Frequently Asked Questions

Eye exams are provided by 20/20NOW Eye Exams, PC, an Independent Ophthalmology Professional Corporation. They are not performed by Virtual Eye Exams. Our role is to connect you with 20/20NOW’s licensed eye care professionals so you can receive a thorough, independent evaluation of your vision and eye health.

Here's what typically happens:

1. You visit the location

2. A trained technician or optician is on-site:

   • Guides you through pre-tests (like digital eye pressure, retinal imaging, auto-refraction).

   • Helps you operate the necessary digital equipment.

3. The remote optometrist connects via video:

   • Reviews test results live.

   • Asks about your vision, symptoms, or medical history.

   • May guide further tests using remote-controlled tools.

4. Prescription or Diagnosis:

   • If everything is routine, you get a glasses/contact lens prescription.

   • If there are concerns, they may refer you.

Virtual eye exams conducted at physical locations offer high accuracy for most routine vision needs, thanks to professional equipment and trained staff. Here's how they stack up:

When They're Accurate:

• Prescription Tests: For people with stable vision and no serious eye conditions, virtual exams typically provide prescriptions that are very close to those given in traditional in-person exams (within ±0.25 diopters in most cases). This is ideal for glasses or contact lens renewals.

• Visual Acuity & Common Refractive Errors: Tests for near/far sight, astigmatism, and other standard visual issues are highly reliable. The auto-refractor and digital phoropter systems used are comparable to those in traditional eye care practices.

• Eye Health Screening: With tools like retinal imaging and intraocular pressure testing, virtual exams can detect early signs of eye health issues like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

When Accuracy May Be Limited:

• Complex prescriptions (e.g., high astigmatism, prism lenses)

• Children or anyone with developing vision (under age 10)

• Eye diseases like glaucoma, retinal issues, or uveitis

• Equipment quality: Accuracy can be affected if the location uses subpar tools or if the testing conditions aren’t optimal (like poor lighting or misalignment).

Key Takeaways:

• Great for routine checkups and prescription renewals if you have stable vision.

• May require in-person follow-up if there are signs of eye disease or complex visual issues.

For most healthy adults looking for a prescription renewal or basic vision test, virtual eye exams at brick-and-mortar locations are a convenient and accurate option.

Our virtual eye exams are currently out-of-network for insurance providers. However, many insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement, which means you can pay for the exam upfront and submit your receipt for reimbursement after the fact.

Virtual Eye Exams offers services, such as:

• Virtual Licensed Optometrist

• Custom electronics prescription with images

Yes! We are pleased to accept FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts), HSA (Health Savings Accounts), and CareCredit as payment options for your virtual eye exam. These payment methods can be used to cover the cost of the exam, and many patients find them to be a convenient way to manage out-of-pocket expenses.

Yes, virtual eye exams can help detect some eye health problems, not just changes in vision. Using advanced tools like retinal imaging, intraocular pressure tests (for glaucoma), and automated eye scans, these exams can identify early signs of conditions like:

• Glaucoma

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Macular degeneration

• Retinal conditions and more

If any concerning results are found during a virtual exam, you may be referred for an in-person follow-up with an eye care professional for a more thorough evaluation.

If you have any specific concerns or symptoms, we recommend discussing them with your optometrist during your exam.