How much is an eye exam in Kailua, Hawaii?

The cost of an eye exam in Kailua, Hawaii may vary depending on the type of exam, the location, and the practitioner. An eye exam with a basic exam and prescription for glasses or contact lenses can cost anywhere from $99 to $200 or more.

If you need a more comprehensive eye exam that includes additional tests and procedures, the cost may be higher. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of an eye exam, but you'll need to check your policy to see if you have coverage.

It's also important to note that the cost of glasses or contact lenses will be additional, and can vary widely depending on the type of lenses and frames you choose.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of an eye exam in Kailua, Hawaii, it's best to contact the optometrist or ophthalmologist you're interested in visiting directly. They can provide information on the types of exams they offer, the associated costs, and whether your insurance plan is accepted.

Eye exams can cost different prices for several reasons:

1. Location: The cost of an eye exam can vary depending on where you live. For example, eye exams in urban areas tend to be more expensive than in rural areas.

2. Type of exam: The cost of an eye exam can vary depending on the type of exam you need. A basic exam that includes a vision test and a prescription for glasses will be less expensive than a comprehensive exam that includes a contact lens prescription or additional tests and procedures.

3. Experience and qualifications of the practitioner: The cost of an eye exam can also depend on the experience and qualifications of the practitioner.

4. Equipment used: The cost of an eye exam can be influenced by the type of equipment used during the exam. Exams that involve the use of high-tech diagnostic tools or special testing procedures may be more expensive.

5. Insurance coverage: The cost of an eye exam can also be influenced by your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans cover the cost of eye exams, while others do not cover it in full.

At Out to See we believe in providing only one level of eye care, the best. At Out to See, we use the latest technology. An Optos is a type of scanning laser ophthalmoscope used in an eye exam to obtain a wide-field image of the retina. The Optos Optomap technology allows for a more comprehensive view of the retina than traditional methods, which typically only show a small portion of the retina at one time.

During an Optos exam, the patient sits in front of the Optos camera and looks into the device while the machine takes high-resolution images of the retina. The images can be viewed by the optometrist to identify any potential issues or abnormalities in the retina.

Optos is particularly useful in the early detection of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. It also allows for a more detailed view of the retina, which can be helpful in monitoring the progression of these diseases over time.

There are several advantages of using an Optos retinal imaging system over traditional dilation for eye exams:

1. Non-invasive: The Optos Optomap system is a non-invasive method for obtaining high-resolution images of the retina. It does not require eye drops and it does not affect your vision.

2. Faster: Optos imaging is faster than dilation. The entire process of capturing images with the Optos Optomap system can take just a few seconds, whereas a dilated exam can take up to an hour to complete.

3. More comprehensive: Optos Optomap provides a more comprehensive view of the retina compared to dilation. It can capture up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single image, while dilation only captures a small portion of the retina that is repeated over several viewing angles to form a cohesive image in the practitioner’s mind.

4. More comfortable: Many people find dilation uncomfortable and inconvenient. Following dilation, the eyes are light sensitive and have difficulty focusing up close for many hours. The Optos system is a more comfortable alternative that does not require the use of eye drops or any other invasive procedures.

5. Better for early detection: Optos imaging can help with early detection of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. The comprehensive images it provides can help detect changes in the retina that may not be visible with traditional dilation methods.

6. Optos Optomap imaging helps to detect changes over time. Comparison of new images and previous images can make subtle differences more detectable to the practitioner.

Overall, the Optos system is a more advanced and convenient option for examination of the retina, with several advantages over traditional dilation methods.

A good optometrist is someone who has the knowledge, skills, and qualities to provide excellent eye care and build strong relationships with their patients. Here are some key characteristics of a good optometrist:

1. Expertise and knowledge: A good optometrist should have a thorough understanding of the anatomy, function, and diseases of the eye. They should stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in optometry to provide the best care for their patients.

2. Attention to detail: Optometrists deal with small details in the eye that can have a big impact on a patient's vision. A good optometrist should have a keen eye for detail and be able to identify even subtle changes in their patients' eyes.

3. Communication skills: A good optometrist should be able to communicate complex medical information in a clear and understandable way. They should listen to their patients' concerns and answer their questions in a way that is respectful and empathetic.

4. Patience and empathy: Eye problems can be frustrating and scary for patients, especially if they are experiencing vision loss or other serious symptoms. A good optometrist should be patient and empathetic, taking the time to listen to their patients' concerns and provide emotional support.

5. Professionalism and ethics: Optometrists are healthcare professionals, and as such, they must adhere to strict ethical and professional standards. A good optometrist should be honest, trustworthy, and committed to putting their patients' interests first.

6. Technological savvy: As the field of optometry evolves, technology plays an increasingly important role in eye care. A good optometrist should be comfortable using and interpreting the results of the latest diagnostic equipment and software.

Overall, a good optometrist is someone who combines medical expertise with strong interpersonal skills to provide excellent eye care and build lasting relationships with their patients.

At Out to See, we offer a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam is a thorough examination of your eyes and visual system that assesses your overall eye health and can detect early signs of eye diseases or vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam typically includes the following components:

1. Medical and ocular history: The eye doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, including any current or past eye problems, medications you are taking, and any family history of eye diseases.

2. Visual acuity test: This measures how clearly you can see at different distances using an eye chart.

3. Refraction test: This determines the correct prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

4. Binocular vision assessment: This assesses how well your eyes work together to focus and track objects.

5. Ocular motility test: This evaluates how well your eyes move and coordinate with each other.

6. Pupil evaluation: This examines the size, shape, and response of your pupils to light. This is an important neurological exam to be able to assess the connection between the eyes and your brain.

7. Eye pressure test: This measures the pressure inside your eye and can help detect signs of glaucoma.

8. Examination of the eye's interior: This involves either Optos optomap imaging or dilating your pupils to examine the inside of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This allows for detection of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal tears or detachments.

9. Additional tests: Depending on your age, medical history, and specific eye concerns, the eye doctor may also perform additional tests such as color vision testing, visual field testing, and corneal topography.

Overall, a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of maintaining your eye health and can help detect and prevent vision problems or eye diseases. It is recommended that adults have a comprehensive eye exam every year, or more frequently if recommended by their eye doctor.

Another service offered at Out to See is the contact lens fitting. The fitting is a process where a licensed eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, evaluates your eyes to determine the appropriate contact lenses that will provide the best vision and comfort for you.

During the fitting, the eye care professional will typically perform the following steps:

1. Review your medical history and ask about any vision or eye-related problems you may have experienced in the past.

2. Measure your eye's curvature and size to determine the best contact lens fit.

3. Evaluate your tear film and the health of your cornea to determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses.

4. Recommend the type of contact lenses that are best suited for your needs (e.g., daily disposable, monthly disposable, gas permeable, etc.).

5. Provide instructions on proper insertion, removal, and care of the contact lenses.

6. Dispense trial contact lenses for you to wear for a specific period, usually a few days to a week, to evaluate how well the lenses fit and if any adjustments need to be made.

7. Schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate the fit and comfort of the contact lenses and make any necessary adjustments.

Overall, the goal of a contact lens fitting is to ensure that the contact lenses fit well, provide clear vision, and are comfortable to wear. It's important to follow the eye care professional's instructions for proper insertion, removal, and care of the contact lenses to maintain good eye health and prevent potential complications.

Out to See provides a lot of patient information on our website including good contact lens habits, lid hygiene, and a warm compress.

For good contact lens habits consider the following,

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, rinse and dry them before handling your lenses.

• Do NOT use tap water to clean or handle your lenses or to clean the case! Water contains microbes that can get trapped beneath the lens and cause serious eye infections.

• Always rub and rinse your contact lenses with fresh solution before storing them in a contact lens case. Never use water or saliva to wet or store your contacts.

• Discard the solution in the lens case every day. Never “top-off” the solution in your contact lens case, always use fresh solution.

• Clean the case with solution and let air dry completely, uncapped and upside down, on a paper towel. Replace your case at least every 3 months.

• Always recap your solution bottle.

• Do NOT sleep or nap in your lenses unless prescribed to do so by your eye
  doctor. By sleeping in contact lenses, you are severely limiting the amount
  of oxygen that can reach your corneas.

• Never share your contact lenses with anyone.

• Before using any type of eye drop (prescription or over the counter), ask
  your doctor if the contact lenses need to be removed.

• Your eye doctor has selected a wearing and replacement schedule for you.
  These are important to be followed.

To avoid Blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation, associated with an overgrowth of bacteria along the eyelids and lashes. Adequate lid hygiene is essential to prevent crusty flakes of scales from forming on the lid margins. If not removed, these scales can cause irritation, dry eyes, and chronic infections.  Hypochlorous acid is a natural antimicrobial agent. It reduces the amount of bacteria around the lids and lashes by over 90%.

1. Wash your face with warm water and mild soap.

2. Moisten a lint-free cotton pad or swab with hypochlorous acid spray or gel.

3. Close eyes and gently apply to lids and lashes using a side to side motion. Do not rinse.

4. Use one pad or swab per eyelid.

5. Perform twice daily.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the eyelid glands get clogged with thick oils. Warm compresses help to melt the oils within the glands and release them into the tear film. These oils keep the tears from evaporating too quickly causing dry eyes.

1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap

2. Microwave compress masks for ~20 seconds.

3. Test mask temperature with your fingers. If feels too hot, wait one minute then test again.

4. Apply mask to eyelids for 10 minutes.

5. Remove mask, gently massage upper and lower eyelids.

6. Repeat once or twice daily

Note that 10 minutes of continuous heat is necessary to reach a therapeutic goal.

Ultimately, the cost of an eye exam can vary widely depending on many factors, so it's important to compare prices and consider all the costs and advantages each optometry practice provides. We believe the customer should have an incredible experience from beginning to end and will do everything in our power to earn your trust. Choosing an optometrist should not involve the price alone.