Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take medical insurance?
We accept the following medical insurance:
Aetna
Anthem/Blue Cross
Blue Shield of California
Note: We are not in-network for Tandem PPO or CalPERS
Cigna Healthcare
Medicare
Tricare West
UnitedHealthcare
Do you take vision insurance?
Vision insurance (VSP, EyeMed, Blue Shield Vision, and others) covers the cost of a basic eye exam and eyeglass exam (aka refraction). They also contribute to the purchase of eye glasses and contact lenses. At Peak Vision, we specialize in the lens based vision surgery and surgical glaucoma management. Therefore, we accept many medical insurance plans but not vision plans. We have a network of highly qualified optometrists who accept vision insurance and we will be glad to recommend them to you.
What ophthalmology and eye services do you provide?
Our comprehensive ophthalmology services on the Central Coast of California provide advanced medical and surgical eye care for patients seeking a trusted eye doctor. We specialize in premium cataract surgery, including advanced intraocular lens (IOL) options for clearer vision and reduced dependence on glasses, refractive lens exchange, intraocular lens exchanges, as well as expert glaucoma diagnosis and treatment to help protect long-term eye health. Our practice also manages common eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, blepharitis, styes, chalazions, and pterygium, and offers comprehensive eye exams, vision testing, and laser eye procedures. Conveniently serving patients throughout the Central Coast region, including San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County, we welcome individuals from San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Monterey, and surrounding coastal communities seeking experienced, patient-focused ophthalmic care.
What should I bring?
Identification
Insurance Cards
Eye drop medication bottles
List of current medications and your medical history, allergies, prior surgeries
Always bring your current distance glasses and or contact lens box if applicable
How long will my appointment take?
New appointments: plan for up to two hours. We are thorough and want to get as much information on your initial visit.
Consults for surgery may take longer due to additional testing, discussing options, surgical counseling, and surgical scheduling. Much of the information can be gathered before your appointment. We want you to be comfortable with the information which will help you prepare for eye surgery. There is an abundance of information and rest assured, we will support you through it.
Routine follow up exams last typically less than an hour and post operative exams are usually less than 30 minutes.
In-clinic emergencies or someone requiring special care are inherently difficult to anticipate. These situations cause delays. We focus on each person individually and will take the time to expertly manage these issues. We will do our best to communicate any delays and appreciate your understanding and consideration.
Do you need my medical records?
It is extremely helpful for us to review your medical records, especially optometry or ophthalmology records, PRIOR to your visit. We will be better prepared for your visit which improves efficiency. In the future, medical records can be e-faxed securely to our office. For glaucoma patients, it is important to have documentation of your highest eye pressure, when treatment was started, which medications and surgeries have been tried, automated visual field test, and OCT’s of the nerve (RNFL) and macula (Ganglion Cell Analysis) print outs in color.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Most probably, yes. Although it is not convenient, a dilated eye exam helps the eye doctor perform a thorough eye exam. All surgical consultations requires eye dilation. Bring sunglasses and someone who can drive you afterwards. We will inform you if we plan to dilate your eyes at a follow-up visit. Minor urgencies may not require dilation, but depending on what we find, we may need to dilate your eyes.
Can I wear my contact lenses?
If your appointment is for a cataract consultation, wearing contacts decreases the accuracy of our measurements. For the best results, we advise you to stop soft contact lens wear a minimum of 48 hours in advance, preferably longer and if you use rigid contact lenses, then a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of your appointment. The longer, the better. Even wearing contact lenses for an hour could negatively affect the accuracy of your measurements. We want the best outcome for you.
If the reason for your appointment is something other than a cataract consultation, you can wear your contact lenses. However, you will be asked to take them out for the exam. We recommend bringing a pair of glasses for after the exam.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Our aim is to use our finite resources wisely. We desire to utilize our clinical time in order to serve patients needing to be seen. We appreciate your understanding and compliance with this policy.
Cancellations and no-shows, as noted in our treatment consent forms which are discussed with all patients, is an agreement to call the office within 48 hours of your appointment. Failing to notify the office 48 hours in advance or not showing for your appointment will result in a $100 charge. Receipt of payment is required before scheduling another appointment.
Further, if you have three or more cancelled or no-shows within a year, you will be dismissed from the practice without an opportunity to return. We understand there are extenuating circumstances which will be considered within our policy.
COVID 19
COVID-19, amongst other respiratory viruses, is an important consideration when visiting a medical practice. Your health and safety as well as that of the staff and physician are held in utmost importance. The following will apply to visitors to our practice:
Please reschedule your appointment if you feeling ill or are have any concerning symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
Masks are optional but highly encouraged when the risks are high.
Patients will be allowed one additional person to accompany them inside the office.
We clean equipment between each patient.
We will follow guidelines of the American Academy of Ophthalmology as well as the Centers for Disease Control on best practices to minimize spread.