What should I bring to my appointment? 

  • Photo ID
  • Medical insurance cards and vision information if you have any.
  • Medical records from your former eye doctor or referring physician (if applicable).
  • Current glasses if you wear them.
  • Current contact lens information if you wear them, including brand and prescription information.
  • Medication list.
  • New patient forms – Our team will text or email you prior to your visit to fill out your forms online, or you may print them from the “New Patient Forms” tab and bring them to the visit. If you are unable to do so, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete them.

How long will the appointment be?

Most patients are in our office for 45 minutes – 1 hour.

What insurance do you take?

We currently participate with the following insurance carriers:

  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem)
  • Christian Ministeries (Medi-Share)
  • Cigna
  • ConnectiCare
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • Humana Military
  • Oxford
  • Medicare
  • Meritain Health
  • PHCS and Multiplan network
  • Planstin (Zion Health)
  • Tricare
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP (Vision Service Plan)
  • WellCare

We do NOT participate with EyeMed, Davis Vision, Spectera, Superior Vision, Blue View Vision, or United Healthcare Vision. The ONLY vision plan we participate in is Vision Service Plan (VSP). We strongly recommend contacting your insurance company before your visit to verify we are in-network with your plan, as you may be responsible for out-of-network balances.

Will my visit be covered by my insurance?

Due to the high number of unique insurance plans, our office advises calling your insurance company prior to your appointment to ensure we are in-network, and your visit will be covered. Our office will always attempt to bill what is provided to us at the time of your appointment, however, we can never guarantee benefits.

What is a third-party vendor?

Many medical plans use third-party vendors to administer benefits like vision, dental, and behavioral health, for example. The vendor is a separate company that uses a different network of providers, and that may not be the same as your medical plan. We always recommend asking your insurance if you have a third-party vendor for vision prior to your appointment. Currently, Advanced Eyecare only participates with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for vision vendors.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash, or check. We do not accept CareCredit currently, but we do offer in-house payment plan options for patients who need it.

What is dilation?

Dilation means, “the process of becoming wider or more open.” During an eye exam, the doctor will use eye drops that prevent your iris (the colored part of your eye) from constricting. This enlarges your pupil and allows the doctors to see a more complete view of the back of your eye (the retina and optic nerve).

How long does it take for the eyes to dilate?

Once the drops are administered, it typically takes 15-30 minutes to achieve fully dilated pupils, depending on the individual’s response to the medication.

How long does dilation last?

It typically takes 4-6 hours for pupils to return to normal, although some individuals may last longer.

What does dilation feel like?

Once your eyes are dilated, there is an increase in light sensitivity because the pupil is enlarged, and more light is coming through. Bring your sunglasses, or we can provide some disposable shades for you. You may also experience blurry vision, particularly if you are trying to read. If it is your first time having your eyes dilated, or you know your vision is too impaired for driving after dilation, bring a friend or companion to drive you home from your examination. If you have any questions about dilation, please call or text our office for more information.