Optometry FAQs

*Where do I park when coming to the office?
Metered street parking is available along Light Street, directly in front of our office. Neighborhood parking is often quite transient, if you don’t see a spot right away, take a lap around the block as parking spaces open up quickly during business hours. West Street Parking Garage is also one block south at the intersection of Light Street and West Street, within walking distance.

*Federal Hill Eye Care participates with the following insurance groups:
Vision Service Plan (VSP), EyeMed Vision Care, Spectera Eyecare Networks, Davis Vision, Johns Hopkins Employee Plan, Superior Vision, National Vision Administrators, Coresource, Humana, Cigna Vision, NCAS. Medical Insurances Aetna, Medicare, Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

*Can I have my MVA vision test form filled out at your office?
Yes, if you have had an eye exam at our office within the past year, we are happy to fill out your MVA vision certification form either hard copy or with express online submission. This service may help save you a trip to the MVA

*How often should I receive an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends yearly eye exams in order to detect and treat eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Yearly eye exams help to monitor vision efficiently and accurately. Additionally, no contact lens wearer should ever go longer than one year without monitoring the health of the cornea.

*Can I use my Flex Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase eyewear?
Yes, FSA and HSA allowances are meant to be used for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. Prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses are all considered medical devices and can be purchased using your FSA or HSA allowance.

*How long will it take to order my glasses through your office after my prescription is dispensed?
Most of our glasses generally take 7-10 days to fabricate, verify, and dispense. Certain prescriptions may require ordering from a specialty lab, so we request a few extra days, but most glasses should take a little over a week to prepare.

*How old must I be in order to wear contact lenses?
There is no specific age requirement for contact lens wearers. Successful contact lens wear is a combination of patient motivation, compliance with wearing schedule and cleaning regimen, and is dependent on the patient’s prescription.

*How long will it take to order my contact lenses through your office after my prescription is dispensed?
Most contact lens orders only take a day or two to arrive at our office for pick-up and can even be mailed directly to our patients. Certain specialty contact lenses for high amounts of astigmatism, keratoconus, and other eye conditions may take several weeks to custom order.

*Can I receive both Contact Lenses and Glasses prescriptions during the same visit?
Glasses prescriptions are verified and dispensed on all comprehensive exams unless a medical reason prevents the doctor from dispensing the prescription. Contact lens prescriptions require specific measurements including the lens size, lens fit, and lens material these measurements may require more than one visit to verify in order to ensure safety, as well as clear, comfortable vision.

*If I have received my eye exam and eyewear prescription elsewhere, may I bring it to your office to purchase eyewear?
Yes, we accept all valid prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses at our office. Glasses prescriptions expire after two years and contact lens prescriptions expire after one year.

*What can I do with my old glasses that are no longer the correct prescription or fit for me?
Previously worn glasses may be donated to Lions Club Charities who re-use the glasses for individuals in need of eye care who cannot afford it. You can bring your old glasses to our front desk for donation.

*What is the difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses?
Polarized sunglasses are 100% UV (ultraviolet) blocking and also prevent eyestrain from glare. The polarization technology is actually a filter that helps patients see more accurately while driving and while on the water. Non-polarized sunglasses may or may not protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Be sure to check with our optician to ensure that your sunglasses are polarized.

*What is the difference between buying glasses online and from your office?
Ordering eyeglasses online may seem easy, but it is very different than ordering your average consumer item. When ordering online, the consumer is, in essence, taking on the role of a trained optical dispenser. This includes taking critical measurements and making important decisions with respect to frame, lens and material selection.
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When you receive your glasses from our office, our trained optician should ensure that they have been properly manufactured, are within acceptable tolerance, and fit your face correctly to ensure ideal vision and comfort. Poorly manufactured or poorly fitted glasses can cause eye strain, headaches, pulling, and blurred vision. A September 2011 study by a research professor at Pacific University College of Optometry in Oregon found that 44.8% of eyewear ordered online failed at least one parameter of optical or impact testing.