Routine Eye Exam vs. Medical Eye Exam

Routine

To check your overall vision and eye health for glasses or contact lens prescriptions.

Includes: Checking eyesight, updating glasses or contacts, screening eye health.

Typically billed to vision insurance (e.g., VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision).

No medical complaints or diagnosed eye conditions are being treated.

Contact Lens evaluations are a separate service that can be performed at the same time as routine exams. Some insurances may discount this service. If you do not have any insurance, an estimation of out-of-pocket fees can be provided.

Medical

To evaluate, diagnose, or manage an eye disease or medical problem.

Examples:

• Eye infections, dryness, allergies
• Diabetes-related eye exams
• Glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts
• Eye injuries or sudden vision changes

Billed to medical insurance (e.g., Medicare, Blue Cross, Aetna).

Focuses on eye health problems or diseases.

During every eye exam, your optometrist carefully evaluates the health of your eyes. Identifying eye disease early is the best way to prevent vision loss. If any concerns are detected, additional testing may be performed or a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure your eyes receive the care they need.