Affordable Comprehensive Vision & Eye Exams

Routine eye exams with a licensed optometrist are a critical piece of preventative health care. Your Chicago-area eye doctor will be able to diagnose any eye problems early on and help prevent serious health issues or vision loss. Even if you have 20/20 vision, an annual eye exam is an easy way to keep yourself healthy and ensure great vision for the foreseeable future.

What to Expect

Eye Exam Cost

Why it Matters

How Frequent

$79* Eye Exams

Terms & conditions apply

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What to expect during your routine eye exams?

Depending on your unique situation, your optometrist may decide whether or not to perform a specific test. The standard eye exam will include:

Patient History

Vision Tests

$eye exam refraction test in WI$ Refraction

Keratometry

Tonometry

Eye movement tests

Dilation

Contact lens exams

How to Prepare for Your Eye Exam

Bring the following items to your eye exam:

Your latest prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and/or contact lenses
Your vision insurance card, if you have one
A list of all medications you're currently taking (prescriptions and over the counter)
Your primary care physician’s contact information

Consider any eye or vision issues you’ve experienced since your last exam

Have you noticed any issues like blurriness, night vision getting worse, seeing flashes of light, or seeing double?
Has a recent change in your vision made you reluctant or anxious to perform specific activities?
Do you have difficulties telling the difference between shades of color, or judging distance?
Do you have any family history of eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts?

Any information about changes to your general health since your last eye exam will be helpful to your eye doctor.

What NOT to do before your eye exam:

DO NOT drink alcohol before an eye exam. Even a glass of wine or a beer with your last meal can dilate blood vessels in your retinas.
DO NOT strain your eyes. If you can, avoid prolonged screen time and other intense visual activities the day or night before your exam.
DO NOT wear your contact lenses if you’re getting your vision checked. Take them out at least a couple of hours before your appointment, and wear glasses instead (if you’re having a contact lens eye exam, you should wear your lenses so the doctor can evaluate the fit).

How much do eye exams cost?

Eye Boutique eye exams (without vision insurance) cost: $79*

Using insurance for eye exam

For patients with vision insurance (including VSP and most union plans), all or most of the cost of an annual eye exam is typically covered. We offer free coverage checks (no appointment needed) at all Eye Boutique locations. Just call or stop by with your insurance card and we’ll explain the exact details of your coverage.

Our eye doctors also accept CareCredit, which you can use for eye exams, glasses, sunglasses, and contacts. We offer regular deals and discounts on eye exams and eyewear including frames and lenses.

Our opticians know the different ways providers try to limit their costs. We help our patients maximize the value of vision insurance benefits, including FSA & HSA benefits.

No insurance for an eye exam

Many of our patients don’t have any vision insurance and are still able to afford routine eye exams. We regularly offer deals and discounts on eye exams and eyewear, and all our stores accept CareCredit so you can pay for your eye care comfortably over time.

Why are regular eye exams important?

Eye exams are important because diseases affecting the eyes don’t always have obvious symptoms until permanent damage has been done. In many cases, patients don’t notice a change in their vision until the condition has developed into a serious problem. Eye exams can also provide early diagnosis of other serious health conditions.

Aside from eye diseases, vision tends to deteriorate gradually as people age. Annual eye exams can help ensure your prescription stays updated and optimal, so you can continue to see clearly.

What health issues can eye exams detect?

In addition to glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and other eye disorders, routine eye exams can detect many other conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and even cancer. The health and condition of the blood vessels in your retinas can provide early warning signs for systemic diseases.

Glaucoma: Nicknamed ‘the silent thief of sight’ because it is notorious for advancing undetected until permanent vision loss has occurred.

Cataracts: The #1 cause of vision loss in the United States. Most cataracts can be detected during routine eye exams.

AMD: Another leading cause of vision loss, which tends to progress slowly without any noticeable symptoms.

Routine eye exams for Children

Routine eye exams are particularly important for children, who may not realize they have trouble seeing until they have their vision tested. Difficulties in school, sports and social situations can sometimes be caused by underlying vision problems.

How often should I get an eye exam?

How often you need an eye exam depends on your age, eye health, and other risk factors. Regular pediatric eye exams are especially important to detect vision problems that can interfere with learning and development. For healthy individuals without vision problems, the American Optometric Association recommends:

5 YEARS	6 - 18 YEARS	19 - 60 YEARS	60+ YEARS
At age 3, and again before starting 5k	Once a year	Every 1-2 years or as recommended	Once a year

*We provide eye exams for children aged 5 and older. For children younger than 5, please contact us for a referral. Annual senior eye exams are recommended for patients aged 60 and older.

If any of these statements are true for you, schedule an eye exam ASAP:

You can’t remember when you had your last eye exam
You experience regular headaches, squinting, or blurred vision
You have chronic eye issues like pain, redness, itching, discharge, or irritated skin
You’ve noticed a sudden increase in spotty vision, ‘floaters’, or bright flashes
Driving at night has gotten more difficult
You’ve had an injury to the eye or eye area
You regularly use digital screens for extended periods of time
As a general rule, when you notice any changes in your vision, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam. Like most things, identifying a problem early means treatment is likely to be easier and more successful.