FAQs

Call us at (714) 962-9377 or book online. We see patients Monday through Saturday.

For eye emergencies (a red or painful eye, an injury, sudden floaters or flashes, or vision loss), call us and we'll get you in, usually the same day. See Medical Eye Care & Emergencies.

Call us at least 24 hours ahead. Cancellations and missed appointments with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to a $45 fee. If something unavoidable comes up, call us and we'll work it out.

Yes. We see children from age four. If your child is younger and you've noticed squinting, frequent eye rubbing, or one eye drifting, call us and we'll point you to a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist who sees younger children.

Most adults should be seen every year.

Plan for about an hour

Usually not. Our Optos imaging gives us a wide view of your retina without drops, so most patients drive themselves home. Some situations still call for dilation: certain medical conditions like diabetes, a new symptom, or a closer look at something we've found. If we dilate you, bring sunglasses and consider arranging a ride.

A 200−degree photograph of the inside of your eye, taken in a fraction of a second with no drops and no discomfort. A standard view shows roughly a quarter of that, a section at am time. We keep your images on file, so at each visit we compare pictures rather than memories.A 200−degree photograph of the inside of your eye, taken in a fraction of a second with no drops and no discomfort. A standard view shows roughly a quarter of that, a section at a time. We keep your images on file, so at each visit we compare pictures rather than memories.

A routine exam determines your glasses prescription and checks the health of your eyes. A contact lens evaluation is additional work: measuring your eye's surface, selecting a lens that fits it, and confirming the vision and comfort are right. It's billed separately.

Usually not. Our Optos imaging gives us a wide view of your retina without drops, so most patients drive themselves home. Some situations still call for dilation: certain medical conditions like diabetes, a new symptom, or a closer look at something we've found. If we dilate you, bring sunglasses and consider arranging a ride.

Because the prescription isn't the only thing we're checking. How a lens interacts with your eye changes with your health, your medications, and your environment, and we're looking at the health of your cornea under the lens. Problems there develop quietly and are far easier to address early.

Usually 7–10 business days, depending on holidays, the frame company, and the lab.

Usually 5−7 business days, depending on holidays and the lab.

No. Come by any time during business hours. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before closing so our opticians have time to fit and adjust them properly.

Yes — your prescription is yours, and we'll print a copy any time you ask.

We'd rather you filled it with us, and here's why: a prescription is only part of what makes glasses work. Where the lenses sit in the frame and how the frame sits on your face are measurements taken in person, and progressives especially go wrong when they're off. Our opticians handle those, plus adjustments and repairs for as long as you wear them.

If you order elsewhere and something doesn't feel right, bring them in and we'll check them against your prescription.

It depends on your insurance and what you need. Call us at (714) 962-9377 and we'll check your benefits and give you a clear answer before your visit. See Insurance & Payment for the plans we accept and what's typically covered.

A comprehensive eye exam starts at $130, and that includes Optos retinal imaging — we don't charge separately for it. New patient exams and contact lens evaluations run higher, since both involve additional testing. Call us at (714) 962-9377 with what you need and we'll give you an exact figure before you book.

It depends on your plan and on why you're coming in.

Your vision plan covers routine care, checking your vision and updating your prescription. Your medical insurance covers the health of your eyes. With some medical plans, we can bill the health portion of a comprehensive exam medically.

When we do, determining your glasses prescription isn't covered, and there's a $45 charge for that part. Retinal imaging may be billed separately as well.

Call us at (714) 962-9377 before your visit and we'll check your specific plan and tell you what to expect.

The refraction is the part of the exam where we determine your glasses prescription. Medicare and most medical plans don't cover it, because they treat it as a vision benefit rather than a medical service. When it isn't covered, the charge is $45. If you have a vision plan, it's typically included

We accept most PPO medical plans. For HMOs, we hold contracts with Edinger Medical Group and MemorialCare. If your HMO assigns you to one of those medical groups, we can see you, though you'll usually need an authorization from your primary care doctor first. If your HMO is with a different medical group, you're welcome to see us as a self-pay patient, and your vision plan may still cover a routine exam.