Yes. Searching for eye doctors, comparing profiles and requesting appointments on My Eye Doctor is free for patients, and you don't need to create an account. The cost of your visit is set by the doctor's office and depends on your insurance.

Search by condition, specialty or doctor name, then narrow the results by location, insurance, new patient status or video visits. Open a doctor's profile, choose an open time on their calendar and send a short request with your name, email and phone number. It usually takes just a few minutes.

Your request goes straight to the doctor's office, and a copy arrives in your inbox right away. The office then reviews it and confirms by email or phone, and you'll get another email when your appointment is confirmed or cancelled. If you haven't heard back before your visit, call the office using the number in your email.

Contact the office directly using the phone number in your confirmation email, and let them know as early as you can. Each practice sets its own cancellation policy, and some charge a fee for late cancellations or missed visits.

Yes, if the doctor offers them. Use the Video visits filter to find these doctors. Video visits work well for follow-ups, reviewing test results and talking through a new symptom. Many eye problems still need an in-person exam, because eye doctors use special equipment to check eye pressure and look at the back of the eye.

Vision plans, such as VSP or EyeMed, usually cover routine eye exams and help pay for glasses or contact lenses. Medical insurance covers the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, injuries and symptoms, such as glaucoma, cataracts, eye infections and diabetic eye exams.

The reason for your visit decides which plan is billed, so tell the office about both plans when you book.

Original Medicare usually doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. Medicare Part B does help pay for:

• A yearly eye exam for diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes
• A glaucoma test once every 12 months if you're at high risk
• Cataract surgery, plus one pair of glasses or contact lenses after surgery with a lens implant
• Diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, such as macular degeneration

Many Medicare Advantage plans add routine vision benefits. Check your plan or visit Medicare.gov for details.

Medicaid covers many medically necessary eye services, and children under 21 get vision care, including glasses, through Medicaid's EPSDT benefit. Coverage of routine eye exams and glasses for adults is different in each state, so check with your state Medicaid program or plan before your visit.

Use the insurance filter or choose your plan in our insurance finder, then check the plans listed on each doctor's profile. Networks change often, so confirm with your insurer or the office before your visit. Have your member ID ready and ask about your exact plan type, such as PPO or HMO, not just the company name.

It depends on your plan. Many PPO plans let you book an eye specialist directly, while HMO plans often need a referral from your primary care doctor first. Original Medicare doesn't require referrals, but some Medicare Advantage plans do. If you're not sure, call the number on your insurance card.

Yes. Choose the option to pay for yourself when you send your request. Ask the office for the self-pay price before your visit, and check the doctor's profile, as some list a consultation fee.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline eye exam at age 40 for adults with no symptoms or risk factors. After that, it suggests an exam every 2 to 4 years until age 54, every 1 to 3 years from 55 to 64, and every 1 to 2 years from age 65. The American Optometric Association recommends a yearly exam for adults.

You'll need exams more often if you have diabetes, wear contact lenses or have a family history of eye disease, so follow your own eye doctor's advice. Children should have their vision checked at regular checkups.

Your eye doctor will usually:

• Test how clearly you see and check your glasses prescription
• Measure the pressure inside your eyes
• Check how your eyes move and work together
• Look closely at the front of your eyes with a special microscope
• Use dilating drops to examine your retina and optic nerve

Plan for about an hour. Dilation can blur your vision and make you sensitive to light for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and think about arranging a ride home.

For routine exams, new glasses or contacts, or a first check of a new symptom, an optometrist is a good place to start. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and performs eye surgery, so see one for problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, retina conditions or eye injuries. If you're unsure, an optometrist can examine you and refer you if needed.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room straight away if you have:

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• A curtain or shadow moving across your vision
• A sudden shower of floaters or flashes of light
• A chemical splash in the eye. Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes while you get help
• An eye injury or something stuck in the eye. Don't rub it or try to remove it
• Severe eye pain with headache, nausea or halos around lights

Online booking is not for emergencies.

Each profile shows when it was last updated, and profiles can include the doctor's NPI number and license details so you can check them on official registries. Office hours, accepted insurance and fees can change, so confirm the details with the office when you book. If you spot a mistake, email us and we'll review it.

We only ask for the details the office needs to contact you about your appointment. Your request is shared with the doctor's office and the My Eye Doctor team so it can be arranged and confirmed. Please keep sensitive medical details out of the booking note, and discuss them with your doctor at the visit.

No. My Eye Doctor is a directory that helps you find, compare and contact eye doctors. The information on our site is general and doesn't replace advice from your own doctor. If you're worried about your eyes, book an exam or contact your eye doctor.

Email info.myeyedoctor@gmail.com with your practice name, each doctor's name and NPI number, your office address, specialties, the insurance plans you accept and how you'd like to receive appointment requests. Our team will review the details and set up your profile.

Send the link to your profile and the changes you need to info.myeyedoctor@gmail.com. We'll review the update, and your profile will show a new last updated date once it's live.