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What to Expect During Your Eye Exam at Valley Eye Associates

AdobeStock 110451056 Eye Exam BlogRoutine eye exams are essential for maintaining clear vision and overall eye health. Whether it’s your first visit or your annual check-up, knowing what to expect can help make your experience stress-free.

At Valley Eye Associates, we prioritize efficiency, comfort, and personalized care—ensuring you leave with the best possible vision solutions.

Before Your Appointment: Forms and Preparations

We streamline the check-in process by providing online patient forms, allowing you to fill them out at home before your visit. This ensures our team has all the necessary information ahead of time, reducing wait times and making your appointment run smoothly.

Before your visit, be sure to have:

  • Basic contact information (name, phone number, address, date of birth)
  • Insurance details (both vision and medical coverage)
  • Eyewear essentials—if you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them along for a complete evaluation

If your exam includes pupil dilation, you may want to arrange for a ride home, as dilation can cause temporary light sensitivity and blurred vision. If needed, we also offer wide-angle retinal imaging, which may allow you to skip dilation altogether.

The Exam Process: What Happens During Your Visit at our Westwood Clinic

Unlike many practices, Dr. Lee performs all pre-testing and examinations personally, ensuring a thorough and customized experience. Your visit will typically last between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on the tests required.

Your comprehensive eye exam may include:

  • Pre-testing: Measurement of visual acuity, eye pressure, and overall eye health
  • Refraction test: Determining your exact prescription for glasses or contact lenses
  • Contact lens evaluation: If you wear or are considering contacts, we’ll assess the best fit and provide trial lenses if needed
  • Dilated exam (if necessary): Allows for a detailed look at the retina and optic nerve health

After Your Exam: Next Steps and Recommendations

Once your exam is complete, Dr. Lee will discuss your results and recommend any necessary follow-ups, vision correction options, or treatment plans. If your prescription has changed, we’ll guide you through the next steps for updating your glasses or contact lenses.

Eyeglasses Selection & Ordering

If you need new glasses, our team will walk you over to the optical department, where one of our specialists will help you choose frames that fit both your prescription and personal style. Glasses typically take one to two weeks to be ready, depending on the type of lenses and any customizations.

Contact Lenses: Trials and Orders

For contact lens wearers, we offer same-day trial lenses whenever possible. If a specific lens needs to be ordered, you can expect it to arrive within three to five business days. If you prefer, we can ship your contact lenses directly to your home, making it more convenient for you.

Dilation Recovery & Additional Testing

If your pupils were dilated during the exam, you might experience temporary light sensitivity and blurry vision. We recommend bringing sunglasses or a driver if you’re unsure how dilation will affect you. If any additional testing is needed, Dr. Lee will schedule a follow-up appointment at the most convenient time for you.

Your Vision is Our Priority at Valley Eye Associates

At our eye clinic, we’re committed to making every step of your eye exam as efficient and comfortable as possible. With personalized care, advanced diagnostic tools, and a patient-first approach, we ensure that your experience is smooth from check-in to checkout.

Ready for your next eye exam? Contact us today to book your appointment!