Eye Exams – Norman Professional Eyecare, Cape Girardeau, MO

A comprehensive eye exam checks overall eye health through noninvasive tests, not just vision. At Norman Professional Eyecare, we recommend regular exams to detect problems early. Many eye conditions show no symptoms until advanced, so routine exams can catch issues before vision loss occurs. They often reveal early signs of systemic health issues, as studies show over 250 conditions can be detected this way.

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What to Expect in Your Eye Exam

Dr. Norman and our team will perform a thorough evaluation during your visit. A typical comprehensive exam includes:

1. Medical & Vision History Review: We begin by discussing vision issues, medical history (diabetes, family eye disease), and current medications. This background helps us tailor the exam to your needs.
2. Visual Acuity Test: You will read letters on a chart to measure the sharpness of your distance vision. Visual acuity is a fundamental measure of vision clarity (for example, "20/20" vision).
3. Refraction Test: We use a phoropter (lens-testing device) to determine your prescription for glasses or contacts. The doctor will ask which lens options make the chart look sharpest, pinpointing the best corrective lens power. (An autorefractor may provide an initial measurement to streamline this process.)
4. Near Vision Test: If you have difficulty reading or doing close work, we also test near vision using a handheld chart.
5. Pupillary Response Test: We shine a light into each eye to evaluate how the pupils react (constrict and dilate). This helps check the neurological pathways and eye health.
6. Eye Movement and Alignment (Ocular Motility): We assess how your eyes work together by having you follow a moving object with your eyes. This uncovers any muscle imbalances or alignment issues.
7. Glaucoma Screening (Tonometry): We measure the pressure in your eyes to see if you have a risk of glaucoma. Elevated pressure is an important risk factor for glaucoma. The painless test may involve a brief puff of air or a fast tonometer device.
8. Slit-Lamp Examination: We use a specialized microscope to check the front structures of the eye, including the eyelids, cornea, iris, and lens, for any evidence of disease, including cataracts, signs of dry eye, or infection.
9. Dilated Retinal Exam: We may administer eyedrops to dilate the pupils and examine the retina and optic nerve. This helps us thoroughly inspect the back of the eye with magnifying glasses and special lighting. After dilation, you may need sunglasses due to temporary light sensitivity and slight blurriness.
10. Digital Retinal Imaging: In addition to the doctor's eye examination, we use digital retinal photography. This quick, nonpainful imaging technique snaps clear images of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. We store these images to monitor changes over time.
11. Optional Tests: We may also perform color vision screening, depth perception, or visual field (peripheral vision) testing, especially in those with some symptoms or risk factors.

These tests provide a comprehensive picture of your visual performance and ocular health.

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Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Norman Professional Eyecare uses cutting-edge technology to enhance exam accuracy.

• Digital retinal imaging captures a digital image of the back of your eye, enabling your eye doctor to analyze the retinal layers in that area quickly and comfortably.
• We also employ Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanning, which uses light to construct a cross-sectional, or 3D, retina image. SD-OCT has been shown to illustrate mild alterations in retinal layers and the optic nerve before symptom appearance.

These assist in identifying conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma at an earlier stage. We also use computerized corneal measurement (keratometry) and modern instruments for eye assessment.

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About Dr. Brian Norman

Dr. Brian K. Norman, O.D., is the founder and lead optometrist at Norman Professional Eyecare. He combines more than 17 years of experience to be licensed, board-certified, and knowledgeable about the most current eye care treatments.

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Insurance and Payment Options

Norman Professional Eyecare welcomes most major vision insurance plans. Please call our office to verify whether we accept your specific plan. We accept cash, checks, and major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).

Financing is available as well. We accept CareCredit healthcare credit cards, which allow for convenient monthly payments.

Our staff is happy to assist with insurance claims and will help you understand any co-pays or balances. (Note: Some services and products may not be covered by insurance; our team will provide an estimate before proceeding whenever possible.)

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Schedule Your Eye Exam

Protecting your vision starts with an eye exam. To schedule an appointment, call us or visit our website for more information.

Office hours are by appointment, Monday to Friday, with varied timings.