How long will the exam take, and do I have to be dilated? 
A typical eye exam will last about 30 minutes with dilation.  We prefer to dilate your eyes, as this is the only way we can assess the total health of your eyes.  We can’t diagnose what we can’t see, and by dilating your pupils, we can see more of the retina inside the eye.  The only disadvantage of dilation is the side effects of the medicine used, which are blurred near vision and sensitivity to light for 2-3 hours.  You can drive after being dilated, just be sure to bring some sunglasses, and if you have none, we will provide you some to get you home safely.  A dilated eye exam is necessary at least every 2 years, if not every year, to help us keep an eye on your eye health. 

At what age should I bring my child in for their first eye exam? 
The best age for your child’s first eye exam is before 6 years old, or before they start first grade.  This eye exam will be perhaps the most important eye exam of their life.  We have special eye charts with ways of determining prescriptions, even if they do not know their letters or numbers yet.  Of course, if there is an obvious problem, like an eye turn, severe eye strain, etc… bring them in earlier.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?
Besides one being 4 letters longer and more difficult to say, the reality of the matter is that they are a lot more similar than they are different.  Much of the training that they receive is the same.  Both are well versed in ocular anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and ocular disease detection.  The distinction between the two would be that Optometrists are experts in vision correction with glasses and contact lenses along with ocular disease detection, where as Ophthalmologists have received advanced training in ocular disease and surgery.  You should see an Optometrist for routine, annual eye care, and an Ophthalmologist if you have advanced eye disease, or a severe injury to the eye. Optometrists have received amble medical training along with more training on correction of refractive error, or "blur" with the use of spectacle lenses and contact lenses.  Optometrists are "Primary Care Ocular Physicians," as they are able to detect eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and hundreds more. Optometrists are also medically trained and pharmaceutically certified to treat most common forms of eye disease and ocular injuries, like conjunctivitis or "pink eye," glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal abrasions, dry eyes, allergies, and many more.  If an Optometrist detects a severe eye condition that warrants further evaluation, advanced treatment or ocular surgery, they can then refer you to the appropriate Ophthalmologist who specializes in the area of eye care that you require.