| FAQ
If you have questions about insurances and exam fees please refer to our Billing page.
Q: What is the difference between an OD and a MD?
A: An OD (Optometrist) is a specialist in refraction and can write prescriptions for glasses and contacts. An MD (Ophthalmologist) can be specialized in a variety of ways, such as pediatrics or retina, also they can perform surgery.
Q: What are your office business hours?
A: Our office hours vary slightly from office to office.
Dartmouth regular hours are as follows:
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Taunton regular hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Every other Saturday: 8:30am – 12:00pm
New Bedford regular hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
As of right now the New Bedford office is not open on Saturdays.
Q: Do you have an Optical Shop? Are they affiliated with your physicians?
A: Yes, we have an Optical Shop in every location that is affiliated with our physicians.
Q: What are the Optical Shop business hours?
A: The Optical Shops have the same hours as their respective office location hours.
Q: If I decide that I don’t like my frame can I return it?
A: The Optical Shop does not accept returns due to manufacturing issues.
Q: Why do you need my picture?
A: Your picture is taken for security and identification purposes. It gives you extra security by associating your face to your name so no one can ever pretend to be you. It also helps the doctors identify you in the same way.
Q: At what offices is the ASCAN preformed?
A: The ASCAN is done at both the Dartmouth and Taunton locations.
Q: What is an ASCAN?
A: An ASCAN in a device used before cataract surgery to take the measurements needed in computing the power of the intraocular lens implant.
Q: Why do I need to see an OD after cataract surgery?
A: You need to see the OD so he/she can check your vision and update your prescription.
Q: Why do I need to see the OD for a prescription check instead of an MD?
A: An OD is a specialist in refraction to check your eye prescription. When you schedule an appointment for an eye exam to check your prescription we will have you see the optometrist whose primary role is refractions (eye exams)..
Q: How long do my eyes stay dilated?
A: Your eyes can stay dilated for 4-6 hours.
Q: Why do you need my social security number?
A: We need it for billing purposes, most insurances need your social security number on the billing form we send to them. Without it we may not be able to bill your health insurance company.
Q: What would I do if I need to send my under 18 year old child to the office without me being there?
A: Normally we require a parent present with a minor, but in extreme situations you can call and speak to a manager, prior to the appointment, and give a verbal consent. You may also be required to sign an authorization form.
Q: After you call me to inform me that my contact lenses are in how long do I have to pick them up?
A: You have 60 days from the call date to pick up your contacts. After the 60 days we’ll call you again to remind you and inform you that if you don’t pick up your contacts they will be sent back to their respective companies. We only hold them for 60 days due to the manufacturer’s return policy.
Q: Where do I pick up my contact lenses?
A: You can pick up your contact lenses at the front desk but if you’re a first time contact lens wearer you will need to see the contact lens technician for instruction on how to insert, remove and care for them.
Q: Is cataract surgery done by laser?
A: Cataract surgery itself is not done by laser.
Q: Why do I need Laser if I have had cataract surgery?
A: Sometimes after cataract surgery the rear lens capsule in your eye becomes cloudy interrupting your vision, the laser is used to make an opening in the capsule.
Q: Where are the public restrooms?
A: Our public restrooms in the Dartmouth office are located out in the hall and you do need a pass code to open them due to privacy issues, to get the code ask one of our front desk employees. The Taunton public restrooms are located inside the office just ask a staff member and they will direct you. Our New Bedford office public restrooms are located next door at the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center.
Q: What does the AR (Auto-Refractor) do?
A: The AR takes the measurement of your eye to give us an accurate baseline for your eye glasses prescription.
Q: How do I get in contact with the Billing office?
A: Our Billing office is located at our Dartmouth office. If you have any billing related issues and questions call (508)717-0270 and ask to be transferred to the billing office, this applies to all patients from all offices.
Q: Are you accepting new patients and do you accept emergency visits?
A: We are always accepting new patients and we do accept emergency visits.
Q: How old do my children have to be to have their first eye exam?
A: When they start preschool is when they should have their first eye exam or if their primary care physician (PCP) states otherwise.
Q: How often should I have an eye exam?
A: You should have an eye exam every year or two unless medically necessary.
Q: If my eyes are dry why do they always tear?
A: When the cornea is irritated it causes the eye to tear. Applying artificial tears soothes the cornea which stops tearing of the eye.
Q: Does diet or vitamins help with vision?
A: A diet rich in green leafy vegetables and vitamins with Lutein are recommended to help with macular degeneration.
Q: Once I get glasses will it cause my vision to deteriorate further or more rapidly?
A: No, glasses just put things in focus. Wearing them or not wearing them does not effect your prescription.
Q: Why don’t artificial tears cure dry eye?
A: Dry eyes are a chronic condition, tear lubricants treat dry eye but can not cure it.
Q: What kind of macular degeneration can be treated?
A: Most kinds of wet macular degeneration can be treated with laser and injections. Dry macular degeneration is usually treated by regular check ups and if vision changes the patient should call the office.
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