If this is your first visit with us, the short version is: bring your insurance cards, your current glasses, a list of your medications, and photo ID. The rest we will walk you through.
Here is what the visit looks like.
What to bring
- A list of your current medications. Several common prescriptions affect the eyes and tear production.
- Your current glasses, even if the prescription is old.
- Photo ID.
- All insurance cards, including medical and vision if you have both.
- If you wear contact lenses, bring them or the boxes they came in.
The medication list is the one people forget most often, and it is genuinely useful to the doctor.
Checking in
Our front desk will confirm your information and insurance. If you have questions about coverage, ask at this point rather than at the end. Our staff can often tell you what applies before your exam rather than after.
We are a busy office. We also make a point of acknowledging people rather than leaving them wondering whether they have been forgotten.
Our entire staff is bilingual in English and Spanish, so you can handle any part of your visit in whichever language is easier.
Pretesting
One of our technicians takes preliminary measurements before you see the doctor, including auto-refraction to estimate your prescription. Nothing here is uncomfortable.
Your exam
Dr. Prewett refines the prescription and examines your eye health. If additional testing or imaging would be useful, he explains why before it happens.
We would rather you understand the reason for a test than just the name of the machine.
Before you leave
You should know what changed, what we saw, and what happens next. If glasses are part of the plan, our optical team can help with frames and lenses while you are here.
For a fuller walkthrough of the exam itself, see what happens during a comprehensive eye exam.
Common questions
Do you accept Medicare and CenCal/Medi-Cal?
Yes, for patients of all ages. CenCal eyewear benefits may also apply depending on eligibility and coverage. See CenCal/Medi-Cal coverage and what Medicare covers.
Will I be able to drive home?
Usually. If your eyes are dilated, bring sunglasses and consider arranging a ride. Dilation makes things bright and blurry up close for a few hours.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Where are you located?
1429 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454. More about the practice in looking for an optometrist in Santa Maria.
Can my whole family be seen here?
Yes. We see children, adults, and seniors.
Schedule your first visit
Request an appointment or call 805-925-9575.
