'s) at PAMF do not examine patients for glasses or contact lenses.
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How long does my prescription for my glasses or contact lenses last?

Prescriptions for glasses are valid for two years, and contact-lens prescriptions are valid for one year. This can vary with individual circumstances.
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How long will my appointment in the Eye Department take?

We recommend that you plan at least one hour for your eye exam. If your eyes are dilated, you should plan for at least a 90-minute appointment. More comprehensive eye exams that may include treatments can last up to four hours.
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Will my eyes be dilated?

If your eye exam includes an examination of the back of the eye (the retina), you will receive eye drops to dilate your pupils. Dilating drops may blur your vision or make your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours afterward. In children, this symptom may last up to 24 hours.
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Can I drive after my eyes are dilated?

Many patients do drive themselves after having their eyes dilated, but it is important to remember that you will be sensitive to light and your vision may be blurry. You should wear sunglasses after your exam. Your safety is important, so if you do not feel comfortable driving, you should arrange for someone to drive you home.
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What should I expect during my eye exam?

The parts of a comprehensive medical eye examination vary depending on the patient's age, date of last exam and other factors. Not every part of the eye exam may be needed or performed during your visit. Some of your tests may be performed by various ophthalmic medical personnel assisting the doctors. Parts of the eye exam will include documenting your medical history, visual acuity testing, external examination (eyelids, tear duct system, areas around the eye), eye muscle examination, visual field examination, slit lamp examination (looking closely at the outer and inner part of the eye with a special microscope), tonometry (measurement of your intraocular pressure) and ophthalmoscopy (using an instrument that shines a bright light into the eye to examine the retina through the pupil).

Illustration of the Eye
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Why is total eye care so important?

As "windows of the body," the eyes can reveal the presence of disease in the brain or other parts of the body. The eyes themselves can become diseased. For this reason, total eye care is best provided by a periodic comprehensive eye examination. Vision is one of our most important senses. Caring for your eyes is the best way to ensure you do not lose your vision.
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How often should I have my eyes examined?

The frequency of your eye exams will depend on your age, family history and the condition of your eyes. Your doctor will make recommendations specifically for you.
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How much does it cost for my eye exam?

The cost for your eye exam will vary depending on the services you receive. Any special testing performed generally requires a separate fee, in addition to your office-visit charge. There is a separate fee for refractions (exam for glasses).
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Will this visit be covered by my insurance?

Many health insurers will cover your medical eye exam, although many will not cover the cost of a refraction. It is the patient's responsibility to contact his or her insurer to find out what is covered. If you have a vision-service plan, it is your responsibility to bill your plan for covered services. Services billed to you by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) must be paid within 30 days of receipt of our statement.
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