What's The Difference? Medical vs. Routine Eye Exams

When you schedule an eye exam, you may notice that there are two types: medical and routine. While both involve a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health, the purpose, billing, and focus of each exam are different. Understanding the distinction helps you know what to expect and ensures you receive the right type of care for your needs.

What Is a Routine Eye Exam?

A routine eye exam focuses on your vision and prescription needs. During this exam, our optometrists check how well you see and determine if you need glasses or contact lenses. Routine exams are typically covered by vision insurance plans and are designed to keep your vision clear and comfortable.

Key components of a routine eye exam include:

• Measuring your visual acuity.

• Checking for refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

• Updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

What Is a Medical Eye Exam?

A medical eye exam is performed when you have an eye health concern or medical condition that needs evaluation and treatment. This type of exam is billed to your medical insurance, not your vision plan.

Medical exams are necessary if you experience issues such as:

• Red or painful eyes.

• Sudden changes in vision (like flashes, floaters, or blurred vision).

• Eye infections, injuries, or allergies.

• Monitoring conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or cataracts.

During a medical exam, our doctor focuses on diagnosing, managing, and treating these conditions to protect your long-term eye health.

Why Both Are Important

Both types of eye exams play a vital role in maintaining your vision and overall health. Routine exams help ensure your vision is sharp and that you’re seeing your best, while medical exams address concerns that could threaten your eye health if left untreated. Together, they provide a complete picture of your visual and ocular well-being.

Protect Your Vision at Cobb Corner Eye Care

Whether you need a routine check for new glasses or a medical evaluation for an eye condition, both types of exams are essential for protecting your sight. Knowing the difference ensures you receive the right care at the right time.

At Cobb Corner Eye Care, our experienced team is here to provide both routine and medical eye exams to meet all your vision and eye health needs. Visit our office in Stoughton, Massachusetts, or call (781) 344-3335 to schedule your appointment today.