Question 1

How often should I have my eyes examined?

Accepted Answer

If your eyes are healthy and your vision is stable, once a year is a sensible rhythm for most adults. Come more often if you have diabetes, if you are being monitored for glaucoma or macular degeneration, or if something has changed. Children should be checked before starting school and then as advised.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who examines and treats eyes and performs eye surgery. An optometrist is a doctor of optometry who examines eyes, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and — in Rhode Island, at the level of licensure Dr. Levin holds — diagnoses and treats eye disease including glaucoma. An optician fits and dispenses the glasses themselves. This practice has all three under one roof, which is why you are not usually sent elsewhere.

Question 3

Will I be dilated, and can I drive afterwards?

Accepted Answer

You will almost certainly be dilated at a comprehensive exam — it is the only way to examine the retina and optic nerve properly. Vision stays blurry and light-sensitive for about four to six hours afterwards. Many people drive home without trouble, but if it is your first dilated exam or you are at all unsure, arrange a ride. Bring sunglasses.

Question 4

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your plan, not on us. Some HMO plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before a specialist visit; most PPO plans do not. Call your insurer, or call our office at (401) 737-2200 and we will help you work out what your plan needs.

Question 5

Do you see children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We see children for routine examinations, glasses and contact lenses. If a child needs care that is better handled by a pediatric eye specialist — some eye-turn and lazy-eye cases, for instance — we will tell you and help you get there.

Question 6

What is the difference between medical and routine vision coverage?

Accepted Answer

Routine vision plans cover a wellness eye exam and often contribute toward glasses or contacts. Medical insurance covers visits where there is a medical reason — a cataract, glaucoma, diabetes, an injury, a sudden change. The same appointment can be billed either way depending on why you came and what we find, and it is not always possible to know which it will be until the exam is done. We will always tell you what we are billing and why.

Question 7

Do you take my insurance?

Accepted Answer

We participate with most major medical and vision plans. Because networks change, the only reliable answer is a current one — call us at (401) 737-2200 with your card in hand and we will check before you come in.

Question 8

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Cash, check, and Visa, Mastercard or Discover, alongside most major insurance plans.

Question 9

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Call the office at (401) 737-2200 — it is the fastest way, and someone can answer questions while you book. You can also use the form on this page and we will call you back during office hours.

Question 10

Can I be seen today?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, yes. Call and ask. Cancellations open up more often than people expect, and we hold room for urgent problems. If you cannot reach us and something is severe or came on suddenly, go to the emergency department rather than waiting.

Question 11

What should I do about a sudden change in my vision?

Accepted Answer

Treat it as urgent. Sudden loss of vision, a curtain or shadow moving across your sight, a shower of new floaters or flashes of light, an eye injury, or severe eye pain all need to be checked right away. Call us at (401) 737-2200. If you cannot reach us, go to the emergency department. Do not use this website for an urgent symptom because the form is not monitored continuously.

Question 12

Can I get a copy of my prescription or my records?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both. Your glasses or contact lens prescription is yours to take anywhere. For medical records, ask at the desk or write to the office and we will provide them — the details of how that works are in our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Office opening hours
Mon, Tue	8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wed	8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Thu	8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Fri	8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Sat, Sun	Closed

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