# Eye care for New Patients

> "I have not had my eyes checked in years and I am not sure what to expect."

A first visit takes about an hour and covers pre-testing, a full history, refraction, binocular vision assessment and a complete eye health examination, finishing with a proper discussion of findings.

Gaps happen. Nobody is judged for one, and the sooner a baseline is established the more useful every subsequent visit becomes, because eye care depends heavily on comparing this year against last year.

A first appointment runs about an hour. It starts with pre-testing, moves through history and refraction, and finishes with the eye health examination and a conversation about what was found.

Bring your current glasses, both insurance cards, a list of medications, and your sunglasses so their UV protection can be checked. If you wear contact lenses, bring the boxes.

## What matters most

**How long it takes**

About an hour. Appointments are scheduled two per hour so there is time to do it properly and answer questions.

**Whether you will be dilated**

Often not. Widefield retinal imaging can usually replace dilation, which avoids hours of blurred vision.

**What it costs**

Coverage is verified before your visit. Most vision plans cover an annual comprehensive examination, and medical eye care is usually billed to medical insurance.

## Where to start

- [What happens at an exam](https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/comprehensive-eye-exams/what-happens-at-an-eye-exam): The full sequence, step by step
- [What to bring](https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/patient-resources/what-to-bring): So nothing has to be chased afterwards
- [Book an appointment](https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/book-an-appointment): Request a time that suits you


## Questions and answers
**Do I need a referral?**

Most patients do not need a referral to see an optometrist, though some insurance plans require one.

**Can I drive afterwards?**

Yes if retinal imaging is used instead of dilation. If you are dilated, bring sunglasses and ideally arrange a lift.

---## About this practice
Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, 15215 S 48th St Ste 180, Phoenix, AZ 85044.
Phone (480) 706-3937. Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Independent optometry practice, founded 1994. One location. Does not perform refractive or cataract surgery.
This site publishes no star rating and no review count, because the figures across the practice's own properties contradict one another and cannot be verified.
This page is general information, not medical advice.