Medical Examinations
If you are new to our practice, your first visit with us will include a comprehensive exam with dilation and refraction. Our Ophthalmic Assistant will prepare you for the Ophthalmologist by asking you general health questions and specific questions regarding your eye health. If you are taking any medications, you will be asked to prepare a list for our Ophthalmologist to review.
During the examination, the Ophthalmologist will review your overall health and focus on evaluating the complete visual system and determining your best corrected vision (refraction). The following is an explanation of a refraction and our policy:
Refraction Policy
A refraction is medically required to determine the best corrected vision for a patient. This service is provided on a yearly basis unless the physicians have determined that it is medically required more often.
A patient can expect to be refracted for the following reasons:
- New and Yearly patients – A refraction will determine a starting point for the doctor or a change from the previous year, and is required documentation by insurance companies.
- Existing patients with a vision complaint – A refraction will determine if the cause of the complaint is due to a medical problem or a change in vision.
- Patients with a history of eye disease or diseases that can affect the health of the eye – ex. Diabetes, Glaucoma, Cataracts.
Medicare and most medical insurances will not pay for this service.
Therefore, we require that the $50 refraction fee be paid at the time of service.
Once the exam is complete, the Ophthalmologist will educate you on his findings and may initiate special diagnostic testing or treatment programs. This may include prescription of medication depending on your diagnosis. In utilizing the most advanced technology in diagnostic testing for the treatment of eye diseases, Jefferson Eye Surgeons will provide you the highest quality eye care available.