At Tri-State Optical Center, we strive to meet all of your eye and vision care needs. Corrective lens evaluations and prescription management are provided by our optometrist in Rogers. After a comprehensive eye and vision evaluation, Dr. Kate Landis will discuss the variety of contact lens options with you to select the type that best fits your vision needs and lifestyle. If you suffer from dry eye, allergies, or recurring eye infections, speak with our staff to determine whether contact lenses are right for you.
Evaluation
Prior to prescribing contact lenses, Dr. Landis determines what level of vision correction you require. Refractive error (commonly known as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism depending on the error) is evaluated by measuring how the eyes focus when a series of different lenses are placed in front of them. An optometrist may use either a phoropter or an automated instrument to take these measurements. To schedule an appointment for a vision evaluation with our Rogers optometrist, call 479-636-2012 today.
Corrective Lenses
After determining the level of refractive error, Dr. Landis works with you to determine whether contact lenses or glasses are best for your lifestyle. If you suffer from certain conditions, such as dry eye or allergies, glasses may be the most comfortable corrective solution. Contact lenses are available in either soft or rigid gas permeable form. Contact lenses need to be changed daily, bi-weekly, or monthly, depending on what type of lens you select. Specialized contact lenses, such as bifocal and monovision contact lenses, are also available. Call us at 479-636-2012 if you are interested in learning if contact lenses are a good fit for you.
Contact Lens Fitting Fee's Explained
Why is there a contact lens fitting fee?
This fee covers the extra tests performed by the doctor along with any necessary follow-up visits and trial lenses. These procedures are only done on patients that wear contacts; it is in addition to the services provided during the annual eye exam.
Why doesn't my insurance cover that fee?
Insurance companies view most contact lenses as elective vision correction. On rare occasions, they will cover a portion or all of the fitting, but most companies take the position that if your vision can be corrected with glasses, contacts are not medically necessary. If you believe that should change, then we urge you to contact your insurance company and discuss the matter with them.
How much is the contact lens fitting fee and how is that determined?
There are different levels of charges based on several factors. We are more than happy to discuss the full range of prices up front with any patient based on previous contact lens history and what the patient desires to use going forward. The doctor can only determine the exact level of the fitting after completing the exam, because that is when all of the patient's needs have been assessed. Those factors include:
1) The complexity of the fit: Many options for vision correction exist and have varying levels of testing in order to determine the optimal Rx. These options include spherical lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, movovision, and multifocal lenses.
2) Patient's ocular health: The condition of the eyelids, conjuctiva, cornea, and tear film all affect the optimal contact lens material, shape, and care. Even your general health may affect ocular health, and must be taken into consideration as well.
3) History of any previous eye surgeries or injuries: corneal irregularity or eye sensitivity can be brought on by eye surgeries or injuries. In these cases more care may be required in order to prevent irritation or complications.
4) New patient vs. established patient: New patients require longer appointments, because there is more history to collect and options to discuss.
