Your Visit
At Northern Virginia Ophthalmology Associates, we pride ourselves on providing thorough, comprehensive eye care for all of our patients. This care involves the entire patient experience from customer service to medical care. Below is a summary of what to expect when you arrive at one of our offices for an appointment.
Visit Length & Planning Your Appointment
Eye appointments can vary depending on your individual needs and any testing or treatment required.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment Most visits take approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours Additional testing, dilation, or treatment may extend your visit time Dilation (Pupil Enlargement)
During your visit, your eyes may be dilated to allow the doctor to better examine the health of your eyes.
Dilation may cause light sensitivity and blurred near vision for several hours Most patients are able to drive safely after dilation , though vision may feel different If you are concerned or prefer not to drive, you are welcome to bring someone with you We recommend planning accordingly and allowing enough time for a thorough evaluation of your eye health.
What to bring to your appointment
Current glasses and contact lens box/blister List of current medications License Vision Insurance Card and Medical Insurance card Understanding Routine vs. Medical Eye Visits
At Northern Virginia Ophthalmology Associates, we want to help you understand how your visit is billed and what to expect.
Routine Eye Exams (Vision Care)
Routine exams focus on how well you see and updating your glasses or contact lens prescription.
These visits are typically:
Annual vision check-ups Blurry vision without other symptoms Glasses or contact lens prescriptions Routine exams are usually billed to your vision insurance plan (if applicable).
Medical Eye Exams (Eye Health)
Medical exams address concerns related to the health of your eyes .
These visits include:
Eye pain, redness, irritation, or dryness Flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes Management of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease Medical visits are billed to your medical insurance .
Important: Your Visit Type May Change
Sometimes patients schedule a routine exam, but during the visit the doctor identifies a medical concern.
If this happens:
Your visit will be billed as a medical exam Your medical insurance will be used instead of vision insurance Applicable copays, deductibles, or coinsurance may apply This is based on your symptoms and exam findings , not the type of appointment requested.
Refraction (Vision Testing)
A refraction is the test used to determine your glasses prescription.
Many medical insurance plans do not cover refraction This may be a separate out-of-pocket fee , due at the time of service. The fee for refraction is $70 Insurance & Payment Responsibility
Please note:
Vision and medical insurance are separate benefits Coverage varies by plan Patients are responsible for any copays, deductibles, or non-covered services Our team is happy to help verify your benefits, but coverage is determined by your insurance carrier .
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you are unsure what type of appointment you need, our team is happy to guide you when scheduling.
