FAQ
2. How often should I have my eyes examined?
3. What if I think I have an eye emergency?
4. My insurance will only pay for an eye exam if I have a "Medical Diagnosis." What is that?
5. Who will examine my eyes?
6. Can anyone have their eyes examined at UAB Eye Care?
7. Where is the clinic and where do I park?
8. What if the weather is bad? Snow, ice or a hurricane?
9. How do I make an appointment?
Sometimes you don't, which is why you should have your eyes examined on a routine basis. (Click on the link at the bottom of the page to find out how frequently you should see your Dotor of Optometry.) Sometimes there are obvious signs or symptoms that alert you to an eye problem and some of those are given in the table below. The best rule is to have your eyes examined if you have any suspicion that there may be a problem - even if it seems minor. If you are concerned but not sure what to do, you can always call the clinic and ask to speak to a doctor (205) 975-2020.
For after hours emergencies, there is a doctor on-call nights, weekends and holidays. (205) 975-2020
Signs and symptoms of eye problems that need immediate attention include:
- Sudden Blurred Vision
- Sudden Loss of Vision
- Sudden Increase in Floaters
- Red Eye
- Discharge from the Eye
- Any Eye Injury
- Eye Pain
| AGE | EYE EXAM FREQUENCY |
| 0-24 months | ....by 6 months of age |
| 2-5 years | ....at 3-4 years of age |
| 6-18 years | ....by 1st grade, then every year |
| 18-50 years | ....every 1-2 years |
| 51 and older | ....every year |
However, different eye conditions will require different frequencies of follow-up so you should follow your optometrist's recommendation since it is specific for your eyes and vision.
A doctor is "on call" 24 hours a day, every day of the year! If you believe that you have an eye emergency after hours, on a weekend or holiday, call (205) 975-2020. Listen for the instructions about how to reach the doctor on call.
Conditions that do not qualify as having a medical diagnosis include hyperopia (farsighted), myopia (nearsighted) and astigmatism.
If your insurance will only pay for a medical diagnosis and you do not have one, it becomes your responsibility to pay for the eye examination.
All eye examinations are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed doctor. Because we are a training center for young people preparing to become licensed doctors, these interns do much of the preliminary testing. The attending doctor then verifies or repeats key parts of the examination. The attending doctor will be the one who signs your medical record. The attending doctor also signs all prescriptions for medicines, glasses or contact lenses and bears the final responsibility for your eye care. Licensed doctors who are receiving advanced and specialized training in our residency and fellowhip programs also provide eye care in our clinical services.
You may schedule an appointment by calling the general appointment number or by calling any of the specialty services.
General Appointment Information: (205) 975-2020
Appointments can be made in following specific services:
|
Service |
| Primary Care Optometry Service |
| Cornea & Contact Lens Service |
| Pediatric Optometry Service |
| Ocular Disease & Low Vision Service |
| Optical Services |
Emergencies
During normal work hours, call any service and ask for assistance. After hours, a doctor is on-call 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency care only. Call (205) 975-2020 and listen for instructions about how to reach the doctor on call.