top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a refraction?

A refraction is the procedure performed by your eye doctor, Dr. Seidman, to determine your eyeglass prescription.This is the part where the doctor asks, “Is one or two better?”Using your answers, your previous eyeglass prescription, and measurements of your eye, Dr. Seidman writes your new eyeglass prescription.A refraction completed as part of your yearly comprehensive eye exam is traditionally covered by most vision insurance. However, it is not billable to medical insurance (e.g. Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, and Medicare).

Will I be dilated at my yearly comprehensive eye exam?

For the most comprehensive health evaluation, dilation is required.Dilation enlarges the pupil and gives Dr. Seidman a better view of the inside of your eye.With dilation, Dr. Seidman can view the peripheral retina which cannot be viewed with other methods.Patients with diabetes must be dilated every year. Dilation is also used to relax your visual system allowing Dr. Seidman to get additional information to create your eyeglass prescription.

How long does dilation last and what are the effects? Can I drive while dilated?

Dilation lasts an average of 2-4 hours for adults and up to 24 hours for children.Dilation may make bright lights bothersome and blur vision at reading and computer distances until the dilation drops wear off. Since distance vision isn’t affected, most patients can easily drive while dilated. We’ll give you a pair of temporary sunglasses before you leave if you didn’t bring yours with you.

What is retinal photography?

Retinal photography captures an image of the inner wall of your eye, giving Dr. Seidman a picture of your optic nerve, macula, and blood vessels.The doctor recommends this procedure for everyone over 12 years old as a tool to monitor for slight changes.When these pictures are taken at your yearly comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Seidman can compare photos over time to see if there are any changes in the eye.This helps her diagnose medical issues right away and educate you, the patient.

What is a contact lens evaluation?

A contact lens evaluation is performed yearly for contact lens wearers.  Dr. Seidman will evaluate the fit of the contact lens, the prescription of contact lens, as well as monitor for changes caused by the lenses to your ocular surface.  The contact lens evaluation covers 90 days of care.  The 90 days of care includes any follow-up appointments and any necessary trials lenses to get you to your finalized contact lens prescription.

Why should I bring my old glasses and contact lens boxes to the exam?

We ask that patients bring in old glasses and contact lens boxes so the doctor can accurately tell you the change in your prescription compared to the year before. Without this information the doctor cannot accurately comment about significant changes in your prescription compare to your previous exams, unless the contact lenses and eyeglasses were purchased from Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl. We also ask our patients to bring all old glasses so we can inspect, clean, and adjust your glasses while you are in our office.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Pediatric eye exams are recommended at 1 year old, 3 years old, and 5 years old and there after yearly.  Dr. Seidman may require more frequent visits based on patient diagnosis.  Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl and Dr. Seidman are members of InfantSEE, which provides free eye exam for children between 6 months and 12 months old. 

What is your cancellations/missed policies?

We ask that all patients give the office 24-hour notice of cancellation, to accommodate for other patients who may need that exam slot.  If the office does not receive 24-hour notice, a cancellation fee will be added to patient’s account.  A fee will be also added to the account for appointments that are missed. 

What is your late policy?

To respect our patients’ time we will ask patients to reschedule their appointment if they are not ready within 15 minutes of their appointment time.

What is considered an urgent eye issue?​​

  1. Flashes of Light

  2. New floaters or sudden increase in floaters

  3. Double Vision

  4. Sudden decrease in vision

  5. Increase in pain

  6. True light sensitivity

  7. Chemical burn

  8. Foreign bodies

​​

What is the PD measurement and why is it not on my prescription?

PD measurement stands for pupillary distance measurement and measures the distance from the center of one pupil to the other. This measurement is necessary to make glasses accurately.The pupil measurement depends on the type of eyeglasses you are getting. For example, your PD measurement is different for your reading glasses and your distance glasses because of the change in your focal point when you are reading a book, working on a computer or looking at an object in the distance.

bottom of page