When you think about visiting an eye doctor, you might imagine reading letters on an eye chart, exploring new lens options with an optician, or selecting a new pair of frames. This describes a routine eye exam, which is key for maintaining clear vision and healthy eyes. However, there’s another type of exam that’s equally important—a medical eye exam. In this blog, we’ll explore when you need each type and how insurance plays a role.
What is a routine eye exam?
Routine eye exams are what most people think of when booking their annual eye check-up. These evaluations focus on ensuring your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear. At Vision Center LTD and Waterbury Eye Associates, our knowledgeable optometrists will:
- Check how well you see
- Determine your exact prescription
- Screen for common eye issues
- Assess your overall eye health
Routine exams often lead to a diagnosis of vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
What is a medical eye exam?
Medical eye exams are more specialized and focus on diagnosing, treating, or monitoring specific eye issues. At Vision Center Ltd and Waterbury Eye Associates, we conduct these exams if you have particular concerns or need follow-up care for existing conditions. Reasons for a medical eye exam include:
- Ongoing eye pain
- Sudden changes in vision
- Eye infections
- Managing conditions like glaucoma or cataracts
These exams might diagnose conditions like conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or dry eye syndrome, which require specific treatments or ongoing management.
Insurance coverage for eye exams
It’s important to clarify what your insurance covers to avoid confusion. Usually, vision insurance covers routine eye exams and offers discounts on glasses and contacts. This type of insurance is designed to help you maintain your vision health and spot problems early.
Medical insurance, on the other hand, typically covers medical eye exams, treatments for eye conditions, and follow-up visits. If you’re seeing the eye doctor for a specific problem or to manage a condition, your medical insurance will likely cover the visit.
Keep in mind that the type of exam you need might change based on what your eye doctor finds. For example, you might come in for a routine check-up. However, if your optometrist detects signs of a medical issue, they might need to reclassify your visit as a medical exam or schedule another appointment. This can affect how your visit is billed, so it’s good to be prepared.
Bottom line
Understanding the difference between routine and medical eye exams helps you prepare better and ensures you get the right care. Have you noticed any changes in your vision, or has it been a while since your last exam? Reach out to Vision Center LTD or Waterbury Eye Associates. We’re here for all your eye care needs—from routine check-ups to comprehensive medical eye care. Give us a call to schedule your eye exam in Waterbury, CT, or Shelton, CT!
