Eye Exams That Check More Than Your Prescription
Eye Exam FAQs
What Happens at a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam at Focus Vision is not just about updating your prescription. It is a thorough evaluation of your vision and the health of your eyes, designed to catch problems early, before you notice symptoms. Dr. Kevin Cottrell and Dr. Alexa Gutierrez examine everything from how clearly you see at various distances to the internal structures of your eye that are invisible without the right equipment.
- Vision assessment—distance, near, and intermediate acuity; prescription evaluation
- Eye health evaluation—retinal health, optic nerve, intraocular pressure, ocular surface
Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, more frequently if you are managing a health condition that affects your eyes, such as diabetes or hypertension, or if you have a personal or family history of eye disease. If your vision seems fine, that does not mean you can skip your exam. Many serious eye conditions develop without any noticeable symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
Your Eye Exam Can Detect More Than You Expect
Your eyes can reveal far more than whether you need a stronger prescription. During a comprehensive exam, your doctor evaluates signs of conditions that often have no early symptoms, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and hypertensive eye changes.
Focus Vision uses Optomap® ultra-widefield retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as part of comprehensive exams. Optomap® captures up to 82% of the retina in a single scan, significantly more than a standard dilated view, allowing earlier detection of retinal disease, diabetic changes, and glaucoma signs. OCT produces a detailed cross-section of the retina and optic nerve, allowing the eye doctor to monitor structural changes over time. These are not premium add-ons. They are standard tools for thorough eye care.
Technology That Supports a More Complete Exam
At Focus Vision, comprehensive exams include access to diagnostic technology that gives your doctor a more complete picture of your eye health than a standard examination alone provides. Optomap® ultra-widefield imaging, OCT, and visual field testing are used routinely to document your eye health and track changes over time. Because you see the same doctors at every appointment, that documented history becomes clinically meaningful; small changes are noticed and addressed before they become significant problems.
A comprehensive eye exam evaluates both your vision (how clearly you see) and the health of your eyes (the internal and external structures). A vision screening, like those done at schools or DMV offices, only tests basic visual acuity and cannot detect eye disease, measure intraocular pressure, or evaluate retinal health. A comprehensive exam is the only way to get a full picture of your eye health.
Most adults with no known eye conditions or risk factors should have a comprehensive exam every one to two years. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, or an existing eye condition may need annual or more frequent exams. Your eye doctor at Focus Vision will recommend a schedule based on your specific health history.
Most comprehensive eye exams at Focus Vision take approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on whether imaging tests such as Optomap® or OCT are performed and whether additional medical testing is needed. If you are a new patient or have not had an exam in several years, plan for closer to an hour.
Yes. During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor evaluates the blood vessels and internal structures of your eye, which can show early signs of systemic conditions. Diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and early indicators of certain neurological conditions can all be detected through a thorough eye examination. This is one reason annual exams are recommended for patients managing chronic health conditions.
Annual & Routine Eye Exams
Medical Eye Exams
Pediatric Eye Exams
Urgent & Medical Eye Exams
What Is Evaluated During Your Exam
A comprehensive eye exam at Focus Vision typically evaluates the following:
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Longmont
Focus Vision is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 1630 Hover Street, Suite A in Longmont. Call (303) 651-2020 or book online to schedule your comprehensive eye exam. Same-day appointments for urgent eye concerns are available when possible.