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Better vision starts here.

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A woman getting an eye exam
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Eye Institute

Our nationally recognized optometric physicians at the RMU Eye Institute, ensure the optimum care and treatment for you and your family.

During the course of your examination, our optometric doctors will review your personal information as well as verify your test findings. Your faculty doctor will personally evaluate the health of your eyes and look for signs of systemic diseases in the eye, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration or risk factors for retinal detachment. This will also give you an opportunity to ask questions of an expert.

The examination is designed to detect a wide range of problems affecting vision function that cause blurred vision and eye discomfort. Evaluations for eye health disorders are also performed.

State of the art technology is utilized throughout the examination process.

Yes, these include referrals for vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation, specialty contact lens fitting, ocular disease, special testing, and pre- and post-operative management of cataract surgery, laser surgery for diabetes, and LASIK.

Pupil dilation allows the doctor to see the inner part of your eye, but the side effects of the dilation can leave your vision blurry and sensitive to light for up to 2 or more hours. It is recommended that a friend or family member provide transportation following pupil dilation until your pupils return to their original size.

Yes! We have special objective ways to assess and treat people of all abilities.

Our Pediatric Services is able to see newborns, infants, toddlers and patients up to the age of 17.

Yes, visit the Patient Resources section on the website.

We accept both vision and medical insurances. Please visit the Billing & Insurance page for accepted insurances.

There will be designated patient parking in the primary parking lot of building 3. Look for the sign indicating those parking stalls.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam typically includes a review of your medical and vision history, vision testing (such as visual acuity and refraction), eye muscle and movement testing, internal and external eye health evaluations, and screening for eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
For most adults, it’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years. Children, seniors, and people with certain risk factors—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease —may need more frequent check-ups.
A vision screening is a quick test that checks for basic vision problems, often done at schools or health fairs. A comprehensive eye exam is a detailed evaluation performed by an eye care professional to assess overall eye health and detect potential issues early.
Yes! During a comprehensive eye exam, eye doctors can detect signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain types of cancer, by observing changes in blood vessels and other structures in the eye.
A typical comprehensive eye exam takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your individual needs and whether any additional testing is required.
Yes! Even if you see clearly, regular eye exams are important for maintaining eye health and detecting silent conditions like glaucoma or early macular degeneration that may not show symptoms right away.

Contacts & Specialty Contact Lenses

Daily contact lenses are worn once and thrown away at the end of the day—no cleaning is required. Monthly contact lenses are worn daily but are removed, cleaned, stored each night, and replaced monthly. The best option depends on your lifestyle, eye health, and preference.

Yes, contact lenses are safe for daily wear when fitted properly and used according to your provider’s
instructions. Following hygiene guidelines and replacing lenses as recommended to reduce the risk of eye infections or irritation is essential.

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed for patients with complex eye conditions such as keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, scarred eyes, or irregular astigmatism. These lenses offer clear, comfortable vision when traditional contacts or glasses aren’t effective.

Specialty contact lenses are custom-designed for patients with complex eye conditions such as keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, scarred eyes, or irregular astigmatism. These lenses offer clear, comfortable vision when traditional contacts or glasses aren’t effective.
You may be a good candidate if you’ve had difficulty wearing standard contacts, experience blurry vision even with glasses, or have a history of eye surgery, disease, or corneal irregularity. An eye exam and fitting at a specialty provider—like RMU Eye Institute—can determine your best option.
Yes! Colored contact lenses are available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. They can enhance or completely change your eye color while still correcting your vision—perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Absolutely. Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, and multifocal or bifocal lenses help with presbyopia (age-related trouble focusing up close). There are even specialty options for complex cases that standard lenses can’t manage.

Vision Therapy & Binocular Vision

Vision therapy is a non-surgical treatment program that improves how the eyes move, focus, and work
together. It includes customized eye exercises and activities designed to train the brain and visual system to
work more efficiently.

Vision therapy can help with amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), convergence insufficiency, tracking and focusing problems, visual processing disorders, and post-concussion visual issues.
If your child has trouble reading, skips lines avoids schoolwork, has the poor attention span, or complains of eye strain or double vision, a visual skills evaluation can determine if therapy would help.
Glasses correct refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Vision therapy addresses how the eyes work together—focusing, tracking, and teaming—which glasses alone can’t fix.
Not at all. Adults can benefit from vision therapy too—especially those experiencing symptoms from eye strain, digital fatigue, or visual complications from trauma or neurological issues.
Every case is different, but many patients start to notice improvement within a few weeks. Programs typically last several months, depending on the condition and consistency with both in-office and at-home therapy.

Medical Eye Care

A routine eye exam focuses on your vision and prescription needs. A medical eye exam evaluates the health of your eyes to detect and treat diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration—even before you notice symptoms.
Most adults should have a medical eye exam annually, especially those over 60 or with health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye disease. Your doctor may recommend more frequent visits depending on your risk.
Yes! The blood vessels in your eyes can reveal signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic conditions. Regular medical eye exams can catch these changes early—sometimes before you’re diagnosed by your primary doctor.
Glaucoma often has no symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. Macular degeneration may cause blurry central vision or trouble seeing details. Early detection through imaging and pressure tests is key to preventing permanent damage.
Not at all. People of all ages—including children and young adults with chronic health issues—may need medical eye care. Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or even frequent digital eye strain can warrant a deeper look at eye health.
In most cases, yes—if your visit is related to diagnosing or managing a medical eye condition. Coverage can vary, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider or call our office for help navigating your benefits.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, causing vision distortion. During a comprehensive eye evaluation, it’s diagnosed using imaging tools like corneal topography, pachymetry, and slit-lamp exams.
Common signs include blurry or distorted vision, increased light sensitivity, frequent prescription changes, and difficulty driving at night. If you’re experiencing these, schedule an eye exam with a specialist.
While there is no cure, keratoconus can be managed effectively. Treatments like collagen cross-linking can stop progression, and specialty contact lenses or surgery can improve vision significantly.
Scleral lenses are large-diameter lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). They provide excellent comfort and stable, clear vision by compensating for the irregular corneal shape.
Yes. Corneal collagen cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure that uses UV light and vitamin B2 to strengthen the cornea. It’s FDA-approved and helps slow or stop keratoconus progression.
Regular checkups—typically every 6 to 12 months—are essential. Your cornea may change shape, and your lens prescription or treatment plan may need to be updated over time.

Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye can result from aging, hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, screen use, certain medications, or environmental factors like wind and dry air. It often occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.
OptiLIGHT IPL is an advanced light therapy that targets the root cause of dry eye—memibomian gland dysfunction. It uses controlled light pulses to reduce inflammation and unclog the oil glands along your eyelids, helping your tears stay in your eyes longer.
Serum eye drops are made from your blood serum and are rich in nutrients and growth factors that support healing. They’re especially effective for patients with severe dry eye or those who haven’t responded to traditional drops.
Yes! Treatments like IPL and serum therapy are safe and FDA-approved when administered by qualified professionals. We tailor your care plan and monitor your progress to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Dry eye is usually manageable and not curable, but symptoms can be significantly reduced or even eliminated with the right treatment. Our goal is to improve your tear quality and reduce inflammation to keep your eyes comfortable long term.
We start with a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Based on your symptoms, tear composition, and lifestyle, we’ll recommend a personalized treatment plan, including drops, IPL, or serum therapy.

Low Vision

Low vision is a significant loss that can’t be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Unlike total blindness,
people with low vision still have some usable vision that can often be enhanced with special tools or techniques.

Common causes include macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, optic nerve
disorders, and stroke-related vision loss. Children may also be affected by conditions like ocular albinism or
Stargardt disease.

Patients may benefit from magnifiers, telescopic lenses, digital reading aids, screen readers, or special filters to improve contrast and reduce glare. We tailor tools to each person’s needs and goals.
We work closely with families and educators to assess reading speed, recommend assistive devices, and train students to maximize their vision in the classroom—ensuring they have the support needed to learn with confidence.
In many cases, yes. Techniques like eccentric viewing training and enlarged print tools help patients adapt. Driving may require evaluation through the state or adaptive training programs, which we can help coordinate.
Absolutely. We provide white cane training and orientation skills and connect patients with local services like the Utah Council of the Blind and talking book programs to support independence and quality of life.

Eyewear

You may need new glasses if you’re experiencing headaches, blurry vision, eye fatigue, or if it’s been over a year since
your last exam. Even without symptoms, annual check-ups help ensure your prescription is current.

We offer a wide range of lens types, including single-vision, progressive, bifocal, anti-fatigue, photochromic (light-changing), and blue light-blocking lenses—all tailored to your visual needs.
Absolutely. Our optical team will guide you based on face shape, skin tone, lifestyle, and personal style to help you find frames that fit comfortably and look great.
Yes! We have a full selection of durable, flexible frames for kids and stylish options for teens, all designed with comfort and active lifestyles in mind.
Most glasses are ready within 7–10 business days, depending on the prescription and lens customization. Rush options may be available—ask our team during your visit.

We accept most major vision insurance plans. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain what’s covered, including frame allowances and lens upgrades.

Soap and water or a commercial eyeglass cleaner with a soft cloth can be effective cleansers for your eyeglasses.

Vision Care Without Coverage

To qualify, individuals must be uninsured and meet federal poverty-level guidelines for household income. Verification is required and can come through a local school, food bank, or charitable organization. You can also apply directly through our referral form.
A pro-bono exam includes a comprehensive eye health and vision check-up. We may provide those services at no cost if additional evaluations are needed due to a medical condition.
Yes, basic prescription glasses are available at no cost to patients who qualify through our pro-bono program. Availability is based on need and inventory.
You can call, email, or complete our referral form online or in person. We’ll guide you through the process to verify your eligibility.

We are at 122 East 1700 South, Bldg 3, Provo, Utah.
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

No, you can come directly to the clinic to be vetted. Please bring proof of income.

General FAQs

An optometrist (OD) is a licensed eye doctor who provides comprehensive eye exams, diagnoses and treats vision problems and eye conditions, and prescribes glasses or contact lenses. An ophthalmologist (MD or DO) is a medical doctor who specializes in eye surgery and advanced disease treatment. An optometrist can handle most routine and medical eye care needs.

You should schedule an eye exam if you’re experiencing blurry vision, eye strain, frequent headaches, difficulty reading, or over a year since your last check-up. Even without symptoms, annual exams help detect issues early—including conditions like glaucoma or diabetic eye disease.
Most adults should have an eye exam every 1–2 years, depending on age, vision needs, and health history. Patients with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent exams.
Yes, many optometrists accept vision and medical insurance plans. Vision plans typically cover routine eye exams and glasses or contacts, while medical insurance may cover eye disease or injury care. Calling the clinic and verifying coverage before your visit is always good.
Please bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, your current glasses or contacts, and any questions or symptoms you’d like to talk about. If you’re a new patient, arriving a few minutes early to fill out paperwork is also helpful.
Look for a licensed provider who has experience treating your specific concerns, offers modern technology, and has positive patient reviews. Consider location, insurance acceptance, and whether they provide services for routine vision care and medical eye conditions.