A visit to the eye doctor should be simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs. At Valley Vision Clinic, we prioritize your comfort and make sure you know exactly what to expect from the moment you book your appointment to when you walk out the door with a new prescription or pair of glasses.
Whether you’re a new patient or a returning one, this guide walks you through every step of the journey—so you can feel confident and prepared for your visit.
Scheduling Your Appointment: What You Need to Know
Booking your eye exam is easy, and our front desk team is here to help make sure you have everything ready for a seamless experience.
When you call to schedule, we’ll ask for some basic information, including:
- Your insurance provider and policy details
- The primary insurance subscriber’s name and date of birth (if applicable)
- Your contact information (phone, address, and email)
We verify your insurance benefits ahead of time so you’ll know exactly what’s covered before your visit. No unexpected costs—just peace of mind.
Check-In: A Quick & Simple Start
When you arrive at Valley Vision Clinic, check-in is designed to be fast and easy. Unlike other medical offices that require you to show up early for paperwork, we just ask that you arrive at your scheduled time.
At the front desk, you’ll:
- Verify your contact and insurance information
- Sign a HIPAA consent form
- Review your insurance benefits and expected costs
If you’d like access to our Patient Health Record (PHR) system, let us know during check-in. This allows you to view your medical history and exam details online.
Pre-Testing: Gathering Essential Eye Health Data
Once checked in, you’ll be called back by one of our technicians for pre-testing. This step ensures the doctor has all the necessary data to provide you with the most accurate vision care.
During pre-testing, we’ll assess:
- Your current glasses prescription (if applicable)
- Intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma
- Auto-refraction to estimate your prescription
- Keratometry readings to measure the curvature of your cornea
- Visual field testing to check your peripheral and central vision
- Retinal imaging to capture detailed photos of the back of your eye
With this information, our doctor can create a customized care plan that best suits your vision needs.
Comprehensive Eye Exam: Meeting with the Doctor
Once pre-testing is complete, you’ll be guided to an exam room, where our optometrist will take a deeper look at your vision and eye health. The exam is designed to be thorough yet comfortable, giving you a clear understanding of your eye health.
During your exam, the doctor will:
- Check your visual acuity with and without corrective lenses
- Perform a refraction test to determine your exact prescription
- Assess your eye coordination and depth perception
- Examine your eye structures using a slit-lamp microscope
- Evaluate your retina and optic nerve for any signs of disease
If you have any concerns—whether it’s eye strain, dry eyes, or changes in vision—this is the perfect time to discuss them with your doctor.
After Your Exam: Exploring Treatment & Eyewear Options
Once the doctor has completed your exam, they will discuss any findings and provide recommendations. If your prescription has changed or if you need glasses for the first time, our optical team is ready to help.
In our optical department, you can:
- Browse a curated selection of stylish frames
- Get expert advice on lenses that suit your lifestyle
- Review your insurance benefits and understand your out-of-pocket costs before placing an order
If you wear contact lenses, the doctor may also conduct a contact lens fitting to ensure the best fit for comfort and clarity.
Check-Out & Next Steps
After finalizing your eyewear choices or any treatment plans, you’ll check out at the front desk.
Our team will:
- Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments
- Provide instructions on eye care and prescriptions
- Answer any questions you may have about billing and insurance
If you’ve ordered glasses, they typically take two to three weeks to arrive. When they’re ready, we’ll notify you for pickup, where our opticians can make final adjustments for a perfect fit.
A Seamless Eye Care Experience in Walla Walla
At Valley Vision Clinic, we’re committed to making every visit smooth, informative, and patient-focused. From check-in to check-out, our team ensures that you leave with the confidence of knowing your vision is in good hands.
Ready for your next eye exam? Call us or visit our website to book your appointment today.