What to Expect at Your Visionworks Appointment

What happens during a Visionworks eye exam

A Visionworks appointment typically runs 60 to 90 minutes and includes an eye health screening, a vision test, and a frames consultation if you need glasses or contacts. You'll start in the waiting area, move through preliminary tests (usually done by an optician or technician), then see the optometrist or ophthalmologist for the main exam. The optometrist will check your eye pressure, test how well each eye focuses, and look at the health of your retina and optic nerve using specialized equipment.

The vision test itself — where you read letters on a chart and tell the doctor which lens makes things clearer — is the part most people remember. The doctor will also ask about your eye history, any vision problems you've noticed, and whether you have risk factors for conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration. If you're getting new glasses or contacts, you'll spend time with a frames consultant choosing styles and discussing lens options like anti-reflective coating or blue-light filtering.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your current glasses or contacts, your insurance card, and a photo ID to your appointment.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete the patient intake form, which asks about your medical history and current medications.
• The exam itself takes 30 to 45 minutes; the full appointment is longer if you're ordering new frames or contacts.
• You'll receive a written prescription at the end of the exam that you can use at Visionworks or take to another retailer.
• If you're dilating your pupils (which happens during a comprehensive exam), plan for blurred vision and light sensitivity for 4 to 6 hours afterward.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and your current glasses or contact lens case — the doctor needs to see what you're currently wearing to assess how your prescription may have changed. If you wear contacts, bring a pair with you; the doctor may want to check the fit. Write down any vision problems you've noticed since your last exam: trouble reading, glare while driving at night, or difficulty seeing things at a distance.

If you take medications regularly, bring a list or the bottles themselves. Some medications affect eye health or can interact with dilating drops, so the doctor needs to know what you're on. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid heavy eye makeup on the day of your appointment, since the doctor will be looking closely at your eyelids and lashes. If you know you're sensitive to bright light or have claustrophobia, mention it when you check in — the equipment used during the exam can feel close to your face.

Visionworks locations vary in how they handle scheduling. Most allow you to book online through their website or by calling the specific store. When you schedule, ask whether the location has the frames you're interested in in stock, or whether you'll need to order them. Some stores are busier on weekends and after 5 p.m., so if you want a shorter wait, weekday mornings often move faster.

Understanding your prescription and lens options

At the end of your exam, you'll receive a written prescription that includes your sphere (how strong your lens needs to be), your cylinder and axis (if you have astigmatism), and your pupillary distance, or PD — the distance between your pupils. This prescription is yours to keep and is valid for one to two years, depending on your state. You can use it at Visionworks, at another optical retailer, or to order glasses online.

Visionworks will walk you through lens choices: single vision (one focal power across the whole lens), bifocals or progressive lenses (if you need reading help), and add-ons like anti-reflective coating (reduces glare), photochromic lenses (darken in sunlight), or blue-light filtering (marketed to reduce eye strain from screens). Each option changes the price. Ask the consultant which features matter most for your lifestyle — someone who drives a lot at night may prioritize anti-reflective coating, while someone who spends hours on a computer might consider blue-light filtering.

If you're getting contacts, the doctor will perform a separate fitting to measure the curve of your cornea and determine the right contact lens brand and power for you. Contact lens prescriptions are different from glasses prescriptions and expire after one year. Visionworks can order contacts or you can take your prescription elsewhere.

What happens if you need a referral to a specialist

If the optometrist finds something during your exam that needs further investigation — signs of glaucoma, a retinal problem, or a cataract — they will refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye disease) or another specialist. Visionworks optometrists are trained to detect these conditions but cannot perform surgery or treat advanced eye disease. The referral will include what the doctor found and why the specialist visit is needed.

Getting a referral does not mean something is wrong with your vision in the everyday sense; it means the doctor wants another expert to evaluate a specific finding. Many referrals are precautionary. If your insurance requires a referral to see a specialist, Visionworks will usually submit it for you, but confirm this when you receive the referral paperwork. Keep a copy for your records and bring it to your specialist appointment.

Insurance, costs, and payment at Visionworks

Visionworks accepts most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, and Aetna Vision. When you call to schedule or check in on the day of your appointment, tell them your insurance plan. They'll verify your coverage and let you know what your out-of-pocket cost will be for the exam. Many vision plans cover the exam at no cost to you, but some require a copay of $10 to $25.

Frames and lenses are usually not fully covered by vision insurance. Most plans offer a set allowance — often $130 to $200 — toward frames, and you pay the difference if you choose something more expensive. Lenses may be covered in full or partially, depending on your plan. Ask Visionworks to show you the final cost before you finalize your order. If you don't have vision insurance, Visionworks offers in-house discounts and financing options through CareCredit, which allows you to pay over time.

Visionworks accepts cash, credit cards, and most payment plans. If you're ordering frames and lenses, ask about the timeline: standard orders usually arrive in 7 to 10 business days, while rush orders (if available) may be ready in 3 to 5 days. You'll be notified when your glasses are ready for pickup.

What to do if you're unhappy with your new glasses

Visionworks typically offers an adjustment period after you pick up new glasses. If the fit is uncomfortable, the frames pinch, or the vision doesn't feel right, go back to the store within the first week or two. The optician can adjust the fit at no charge. If the prescription itself feels wrong — if things are blurry or you have headaches — contact the store and ask to speak with the optometrist. They may need to recheck your vision or adjust the prescription.

Most optical retailers, including Visionworks, have a return or exchange policy, usually 30 to 60 days from purchase. Check your receipt for the specific terms at your location. If you're not satisfied with the frames themselves — the style doesn't work for you, or the color is different than you expected — you can usually exchange them for a different pair within this window, though you may pay the difference if you choose something more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most Visionworks locations accept walk-ins, but appointments are strongly recommended because they may provide you won't wait. Call ahead or check the store's website to see current wait times. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during lunch or after work.

Can I get my eyes dilated at Visionworks?

Yes. Dilation is part of a comprehensive eye exam and allows the doctor to see the back of your eye. Dilating drops blur your vision and make you sensitive to light for 4 to 6 hours, so bring sunglasses or arrange a ride if you're uncomfortable driving. You can request not to be dilated, but the doctor may recommend it based on your age and eye health.

How often should I get an eye exam?

Most people should have an eye exam every one to two years. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, or another eye condition, or if you're over 60, your doctor may recommend annual exams. Ask the optometrist at your appointment when you should return.

What if I have an old prescription from another doctor?

Bring it with you. The optometrist will use it as a starting point for your new exam, which can speed things up. Your new prescription may be different, especially if it's been a while since your last exam.

Can I order glasses online after my Visionworks exam?

Yes. Your prescription belongs to you, and you can take it to any online retailer or optical store. Visionworks will give you a copy at the end of your exam. Make sure you have your pupillary distance (PD) — ask the optometrist or optician for this number if it's not on your prescription.