The Advanced Eye Exam
Useful information about your visit to the
Vision Institute of Michigan
Information for new patients
We strive to make each patient's visit to VIM an extraordinary experience. We know your vision and your ability to see well are extremely important. We also know how valuable your time is, so please know your first visit may take 2 hours and plan accordingly. Please bring the following items with you:
- completed new patient paperwork
- medications in their bottles (including vitamins)
- insurance cards (medical & vision - if applicable)
- driver's license or identification
- insurance referral (if required)
During your visit, we will discuss your medical history, your vision concerns and complaints, and conduct a thorough exam, which may include testing. Please note, when testing is recommended by your doctor, s/he has made a medical decision and knows that the results are significant for your care - though some insurance companies may not cover these services. We will explain the purpose for all tests and their fees, for which you may be responsible.
No puff of air at your exam!
We know our patients don't like the "air puff," so we won't test your eyes for glaucoma with it. Rest assured, however, we will check for glaucoma - the leading cause of preventable blindness in people over 40.
By placing numbing drops in the eye, we are able to painlessly measure the pressure within the eye. These drops may make the eye feel "sticky" but are not painful, do not effect vision and do wear off quickly.
Glaucoma may occur at any age and often results in vision loss if not detected and treated early. Glaucoma blocks the normal drainage areas of the eye and causes fluid to build up. This increases pressure within the eye on the sensitive optic nerve tissue and causes damage - sometimes permanently.
No dilating drops at your exam!
While patients dislike the "air puff," they really dislike the light sensitivity & blurred vision resulting from dilating drops, so they are no longer routine practices at VIM. Dilation of the eyes provides important details about the eye's health, though we have a new technology preferred by both patients and physicians that may offer the same - if not better - information.
Introduced by VIM in 2003, our patients have the option to have an advanced retinal image taken, called an Optomap. This advanced technology takes a picture of the back of the eye within just seconds. It is absolutely painless, does not impair vision (like dilating drops may) and often provides enough detail that dilation is not needed. In rare cases, dilating drops may be recommended.
At this time, most insurance companies will not cover the nominal fee associated with offering the Optomap, while they are more likely to pay for a dilated exam. The fee will be discussed at your visit and you will be given the option to not have an Optomap performed.
Insurance & Payment Information
We participate with many vision and medical insurance plans - including Medicare & Medicaid. As a convenience to you, our experienced medical billers will submit claims on your behalf. Our billing staff is available to answer your specific questions, and will verify your coverage prior to each visit. However, it is your responsibility to understand your insurance benefits.
Services not covered by insurance may be paid by cash, personal check or major credit card. Unless discussed prior to your visit, payment is expected as you leave our office following each visit.
Financing is available only for cosmetic & laser vision surgeries. Financing is available through Cosmetic Fee Plan, Vision Fee Plan, and MBNA. Our surgical counselors will provide information for these patients when appropriate.
Hospital Privileges
VIM patients have several options if surgery is recommended.
Surgery Center of Michigan, our nationally accredited ambulatory surgery center offers patients convenient, comfortable surgical care. Care is administered by our board certified surgeons, registered nurses, and board certified anesthesiologists. This facility is located on the 2nd level of our Sterling Heights office. Should you need surgical care, we would gladly provide a facility tour - if desired.
Our doctors also have hospital privileges at:
- St. Joseph's Mercy of Macomb
- Henry Ford - Lakeside Surgical Center
- St. John's Lakeshore
- St. Mary Mercy Hospital
- Straith Hospital for Special Surgeries
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