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We Care About Our Patients
Each patient can be confident that they will receive the highest level of eye care available.
Our doctors are credentialed and well respected for their expertise. Our experienced Ophthalmologists and Optometrists are primary eye care providers who examine the internal and external structure of the eye. Our exams vary depending upon the eye health and visual needs. Eyecare Associates doctors are experts in glaucoma, cataracts, pediatric ophthalmology, ocular plastics, diabetic changes, age-related macular degeneration, and low vision assessments and aides.
All of our doctors are highly trained to handle ocular emergencies such as infections and injuries.
New Patient Information
We are so happy to have you, please reference the checklist below so you are ready for your first visit.
To schedule an appointment…
Please see our Locations Page to determine the location most convenient for you. Call the number for the office you choose. Please let the appointment scheduler know:
- If you are a new or existing patient
- What insurance we will be billing
- If this will be a Vision or Medical exam
- If you have a particular doctor you wish to see
Co-pay is due upon check in.
To cancel your appointment…
We ask that you provide at least 48 hours notice if you will not be keeping your appointment. This will make it possible to fill that appointment time with another patient.
To make sure you come prepared…
Patients new to our office must complete the following forms prior to the first appointment. Please reference our downloads:
New Patient Checklist
We are ready for you to join our family
Please bring the following to your appointment…
- Your eyeglasses, contact lenses, and any low vision aids you use.
- Your doctor will also ask you to provide a list of your allergies and medication (with dosages). This includes any eye drops, over the counter medications, or supplements used in the past six months.
- New patients will need a Medical History form (print and bring completed form with you).
- Your current insurance card. A copy will be placed in your file for billing purposes.
- If your visit requires a referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP), please bring a copy of the referral with you.
In some cases, your doctor may feel it is important to obtain a copy of your previous medical records.
If patient is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the initial visit.
If your eyes will be dilated…
If you are uncomfortable driving after having your eyes are dilated, please arrange to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. Dilation time is different for everyone and could last several hours.
Will you be selecting new glasses?
If your eyes will be dilated and you are planning to purchase new glasses, please try to arrive early enough to browse our Optical Department and select your frames prior to having your eyes dilated. You will be able to make a better selection when you can see more clearly.
Insurance
Making sure you're covered
Eyecare Associates bills most major insurance companies. However, it is your responsibility to know what your insurance is, what coverage they provide for medical or vision coverage and to provide us with accurate information prior to scheduling an appointment. Call the Customer Service number on the back of the insurance card to check eligibility.
Take a look at our FAQ page to see some frequently asked questions about insurance.
Eye Health
What is a medical eye exam?
When making an appointment for your exam you may be asked whether you need a medical eye exam. These exams are specific to medical conditions (diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disorders, etc.) of your eye and do not include a refraction.
What’s the difference between being nearsighted and farsighted?
Nearsighted or Myopic individuals have their sight at near, with objects being blurry in the distance. Farsighted or hyperopic people have trouble seeing up close.
Why do I have to hold things further away to read?
As we age the lens in our eyes begins to lose elasticity, which then affects our ability to accommodate. This is usually the point when we choose to get reading glasses, bifocals or progressive addition lenses.
Will my eyes get worse by wearing eyeglasses?
Although this is a very common belief there is no evidence to support it.
How often should I have my eyes examined?
We recommend that those under the age of 18 or contact lens wearers have annual eye exams. For healthy eyes over the age of 18 we recommend an eye exam every two years. You will want to consult with your doctor during your exam to get his/her recommendation based on your individual needs.
What is a refraction?
The word refraction means many things, including the way light passes through an object. Generally, when referring to an eye exam, it is defined as the series of tests done by your optometrist or ophthalmologist to help define your need for an eyeglass prescription. These exams are known as routine or eyeglass exams.
What is astigmatism?
It is a vision condition that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or sometimes the curvature of the lens inside the eye. An irregular shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance.
Optical
What is a blended or progressive lens?
A progressive addition lens is one made without lines, and which provides the wearer with a smooth transition to a variety of distances. These lenses are good for distance, arms length and close work.
Are all lenses considered safety lenses?
While all lenses pass ANSI standards in regards to safety, they are not considered safety lenses.
Insurance
Do I need my insurance card or proof of insurance at my appointment?
Yes. Please be sure to bring your insurance cards with you to your appointment.
Do I need to check my insurance benefits before my appointment?
Yes! Checking your insurance benefits before your exam is your responsibility.
Most insurances have a members website where you can check your benefits. If you have Vision Service Plan you will not receive an insurance card but can check benefits here.
To help you, we recommend you follow these steps:
- Contact the health plan’s phone number on your insurance card.
- If this is a medical visit, ask your health plan if a referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is necessary. If so, please contact your PCP for a referral. Some PCP’s will not issue referrals to their patients after the visit, so it is important that you call first.
- If this is a routine vision exam, ask the health plan if you have vision benefits.
- How often are you eligible for a routine vision exam?
- Do you have a co-pay?
- Do you have benefits for glasses and contact lenses?
- How often are you eligible for glasses and/or contacts?
- What does your insurance pay toward frames, lenses and contact lenses?
Will my exam be covered by my vision insurance or my medical insurance?
Patients who see their eye doctor are sometimes seen using vision insurance benefits and sometimes seen using medical insurance benefits. Some patients have both types of insurance and others have only medical insurance.
Vision Insurance:
- You are interested in a complete eye examination
- Glasses
- Contacts
Medical Insurance:
- Your medical doctor has referred you for an examination
- You are having a medical problem with your eyes
- You have an infection or eye injury
How do I get a referral if I need one?
You are responsible for obtaining necessary referrals for office visits. Our office will request referrals for any surgeries.
Why am I getting a bill?
We contact your insurance as a courtesy at the time of the order. In return, we receive an estimated amount out of pocket quote. The remaining amount owing after insurance is patient responsibility.
Health & Wellness at Eyecare Associates
Health Dividend & Wellness S.B. 679
We have a long history of health promotion at Eyecare Associates, beginning with our belief that lifestyle choices are the number one factor of preventable diseases and health related expenses.
Dr. John Lees continues to promote wellness at the state and local levels. He was the driving force behind Senate Bill 679, and has another bill which will be introduced to the House of Representatives during the next session.
The Tax Free Oregon Health Dividend
The 2013 Legislative Session, Sponsored by: Representative Andy Olson, John D. Lees, M.D., Nadine M. Wood, M.S.
Purpose:
Create a Health Dividend (HD) that gives a financial reward to Oregonians participating in a worksite wellness program that promotes walking fitness, healthy eating, good weight control, tobacco cessation and a healthy lifestyle.
Rationale:
Poor lifestyle choices contribute to diseases and disabilities which have a major impact on health care costs. Changing lifestyles with financial incentives that educate, motivate and reward participants can increase productivity and significantly reduce health care costs.
Goal:
Pass HB (LC 828), a tax-free Oregon Health Dividend up to $1,000 a year.
Eyecare Associates Employee Wellness Program
An overview of a functioning employee-driven model.
Supervision of the Eyecare Associates Employee Wellness Program
- Wellness Committee consisting of 5-6 employees
- Wellness Coordinator
- Eyecare Associates Partners
Participating Employees
- Have an age-adjusted average or better walking time on a one-mile walk, or participate in an approved fitness program
- Have a healthy weight or participate in a weight loss program
- Participate in health and wellness talks during work lunch breaks
- Are non-tobacco users or are participating in an approved tobacco cessation Program
Dividend Checks
- Are awarded as cash to participating employees on the 15th of each month
- Are paid $60.00 a month (hopefully tax-free)
Suggested Links
Eye Care
A-Z Diseases and Disorders
Good resource for general eye health information and diseases.
American Optometric Association
Information about eye conditions, written for patients.
InfantSEE
Information about the need for eye exams for babies.
Health and Wellness
Download Forms
Send us a message
Our Locations
Get directions to each of our offices
Albany Office
2715 Willetta St. SW Suite B
Albany, OR 97321
Monday–Friday:
8:00 am–5:00 pm
(541) 926-5848
Corvallis Office
2400 NW Century Dr
Corvallis OR, 97330
Monday–Friday:
8:00 am–5:00 pm
(541) 752-4622
Corvallis Vision Center
227 NW 3rd Street,
Corvallis, OR 97330
Monday–Friday:
8:00 am–5:00 pm
541-757-1120
Lebanon Office
100 Mullins Drive Suite B3
Lebanon, OR 97355
Monday–Friday:
8:00 am–5:00 pm
(541) 451-5808
Lincoln City
2930 NE West Devils Lake Rd Suite 2
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Monday–Friday:
8:00 am–5:00 pm
(541) 614-0946