FAQs
in Danville

Everyone should receive an eye exam at least once a year to detect visual changes and ocular diseases. Vision can have an enormous impact on social, motor, cognitive and academic functions as well as professional achievements.

The American Optometric Association recommends that your child’s first eye exam should be between the ages of 6 months to 1 year. The first exam aims to detect any issues that might interfere with normal vision development. Vision problems such as amblyopia (commonly called “lazy eye”) can be treated early through consistent exams. We use special instruments that allow us to determine the prescription, binocular vision, and ocular health without the child saying a word.

Yes, every patient should receive a dilated exam. While retinal imaging or photographs of the eye are possible, they are not a substitute for dilation, which offers us a larger viewing area and can help in the detection of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension and other retinal issues. Dilation is part of our regular comprehensive ophthalmological eye exam.

Orders for eyeglasses are placed electronically through our EHR system and sent directly to our labs. Once a patient has committed to the order and paid, the optician will insert the order immediately—sometimes even before the patient exits the office. Our labs work around the clock, so once the order is submitted, it cannot be stopped or canceled. We advise all patients that most lenses with coatings will take 14 business days, and single-vision lenses can be turned around sometimes in 48 hrs or less.

We accept most major vision insurances, including VSP, Eyemed, Spectera, Superior Vision, Davis Vision, March Vision, Medicare, and others. We also accept major medical insurance PPO plans such as Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Healthnet, Cigna, and United Health Care to name a few.

For more information, please visit our insurance & payment information page.

The best way to protect your vision is a yearly comprehensive eye exam. When you arrive at our office, you will be greeted with friendly faces. Each eye exam will use innovative technology to assess your eye health. Your eye doctor will inspect your eyes, answer questions, and discuss your eye care treatment options. In addition to determining your vision prescription, our doctor will test your color vision and depth perception and check for any early indicators of possible eye conditions such as cataracts, retinal problems, and glaucoma.

We aim to have each patient leave satisfied, knowing they are receiving quality eye care products and services.

Blue light is a high-intensity light emitted from electronic devices like phones, computers, and tablets. It affects a hormone—melatonin—which can disrupt sleep patterns. The greater the exposure time, the lower the level of melatonin, which results in a loss of sleep quality. Blue light glasses work when a special chemical matrix is manufactured into the lens. In short, glasses on Amazon or made online are not effective in blocking blue light.

Glaucoma is a condition where the nutrient fluid made by the eye is being made in too high an amount, or the fluid does not drain properly out of the eye, creating a rise in pressure. Elevated eye pressure causes the optic nerve to deteriorate, which can result in loss of vision. Glaucoma is treatable once your eyes are dilated and examined by a doctor who is certified to treat it. Not all eye doctors are certified or have the experience to treat patients with glaucoma. Glaucoma can affect patients of all ages.

Yes, it can, and the earlier it is detected, the faster we can begin treatment. A dilated eye exam with retinal imaging can see all of the retinal layers, even ones the human eye cannot see. Macular degeneration comes in different stages and can be treated with medication, diet, specific vitamins, and various types of ultraviolet and blue light treatments. The key is to intervene early and aggressively.

Dilated eye exams are the key to managing diabetes. The eyes are the only organ anywhere in the body where we can actually analyze and test the blood vessels without cutting or opening any tissue. Annual and semi-annual eye evaluations are critical for any patient with diabetes. Diabetes directly affects the eye and can lead to early cataracts, retinal bleeding, and changes in vision.

Digital devices are part of everyday life. They emit a high intensity of visible light from 400-500 nm, which can disrupt melatonin levels. Melatonin regulates our sleep rhythm; these levels are at their highest at night. Using these devices at night greatly reduces melatonin levels, which can then affect our sleep. In this sense, lack of sleep can affect one’s mental health, physiological development, and mental awareness at school or work.

Reducing exposure time and regulating the amount of high-intensity light through the use of a special chemical matrix can be a beneficial treatment route. Ask our opticians about how our innovative technology could help block UV and blue-light wavelengths from entering your or your child’s eyes.

Myopia is becoming more common than ever. Studies show that by 2050, over 50 million people will be nearsighted. While myopia cannot be stopped, there are several different ways to help slow it’s development.

Early age intervention is key, and at Danville Optometric Group, we use specialized contacts and ophthalmic medications to control all forms of myopia. Our doctors are certified in myopia control and have over 25 years of experience. Unlike most eye doctor offices, we have the special surgical equipment (like ultrasound) required to monitor eye growth. Our technology allows us to follow myopia progression and prevent its continued development.

The quality of sunglasses has nothing to do with the intensity of the color. The amount of protection is based on the amount of ultraviolet protection. For sunglasses to be effective, they must be 100% ultraviolet blocking. Name-branded manufacturers often make clear ophthalmic-quality frames, which are regulated and held to higher ANSI standards. Thus, name-branded sunwear is held to this standard and provides excellent protection.

Studies have shown that online-made eyewear can fail to meet national standards for quality. In contrast, all glasses purchased at our office are checked at the lab before they leave and then again upon their arrival. This process helps us ensure an accurately made pair of glasses for each patient.

Costco, Walmart, Lenscrafters, and Warby Parker are all out of VSP’s network. This means that the negotiated VSP member in-network prices for top-quality lenses are not honored or available at these retailers.

In addition, patients must file an out-of-network claim and receive less of their benefits than an in-network VSP doctor. VSP doctors can access all manufacturers’ latest technologically innovative lenses and coatings. These other retailers can only use a few lenses, and they can be based on the cheapest price, not necessarily the best quality for the patient.

Contact lenses are class 2 medical devices as defined by the FDA. They are regulated and require a licensed doctor to prescribe them. As contact lens prescriptions are not the same as glasses, contact lenses require a specific and separate type of exam. During a contact lens exam, specific corneal measurements, eyelid health, blink mechanism, and tear film are all examined to help ensure proper fit and suitability. As these measurements can change over time, a contact lens exam should be performed yearly.

Contact lenses are not commodities—they are medical devices that are safe only when used properly. Without medical supervision, quality control is at risk. As your eye care professional, we can access innovative and special lenses, which retailers and warehouses do not usually have. As a preferred doctor’s office, major manufacturers can offer our patients greater rewards than most online or big box retailers.

We value quality eyewear as part of our commitment to our community. We are pleased to offer free shipping to your home, office, or school. Plus, if your prescription changes during the year, we can exchange your contact lenses or replace defective ones at no charge to you. We also provide free trial lenses if you run out.

Keratoconus is a congenital condition caused by a gradual thinning and steepening of the corneal layers. Changes can result in a significant increase in astigmatism, which distorts vision and sometimes requires surgery. Early detection with corneal topography allows certified doctors to determine and treat this condition.

Treatment is usually through specialty scleral, rigid gas permeable, or hybrid lenses. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be required. Today, a new technology called collagen crosslinking can arrest keratoconus by strengthening the cornea layers.

The biggest difference is the quality and craft. When you purchase your glasses, is there a licensed, experienced optician who understands optics and frame styling? Is there a way to verify the accuracy of the lenses once purchased? Does the patient have access to any of the latest materials and technology? Are the lenses and frames warranted for an entire year?

Here are some facts:

• Online eyeglass companies often use the least expensive materials, coatings, and frames. Studies have shown that online glasses often do not pass national manufacturing standards.
• Costco Optical cannot purchase different models because they don’t have an account with any of these manufacturers. While hundreds of different styles are available, Costco Optical only offers a single brand of progressive lenses.
• A private eye doctor has access to the various types of ophthalmic lenses. Every patient is different, and each patient requires different optical needs. As licensed distributors with all of our frame manufacturers, our frames are under warranty for up to 3 years. Since our licensed opticians understand frame materials, types, and fitting standards, they are able to verify their quality when they arrive from the lab.

No, we are a comprehensive full-service eye clinic. We treat the common patient with visual needs. We are certified to not only detect ocular diseases but also treat them. We can prescribe medications for conditions such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, allergies, dry eyes, eyelid infections, and watery eyes. In addition, we are a triage center for corneal abrasions and foreign bodies like glass, dirt, plastic, or anything that can scratch or damage your eye. We routinely manage our patients who have diabetes, macular degeneration, cataracts, floaters, or other corneal problems. We perform several surgical procedures in-office to help our patients.

We can sometimes treat you quicker than a family or emergency room doctor as they often do not have the microscopes or specialized ocular devices that we have in-office. We are available 24/7 through our emergency paging system. Please seek prompt medical attention if you have any foreign body in your eyes. Do not try to remove it on your own.