The eye care door
A full eye exam, start to finish
An exam checks how well you see and how healthy your eyes are. It is for anyone from school age up, with or without glasses.
Plan on about an hour, a little longer if you are being fitted for contact lenses. Dr. Purnell and Dr. Dawson each see patients, and you can ask for either one when you book.
Your sight, measured for glasses or contact lenses
A look at the health of the front and back of each eye
A talk about screens, driving, reading and anything else you have noticed
What happens
Four steps, about an hour
- 01
Step 1: A talk first
We ask how your eyes feel, what you do all day and what you use your glasses for. About five minutes.
- 02
Step 2: Measurements
A technician takes the first readings. You look at a few lights and read some letters. About fifteen minutes.
- 03
Step 3: The doctor's exam
The doctor checks your sight, then looks at the health of your eyes and explains what they find. About twenty minutes.
- 04
Step 4: Afterward
You leave with a copy of your prescription. If you want frames, the eyewear door is next door.
Before you come
How often
Many adults come every year or two, and the doctor tells you when to return. Come sooner if your sight changes, your eyes hurt or you have a family history of eye disease.
What to bring
Your current glasses and contact lenses
Vision and medical insurance cards
A list of the medicines and eye drops you use
Your questions, on paper or on your phone
How it is billed
A routine exam usually goes to a vision plan. A visit for an eye problem goes to medical insurance. We check before you come.
How fees work
About the exam
I see fine. Do I still need an exam?
Yes. Many eye conditions cause no symptoms early on, and an exam also tells you whether your sight has changed without your noticing.
Can I bring my child?
Yes. A parent or guardian books the visit and comes with the child.
Do I need dilating drops?
Sometimes. The doctor tells you why and what to expect, such as blurry near vision and sensitivity to light for a few hours. Bring sunglasses and plan not to rush afterward.
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
Book an eye exam
Pick a time in our booking system, or call and we will find one with you.