Irvine Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Inc.
Eye Physicians and Surgeons
FAQ
TOP QUESTIONS WE HEAR FROM PATIENTS
What do you specialize in?
Both doctors practice comprehensive ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists (Eye M.D.s) are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care. As medical doctors, they manage medical eye diseases, perform surgery, as well as prescribe glasses and contacts.
When are the first and last appointments?
The first appointment of the day is at 9:00am and the last appointment of the day is at 4:15pm.
Are you open during lunch?
Yes, we always have someone in the office during lunchtime so you can come pick up contacts and glasses, get adjustments on frames, or any number of other services.
What kind of insurance do you take?
We do not accept HMO insurance. We do take PPO plans and different vision plans such as Vision Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed, Superior Vision, Safeguard, and Medical Eye Services. If you are not sure whether we accept your insurance or not, you can call our office or check with your insurance company.
What do I do if I just had an appointment, but lost my contact lenses and/or glasses prescription?
As long as you had an appointment within the last year, you can call our office and we can send you another copy of your prescription by mail, fax, or you can pick it up from the office.
Do I need an appointment to choose frames for glasses?
You do not need an appointment as long as you have a current prescription (within 1 year) for lenses. Our optical area is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
If I only have vision insurance, how often can I use it?
Vision insurances only allow one annual check-up per year. Depending on your plan, you might be covered every 12 months from the service date or every 12 months starting January. You can call your insurance company to check your eligibility. If you need another check-up before you are eligible or your visit is for a medical reason, your PPO medical insurance can be used. If you do not have PPO insurance, then your visit would be counted as a private account.
What do I do if I just had an appointment, but lost my contact lenses and/or glasses prescription?
As long as you had an appointment within the last year, you can call our office and we can send you another copy of your prescription by mail, fax, or you can pick it up from the office.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist can give prescriptions for contact lenses and glasses and some medications. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and can thus prescribe for contact lenses, glasses, and medication as well as perform medical procedures and surgeries.
Training differs in that ophthalmologists complete:
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Four years of college
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Four years of medical school
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One year of internship
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Three years, at least, of residency (hospital-based training) in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders
What does a comprehensive ophthalmologist do?
The comprehensive ophthalmologist receives training in all aspects of medicine and surgery of the eye, and performs many of the examinations and procedures that subspecialists do. In addition, complex cases that require multiple general medical and subspecialty services often require a comprehensive ophthalmologist to manage these cases and coordinate care.
Even if I was just seen recently by Dr. Chia or another doctor, do I still need to complete the pre-testing procedures?
Yes, the pre-testing procedures are standard procedures. Just as you always get blood pressure measured at other offices, we need to get your eye pressure and other "vital signs of the eyes." These procedures help the doctors to better assess the condition of your eyes and whether there have been any changes.
Do I need to bring anything with me for a check-up?
When you come for your visit, be sure to bring your insurance card(s), two patient forms (for new patients), sunglasses (in case of dilation), and current glasses and/or contact lenses.