Chang Eye Group FAQs

Professional eye care providers serving the Pittsburgh area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and an optician?

At Chang Eye Group, we have all of the “three O’s” of eye doctors on staff. Each professional has a specific role to play in your eye health and vision care.

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has completed training as an eye surgeon. An ophthalmologist will perform cataract surgeries and other eye surgeries, treat eye injuries, and detect and manage serious medical eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration.

An optometrist is also a doctor, but they have completed optometry training (rather than medical school). Optometrists are trained to examine the eye, measure the vision and other eye functions, and prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision. The optometrist may also manage conditions such as dry eye, as well as other chronic eye conditions.

An optician is a trained professional who helps you choose the right lenses and frames for your needs. Opticians will make sure your glasses fit perfectly and that you made the right choice for you!

How often should I come for an eye examination?

If you have a specific medical eye condition, you should come as often as your eye doctor recommends. These visits enable the doctor to assess your eye health, adjust medications if needed, and make appropriate changes in treatment. If you don’t have a medical eye condition, you should be examined any time your vision becomes blurred or changes or if you experience pain, itching, or discomfort in your eyes. You should get an eye examination from dependable eye doctors every one to two years, even if you are seeing well.

What is a refraction fee and why doesn’t my insurance cover it?

A refraction is the portion of the exam done by eye doctors that tests for an eyeglass prescription. In order to receive a new glasses prescription, a refraction must be done. The refraction is also used for diagnostic reasons so your doctor may request one. Per state law, glasses prescriptions expire after 2 years. Medicare, Security Blue, Freedom Blue, and some commercial insurance companies no longer cover the cost of a refraction. A refraction is a $45 service that is your responsibility if you have insurance that does not cover it.

When should I use my medical insurance and when should I use my vision plan?

Your medical insurance will be used anytime that you have a medical diagnosis with eye doctors. You will use your medical insurance when visiting our ophthalmologists. Your vision plan can be used when your visit is only for glasses or contact prescriptions. Vision plans will cover the cost of refractions, however, you cannot use your medical insurance and your vision plan during the same visit.

If I am seeing well and have no eye discomfort, why should I come for an eye exam?

Several serious eye conditions do not have symptoms that you will notice. Only trained eye doctors will be able to detect those conditions through the testing performed during a comprehensive eye exam. In addition, there are other serious medical conditions that may be first detected in the eye during a comprehensive eye exam.

What is a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam involves a series of painless tests taken with specialized equipment. Some tests may be performed by an ophthalmic technician using automated equipment. Your eyes will be dilated with eye drops (a painless way to enable the doctor to see the back of your eye). You will receive an exam from one of our eye doctors, who will use a special instrument called a slit lamp to examine the structures of the eye. When all the tests are completed, the eye doctor will determine if your eyes are healthy, whether you need a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, and what that prescription should be.

How should I prepare for an eye exam?

If you are a new patient visiting our eye doctors, please complete the online forms or download the forms on this website and fill them out ahead of time. Bring your current insurance card and any required co-pays. Bring all pairs of glasses or contact lenses, and all medications with you (including vitamins and nutritional supplements). If you are coming for a comprehensive eye exam, expect to have your eyes dilated. You may have difficulty seeing clearly for several hours following dilation, so it may be a good idea to ask someone to drive you home.

How often should I get new eyeglasses or contact lenses?

Any time there is a change in your vision, our eye doctors will write a new prescription and you should get new eyeglasses or contact lenses made to the new prescription. But even if you have not had a change in your vision, you might consider updating your eyeglasses or contact lenses every year or so. Frame materials and styles are updated often and may offer benefits that your current eyewear doesn’t provide. Eyeglass lenses are constantly evolving as well, becoming thinner, lighter, and more protective. Contact lens materials are changing too, which may mean more comfort, clearer vision, and healthier eyes for you. Be sure to check the optical section of our website for our latest offerings in eyewear.

Will my insurance pay for my eyeglasses or contact lenses?

Every insurance provider has different coverages, so we need to check with your insurance company to give an accurate answer. Most insurance providers do not pay for the entire cost of eyewear, but the coverage will help you pay for the eyewear. Our eye doctors will recommend the best choices in frames and lenses for your visual needs and lifestyle, and then help you determine how much is covered by insurance and how much you will contribute.

My child failed a vision screening conducted at a school. What does this mean?

A vision screening is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. A vision screening will indicate if a comprehensive eye exam is needed. Often, a child fails a vision screening because they need to have eyeglasses or contact lenses to see clearly. This will be determined during a comprehensive exam in our office with our eye doctors.