Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to my eye exam?

If you are a new patient, please bring in your most recent glasses and contact lens prescriptions so we can let you know if your prescription has changed. If you have unusual ocular history, please have your previous eye doctor fax (808-442-1741) or email (aloha@kakaakoeyecare.com) us your most recent medical records.

What can I expect?

There are two parts to a comprehensive eye exam: First, we check and measure your vision to help you see as well as possible. Most people can see 20/20 (or better!) in each eye, we help you get there. Second, we evaluate the health of your eyes. Interestingly, you can have great vision with unhealthy eyes, or have poor vision with perfectly healthy eyes.

What does it mean to get my eyes dilated?

Your pupil is a small hole that you are looking through to see the world. In order for us to see inside your eye to evaluate the health, we have to shine a bright light through your pupil which in normal circumstances will make the pupil constrict. If we use drops to dilate the pupil, we enlarge that hole to get a better, more thorough view into your eye. Your eyes will be blurry and light sensitive for 4-6 hours.

Will I have my eyes dilated?

Your doctor will determine if it is recommended at your visit. It is not necessary at every visit.

What does a contact lens exam involve?

The doctor will evaluate your prescription and discuss different options for contacts that fit your needs. You will have lenses put on and evaluated for both fit and vision, and you will be given a complimentary pair of lenses to try in your day-to-day routine. If you wish to try new powers or brands of contacts, there is no additional charge for follow-up as long as it is within 2 months of your initial exam.

If it is your first time wearing contacts, you will be trained to insert and remove the contacts before leaving and will be scheduled for a follow-up to make sure it is the right fit. Once the doctor has ensured that you have good comfort and vision in your contacts, you will then be given a contact lens Rx which you can use to order contacts.

Can I just get a contact lens Rx without a new glasses Rx?

In order to determine the power of the contacts, a glasses Rx needs to be completed. It is part of the contact lens exam and you will receive both prescriptions when you complete the exam.

Why is there an expiration date to my contact lens and glasses Rx?

Our bodies and our eyes are constantly changing and an annual eye exam will make sure that your glasses and contact lenses are giving you the best possible vision. Contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the FDA so an eye doctor is required to place an expiration date on all contact lens prescriptions. The doctor needs to examine your eyes annually to make sure they are still healthy enough to continue wearing contacts. The standard of care in Hawaii for glasses and contact lens prescriptions is one year.