Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance?

We accept the following medical insurance:

  • Medicare-Pending credentialing and contracting

  • Blue Shield of California-Pending credentialing and contracting

  • Cigna Healthcare

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • Anthem/Blue Cross

  • Aetna

    A note for cash paying patients: medical insurance is excellent for large and unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, insurance often dictates what they will pay for diagnostic tests, prescription medication, and surgeries. This delays your care and limits your options. We want the very best for you. The cost for eye laser procedures and surgeries are relative low compared to other common surgeries. Patients who pay out of pocket for eye services allow for increased flexibility and efficiency to obtain all needed testing in one visit. Please ask us for more details.

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 drops medication bottles

  • List of current medications and your medical history, allergies, prior surgeries

  • Always bring your current distance glasses and or contact lens boxes 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.

Do you take vision insurance?

Vision insurance (VSP, EyeMed, Blue Shield Vision, there are 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.

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.

Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information, including information provided via SMS communication.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Medical and surgical history

  • Billing and insurance information

  • Telephone number and email address

  • Communication preferences (including SMS consent)

How We Use Your Information

Your personal information is used for:

  • Appointment reminders and scheduling

  • Patient communications, including treatment updates

  • Billing and insurance processing

  • Marketing and promotional updates (if opted in)

Who We Share Your Information With

We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share information with:

  • Healthcare providers involved in your care

  • Insurance companies for billing purposes

  • Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law

SMS Consent & Privacy

By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you are agreeing to receive SMS messages from Peak Vision SLO. This includes SMS messages for appointment scheduling, appointment reminders, post-operative visit instructions, lab notifications, and billing notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.

How We Protect Your Information

We implement security measures, including encryption and access controls, to protect your personal data from unauthorized access or disclosure. We do not store your data locally where it could be hacked or stolen.

Your Rights & Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access, update, or correct your personal information

  • Withdraw SMS or email consent at any time

  • Request a copy of your records (administrative fees required)

  • File a complaint if you believe your data has been misused

Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please use the contact information below.

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