Eye Care Services
Illinois Eye Center offers a full range of services from routine eye examinations to treatment of a variety of eye diseases and conditions.
During a routine eye exam, an eye doctor will assess your medical history and then complete a series of tests to determine the overall health of your eyes. Routine exams should take place periodically to ensure optimum visual health. We recommend the following guidelines (Should you have any eye problems or risk factors, you may need to see your eye doctor more often than recommended below):
- Before age 3, have your child’s vision checked by their pediatrician. Vision testing by an eye doctor is recommended for children beginning around 4.
- Ages 4 to 19 should have eyes checked prior to entering school for the first time and then as recommended by an eye care provider. Screenings can occur by regular pediatric or family physicians during check-ups.
- Ages 20 to 29 should have a complete eye exam at least once a year, while ages 30 to 39 should have a complete eye exam every two years.
- At age 40, all adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline screening. Based on the results of the screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams, normally every one to two years.
- Seniors age 65 and older should have a complete eye exam every year to check for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions.
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Check out our website for further information on the full range of eye care services we provide, or call us to schedule an appointment today (309) 243-2400.
What to Expect at Your Exam
Download our guide for a refresher on what to expect at your next comprehensive eye exam.
Routine Eye Exams vs. Medical Eye Exams
Your reason for being seen at the eye doctor and the results of your examination determine whether your insurance company will classify the exam as “routine” or “medical.”
What is a routine eye exam?
A routine eye exam is defined by insurance companies as an office visit for the purpose of checking vision, screening for eye disease, and/or updating eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Routine eye exams produce a final diagnosis, like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Vision insurance plans provide coverage for routine exams, glasses, and contact lenses, or at least provide some type of discounts on your doctor’s fees. A routine eye exam is billed to your vision insurance plan. By law, Medicare does not pay for routine vision exams.
What is a medical eye exam?
A medical eye exam produces a diagnosis, like conjunctivitis, dry eye, glaucoma, or cataracts, to mention a few. Depending on your policy, your medical insurance may cover a medical exam, but not pay for the exam if it is a routine eye exam. Examinations for medical eye care, assessment of an eye complaint, or to follow up on an existing medical condition are billed to your medical insurance plan.
Refraction fees
A refraction is the part of an office visit that determines your eyeglass prescription. It typically involves questions like, “which is clearer – option one or option two” as different lens combinations are shown to you. Vision insurance policies generally cover both the eye exam and the refraction. Most medical insurance will not cover the cost of the refraction.
We are here to help
We understand how confusing the difference between “routine” and “medical” eye examinations can be and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have. It’s important to remember that “routine” or “medical” has nothing to do with the steps involved in an eye exam or the type of doctor who performs the exam. A “routine” eye exam has components similar to a “medical” eye exam. Seeing an ophthalmologist (MD), doesn’t classify the exam as being medical either.
Keep these things in mind:
- Insurance coverage doesn’t mean payment. Many health plans have copayments and deductibles that must be met before your insurance will pay any amount towards your bill.
- Check with your insurance carrier prior to your office visit to make sure you have vision benefits (and what they are), to confirm that our doctors are classified as providers in your plan, and to determine if refractions are covered under your plan.
If you have any questions, please call our billing department at (309) 243-2400.
Schedule an Eye EXAM
Request an eye exam appointment today at one of our three locations in Peoria, Washington, or Pekin.
