Frequently Asked Questions

We accept most major medical and vision insurance plans. If your plan is not listed, please ask us if we can check on your benefits.

Vision insurance is accepted for routine eye examinations in the absence of any known medical eye problem. Your eyes are examined for potential indicators of eye disease, and a glasses prescription is determined through refraction. Your vision insurance may also have material benefits for glasses or contact lenses.

Medical insurance is accepted for any medical eye problem you are experiencing. Examples include glaucoma, cataract, macular degeneration, eye pain, eye infection or a foreign body.  Some medical plans offer annual eye health examinations to determine any potential indicators of eye disease.  Contact your insurance company to determine benefits.

Medical insurance does not always cover routine eye care and it does not cover a refraction to determine a glasses prescription. Smyrna Eye Group does not file for any material benefit for glasses or contact lenses under your medical insurance. You should verify with your insurance company to determine coverage.

Vision insurance is used for routine eye care and includes a refraction to determine a prescription for glasses. Your vision insurance may also contain a material benefit for glasses or contact lenses.

The way your examination is filed depends upon what you tell the doctor and also what the doctor finds during the examination.

The fee for your services depends on the type of examination and tests performed, the doctor’s diagnosis and the copayment requirements from your insurance company.

Your insurance company requires us to collect a copayment at the time of your visit. This does not guarantee that your insurance company will pay the entire amount, therefore, you may be responsible for the balance after we file the claim.

A complete eye exam will confirm whether you are nearsighted, farsighted and/or have astigmatism.

Also, there must be no ocular health problems present, such as cataracts or untreated glaucoma.

Additional diagnostic testing will be performed to measure the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism, pupil size, and the thickness and detailed shape of the cornea.

Generally, most insurance companies do not cover LASIK. Some special employee programs, however, do cover a certain percentage. Patients should inquire with their insurance representatives to determine benefits and coverage. Some patients enjoy significant tax savings by allocating funds for LASIK in their pre-tax medical expense account.

Whether or not contact lenses are a good choice for you depends on:

• Individual needs and expectations
• Patience and motivation during the initial adjustment period to contact lens wear
• Adhering to contact lens guidelines for wear, disinfecting and cleaning
• Diagnosis and treatment of conditions that may prevent contact lens wear.

When comparing the price of a contact lens examination, it’s important to consider what services are included. Does the fitting include a thorough eye examination and follow-up? Can you exchange lenses during the initial fitting, and is there insurance for lost lenses available?

Contact Lens Fitting Fees are independent of an eye examination and will be charged separately. Fitting fees do not include the price of the contact lenses. Fitting fees include the following:

For Contact Lens Renewals:

• Measurements of corneal curvatures and iris diameter
• Assessment of the cornea under the microscope
• Visual acuities with and without contact lenses
• Assessment of contact lenses in eyes
• Contact lens demonstration samples
• Contact lens solution sample

For New Contact Lens Fitting the doctor will perform all of the above steps and the following:

• Initial fitting for selection of the lens
• Teaching session(s) for insertion and removal
• Teaching session for cleaning and care procedures
• One week follow-up care for contact lens related problems only (including refitting, allergic or adverse reactions to the lens or solutions and additional sessions for teaching contact care)

If you need treatment for an eye condition not directly related to the contact lenses, such as inflamed eyelids or dry eyes, there may be additional charges.

Prices vary for the type of fitting needed. Please call our office for further information.

Yes, many of our technicians speak Spanish. Please ask for a Spanish speaking assistant when you call for an appointment.