FAQ's

Adults should have an annual eye exam.

 

Infants should have their eyes checked before the age of 6 months. Children should have their eyes checked at ages 3 and again prior to entering school at around age 5.

 

Yes, Dr. Bell is therapeutically trained to diagnose and treat most types of ocular disease conditions.

 

Most appointments range in length from 20-30 minutes. In some instances more complex medical visits may take longer.

 

We would ask you to bring your current vision insurance card, your current medical insurance card (in case something medical is found in the exam) and a list of current medications including dosages. We also ask that you bring any glasses or contacts that you have or currently use.

 

Yes, in compliance with federal law we will provide your contact lens prescription when finalized at no charge.

 

We have a wide variety of contact lenses in stock. If we do not have the brand or the amount that you need, we can order them and it will typically take 2-7 days to get the lenses in. However, if it would be more convenient, we can even have the lenses shipped directly to your house in most cases.

 

At your contact lens evaluation you will be examined to see if you are a candidate for contact lens wear. An extra fee is applied which will include the measurement of the corneal curvature (using a computerized corneal topographer or an autokeratometer), a trial of diagnostic lenses, training of proper insertion and removal along with follow up visits with your doctor to ensure proper contact fit and vision.

 

Contact lenses need to be carefully fitted and matched to your needs and to your eyes, we therefore will need to perform a comprehensive vision and health exam and also take measurements to properly fit you with contact lenses. We will always ensure that you are comfortable about handling your lenses before we prescribe them, and will provide you with comprehensive written instructions as well.

 

Astigmatism is a common vision condition. It's caused when the front surface of the eye, called the cornea, is not perfectly round. As a result, light is focused differently in the eye, leading to blurred vision. Contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called torics, and they come in both soft and gas permeable contact lens materials. In addition, small amounts of astigmatism may be corrected with a regular, non-toric gas permeable contact lens.

 

Disposable contact lenses are spherical or toric contact lenses, which are designed to be worn for a certain time period; weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. These contact lenses should be discarded when the lens wearing time has elapsed, as advised by your eye care professional.

 

Great improvements have been made in contact lens materials. In the past, many dry eye patients could not tolerate contacts. Now, they can be fit with numerous new types of contacts, especially ones that contain the newest polymers. These molecules attach to water, allowing the lens to resist deposits and function better. In addition, a regimen of warm compresses and artificial tears are beneficial to the contact lens wearer with dry eye.

 

As soon as the need for vision correction is identified, contact lenses are a viable option. With proper care and lens maintenance, infants, young children, teens, and adults of all ages can wear contacts effectively.

 

An Bell Family Eye Care technician will instruct you on insertion and removal of your contacts before you take them home. Written instructions will also be provided to ensure proper technique is continued.

 

Usually if your arms are too short or you feel that you need brighter light to see it's a good sign that you're are in need of bifocals or progressives.

 

No, our optical is open during our normal office hours and one of our knowledgeable opticians is available to assist you.

 

Bifocal lenses have two focal powers: distance and near while progressive lenses have all powers; distance, intermediate and near.

 

Glasses are recommended as a back-up to contact lens wearers to allow the eye to "breathe" and are also recommended to be replaced if parts are no longer operational on the current pair. If your prescription has changed it's recommended to either replace the lens w/the correct prescription and/or replace the frame to a more updated style available in our office if desired. Sunglasses are a good idea in our sunny climate to protect your eyes from the harmful UVA (linked to the formation of cataracts, macular edema and age related macular degeneration) and UVB (a true cause of corneal sunburn).

 

The best way currently is to use your liquid dish detergent with warm water and rub w/fingers to remove and oil and dirt, than wipe with an optical cloth. Never use paper towels, Kleenex or fibrous cloth as this can cause your lens to permanently scratch. Also keep your lens from hair spray which can damage A/R coatings.

 

We need to see you back to our office within 30 days of receipt of your new lenses if you are having any visual trouble at all. Your new frames and lenses are covered by a manufacturer's warranty for 1 year from the date of purchase.