Comprehensive Eye Exams in The Villages, FL

Who should have a comprehensive eye exam

Everyone benefits from regular eye care, but many of our patients are seniors, snowbirds and new residents. If you are over 60, the National Eye Institute (NEI) advises a dilated eye exam every one to two years. If you have diabetes, however, NEI says you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

You might also book a visit because your glasses feel off, because reading has become harder, or because you just moved to Florida and need a new eye doctor. Whatever the reason, it is a good time to come in. Some eye problems cause no symptoms at first, so a routine exam can find changes before you notice them.

What happens during your exam

First, we ask about your health, your medicines and how you use your eyes. Then we move through a set of tests. None of them hurt, and Dr. Russell explains each one as you go.

• Visual acuity: you read letters on a chart, one eye at a time, so we know how sharp your sight is today.
• Keratometry: a machine measures the curve of the front of your eye. This helps with astigmatism and with contact lens fitting.
• Retinoscopy: a light is shone into your eye to get a first estimate of your prescription.
• Refraction: you compare lens choices (“better one, or two?”) to fine-tune that prescription.
• Intraocular pressure: a quick reading of the pressure inside each eye, one of the checks used for glaucoma.
• Slit lamp exam: a bright, magnified view of the front of your eye and the lens behind it.

After the tests, Dr. Russell reviews what he found in plain words. Then you can ask questions before you leave.

Dilation, when it is needed

Some patients need their pupils widened with drops, so Dr. Russell can see the back of the eye. Dilation is used when it is needed, not for every visit. Retinal imaging may reduce the need for dilation in some cases, and the doctor decides what is right for you.

If you are dilated, bring sunglasses and plan on blurry near vision for a few hours. You may also want a family member or friend to help you get home.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring your current glasses or contacts, a list of your medicines, any eye drops you use and your insurance cards. If you have diabetes, also bring your recent blood sugar numbers.

We accept Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Medicare, Cigna, Humana and other plans, and CareCredit. However, coverage varies from plan to plan. A routine vision visit and a medical eye visit can bill differently, so our team can explain which one applies to you. Call (352) 399-5412 with your plan name before you come in, and we will tell you what to expect.

Your prescription is yours

After your exam, you get a copy of your prescription. Under the FTC Eyeglass Rule, you may fill it here or anywhere you like, and you never have to buy from us. If you do choose our optical shop, our 1-hour optical lab can make many pairs in about an hour.

If we find a problem that needs surgery, such as a cataract, we refer you to a trusted eye surgeon and co-manage your care with them. Many patients choose Comprehensive Eye Exams in The Villages for this reason: one office can check your eyes, then coordinate with a surgeon if you need one.

When to call right away

Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Book Comprehensive Eye Exams in The Villages

To book comprehensive eye exams in The Villages, call (352) 399-5412 or use any Request an Appointment button. We are in Pinellas Plaza at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, an easy golf-cart ride from most of the south Villages.

Common questions

How long does an eye exam take?

[to confirm: typical exam length]. A visit with dilation or extra testing can run longer, so ask us when you call.

Will my eyes be dilated?

Only when the doctor needs a closer look at the back of your eyes. Your vision may be blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours afterward.

Do I need an exam if I see well?

Yes, it still helps. Some eye conditions cause no symptoms early on, so regular exams let your doctor find changes sooner. Call us to book Comprehensive Eye Exams in The Villages at (352) 399-5412.