Frequently asked questions about eye care
Here are answers to common questions about visiting Dr. Schwartz Optometrist & Associates. For help with your appointment or individual care, call 586-939-1122. These answers are general information and do not replace an eye examination.
How do I schedule an appointment
For a routine visit, call 586-939-1122 or use our online scheduler. When you call, let us know whether you need an eye exam, a contact lens evaluation, a child’s visit, or a specialty lens or myopia management consultation. For urgent symptoms, call rather than using routine online booking.
Where is the office
We are at 37670 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48036, on the southwest corner of Garfield and Millar. Look for the white building; our entrance is in the rear. Call if you have questions about access or finding the office.
What should I bring
Bring your current glasses, contact lens brand and prescription details if you wear contacts, a medication list, relevant eye records, and your insurance cards. For children, bring any school or pediatrician vision-screening report. Ask the office before your visit whether you should wear your contact lenses to the appointment.
Do I need an eye exam if I see well
Yes. Some eye diseases have no early symptoms. Ask your eye doctor when to return based on your health history and risk factors.
Source: National Eye Institute — Get a Dilated Eye Exam
Will my eyes be dilated
Dilation may be recommended to examine the inside of your eyes. The drops widen your pupils and can cause light sensitivity and blurry near vision for several hours. Bring sunglasses and arrange a ride if your vision is affected.
Source: National Eye Institute — Get a Dilated Eye Exam
Is a school vision screening the same as an eye examination
A screening identifies children who may have a vision problem and need further evaluation. Follow a recommendation for a full examination, and raise concerns even if your child has not complained about their vision. Bring the screening result to the visit.
Source: AAPOS — Vision Screening
https://www.aapos.org/glossary/vision-screening-description
Can my child be examined before knowing the alphabet
Yes. Eye care professionals can use age-appropriate methods that do not require reading letters. Tell us your child’s age and any communication or developmental needs when you call to schedule.
Source: AAPOS — Vision Screening
https://www.aapos.org/glossary/vision-screening-description
What is myopia management
Myopia management aims to slow the progression of nearsightedness during the years when a child’s eyes are growing. Ordinary vision correction helps a child see clearly; a myopia management plan also addresses progression. Your child’s prescription, eye health, age, and ability to follow treatment instructions help guide the choice.
Source: AAPOS — Myopia and Treatment of Myopia in Children
https://aapos.org/glossary/myopia-and-treatment-of-myopia-in-children
Explore our myopia management services
Do you offer Stellest eyeglass lenses
Yes. We offer Essilor Stellest lenses. The FDA authorized these lenses to correct myopia, with or without astigmatism, and slow its progression in eligible children ages 6–12 when treatment starts. Eligibility also depends on the prescription and eye health. An examination and discussion are needed before recommending them.
Source: FDA — First Eyeglass Lenses Authorized to Slow Pediatric Myopia
What is orthokeratology or Ortho K
Ortho-K uses specially fitted rigid lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. Overnight lenses are removed after waking and may reduce the need for daytime glasses or contacts. The effect is temporary, and a prescribed wear schedule is needed to maintain it. We offer Ortho-K consultations; suitability, follow-up, cleaning, and infection risks should be discussed before treatment.
Source: FDA — Types of Contact Lenses
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/types-contact-lenses
What are scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are larger rigid contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye. A fluid layer sits between the lens and the cornea. They may help some people with irregular corneas or certain eye-surface conditions. Our practice offers scleral lenses; an evaluation determines whether they are appropriate.
Source: AAO EyeWiki — Scleral Contact Lenses and BostonSight PROSE
Is my glasses prescription enough to order contact lenses
Contact lenses require a current contact lens prescription. The prescription includes lens-specific information, such as the brand and fitting measurements. Tell us when scheduling if you want to start contacts, change lenses, or renew your prescription.
Source: FDA — Buying Contact Lenses
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/buying-contact-lenses
Can I sleep or swim in my contact lenses
Avoid sleeping in contacts unless your eye care professional has specifically prescribed that wear schedule. Ortho-K has its own prescribed overnight schedule and care requirements. Remove lenses before swimming or showering, and follow the cleaning, replacement, and follow-up instructions for your lenses.
Source: CDC — Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts
https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html
What if my contact lenses hurt or my eye turns red
Remove the lenses and contact an eye doctor immediately for pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurred vision. Do not wear the lenses again until advised. Seek urgent in-person care if you cannot reach an eye doctor promptly.
Source: CDC — What Causes Contact Lens Related Eye Infections
https://cdc.gov/contact-lenses/causes/index.html
Which symptoms need immediate care
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, serious eye injury, or chemical exposure needs immediate medical attention. New flashes, many new floaters, or a curtain or shadow in your vision can also be an emergency. Go to an eye doctor or emergency department right away. Do not wait for routine online booking or a message response.
Source: National Eye Institute — Retinal Detachment
https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment
Source: AAO EyeWiki — Pre-Ophthalmologist Management of Eye Trauma
https://eyewiki.aao.org/Pre-Ophthalmologist_Management_of_Eye_Trauma
Read our emergency eye care guidance
Do you take my insurance and what will my visit cost
Call the office with your plan details and the reason for your visit so you can ask about participation, benefits, and expected charges. Medical eye care, routine vision exams, contact lens services, specialty lenses, and myopia management may have different coverage. Confirm your benefits with your insurer and ask about costs before the visit.
How long will my appointment take
Visit length depends on the reason for the appointment and any testing or dilation needed. Ask the office how much time to allow when you schedule, especially for a child’s first visit or a specialty contact lens consultation.
How can I prepare my child for an eye exam
Use simple, reassuring language: the visit is a chance to learn how their eyes see and stay healthy. Bring their glasses and any screening results, and tell us about specific worries or sensory needs. Ask the office what to expect for your child’s visit.
Have another question
Call 586-939-1122 for help with appointments and office questions. If you are experiencing urgent symptoms, seek prompt medical care rather than waiting for an email or online reply.