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Eye Care FAQ

Before Your Visit

Please bring a valid government-issued ID, your medical and vision insurance cards if applicable, and any glasses or contact lenses you currently use, including sunglasses. If you wear contacts, bringing the boxes or your most recent prescription is helpful. A list of current medications is also recommended.

Most visits take between 45 and 60 minutes. We schedule ample time so your exam feels thorough, thoughtful, and unrushed.

We recommend arriving about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and any paperwork.

Absolutely. Whether it's been one year or several, we'll meet you where you are and guide you forward with clarity and confidence.

Yes. We provide eye care for patients of all ages, from infants to adults. Exams are tailored to each stage of life.


Pre-Testing & Technology

Pre-testing may include measurements of your vision, eye pressure, focusing ability, and eye alignment using modern diagnostic equipment.

No. We use an alternative tonometer that does not require an air puff, making the experience more comfortable while still accurately measuring eye pressure.

Optomap captures an ultra-widefield image of your retina in seconds, allowing us to evaluate your eye health without dilation in many cases.

Learn more about retinal imaging

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanning provides a cross-sectional view of the retina, helping detect and monitor conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

Learn more about retinal imaging

Most patients benefit from annual OCT retinal imaging, which allows us to detect and monitor eye diseases before vision loss occurs. Because early detection is often the key to preserving sight, yearly OCT screening is typically recommended unless more frequent monitoring is needed.

Learn more about retinal imaging


Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive exam typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, allowing time for both vision testing and eye health evaluation. New patients may take slightly longer due to intake paperwork and a more detailed history review.

Learn more about comprehensive eye exams

We assess refractive errors, eye alignment, eye pressure, retinal health, and screen for conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam annually. Patients with diabetes, a history of eye disease, or certain medical conditions may need more frequent visits — your doctor will advise based on your specific needs.

Dilation may be recommended depending on your age, health history, and the findings of your exam. We also offer retinal imaging (Optomap) as an alternative or complement to traditional dilation — ask our team about your options.

Yes. Your prescription is ready the same day. You can shop our optical boutique in office, or order contact lenses directly through our online store.


Medical Eye Care

A routine exam focuses on your vision and prescription. A medical eye visit is focused on evaluating, diagnosing, or treating a specific eye health condition — such as an infection, injury, or chronic disease. Insurance billing and copays may differ between the two visit types.

Learn more about medical eye care

Medical eye visits are typically billed through medical insurance (not vision insurance). We recommend calling your insurance provider ahead of your visit to confirm coverage. Our team can also help you understand your benefits at check-in.

We do our best to accommodate urgent concerns as quickly as possible. Contact our office directly by phone or text and let us know the nature of your symptoms — we will find the earliest available appointment or advise you on next steps.

Yes. We welcome referrals from primary care physicians and other providers. Please bring any relevant records or imaging from your referring provider to your appointment.

General urgent care clinics are not equipped to properly diagnose or treat most eye emergencies. They lack the specialized instruments needed to examine the eye thoroughly. For true eye emergencies—such as sudden vision changes, eye injuries, infections, foreign bodies, or flashes and floaters—you should contact an eye care provider directly. At Santé Eyecare, we offer same-day emergency eye care appointments in Pflugerville for urgent eye concerns.

Learn more about emergency eye care

A diabetic eye exam focuses on detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related changes in the eye. At Santé Eyecare, we use advanced Optomap retinal imaging and OCT imaging to examine the retina in detail—often before any symptoms appear. We recommend annual diabetic eye exams for all patients managing diabetes and coordinate findings with your primary care or endocrinology team.

Learn more about diabetic eye exams

Yes. In Texas, optometrists are licensed to prescribe medications, including eye drops for glaucoma management. At Santé Eyecare, we provide ongoing glaucoma screening, monitoring, and treatment—including prescription eye drops when appropriate—to help protect your long-term vision.

Learn more about glaucoma management

Yes. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can observe changes in the blood vessels of the retina that may indicate elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other systemic conditions. Our Optomap retinal imaging captures up to 200° of the retina, providing a detailed view that may reveal early signs of health conditions before symptoms develop. If we identify anything concerning, we recommend follow-up with your primary care physician.

Learn more about retinal imaging

An optometrist (OD) is your primary eye care doctor, providing comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing and treating eye conditions, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and managing conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye, and diabetic eye disease. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes in eye surgery.

For most people, an optometrist is the right first call and where the majority of eye care occurs. Ophthalmologists are typically needed when surgery becomes necessary, such as for cataracts, retinal detachments, or advanced glaucoma. A good optometrist recognizes when a referral is appropriate and coordinates care seamlessly.

At Santé Eyecare in Pflugerville, we provide full-scope primary eye care and co-manage surgical cases with trusted ophthalmology specialists so patients receive the right care at the right time.

Learn more about our eye care services


Senior & Age-Related Eyecare

Adults 60 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Patients with diabetes, glaucoma, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent monitoring — your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your specific risk profile.

Learn more about senior & age-related eyecare

Warning signs vary by condition. Blurry or distorted central vision may indicate macular degeneration. Cloudy or dim vision may suggest cataracts. Gradual peripheral vision loss or halos around lights may point to glaucoma. However, many conditions produce no early symptoms — which is why regular exams are so important.

Yes. We work closely with ophthalmologists and surgical specialists in the area. If cataract surgery or another procedure is recommended, we can help coordinate your care and manage pre- and post-operative follow-up visits.

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary eye exams related to conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration — but typically does not cover routine vision exams or glasses. Contact our office and we can help clarify what your specific plan covers.


Pediatric Eyecare

The American Optometric Association recommends an infant's first exam at 6 months of age, again at age 3, and then annually starting at age 5 or when they begin school. Children at higher risk may benefit from earlier or more frequent exams.

Learn more about pediatric eyecare

Yes. School screenings test a limited range of vision and miss many common conditions, including farsightedness, binocular vision problems, and early amblyopia. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to fully assess your child's vision and eye health.

No problem at all. We use age-appropriate charts and techniques that don't require reading — including picture matching and objective testing methods that work for infants and pre-readers.

Many vision insurance plans include benefits for children's annual eye exams and glasses. The InfantSEE program also provides no-cost eye exams for infants 6-12 months of age. Contact our office and we can help you understand what your plan covers.


Myopia Control

Clinical studies show that myopia control treatments — including orthokeratology, multifocal contact lenses, and low-dose atropine — can slow myopia progression by 40-60% on average compared to standard glasses or contacts. Results vary by individual, and regular monitoring helps us optimize treatment over time.

Learn more about myopia control

Most myopia control treatments are suitable for children as young as 6-8 years old, depending on the specific therapy. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the cumulative benefit — since myopia progresses most rapidly during childhood and adolescence.

No. Myopia control does not reverse or eliminate existing nearsightedness. Its goal is to slow the rate of progression, so your child ends up with a lower prescription than they otherwise would have — reducing their risk of high myopia and associated complications later in life.

Coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans cover specialty contact lens fittings or atropine prescriptions; others do not. We recommend checking with your insurance provider, and our team can help you understand your options.

Most myopia control patients are seen every 6 months for a progress exam and prescription check. More frequent visits may be needed at the start of treatment or if we need to adjust the approach.


Optical & Eyewear

We carry a curated mix of luxury and independent brands including Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Krewe, Modo, ECO, Orgreen, and AKILA.

We offer single vision, progressive, blue light filtering, photochromic, and specialty lenses tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs.

Most glasses are ready within two weeks after your measurements are sent to our lab, though many prescriptions can be completed in as little as one business day—helping you leave seeing clearly without a long wait.


Contact Lenses

Yes. Contact lens fittings are customized based on your eye health, prescription, and comfort needs.

Most contact lens orders ship within one week, depending on availability and prescription type.


Payment & Insurance

We work with many major vision and medical insurance plans and are happy to help you understand your benefits before your visit.

Yes. We offer transparent self-pay pricing and will review all options with you during your visit.

Learn more about fees & accepted insurances

Yes. We offer flexible payment plans through Cherry, CareCredit, or our in-house membership program to help make care more accessible.

Learn more about fees & accepted insurances

At Santé Eyecare, a comprehensive eye exam starts at $180, while contact lens exams start at $80. For patients without insurance, our 20/20 Membership provides exams, advanced retinal imaging, and year-round eyewear discounts starting at $18 per month—making quality eye care more affordable and predictable.

Learn more about our 20/20 Membership

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