A thorough eye exam is the foundation of good vision and lasting eye health. At Mountain View Eye Care, Dr. Hicks and our team take the time to evaluate your sight, screen for eye disease, and build a care plan that fits your life and your family.
Primary eye care
Overview
A comprehensive eye exam at Mountain View Eye Care evaluates your visual acuity, determines your prescription, measures eye pressure, and examines the internal structures of your eyes for signs of disease. Most adults should have one every one to two years, and annually if they wear corrective lenses, manage chronic conditions, or have a family history of eye disease.
What to expect during your visit
Your appointment begins with a conversation. We review your health history, any medications you take, and what brought you in, whether that is a routine checkup or a specific concern. From there, Dr. Hicks performs a series of tests tailored to your age, health, and symptoms.
We check how sharply you see at various distances, how your eyes work together, and how well they respond to light and changes in focus. We also examine the front and back of your eyes using instruments that give a magnified view of the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
If dilation is needed, we explain what to expect and how long the effects will last before we begin. Nothing in your exam should come as a surprise.
Conditions we commonly address
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Presbyopia, the age-related need for reading correction
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (eye turn or misalignment)
- Pediatric vision concerns that affect learning and development
Whether these conditions require glasses, contact lenses, vision monitoring, or coordination with other providers, care is tailored to your specific needs and stage of life.
Who should be seen
We recommend comprehensive eye exams for a wide range of patients. If any of the following apply to you or a family member, it is time to schedule a visit:
- Adults who have not had an exam in the past two years
- Anyone noticing changes in vision, eye discomfort, or headaches
- Contact lens and glasses wearers (annual exams recommended)
- Patients managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease
- Children, before starting school, and regularly through their school years
- Adults over 60 (annual exams recommended)
Why regular exams matter
Many serious eye conditions develop gradually and without obvious symptoms. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can progress silently until significant damage has already occurred. A comprehensive exam catches these problems early, when treatment is most effective and least invasive.
Your eyes can also reveal signs of conditions that affect the rest of your body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain autoimmune disorders sometimes show their first visible signs during an eye exam. That is one more reason these visits matter, even when your vision feels fine.
Our approach to your care
We are a small, close-knit team, and that is by design. When you visit Mountain View Eye Care, you see the same doctor and the same staff who already know you and your history. We do not rush through appointments or hand you off between departments.
Dr. Hicks explains findings in plain language and answers every question. If you need corrective lenses, we walk through your options honestly. If we identify a condition that calls for further treatment, we outline the next steps clearly and connect you with the right specialists when needed. We are independent in our referrals, which means we recommend based on what is best for you.
Our goal is for you to leave every visit feeling informed, cared for, and confident about your eye health.
“Patient Quote Here” – John Doe
Frequently asked questions
What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?
Your exam includes a review of your health and vision history, visual acuity testing, refraction to determine your prescription, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed look at the structures of your eyes. Dr. Hicks explains each step and takes time to answer your questions. Most visits take 30 to 60 minutes.
How often should I have my eyes examined?
Adults with no known vision issues should have a comprehensive exam every one to two years. If you wear glasses or contacts, have diabetes or a family history of eye disease, or are over 60, annual exams are recommended. Children should be seen before starting school and regularly throughout their school years.
Do I need an eye exam if my vision seems fine?
Yes. Conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration can develop without noticeable symptoms. A comprehensive exam detects problems early, when treatment has the greatest effect. Your eyes can also reveal signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic conditions.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans. If your plan is out of network, our staff will explain your coverage options and any out-of-pocket costs before your visit. Call our office and we will look into your specific plan.
What is the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?
A vision screening is a brief check that identifies obvious problems. A comprehensive eye exam goes much further. It evaluates your complete eye health, tests for diseases that may have no symptoms, and determines your exact prescription. Think of a screening as a spot check and a comprehensive exam as a full assessment.
Your vision deserves steady, thoughtful care.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Hicks and our team in Sylva.