FAQ

How long does an eye exam take?

Complete eye exams generally take between 30-45 minutes from the time you check in. This does not include time to pick out new eyeglasses. If you are new to our office, you can expect to be here a little longer as we need to get all of your information in order. Filling out your paperwork online before the visit will usually reduce your wait time before you see the doctor.

What can I expect at my annual exam?

Here at Wallingford Eye Care Center, we perform a complete eye health screening along with your vision exam every year. This means that not only will you leave our office with an updated prescription, you will also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the status of your eye health and your risk factors for various diseases. Your annual exam includes a vision test, glaucoma screening with IOP & FDT visual fields, checking the inside of your eyes for signs of disease, routine dilation, and more! If you have any questions about our procedures or technology, please see our services page or contact the office.

Should I see an optometrist or ophthalmologist?

In many cases you can see either. Wallingford Eye Care is a medically-based optometry practice and our doctors are capable of treating patients with varying eye and health conditions. And while optometrists are unable to perform surgeries, they can conduct pre- and post-operative care as well. We will refer our patients to ophthalmologists, if needed, to provide the best possible patient care. If you are still unsure which type of doctor you need to see, please call our office. If we are unable to treat you, we can provide information on excellent ophthalmologists in the area.

If I am not a patient at WECC, can I still get glasses or contacts there?

Yes! As long as you have your current prescription available we will be happy to help you find the perfect pair of glasses. We can also take contact lens orders if you provide an outside prescription. Please contact the office if you would like to arrange time to pick out frames or order contact lenses.

What is involved in a contact lens fitting?

A contact lens fitting includes a number of evaluations, including your prescription power, measurements of the surface of the eye, ensuring your eyes are healthy enough to use contact lenses safely, and determining which lens will fit you best. New contact lens wearers will then be shown how to properly insert, remove, and care for their contact lenses. Follow up visit(s) are necessary for new fittings to ensure that the lenses are working well and to determine the final prescription. In some cases, contact lens prescriptions need to be adjusted up or down slightly depending on how the lens fits on the eye and what you are hoping to use them for; these follow-up visits are included in the fitting fees. Once the fitting process is completed, a prescription will be issued. We can fit spherical, multifocal, and toric contact lenses.

Can I schedule just a contact lens fitting?

It depends. If you are an existing patient with a recent exam and prescription on file (within the last 6 months or so), we can do a contact lens fitting alone. However, if you are a new patient, we do require a full exam with a contact lens fitting. So if you are interested in contacts, be sure to tell the office when you schedule your exam and we can arrange for your fitting at that time!

​​​​​​​What insurances do you accept?

Please click here for a list of insurance companies with which we participate.