Getting an eye exam is straightforward: choose between an optometrist or ophthalmologist, book an appointment at a private practice or retail optical center, and show up with your current glasses and a short list of medications. The whole visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Without insurance, expect to pay around $136 on average, though prices range from $105 to $257 depending on your location.
Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: Which One You Need
For a routine eye exam, either type of provider works. The difference matters more when you have a specific eye condition or need surgery.
An optometrist completes a four-year optometry program after college. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and treat common eye conditions like dry eye and infections. This is the provider most people see for regular checkups.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who completes medical school plus a one-year internship and three-year residency focused on the eye. They do everything an optometrist does, plus they perform surgery. Some specialize further in areas like glaucoma, retina conditions, or pediatric eye care. If you have a complex eye disease, a history of eye surgery, or need a surgical evaluation, an ophthalmologist is the better choice.
Where to Book Your Appointment
You have two main options: a retail optical center (inside stores like Costco, Walmart, Target, or chains like LensCrafters) or a private practice. Retail locations often have competitive pricing, quick availability, and the convenience of buying glasses on-site. Private practices may invest in more specialized diagnostic equipment over time, and you’re more likely to see the same doctor at every visit, which can matter if you have an ongoing condition.
Both settings employ licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists performing the same core exam. For a healthy person who needs a new glasses prescription, either option is fine. If you’re managing something like glaucoma or diabetic eye changes, a private practice or ophthalmology office with specialized equipment may offer more continuity.
To find a provider, several free search tools exist. The American Optometric Association has a “Find a Doctor” directory on its website. The American Academy of Ophthalmology runs “Find an Eye M.D.” for ophthalmologists. The American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Optometry both offer verification tools so you can confirm a provider is board certified before booking.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
A little preparation makes the visit smoother and helps your doctor give you a more accurate exam. Bring:
- Your current glasses and contact lenses. Even an old pair helps. Your doctor will compare your current prescription to your new results.
- A list of all medications. Both prescription and over-the-counter. Some medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, affect your eyes or vision. Bring the names and dosages, or just bring the bottles.
- Any symptoms you’ve noticed. Headaches after reading, blurry distance vision, dry or itchy eyes, floaters. Write them down so you don’t forget in the moment.
- Your family eye history. Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and color blindness run in families. Knowing whether a parent or sibling has been diagnosed helps your doctor decide which tests to prioritize.
- Your insurance cards. Bring both your vision plan card and your medical insurance card if you have them (more on why below).
What Happens During the Exam
A comprehensive eye exam covers more than just reading letters on a chart. Your doctor will check your visual acuity (how sharply you see at various distances), test how your pupils respond to light, evaluate your eye muscle coordination, and measure your eye pressure to screen for glaucoma. They’ll also examine the health of your cornea, lens, and retina using a microscope-like instrument called a slit lamp.
For many adults, the doctor will also dilate your pupils using eye drops. Dilation widens the pupil so the doctor can get a clear view of the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This is how they spot early signs of conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic eye damage, and retinal tears. The drops take about 20 to 30 minutes to fully kick in.
After dilation, your vision will be blurry and light-sensitive for anywhere from four to 24 hours. People with lighter eye colors tend to stay dilated longer. Bring sunglasses to your appointment, and consider having someone else drive you home, especially if it’s your first time being dilated and you don’t know how strongly it will affect you.
How Much It Costs
If you have a vision insurance plan, a routine exam averages about $25 out of pocket, typically ranging from $20 to $49. Without vision insurance, the national average is $136, with prices landing anywhere between $105 and $257.
There’s an important distinction between vision insurance and medical insurance. Vision insurance covers routine exams, the kind where the doctor checks your prescription and confirms your eyes are healthy. It often includes an allowance toward glasses or contacts, too. Medical insurance (your regular health plan) kicks in when the visit involves a medical diagnosis: dry eyes, an eye infection, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye screening, or unexplained vision loss. When there’s a medical diagnosis, the exam is billed under your medical plan, and your standard deductible and copay apply. In most cases, a medically billed exam won’t include a glasses prescription as part of the covered visit.
If you don’t have any insurance, ask about pricing when you call to book. Many retail centers and private offices list their fees upfront or offer package pricing that includes the exam plus a basic pair of glasses.
How Often You Need One
The American Optometric Association recommends exams on the following schedule:
- Babies: First exam between 6 and 12 months of age.
- Children ages 3 to 5: At least one exam during this window.
- Children ages 6 to 17: Before first grade, then annually.
- Adults 18 to 64 (healthy, no risk factors): At least every two years.
- Adults 65 and older: Annually.
If you have risk factors like diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, or a previous eye injury, annual exams are recommended regardless of your age. The same applies if you wear contact lenses, since contacts require a current prescription and regular monitoring of corneal health.
Signs You Need an Exam Now
Some symptoms shouldn’t wait for a scheduled appointment. The American College of Emergency Physicians identifies several situations that call for immediate care: sudden partial or total vision loss, a visible wound to the eye, a bloodshot appearance even without a visible injury, blood or clear fluid leaking from the eye, and any chemical exposure, including fumes. These warrant an emergency room visit, not an optometry appointment.
Less dramatic but still urgent symptoms include a sudden increase in floaters (especially with flashes of light), a shadow or curtain across part of your vision, or new, persistent eye pain. For these, call an ophthalmologist’s office and describe your symptoms. Most practices keep same-day or next-day slots open for urgent cases.