Vision plans are typically meant for routine eye exams, not complex medical/surgical problems of the eye. Since optometrists usually focus more on glasses and contact lens fittings, vision plans are normally accepted for their visits, with the exception of patients with a medical diagnosis (including diabetes). Ophthalmologist visits are used for patients who have more complex eye conditions or need surgical intervention, and these are not covered by vision plans.
We see patients aged 6 and older in our practice.
We do not, but we can refer you to someone who does. Please contact our office for more information.
We do offer CareCredit financing for LASIK, cataract surgery, and optical purchases.
Georgia Eye Associates has four locations – Lawrenceville, Buckhead, Braselton, and Tucker. Click here to get contact information and interactive directions for each location.
Yes, we have a full-service Optical Shop in each location. We will be happy to fit you for just the right pair of glasses or order contacts for you.
There are a variety of options available for laser vision correction. Click here to learn about the different procedures offered at Georgia Eye Associates.
You can learn all about cataracts (including what they are and how they are treated) in our Cataract Center. You can also take our Cataract Self Test which will give you a better idea of if you’re dealing with cataracts, but the only real way to know if you have cataracts is to come in and be seen by one of our doctors. Call today for an appointment and be sure to mention that you think you have cataracts.
An ophthalmologist (MD) has a medical degree and is licensed to practice medicine and perform eye surgery. An ophthalmologist is qualified to diagnose and treat all eye diseases.
An optometrist (OD) has a degree in optometry and is qualified to determine the need for glasses and contact lenses, prescribe optical correction, and screen for some eye conditions. An optometrist cannot perform eye surgery.
An optician is trained to fit and dispense eyeglasses or contact lenses based upon a prescription from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
We usually dilate patients every year. Dilation allows the doctor to have a wider view of the retina, where more serious, sight-threatening conditions can occur.
Once the dilation drops take effect, you will be much more light-sensitive (especially when you go outside). Please try to bring sunglasses with you to the exam if you have them. If not, we’ll be happy to provide you with sunglasses. Your vision up close will also be much more blurry, so it will be difficult to read or see text on a cell phone. Driving and vision at distance should still be normal, so a driver is not required. The light sensitivity and blurriness with small print usually wear off after 4-6 hours.
The contact lens evaluation involves several steps. If the patient is already a contact lens wearer, the doctor will look at the cornea (the front surface of the eye) with a microscope to ensure that there is no inflammation related to contact lens wear. If the contact lens prescription does not change, we will simply order a new supply. If the patient needs a new prescription, the doctor will select a pair of trial contacts based on the patient’s wear schedule, eye health needs, and prior lens preference. The patient then inserts the lenses and the doctor looks at two things: the fit of the lens on the eye using the microscope, and the patient’s vision with the lenses. Adjustments can be made as needed.
If the patient is new to contacts or hasn’t worn them in a while, he or she is required to go through a contact lens training to learn the fundamentals of wearing contacts, including proper insertion, removal, and cleaning. There is an additional charge for contact lens fitting for all contact wearers.
By Georgia state law, contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year, and glasses prescriptions are valid for two years.
Yes, we can request your records from your previous eye doctor or healthcare provider if you fill out our Medical Records Request form.
The cost for a routine eye exam starts at $220. There is an additional $45 refraction fee for glasses prescriptions that may not be covered by your insurance. If additional testing or services are needed (contact lens evaluation), there will be additional fees. For patients with insurance, charges will be filed for you using your specialist copay. For questions regarding pricing for specific procedures, please call our office.
Many variables go into answering this question, but there are some best practice guidelines. Patients under age 40 who do not wear glasses or contacts should plan to be seen every two years. Patients 40 and older should be seen annually, as ocular conditions are known to increase with advancing age.
Patients at risk for eye conditions should ask their doctor about how often to be seen. Patients at risk include those who:
have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of ocular conditions (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration)
work in jobs that are visually demanding or include eye hazards
take prescription or non-prescription drugs with ocular side effects
wear contact lenses
have had eye surgery
have other health concerns or conditions
No, we are only open during regular business hours Monday through Friday. For eye emergencies, you may contact our on-call doctor by calling any of our offices.
Depending on your insurance, a referral may be required. Please contact your insurance company for more information.
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