FAQs

FAQs

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please Bring:
  • Current medical and vision insurance cards
  • Photo ID
  • Visual correction such as glasses and contacts
  • Health information (current medications and medical history)
  • Co-pay

To speed up check-in you can log into the patient portal and pre-fill your health information.

How long does an appointment take?
Exam times can vary depending on the reason for your visit, and needs. Your time is valuable and we make every effort to stay on time and give every patient the time they deserve.

For a follow-up exam typically plan for 20-30mins, and for a complete exam typically expect around an hour. Times will vary depending on ocular health conditions, refractive needs of the patient, the need to coordinate care, and time spent in optical.

Will I be dilated for my visit?
Whether or not you are dilated depends on many reasons. Factors such as: reason for your exam, age, overall health and your risk of eye diseases will determine if dilation will or will not be done. 

You can plan on having your eyes dilated at your comprehensive exam, especially if it is your first time at our office or if you have not been dilated recently. 

What is dilation for?
A dilated eye examination allows us to better see the back of your eye and diagnosis common or complex diseases and conditions. It is a medically necessary eye exam element done every 1-2 years typically. The drops we use will enlarge your pupils and allow the internal structures of the eye to be examined. Dilation can last several hours depending on the strength of the drops used.

Can I drive after being dilated?
When you are dilated, you are more sensitive to light and may have trouble focusing on objects close up. Typically distance vision is not affected, but if you have felt uncomfortable in the past after dilation we suggest you bring a driver, friend, or family member along. Bring sunglasses, but if you don’t we will have shades when you leave. 

Am I old enough to wear contact lenses?
There is no right or wrong age for contact lenses now that we have such healthy contact lens materials and better ways to replace and take care of the contacts! You are also never too old to wear contacts either!

A big factor in the ability to wear contacts is each ones motivation level, and level of maturity/responsibility. Dr. Skjolaas and Dr. Lindell will assess each child individually and make the best recommendation.

What is the best way to clean my glasses?
We typically recommend a clean lens cloth and lens cleaner. We provide a lens cloth and cleaner with all our purchased glasses in the optical, as well as free adjustments and ultrasonic cleanings. With our quality frames you wont need adjustments that often but feel free to stop in anytime to meet with our optician.

In order to prevent scratching of lenses, do not use the following to clean them: tissue, paper towel, napkins, toilet paper, terry cloth towels, or the shirt you are wearing. These will scratch lenses over time!

The lens cleaning cloths should be washed frequently to remove dirt and debris. We recommend washing them out in the sink and hang them up to air dry. Fabric softeners will ruin the cloth and cause streaking on the lenses.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring:
  • Current medical and vision insurance cards 
  • Photo ID
  • Visual correction such as glasses and contacts
  • Health information (current medications and medical history) 
  • Co-pay

To speed up check-in you can log into the patient portal and pre-fill your health information.

How long does an appointment take?
Exam times can vary depending on the reason for your visit, and needs. Your time is valuable and we make every effort to stay on time and give every patient the time they deserve.

For a follow-up exam typically plan for 20-30mins, and for a complete exam typically expect around an hour. Times will vary depending on ocular health conditions, refractive needs of the patient, the need to coordinate care, and time spent in optical.

Will I be dilated for my visit?
Whether or not you are dilated depends on many reasons. Factors such as: reason for your exam, age, overall health and your risk of eye diseases will determine if dilation will or will not be done. 

You can plan on having your eyes dilated at your comprehensive exam, especially if it is your first time at our office or if you have not been dilated recently. 

What is dilation for?
A dilated eye examination allows us to better see the back of your eye and diagnosis common or complex diseases and conditions. It is a medically necessary eye exam element done every 1-2 years typically. The drops we use will enlarge your pupils and allow the internal structures of the eye to be examined. Dilation can last several hours depending on the strength of the drops used.

Can I drive after being dilated?
When you are dilated, you are more sensitive to light and may have trouble focusing on objects close up. Typically distance vision is not affected, but if you have felt uncomfortable in the past after dilation we suggest you bring a driver, friend, or family member along. Bring sunglasses, but if you don’t we will have shades when you leave. 

Am I old enough to wear contact lenses?
There is no right or wrong age for contact lenses now that we have such healthy contact lens materials and better ways to replace and take care of the contacts! You are also never too old to wear contacts either!

A big factor in the ability to wear contacts is each ones motivation level, and level of maturity/responsibility. Dr. Skjolaas and Dr. Lindell will assess each child individually and make the best recommendation.

What is the best way to clean my glasses?
We typically recommend a clean lens cloth and lens cleaner. We provide a lens cloth and cleaner with all our purchased glasses in the optical, as well as free adjustments and ultrasonic cleanings. With our quality frames you wont need adjustments that often but feel free to stop in anytime to meet with our optician.

In order to prevent scratching of lenses, do not use the following to clean them: tissue, paper towel, napkins, toilet paper, terry cloth towels, or the shirt you are wearing. These will scratch lenses over time!

The lens cleaning cloths should be washed frequently to remove dirt and debris. We recommend washing them out in the sink and hang them up to air dry. Fabric softeners will ruin the cloth and cause streaking on the lenses.