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How often do I need an eye exam?
National guidelines established by the American Optometric Association (AOA) are as follows:
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- For children beginning at age 3 - Every year
- For ages 18-64 - At least every two years
- For ages 65 and older - Every year
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What insurances do you accept?
West Pasco Eye Care accepts most insurances, including VSP, Medicare, and Medicaid.
We are not contracted with Eyemed or Spectera.
Feel free to text or call our friendly staff if you have questions about your insurance eligibility.
What is included in a comprehensive eye exam?
Most routine exams at West Pasco Eye Care consist of two parts:
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- Ocular health examination - The technicians and doctors measure and examine the outside and inside of your eyes. This is done to ensure that your eyes are in good working condition.
- Refraction* - This is the "better 1 or 2" part of the exam, where the doctor determines your new prescription for glasses. Contact lens prescriptions are not part of a regular eye exam and are an additional service.
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*Most insurances cover both the health exam and refraction. However, some insurances (like Medicare) only cover the exam but not the refraction.
Why is there an extra fee for contact lens prescriptions?
Many people are not aware that contact lenses are regulated by the FDA and are classified as a type II medical device (same category as pregnancy tests, syringes, and power wheelchairs). A contact lens prescription is not included as part of a routine eye exam because it requires extra safety and verification procedures.
For more information about contact lenses, here is a video from the FDA: