What Are the Differences Between a Routine Eye Exam and a Medical Eye Exam?

At Brandon Eyes, we believe comprehensive eye care means addressing every aspect of your vision and eye health under one roof. We offer both comprehensive and medical eye exams - each serving a unique purpose, but both essential to maintaining your vision for the long term. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect during your visit and ensure you get the right care for your needs.

What Is a Routine Eye Exam?

An annual eye exam focuses on evaluating your overall vision and determining if you need corrective lenses. During this exam, our optometrists assess your visual acuity (how well you see), check for refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and update your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. We’ll also evaluate how well your eyes work together and check for early signs of eye conditions that could affect your vision over time. Routine exams are typically covered by vision insurance plans and are recommended annually, especially for children, seniors, and anyone who wears corrective lenses.
 

What Is a Medical Eye Exam?

A medical eye exam is performed when you’re experiencing symptoms that could be linked to a specific eye health issue. These exams go beyond vision correction and are focused on diagnosing and managing medical conditions such as:

• Dry eye disease

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Diabetic eye disease

• Macular degeneration

• Eye infections or injuries
   

Medical eye exams are billed through your medical insurance, not vision insurance, because they address medical concerns rather than routine vision care. If you’re dealing with redness, pain, sudden vision changes, flashes of light, or other concerning symptoms, this type of exam is necessary.
 

Why It Matters to Know the Difference

Knowing whether your visit is considered routine or medical can help you understand how your insurance may apply and what to expect during your appointment. At Brandon Eyes, we make this process as seamless as possible by guiding you through the scheduling process and verifying your insurance coverage ahead of time.
 

Comprehensive Eye Care All in One Place

Whether you need a simple vision check or ongoing management for a chronic condition, Brandon Eyes provides both routine and medical eye care in one convenient location. Our goal is to ensure every patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs, using advanced diagnostic technology and a patient-first approach.
 

At Brandon Eyes, we’re proud to offer both routine and medical eye exams so you never have to compromise on your eye health. Visit our office in Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin. Please call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.