Comprehensive Eye Exam

Premier Eye Care Receptionist Smiling

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is one of the most effective ways to catch problems early, often before you notice anything is wrong.

Your visit typically begins with a few questions about your vision, your overall health, and any concerns you've been having. From there, we move through a series of quick, painless tests. 

Your eye doctor or technician will check how clearly you see at different distances, measure your current prescription if you wear glasses or contacts, and test how well your eyes work together. Your eye doctor will also examine the front and back of your eyes to look at structures like the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve. 

In many cases, we'll measure the pressure inside your eyes and may use drops to widen your pupils so we can get a clearer view of the health of your eyes. Once everything is complete, we'll walk you through what we found and recommend the next steps that make the most sense for you.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

The right schedule depends on your age, your vision, and your overall health. 

As a general guideline, adults with no known issues should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Children, older adults, contact lens wearers, and anyone managing a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure often benefit from more frequent visits. 

Even if your vision seems fine, regular exams are important because many eye conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms. The best overall strategy is to follow the timeline your eye doctor recommends based on your individual needs.

What Can Eye Doctors Detect During a Routine Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is one of the most effective ways to catch problems early, often before you notice anything is wrong. 

During your exam, your eye doctor can detect common vision concerns such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as more serious eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye. 

Because the eyes offer a clear view of your blood vessels and nerves, an exam can also reveal early signs of broader health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Catching these conditions early gives you the best opportunity to protect both your vision and your overall health.

Dr Traynor consulting with a patient about her eyes.

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Our Locations

Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 3:00pm
Idaho Falls, ID

Located South of EIRMC and Sunnyside Rd in Idaho Falls

Location Details
2100 Providence Way,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 529-6600
Pocatello, ID

Off the northwest side of the New Day Parkway/Northgate exit of I-15.

Location Details
2100 Providence Way,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 529-6600
Rexburg, ID

Right off of Main Street West of HWY-20 across from Valley Wide Country Store & Blister's BBQ.

Location Details
2100 Providence Way,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 529-6600

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me to my exam?

  • A government-issued photo ID.
  • Medical insurance (we do not accept VSP or any other vision insurances).
  • List of allergies and health conditions.
  • Supplements and medications that you currently use.
  • Contact lenses or glasses

Do I need a referral to see one of your doctors?

We welcome patients with or without a referral. When scheduling your appointment, our team will assist in directing you to the specialist best suited to address your individual needs.

How long will my appointment last?

The duration of your appointment will vary based on several factors, including the extent of testing required, whether dilation is necessary, and if surgery is being scheduled. For non-dilated appointments, please allocate at least one hour. For dilated appointments, please plan for a minimum of two hours. While we strive to begin your visit on time, please note that, due to the nature of our specialty practice and the emergencies referred to us from across Eastern Idaho and Wyoming, delays may occasionally occur. We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience.

How often do I need my eyes examined?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults get a complete eye exam at age 40 to check for early signs of disease or changes in vision. Depending on the health of your eyes, your ophthalmologist may recommend an exam every 1-3 years until the age of 65.  After the age of 65, a yearly exam is usually recommended. Age-related eye diseases include cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

How long will my eyes stay dilated?

Most dilating drops last 4-6 hours. Dilation primarily affects near vision and may cause some light sensitivity. Most individuals are able to drive home after their appointment, provided they have a pair of sunglasses (disposable shades are available upon request). However, if you have never been dilated before, we recommend bringing a driver to your appointment.

I have been told that I have cataracts. Do you treat cataracts?

Our surgeons have advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. We understand that each patient has unique concerns and goals when it comes to eye health and cataract surgery. That’s why we approach each visit as an opportunity for open discussion, where we can answer your questions and ensure you fully understand your options. This allows us to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.

Where do your doctors do surgery?

Our surgeons operate at hospitals and surgery centers in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello.

What areas does Premier Eye Care serve?

We are proud to serve patients from across Eastern Idaho and the surrounding regions, including western Wyoming and southern Montana. With clinics in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello, we care for patients daily from areas as far-ranging as Salmon, Thayne, Arco, and Jackson. We also work closely with eye doctors throughout the region to provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative care for a variety of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal issues, oculoplastic procedures, and retinal surgeries.

Where is Premier Eye Care located?

You'll find Premier Eye Care clinics in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello, Idaho.