Clear vision is only part of the story. A comprehensive eye exam at Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear checks how well you see and how healthy your eyes are. We see adults, teens, and kids. Our optometrists take time to listen, explain what they find in plain language, and help you choose the right glasses, contact lenses, or treatment for your life in South Florida.
We’re an independent practice at 1567 South Federal Highway, near the 17th Street and Harbor Beach area. We’re a short drive from downtown, Las Olas, Rio Vista, and Victoria Park.
Why a Yearly Eye Exam Matters
Many common eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration, cause no pain and no noticeable symptoms early on. By the time you notice a change, some vision may already be lost. A routine exam is one of the simplest ways to catch problems early, when they are usually easier to manage.
Eye care experts recommend a complete eye exam every year for most people, and that’s what we suggest. Your optometrist may want to see you more often if you have diabetes, glaucoma risk factors, a family history of eye disease, or you wear contact lenses.
Exams help with comfort, too. Sun, water glare, air conditioning, and screens can leave eyes tired or dry, and the right lenses can help.
What Happens During Your Eye Exam
Most visits include:
- A conversation about your health and lifestyle. We’ll ask about your health, medications, family history, screen time, and any vision concerns.
- Vision and prescription testing. Reading an eye chart and the familiar “which is clearer, one or two?” test help us fine-tune your glasses prescription.
- Eye teaming and focusing checks. We look at how well your eyes work together and shift focus between near and far.
- Eye pressure testing. Measuring the pressure inside the eye is one of the ways we screen for glaucoma.
- A close look at the front of the eye. With a microscope called a slit lamp, we check the eyelids, cornea, and lens for signs of dry eye, infection, allergies, or cataracts.
- A look at the back of the eye. We examine the retina and optic nerve. Digital retinal photography may be offered to give us a detailed image to compare from year to year. Sometimes we use dilating drops to get a wider view.
Contact Lens Exams and Fittings
A glasses prescription isn’t a contact lens prescription. If you wear contacts or want to try them, tell us when you book so we can add measurements and a trial fitting.
We fit spherical, toric (for astigmatism), multifocal, color, daily, and extended wear lenses. We also fit medically necessary specialty lenses, such as scleral and rigid gas permeable (RGP) designs for keratoconus and other irregular corneas. Learn more on our Contact Lenses page.
Medical Eye Care Under One Roof
Your eye exam is also where we look for medical eye conditions and help manage them. Our optometrists diagnose, treat, manage, or co-manage:
- Dry eye disease (see Dry Eye Treatment)
- Glaucoma and macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- Keratoconus
- Eye infections, pink eye, and eye allergies
- Foreign body removal
- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) testing
- LASIK and cataract surgery co-management
When a condition needs a specialist or surgery, we work with local specialists and help coordinate your care. Read more about the eye conditions we treat.
Glasses and Lenses From Our Optical
Our optical team can help you choose frames and lenses after your exam, including custom Varilux and Hoya progressives, genuine Transitions®, and Crizal® anti-reflective lenses, with a fast turnaround from our local lab. For eyewear purchased from us, we provide complimentary fitting, adjusting, cleaning, and minor repairs. See Eyeglasses.
Insurance and Planning Your Visit
We accept many vision and medical insurance plans. Routine exams usually go to your vision plan, while medical visits, such as an eye infection, may go to medical insurance. Our team is glad to check your benefits first. See Insurance Information and Medical or Vision Plan? for details.
Fill out our patient forms ahead of time, and bring your glasses, contact lens boxes, medication list, and insurance card.
Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Eye Exam FAQs
How often should I have an eye exam?
For most people, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam every year. Your optometrist may suggest more frequent visits if you have diabetes, glaucoma, a family history of eye disease, or you wear contact lenses.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Not always. Dilating drops give the doctor a wider view of the retina and optic nerve, and they may be recommended based on your age, health, and symptoms. Dilation can leave you blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours, so bring sunglasses.
Is a vision screening the same as an eye exam?
No. A screening, whether at school, a pediatrician’s office, or our Free Kids Vision Screening, is a quick check for possible vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam measures your exact prescription and checks the health of the whole eye.
Do I need a separate exam for contact lenses?
Yes. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so they need extra measurements and a fitting. When you request an appointment, choose the option that includes a contact lens fitting or contact lens evaluation.
Will my insurance cover my eye exam?
Many vision plans cover a yearly exam, and medical insurance may apply for a medical eye problem. Benefits vary. Call or Text 954-763-2842 and our team will help you check your coverage.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Fort Lauderdale
Whether it’s been a year or much longer, we’d love to see you. Request an appointment online, or Call or Text 954-763-2842.
Fort Lauderdale Eye Care and Eyewear · 1567 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 · Call or Text 954-763-2842