Eye Examination in Rhode Island

Most people are familiar with standard vision acuity tests. They are commonly given to adults and children for work purposes, school vision screenings, or to renew a driver's license. However, passing a vision screening does not mean you have perfect vision or that you are free of any eye disease. An acuity test simply doesn't offer a total view of your eye health. That is why having a comprehensive exam regularly is important.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of ocular disease, as well as determine if you are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, or a stroke. The skilled staff of ophthalmologists and optometrists at Koch Eye Associates utilize advanced diagnostic imaging and technology to ensure total eye care beyond common vision problems.

We have several convenient locations throughout greater Rhode Island, including Warwick, North Kingstown, Johnston, Woonsocket, and Wakefield, RI, so schedule an appointment at a Koch Eye Associates facility near you. We can protect and improve both your vision and complete eye health.

Everyone should have regular eye exams, no matter their age or health. If you are under 40 years old, it is important to have your eyes fully examined at least every two years. After the age of 40, it is recommended that you have your eyes checked every 2 – 4 years.

Scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams for your children is also very important. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children should have their first eye exam at six months and another right before they start school. Even if your child doesn't seem to display any vision issues, is it is still recommended they have their eyes examined at least every two years — statistically, one in four children has vision problems. Also, children are using electronic devices, like phones and tablets at unprecedented, increasing rates, which is causing a significant rise in myopia (nearsightedness).

When you call to make an appointment for an eye exam, briefly and clearly describe any vision problems you’re having. Before your appointment, it is always a good idea to list any questions you may have for the eye doctor. Bring a list of the medications you are taking and be prepared to discuss your eye and medical health history, as well as your family’s eye and medical health history.

Each time you visit our offices, please remember to bring the following items with you:

• Current glasses and/or contact lenses
• Insurance ID card
• Driver’s license or photo ID
• Referral form and co-pay as required by your insurance plan
• A list of your current medications

When you visit Koch Eye Associates for your comprehensive eye exam, your appointment should last about an hour and will include many different advanced diagnostic exams, such as: 

• Eye muscle movement to test muscle strength and control
• Cover test to examine how well your eyes work together
• External exam and pupillary reactions to test your pupils’ reaction to light, the whites of the eyes, and eyelid position
• Visual acuity to test your ability to read eye charts in the distance and up close
• Retinoscopy/Auto-refraction to determine the approximate lens required for you to achieve the best vision
• Subjective refraction testing to determine your exact lens prescription
• Slit lamp to detect eye diseases and disorders by examining the cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber
• Retinal examination to examine the retina, retinal blood vessels, optic nerve head, and macula
• Glaucoma testing to measure fluid pressure inside your eyes
• Pachymetry to measure the corneal thickness, which can aid in glaucoma diagnosis
• Pupil dilation to examine the complete inside of your eyes with specialized 3D viewing instruments
• Visual field test to test the edges of your peripheral vision to aid in diagnosing any eye condition

If your acuity test reveals that you need a prescription for glasses or contacts, you will be able to choose from an array of lenses to obtain your clearest, sharpest vision. If any other potential issues or problems are found during your comprehensive exam, we will refer you to one of our ophthalmologists for further testing or treatment.

If your Rhode Island eye doctor is planning to dilate your pupils for testing, please bring sunglasses for the trip home. Eye dilation can result in blurred vision and light sensitivity for about four hours or more after the exam. For this reason, you may also choose to arrange for someone to drive you home.

When your exam is complete, a member of our team will discuss the scheduling of your next appointment. We will recommend when to return after considering your age, risk factors, and exam results. Even if your vision is excellent, you should continue to schedule eye exams at least every two years so any potential concerns can be diagnosed and treated early. If our team finds any signs of concern, you may need to schedule an appointment sooner for more testing or treatment.

Clear vision and good eye health are so important to a person’s quality of life. Often, people do not even realize what a fulfilled, vibrant life they have missed out on until they have vision issues corrected. At Koch Eye Associates, we are a great team who uses the most advanced technology and techniques to ensure early detection and treatment of any eye problems. Schedule an exam for yourself or your children at one of our greater Rhode Island locations today.