Routine eye exams are essential for maintaining not only your vision but also your overall eye health. Whether it’s your first visit to the optometrist or you’re scheduling an eye exam for kids, understanding the process can ease anxiety and help you take full advantage of your visit. At Pearson Eyecare Group, we provide expert eye care in Phoenix and aim to make every eye health checkup a personalized, informative experience for the entire family.
What Happens in an Eye Exam?
The eye exam process includes a series of tests that assess your vision clarity, eye coordination, and overall eye health. Here's what you can typically expect during a comprehensive eye exam at our Phoenix office:
- Patient History: Your optometrist will begin by asking about your medical history, any vision concerns, medications, and family eye conditions. This helps tailor the exam to your specific needs.
- Visual Acuity Test: You’ll read from a chart to determine how clearly you see letters at a distance—this helps assess if you need corrective lenses.
- Refraction Test: By looking through a device called a phoropter, your optometrist will determine your exact prescription. You’ll be asked, “Which is better: one or two?” as lenses are adjusted.
- Eye Movement & Coordination: Your eye muscles are checked to ensure both eyes are working together and tracking properly.
- Pupil Reaction & Peripheral Vision: Your peripheral vision and how your pupils respond to light will be tested to detect neurological or functional concerns.
- Slit Lamp Exam: A special microscope allows your doctor to examine the structures at the front of the eye, checking for cataracts, corneal injuries, and more.
- Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry): A quick puff of air or gentle touch measures intraocular pressure, helping screen for glaucoma.
- Retinal Exam (Dilation or Imaging): Your retina and optic nerve are examined to detect early signs of diseases like macular degeneration, diabetes-related eye issues, or retinal detachment.
Each component plays a key role in diagnosing both common and complex vision conditions, often before symptoms appear.
How Often Should I Have an Eye Health Checkup? 
The frequency of eye exams depends on your age, risk factors, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. Here are general recommendations:
- Children: Schedule the first eye exam for kids at 6 months, again at 3 years, and before starting school. Afterward, exams every 1–2 years are typical.
- Adults (18–60): A comprehensive exam every 1–2 years, depending on vision needs and risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye disease.
- Seniors (60+): Annual exams are recommended, as age-related eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma become more common.
Routine eye health checkups not only update your prescription but also help catch serious conditions early—often before noticeable symptoms arise.
Understanding the Cost of Your Eye Exam
The eye exam cost can vary based on whether you have vision insurance, the depth of testing required, and additional services like dilation or retinal imaging. At Pearson Eyecare Group, we accept most vision insurance plans and offer transparent pricing for those paying out of pocket. We’re committed to making advanced eye care in Phoenix accessible with flexible scheduling—including Saturday hours—and clear explanations of what each service entails.