Our Services In-Depth
Clinton Family Eye Care Center provides a full range of optometric services including comprehensive eye examinations, contact lens fittings and treatment of eye diseases. We specialize in hard to fit contact lens wearers including bifocals and leses for astigmatism.
Our doctors have the latest equipment to ensure the accuracy of your eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions including an autorefractor that provides a computerized analysis of vision and a corneal topographer to provide guidance in hard to fit contact lens patients.
We also recommend the Optomap Retinal Exam to every patient to provide doctors with a picture of the inside of the eye to determine if there is retinal disease due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, hypertension and diabetes. It can also aid in detection of tumors in the eye including melanoma. The Optomap Retinal Exam along with dilation is the best retinal exam that can be done today.
Our latest purchase is the SD-OCT that is state of the art technology that enables our doctors to follow retinal disease including epiretinal membranes, macular degeneration and glaucoma. The instrument provides a detailed retinal scan of the various layers of the eye to quickly and accurately diagnose retinal pathology.
As licensed, optometric physicians, we pride ourselves on the personalized care that we provide to each and every patient. By taking the time to explain the procedures we perform, you will never feel rushed nor afraid to ask us questions about your eye care health. Your eyes are one of your most important assets -- entrust them to a professional who cares as much about your eyes as you do.
Please read more about the services we offer below.
Eye Emergencies
Optometric physicians are trained to treat eye emergencies including red eyes caused by trauma, allergies, bacteria or viruses (pink eye). Eye doctors can remove foreign bodies from the eye and treat the underlying abrasion. Our office now offers coverage after hours for ocular emergencies that require care immediately.
Pediatric Evaluations
The American Optometric Association recommends that children who are without symptoms and who are at low risk for eye problems should have their eyes evaluated at six months of age, then at age three and again at the start of school. Children without problems should then be seen at least every two years throughout school.
Any child that has trouble with school work, symptoms of poor vision in the distance or while reading, turned or crossed eyes, a family history of eye disease or other physical illness or disease should be examined more often.
Examinations performed on infants or toddlers rely on tests that are objective in nature. It is unnecessary for the child to know his or her letters or numbers in order to assess the vision. The doctor examines the eyes by using various lights and instruments to determine if there is a need for corrective lenses. The determination of a prescription at this age is critical to the development of the child's vision. An uncorrected refractive error can result in a condition called amblyopia, commonly known as a lazy eye. The health of the eyes is also evaluated to ensure that there are no eye diseases.
Once children enter school they will undergo vision screenings, usually once a year, by the school nurse. The typical screening only measures if the child can see 20/20 with each eye. During a comprehensive eye examination, the doctor will measure how the eyes are working together. Even if a child sees 20/20 there may still be a problem with how he or she uses the eyes together. This would lead to problems with learning, reading, completing homework efficiently, and/or excelling in sports.
The doctor will administer special tests to measure how the eye muscles move the eyes while reading or looking in the distance. The doctor will also examine the focusing ability of the eyes to make sure that a child can sustain a clear image while reading and finishing homework for a length of time. If there is a problem with the eye muscles or focusing of the eyes this can cause a child to see blurry or double at certain times or all of the time.
The doctor will administer special tests to measure how the eye muscles move the eyes while reading or looking in the distance. The doctor will also examine the focusing ability of the eyes to make sure that a child can sustain a clear image while reading and finishing homework for a length of time. If there is a problem with the eye muscles or focusing of the eyes this can cause a child to see blurry or double at certain times or all of the time.
If you suspect your child has a problem, make an appointment for a comprehensive eye examination.
Routine Eye Examination
A standard or routine eye exam takes about thirty to forty five minutes and consists of the following procedures as outlined courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- Your eye doctor will start by taking or updating your medical history by asking a series of questions about your eyes and current medical condition (such as diabetes and high blood pressure).
- Visual acuity is determined in each eye by using a standard eye chart (Snellen Chart). As most people are aware, this chart consists of random letters of different sizes. If you have trouble seeing the 20/20 line, the doctor will perform a refraction test where a phoropter is placed in front of the eyes which allows the eye doctor to place different lenses in front of the eye to determine what correction is required or is possible.
- Eye movement and peripheral vision are tested by moving a light or object through the field of vision. The eye's reaction to light or pupillary response is also measured
- Color blindness is tested using multicolored dots that form numbers (see color vision test.
- Glaucoma testing is performed using a blue circle of light that comes very close to the eye. Evaluation of the cornea and the front part of the eye is performed while seated at a slit lamp, a microscope which magnifies the doctor's view.
- The retina (back of the eye), retinal vessels, and optic nerve head (optic disc) are viewed with an ophthalmoscope (a device made up of a light and a magnifier). Drops that dilate the pupil allow more of the retina to be viewed. Our doctors also prescribe a digital retinal exam for every patient for the most comprehensive examination of the retinal tissue.
To prepare for an eye exam, avoid eye strain on the day of the test. Also arrange transportation, since your pupils may be dilated which casues blurring of objects. Also bring sunglasses because your eyes can be damaged due to the extra light that the dilation of your pupils allows into your eye.
Once a complete eye examination is preformed contact lenses may be prescribed. A separate evaluation is required to fit the lenses on a patient's eyes. Additional testing, which is not part of a routine eye examination is done to determine the contact lens prescription.
Contact Lens Services and Contact Lenses
A contact lens prescription is not the same as an eyeglass prescription. Unlike an eyeglass prescription, a contact lens prescription has a base curve, a diameter, type of lens prescribed, the prescription and an expiration date of one year.
Contact Lens Evaluation: Every year you need to have a contact lens evaluation by a doctor to ensure optimum eye health. The doctor evaluates the size and base curve of the contact lens in relation to how it fits on the eye. The doctor also evaluates the cells of the cornea and surrounding tissue using a bio-microscope. Even though you may see well and the contact lenses may feel good, this is not enough for the doctor to continue to prescribe the same lenses without an evaluation. You will be asked to sign an informed consent as part of this evaluation.
The fee for this service is not included in the yearly comprehensive eye examination fee. Since the doctor is performing more tests and evaluations there is an additional charge for this service.
Contact Lens Fitting: With our "Guaranteed Contact Lens Success Program", a fitting is completed on all new contact lens wearers who have never worn contact lenses before or if a new brand is necessary for an existing contact lens patient. The fitting includes:
- Determining the prescription (see Routine Eye Examination)
- Measuring the corneal shape
- Determining the base curve
- Measuring the size of the cornea
- Determining the diameter
- Dispensing and evaluating the vision with the contact lenses
- Evaluation of the contact lens fit
- Teaching the patient how to insert, remove, and care for the contact lenses
- Follow up appointments
The cost for the fitting ranges from $75.00 to $150.00 depending on the type of lenses prescribed and the prescription.
Contact Lenses: Our office prescribes all types of contact lenses including disposables, extended wear and gas permeable lenses. We specialize in contact lenses for astigmatism and bifocal contact lenses. Recently our doctors have been certified in prescribing contact lenses that reshape the cornea at night to provide clear vision throughout the day. See Corneal Reshaping Therapy (CRT) for more information.
Contact Lens Prices: Our contact lens prices are competitive when a year supply of lenses are purchased. Rebates are also available from many of the contact lens companies. Please contact us to see if your lenses may be purchased at a discounted rate. Or if you are a patient, try our online store to order your replacement lenses directly.
When can I get my contact lens prescription? Only after a contact lens evaluation or fitting is complete and the fees for these services are collected, can a contact lens prescription be released to you. This means that contact lenses must be evaluated on the eyes to ensure they are fitting properly. The typical contact lens prescription expires every year.
Can I purchase my contact lenses anywhere? Once a contact lens fitting or evaluation is complete you will receive a copy of your contact lens prescription. This prescription may be used to purchase contact lenses through our office or anywhere that sells contact lenses.
When contact lenses are purchased through our office we offer a no fault replacement on disposable lenses. This means that if you open a package with a defective, missing or uncomfortable contact lens we will replace that contact lens at no charge to you. This is a service that internet discounters and wholesale clubs cannot extend to you.
We also have our contact lenses shipped directly from the company to our office using fast shipping methods, whenever possible. The fee for the expedited shipping is not charged to you.
Order Contact Lenses Online
We now provide you the ability to order replacement contact lenses. Because we "remember" your prescription for you in a secure, personalize area, there is never any confusion about which brand and prescription parameters to use when placing an order.
Staff Certification
The office staff at our Clinton office has become certified as paraoptometrics through a program affiliated with the American Optometric Association. Paraoptometrics go through extensive training in topics including basics of eye disease, contact lenses and eyeglass measurements and adjustments. The staff continues their education by attending seminars throughout the year including Optical Boot Camp in New York City. We applaud the accomplishments of each staff member.
Prescriptions Filled
Bring your eyeglass prescriptions to us! Even if our doctors did not prescribe your glasses we can fill your prescription. We have a private laboratory in our Washington office where we grind your lenses to exacting specifications. As with everything we do, we have the highest quality control because of the state of the art fabrication equipment we have at our disposal. The onsite laboratory also allows us to expedite each eyeglass order. See what a difference meticulous care in the fabrication of your lenses can do for your eyesight.
Our office has a wide array of eyeglass frames to choose from including rimless styles, designer eyewear, frames with magnetic sunclips and budget friendly styles. Our office uses the latest materials available to increase the cosmetic appeal of the glasses. We recommend light weight materials with an anti-reflective coating.
Our frame stylists are available to help you find a style to fit in with you budget and lifestyle.
LASIK Care
Lasik vision correction is a refractive procedure by which a laser is used to manipulate the tissue in order to make the vision clear in the distance without the need for glasses. Once the healing process is complete most patients see 20/20 without contacts or glasses. Patients who require reading glasses will still need to use the glasses for reading unless one eye is left slightly nearsighted (monovision). Patients who currently are under the age of forty will eventually need reading glasses, even after the Lasik procedure.
Our doctors are certified to provide you with follow up care after the procedure is complete to make the process more convenient for you.
Our office staff and doctors are here to answer any questions you have regarding your refractive surgery options. Call us today or schedule an appointment
Emergency Services
In the event that your eyeglass frame is broken beyond repair a loaner frame may be available while your glasses are being fixed. In some cases we can find a frame to fit your lenses. If your lenses need to be replaced, our laboratory is located in the Washington office and can make many single vision prescriptions while you wait.
