Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is included in my annual eye health and vision exam?
During your annual eye health and vision examination we will evaluate the health and function of the following: (Common diseases are in parenthesis)
- Eye muscles (Strabismus, otherwise known as “lazy eye”)
- Pupils
- Intraocular pressure (Glaucoma)
- Cornea
- Crystalline lens (Cataracts)
- Retina (Macular degeneration, Diabetes, and other retinal problems)
- Optic Nerve head (Glaucoma)
Refraction (Prescription)
How often should I get my eyes checked?
Adults should have an annual eye exam.
When should my child's eyes be examined?
Children should have their eyes checked at ages 3 and again prior to entering school at around age 5.
Does Bell Family Eye Care treat medical conditions such as pink eye or foreign body removal?
Yes, Dr. Bell is therapeutically trained to diagnose and treat most types of ocular disease conditions.
Scheduling
How do I make/cancel an appointment at Bell Family Eye Care?
Simple – Call us at the number listed above and we will be happy to reschedule you. You can also e-mail us by hitting contact us and giving us your name and phone number and one of our staff will be glad to contact you to schedule your appointment.
How long will my appointment take?
Most appointments range in length from 20-30 minutes. In some instances more complex medical visits may take longer.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my eye appointment?
We would ask you to bring all your insurance cards. Your current vision insurance card, your current medical insurance card (in case something medical is found in the exam) and a list of current medications including dosages. We also ask that you bring any glasses or contacts that you have or currently use.
Contact Lenses
How much are your contact lenses?
Our prices are very competitive. The cost depends on the specific contacts that you were prescribed and your prescribed wearing time.
Can I have my CL prescription from my visit with the doctor?
Yes, in compliance with federal law we will provide your contact lens prescription when finalized at no charge.
How long does it take to place and receive a contact lens order?
We have a wide variety of contact lenses in stock. If we do not have the brand or the amount that you need, we can order them and it will typically take 2-7 days to get the lenses in. However, if it would be more convenient, we can even have the lenses shipped directly to your house in most cases.
Why do I have to pay more for a contact lens evaluation?
At your contact lens evaluation you will be examined to see if you are a candidate for contact lens wear. An extra fee is applied which will include the measurement of the corneal curvature (using a computerized corneal topographer or an autokeratometer), a trial of diagnostic lenses, training of proper insertion and removal along with follow up visits with your doctor to ensure proper contact fit and vision.
What is involved in getting contacts lenses?
Contact lenses need to be carefully fitted and matched to your needs and to your eyes, we therefore will need to perform a comprehensive vision and health exam and also take measurements to properly fit you with contact lenses. We will always ensure that you are comfortable about handling your lenses before we prescribe them, and will provide you with comprehensive written instructions as well.
I have astigmatism; can I still wear contacts?
Astigmatism is a common vision condition. It’s caused when the front surface of the eye, called the cornea, is not perfectly round. As a result, light is focused differently in the eye, leading to blurred vision. Contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called torics, and they come in both soft and gas permeable contact lens materials. In addition, small amounts of astigmatism may be corrected with a regular, non-toric gas permeable contact lens.
What are disposable contact lenses?
Disposable contact lenses are spherical or toric contact lenses, which are designed to be worn for a certain time period; weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. These contact lenses should be discarded when the lens wearing time has elapsed, as advised by your eye care professional.
I have dry eyes; what about contact lenses for me?
Great improvements have been made in contact lens materials. In the past, many dry eye patients could not tolerate contacts. Now, they can be fit with numerous new types of contacts, especially ones that contain the newest polymers. These molecules attach to water, allowing the lens to resist deposits and function better. In addition, a regimen of warm compresses and artificial tears are beneficial to the contact lens wearer with dry eye.
I haven't worn contacts before; will Bell Family Eye Care show me how to insert and remove my contacts?
A Bell Family Eye Care technician will instruct you on the insertion and removal of your contacts before you take them home. Written instructions will also be provided to ensure the proper technique is continued.
Glasses
What kinds of frames does Bell Family Eyecare carry?
Our office carries a wide variety of frames for the entire family. We carry Lafont, Gucci, Coach, Diane vonFurstenburg, cK, DKNY, Flexon, Autoflex, Polo, Ralph Lauren, ProDesign, Silhoutte, Calvin Klein, Chesterfield, OGA, and Nike. We also have a wide selection of sun wear such as Rudy Project, Maui Jim, Panoptics, Ray Ban, Gucci, NIKE, and CK. See our optical products for a more detailed listing of our eye wear.
How do I know if I need bifocals or multi-focal lenses?
Usually if your arms are too short or you feel that you need brighter light to see it’s a good sign that you’re are in need of bifocals or progressives.
Is an appointment needed to pick out eye wear?
No, our optical is open during our normal office hours and one of our knowledgeable opticians is available to assist you.
How do progressive lenses differ from bifocals?
Bifocal lenses have two focal powers: distance and near while progressive lenses have all powers; distance, intermediate and near.
How often should I get a new pair of glasses?
Glasses are recommended as a back-up to contact lens wearers to allow the eye to “breathe” and are also recommended to be replaced if parts are no longer operational on the current pair. If your prescription has changed it’s recommended to either replace the lens w/the correct prescription and/or replace the frame to a more updated style available in our office if desired. Sunglasses are a good idea in our sunny climate to protect your eyes from the harmful UVA (linked to the formation of cataracts, macular edema and age related macular degeneration) and UVB (a true cause of corneal sunburn).
What is the best way to clean & care for my eyeglasses?
We recommend cleaning with a cloth and lens cleaner. Never use paper products.
Do you guarantee my purchase?
Our frame and lens come with a year manufacturer warranty against excessive scratching & frame breakage.
What kind of frames does Bell Family Eyecare offer?
Oakley, Nike, Guess, Converse, Kate Spade, Vera Bradley, Ray-Ban, Scott Harris, Pink, Kenneth Cole, Betsey Johnson, Diva, Cazal, Jaguar, Airlock, Lulu Guinness, Tura, Harley Davidson, Life is Good, Gant, Fossil, Flexon.
We also have a wide selection of sunglasses: Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Vera Bradley.