FAQ ABOUT CONTACT LENS SERVICES AT THE EYE CENTER OF PARKVILLE

Why are there different descriptions/line itemizations on my billing?  What do they mean?

When you are, or are interested in becoming, a contact lens wearer, it is necessary for your doctor to assess eye health along with prescriptive need.

The COMPREHENSIVE portion of your exam is an assessment of overall eye health.  This allows your doctor to diagnose or determine risk for health concerns, such as hypertension, diabetes, and many other conditions.

A REFRACTION (which you will recognize as the “Which is better?” Section) determines the most accurate glasses prescription.  It is also a beginning place for considering contact lens powers, but contact lens prescriptions are not interchangeable with glasses prescriptions.

A CONTACT LENS EVALUATION is the process by which factors affecting contact lens wear are assessed.

Why is there a difference in prescription numbers for contact lenses and prescription numbers for glasses?

Some of the information given in a contact lens prescription may be similar, but the differences are important.  There are variances based upon the amount of prescription power a person may need, a person’s age, or the contact lens design.  Contact lens prescriptions also require information about the “size and shape” of the contact lens.

Why is there a separate charge for a contact lens evaluation and what does it include?  

Because it is necessary to evaluate many factors when considering contact lens wear, your visit time frame looks different.  The evaluation fee includes the following:

-Analysis of the interaction between the contact lens material and the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye).

-Analysis of the tear filming how it affects the fit, comfort, and vision with the contact lens or lenses being evaluated.

-Diagnostic or “trial” lenses needed at both the initial visit and those needed at any contact lens followups prior to finalizing a contact lens prescription.

-Follow-up visits deemed necessary to choose the best option of contact lens for each patient.

If their current contact lens prescription is not working for a patient, it may be necessary to complete another evaluation prior to its expiration date.  This most commonly occurs with the following:

-when there has been a significant prescription shift.

-when a patient does not complete the followup necessary to have the prescription finalized initially.

-when a patient requests a change in power, material, or design.

Why are there different levels/pricing for the contact lens evaluations?

A contact lens evaluation level is determined by the following:

-Design of contact lens (spherical, toric, multifocal)

-Contact lens material (soft disposable, RGP, scleral)

-If there is a change from existing contact lens prescription in power, material, or design.  This will be discussed with you at time of exam by your doctor or a staff member.  This will also include if you as the patient make a request to be fit into a different brand or design.

-Time frame/amount of visits anticipated prior to arriving at a final contact lens prescription

I haven’t ever paid a contact lens evaluation fee before.  Why am I paying one now?

On your billing statement, you will see a separate billing code for the Contact Lens Evaluation.  If you are a current patient, please know that at The Eye Center of Parkville we have always listed this individually from the comprehensive exam code, and this is often how your vision plans require it to be designated.  If you are new to our office and unsure if you have paid an evaluation fee at your previous eye center, please know that some offices will bundle their contact lens fees with the comprehensive exam cost, therefore making a “contact lens” exam more expensive than a “glasses” exam, without itemizing.  If you have questions, please ask!

What is an Insertion and Removal Training Fee (if applicable)?

Patients will be provided with personalized instruction concerning the safe usage of/care for contact lenses.  There will be a one-time fee of $50 for all new contact lens wearers or for anyone who needs “re-training” (someone who tried to wear contact lenses previously who was unsuccessful at getting them in or out).  Persons charged this fee will receive a $50 voucher toward the purchase of a non-prescription pair of sunglasses at ECP. If additional training time is needed, it may be necessary to schedule a second 30-minute training session at a later date and there is no extra charge to do so.  

Upon completion of successful insertion and removal, the patient may begin wearing the contact lenses and we will schedule a followup time (included in the evaluation fee as noted above) in order to address any changes needed prior to finalizing a contact lens prescription.

What else should I know about my contact lens visits to ECP?

Please wear your contact lens trials to your follow-up appointments, even if they are not working perfectly for all of your vision and comfort needs.  This is helpful for your doctor and staff to assess what changes may need to be made!

Also, please keep in mind that although the doctors at The Eye Center of Parkville pledge to discuss with you, as well as consider all options available to you, not everyone can wear contact lenses.  You can be assured, however, that we will take the time to do our very best to make you a successful contact lens wearer!