Eye Exams

Dr. Billy McMillin and the experienced team at McMillin Eyecare provide comprehensive eye exams that go well beyond basic vision screenings. Our thorough evaluations assess both your vision and overall eye health to detect potential issues before they become serious problems. We believe that regular eye exams are essential for maintaining optimal vision and eye health throughout your life, regardless of your age or current visual acuity.

Our thorough examinations can uncover hidden, “silent” eye disease not found by simple vision screenings. Our years of experience in diagnosing and treating typical vision disorders such as nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as more complex conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy enable us to provide the best ocular health care possible, managing all aspects of your eye health. McMillin Eyecare doctors and their staff are equipped to provide appropriate therapeutic medical eye care and vision correction.

At the same time, the McMillin Eyecare team offers a wide array of the very best high quality eye care products at reasonable prices. Our patients never pay too much for the best quality in eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, progressive and bifocal lenses and we always strive to provide outstanding service.

Although many do not realize it, the best way to protect your vision is with a yearly eye checkup. A complete eye exam is not just a vision test. The health of your eyes and a lifetime of good vision take more than a rushed check for glasses. Our comprehensive eye examinations will check your eyes inside and out for any potential eye disorders or diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and retinal problems. Your visual skills and abilities are carefully evaluated and appropriate treatment is prescribed. We are prepared to handle whatever your eye care needs are, and will treat them with the latest in diagnostic equipment. We are committed to keeping up with eye care technology so that we may offer you the best eye care available.

Close-up of a man with dark hair and beard receiving a slit lamp eye exam, with blue diagnostic light reflecting in his eye.

Understanding Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam is a detailed evaluation of your visual system and eye health that goes beyond simple vision screenings that only test visual acuity. These professional examinations assess every aspect of your ocular health, including testing for common vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as screening for serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

During the exam, specialized equipment is used to evaluate both the internal and external structures of your eyes, allowing for the identification of early signs of eye diseases and even the detection of systemic health conditions.

A cheerful woman forms a heart shape with her hands around one eye, symbolizing love and care for healthy vision.

Benefits of Eye Exams

Early Detection of Eye Diseases

Regular eye exams allow our doctors to detect eye conditions in their earliest stages, often before you experience any symptoms. Many serious eye diseases, including glaucoma and macular degeneration, develop gradually and painlessly, making them difficult to notice without professional evaluation. Early detection means treatment can begin sooner, potentially preventing vision loss or blindness.

Accurate Prescription Updates

Your vision naturally changes over time, and these changes might be so gradual that you don’t immediately notice them. Regular eye exams ensure your prescription for glasses or contact lenses remains current, preventing eye strain, headaches, and other discomfort associated with outdated prescriptions. An accurate, up-to-date prescription not only improves your visual clarity but also enhances your quality of life.

Detection of Systemic Health Issues

Your eyes offer a unique window into your overall health. During a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrists can identify signs of systemic conditions that might otherwise go undetected, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, autoimmune disorders, and even certain cancers. The tiny blood vessels in your retina reveal important information about your vascular health, making your eye exam an important component of your preventive healthcare strategy.

Improved Performance at Work and School

Clear vision directly impacts your performance in school, at work, and during everyday activities. Many people don’t realize that subtle vision problems can significantly affect reading speed, comprehension, and the ability to work comfortably at a computer for extended periods. Regular eye exams ensure optimal visual performance, helping you or your child succeed in educational and professional environments.

Prevention of Digital Eye Strain

In today’s digital world, our eyes face unprecedented challenges from extended screen time. Comprehensive eye exams can identify digital eye strain and provide solutions such as specialized computer glasses, anti-reflective coatings, or blue light filtering lenses. Our optometrists also offer personalized advice on workspace ergonomics, proper lighting, and screen habits to reduce eye strain and help maintain your long-term eye health.

Comprehensive Eye Exam with a Contact Lens Fitting

If you are interested in wearing contacts you should first have a comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, the doctor will check your vision and look for any eye health problems or other issues that might cause a problem with contact lens wear. If the doctor decides you are a good candidate for wearing contacts then you will be fitted with a trial pair of contact lenses and scheduled for a two week follow up to see how you are doing with your new contacts.

Conventional LASIK

Conventional Lasik is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about ten minutes to perform on each eye. It can be an effective procedure that is suitable for basic vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Conventional LASIK is currently one of the most frequently performed healthcare procedures in North America

Custom LASIK

Corneas are like fingerprints – detailed, unique and no two are alike. This creates distortions that Conventional LASIK is not designed to treat. Our doctors will help you determine if you would benefit from the higher level of customization that Custom LASIK may provide or if Conventional LASIK will meet your individual vision needs.

The actual laser procedure process is performed the same way in both Conventional and Custom Lasik.

PRK

PRK has been performed since 1986. Prior to LASIK, PRK was the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedure. PRK differs from LASIK as it is performed on the surface of the eye and no flap is created during the procedure. PRK may be more suitable for people with larger pupils, thin corneas, or those who have other corneal issues or dry eyes.

Recently, other surgical alternatives have become available. Among these is a technique called phakic IOL implantation which involves implanting a lens behind the cornea, but in front of the iris. With this new option, many of those who were too highly nearsighted for LASIK are now candidates for refractive surgery.

If you are interested in refractive surgery, please let us know. Refractive surgery is not to be taken lightly. Our doctors will provide the detailed testing that is necessary to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the surgery. If testing shows you to be a good candidate, we can help you choose the refractive surgeon who is most appropriate for your case.

A woman sits at an optometrist’s office undergoing an eye health check using a slit lamp examination device.

Our Eye Exam process

Comprehensive Vision Assessment

We begin by evaluating your visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, eye coordination, and focusing ability using advanced diagnostic equipment. This thorough assessment helps us detect common vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as more complex issues that might be affecting your sight. We’ll discuss your visual concerns and how your current vision impacts your daily activities to fully understand your unique needs.

Advanced Eye Health Screening

Using specialized diagnostic tools, we examine both internal and external structures of your eyes to identify potential issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. This detailed screening can reveal early signs of eye diseases before symptoms appear, allowing for prompt treatment that may prevent vision loss. We also look for indicators of systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol that often first manifest in the eyes.

Personalized Prescription Determination

Based on your exam results, we’ll determine the most accurate prescription to address your specific vision needs. For glasses wearers, we’ll discuss lens options that best suit your lifestyle and visual requirements. If you’re interested in contact lenses, we’ll assess your suitability and provide a trial pair with a follow-up appointment to ensure proper fit and comfort.

Specialized Evaluations

For those considering vision correction procedures, we offer evaluations for refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK that reshape the cornea to improve vision. We provide expert guidance on the most appropriate surgical options based on your eye health and vision goals. Our team manages all post-operative care to ensure optimal outcomes and address any concerns throughout your recovery process.

Ongoing Care Planning

We’ll discuss our findings and recommendations in clear, understandable terms so you can make informed decisions about your eye health. Based on your age, eye health status, and risk factors, we’ll establish an appropriate schedule for future eye exams. We provide practical aftercare advice and maintenance tips to help you maintain optimal eye health between visits.

A young man with neatly groomed beard and glasses smiles confidently, standing in a warmly lit indoor space with shelves in the background

Why Choose Us

McMillin Eyecare combines advanced diagnostic technology with personalized care to provide exceptional eye exam experiences. Our comprehensive examinations go beyond basic vision tests to thoroughly evaluate your eye health and detect potential issues before they become serious problems. Dr. McMillin stays current with the latest advancements in optometry to ensure you receive the most up-to-date care available.

We understand that every patient has unique visual needs based on their lifestyle, occupation, and health conditions. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns and customize our approach accordingly. Whether you’re a student, professional, athlete, or retiree, we’ll address your specific visual requirements with solutions that enhance your daily life and protect your long-term eye health.

Experience Clear Vision and Healthy Eyes Today

Your vision affects nearly every aspect of your daily life. Don’t wait until you notice problems to schedule an eye exam. Dr. McMillin and our caring team at McMillin Eyecare are ready to provide the comprehensive care your eyes deserve.

Contact us today at 423-239-5491 to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step toward preserving your precious gift of sight. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for eye health tips and practice updates.

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FAQs

How much is an eye exam?

The cost of an eye exam typically ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the depth of testing required and any specialized evaluations needed. Many vision insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of routine eye exams, and we accept most major insurance providers.

How long does an eye exam take ?

A comprehensive eye exam at our practice typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your specific needs and the complexity of your eye health. First-time patient exams generally take longer due to the need to establish your baseline eye health and vision records.

How often should you get an eye exam?

For most adults with good eye health, we recommend comprehensive eye exams every one to two years. Children, adults over 60, and individuals with existing eye conditions or health issues like diabetes should have annual exams at a minimum.

What is refraction in an eye exam?

Refraction is a crucial part of your eye exam that determines your exact prescription for corrective lenses by measuring how light bends as it passes through your cornea and lens. This process helps us identify refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and prescribe the precise lens power needed to correct your vision.

How long do eyes stay dilated after exam ?

After receiving dilating drops during your comprehensive eye exam, your pupils typically remain enlarged for 4 to 6 hours, though this can vary based on individual factors. During this time, you’ll likely experience increased sensitivity to light and difficulty focusing on nearby objects, so we recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging for someone to drive you home if possible.