FAQs
Optometry Services
- How often should I have my eyes examined?
- Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
- How long is the appointment?
- I wear contact lenses and I need to re-order more lenses. What do I do?
- Why can't I use my eyeglass prescription to order contact lenses?
- My eyelid is twitching. What can I do?
- I have a red, painful lump (sty) on the edge or inside of my eyelid. What should I do?
- My eyes are red and irritated and they were stuck together this morning. What should I do?
Optometry Services
- How often should I have my eyes examined?
- A healthy person who does not wear contact lenses or glasses and who has no family history of eye disease should have an eye exam every 2 years. If you are an eyeglass wearer or contact lens wearer, it is preferable to have an eye exam once a year.
- Do I need to bring anything with me to my appointment?
- Yes, please wear in your current contact lenses and bring your current pair of glasses. Contact lens wearers are requested to wear their lenses at least two hours prior to the appointment. In addition, contact lens wearers should bring their current contact lens parameter information in the form of a contact lens package or prescription.
- How long is the appointment?
- The initial appointment generally takes about 60-90 minutes. Follow-up appointments may be necessary for additional services such as contact lens fitting and/or evaluation.
- I wear contact lenses and I need to re-order more lenses. What do I do?
- If you were seen at the Student Health Center in the past and had a contact lens evaluation, your prescription is on file and you may be able to order more lenses. In most states, including Ohio, contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year. If you call before 4:30 p.m., most contact lens orders can be placed that day as long as the prescription is still valid. Unfortunately, we are unable to fill contact lens prescriptions from outside doctors; however, we do accept outside prescriptions for eyeglass orders. The cost of glasses/contact lenses is variable and is dependent on your prescription. You may fax your prescriptions to SHC Optometry Services at (614) 247-8288.
- Why can't I use my eyeglass prescription to order contact lenses?
- A contact lens fitting and prescription is very detailed (including information on material, water content, base curve, diameter, etc.) The doctor needs to take measurements of your eye and ask a thorough medical history to determine what type of lens to prescribe. You may also need to return for follow-up visits.
- My eyelid is twitching. What can I do?
- This is generally harmless and is usually associated with factors such as increased fatigue, stress, and caffeine use. It is best to try to decrease the amount of caffeine intake while getting more rest and trying to decrease stress. If the problem persists or worsens, please call our appointment staff to schedule an appointment.
- I have a red, painful lump (stye) on the edge or inside of my eyelid. What should I do?
- At the onset, one should begin using warm compresses 4-5 times per day. Use a clean washcloth and soak in warm to hot water. Applying this warm washcloth to your closed eyelids should allow the sty to drain on its own. If draining does not occur within 2-3 days of the warm washcloth regimen, call to schedule an appointment with our optometry clinic and an antibiotic may be prescribed. In some cases, a sty must be removed surgically.
- My eyes are red and irritated and they were stuck together this morning. What should I do?
- If you wear contact lenses, do not put the contact lenses into your eyes. Call the Appointment Staff at the Wilce Student Health Center at (614) 292-4321 to schedule an appointment.