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Frequently Asked Questions 

Why should I have my eyes examined? 

Your eyes on the window to the world. They are an amazing creation that gives you the ability to perceive and enjoy the world around you. There are many conditions that can affect your eyes that can be treated or helped by glasses, contact lenses, exercises, medications, eye drops, or procedures. We want to find any underlying issues before you lose any of your vision! 

But I see fine! Why should I have my eyes examined? 

Perception often does not line up with reality. In a study published in 2024 in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it was reported that our perception of our vision is not predictive of our actual vision, whether we think we see well or poorly! https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(24)00363-4/abstract 

Furthermore, there are many conditions that can stealthily steal your eyesight. At Eyes First Optometrist Tupelo Mississippi, we strive to uncover these hidden diseases before they become a problem.  

I don’t like how I look in glasses. Should I still have an eye examination? 

Yes you should! There are so many styles of eyeglasses available these days. You will look “Mahvalous!” We also specialize in contact lenses for almost any eye. 

I don’t think I could touch my eye. Can I wear contact lenses? 

Many people have sensitive eyes, but most can overcome this fear so they can safely insert and remove their contact lenses. We will even show you how! 

I don’t want you to puff air at my eyes. Will you do that? 

The air puff test is designed to measure your intraocular pressure, an important measure for glaucoma and other eye conditions. We seldom use this test. Instead, we use rebound tonometry which is MUCH more pleasant. We can also use applanation (Goldmann or Perkins) tonometry, so we don’t have to puff your eyes with air. 

How much does an eye exam cost? 

Our comprehensive eye examination, including retinal imaging and an eyeglass prescription is $180. For a new patient without insurance, you can have our new patient special for only $99! 

What if I want contact lenses? Are there any extra fees? 

Yes. An eye examination for contact lenses requires additional time and expertise from an optometrist Tupelo Mississippi, but we only charge an additional $50 for your cornea and contact lens evaluation for most standard contact lenses. Some types of contact lenses, such as multi-focals, gas permeables, and scleral lenses require more time and expertise, so these would be charge at a higher but reasonable rate. These fees will be communicated to you should you require these more advanced contact lenses. 

I have worn contact lenses for years. Do I still need a cornea and contact lens evaluation?  

Yes you do. Contact lenses are medical devices that can affect the health of your eyes. Your Optometrist Tupelo Mississippi will evaluate your eye health, specifically as it relates to your contact lens wear. They will also evaluate your lenses for fit and function so that you can maintain your clear comfortable vision. 

Do you accept insurance? 

We accept most major medical insurance plans, as well as several vision plans. 

What is the difference between medical and vision insurance? 

Medical insurance helps to cover medically-related eye problems. Some examples are eye infections, eye injuries, dry eye, corneal diseases such as keratoconus and fuch’s dystrophy, inflammatory conditions, cataracts, glaucoma, vitreous diseases, macular degeneration, eye exams related to diabetes or systemic medications such as plaquenil, optic nerve swelling, or visual field disturbances. 

Vision plans are discount plans designed to help pay for routine eye examinations for glasses or contact lenses when there is no known ocular disease. They will often help pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses as well. 

I have vision insurance. Why do you need my medical insurance card? 

Many medical insurances offer you some additional coverage for eye health examinations. Furthermore, there are many eye conditions that we can uncover during your examination that may require testing that would need to be filed to your medical carrier. In order to provide you with efficient care and to be able to communicate with your financial obligations for any additional services, we verify your coverage prior to your appointment. 

Which vision plans do you accept? 

We are currently in network with Spectera, Eyemed, and Unum/AlwaysCare. We can also accept some VSP plans. 

I have a different vision plan. What about me? 

We will give you a receipt and can help you fill out paperwork for any vision plan so that you may be reimbursed. 

I have a medical eye condition. What medical insurance do you accept? 

We have doctors who are in network with MS Medicaid, Medicare, BlueCross/BlueShield, United HealthCare, Aetna, Cigna, and Humana. There may be others as well. 

If my insurance does not cover something who is responsible? 

The patient is generally responsible for uncovered services, as well as copays and deductibles. We will do our best to communicate this with you ahead of time. If there is a surprise once we file your insurance, we will send you a text to pay request for your unpaid balance. 

What is a cataract? 

Cataracts are cloudiness of the natural, crystalline lens inside your eye. When cataracts are interfering with vision enough to affect your activities, they can be removed surgically. 

Can I have my cataract removed at Eyes First? 

We do not perform major eye surgery such as cataract extraction at Eyes First. However, we do work with the top eye surgeons in Tupelo and North Mississippi so that you can have the best care. We will refer you to the appropriate provider. We can even handle your post-operative visits for your convenience! 

What is myopia? 

Myopia is a focusing issue where distance objects are blurred. It is commonly called near-sightedness. Myopia is becoming more prevalent in the industrialized world, presumably due to increased use of smart phones, tablets, and computer screens. Myopia can not be cured, but eyeglasses and contact lenses can clear the blur. Refractive surgery may also be an option. 

Why do my child’s eyes keep getting worse? 

During childhood and adolescence, there are many body changes and much growth. As a child develops, often their eyes will become more near-sighted over time. 

Can anything be done to slow my child’s prescription change? 

There is no cure for myopia. However, there are actions you can take to help slow the progression. We recommend spending outdoor time and engaging in normal, physical activity each day. We discourage prolonged near tasks at a young age, particularly on video screens, phones or tablets. A good rule of thumb is to limit continuous near focusing to 20 minutes max. 

Furthermore, many near-sighted children could benefit from a type of contact lens designed to slow the near-sighted progression. We are a certified practice for Mi-Sight lenses. These can be used as young as six years of age.