Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your most popular FAQ's at Bright Eyes Needham
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We are currently welcoming new patients of all ages, from infants to adults. Whether you are coming in for a routine exam or a specific concern, our goal is to make your visit easy, thorough, and comfortable from start to finish.
What vision insurance plans do you accept?
We want paying for eye care to feel simple and transparent. We accept the two most widely used vision plans: VSP (Vision Service Plan) and EyeMed.
If you have one of these plans, our team will walk you through your benefits and help you make the most of your coverage. If you do not have VSP or EyeMed, many families choose our prompt-pay option for routine exams, which offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
Some medical plans, including select Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, and Aetna plans, may include a routine eye exam benefit. If applicable, we will verify your coverage, submit the claim, and clearly explain any out-of-pocket costs in advance.
Do you accept medical insurance?
Yes. We accept a variety of medical insurance plans for medical eye care needs such as eye infections, dry eye, allergies, or sudden vision changes.
Please visit our insurance page for a full list of accepted plans or contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
Are you in-network with Medicare?
Yes. We are in-network with Medicare for covered medical eye care services. This includes visits related to eye health conditions and medically necessary care.
What is the difference between an optometrist, ophthalmologist, and an optician?
When it comes to eye care, each provider plays a different role. An optometrist (OD) is your primary eye doctor. We perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, diagnose and manage many eye conditions, and monitor long-term eye health. Most patients begin their care with an optometrist.
An ophthalmologist (MD or DO) is a medical doctor who specializes in eye surgery. They manage complex eye diseases and perform procedures such as cataract surgery and LASIK. When surgical or advanced care is needed, we coordinate closely with trusted ophthalmologists.
An optician focuses on eyewear. They help you select frames and lenses, ensure proper fit, and make adjustments so your glasses are both comfortable and effective. While opticians do not perform exams or diagnose conditions, they play an important role in how well you see day to day.
What is vision therapy?
Vision therapy is a customized program designed to improve how the eyes work together and how the brain processes visual information. It is often used to treat eye teaming, focusing, and certain visual processing challenges.
Programs are tailored to each patient and typically include a combination of in-office sessions and guided activities at home to build stronger, more efficient visual skills over time.
Is vision therapy covered by insurance?
No. Vision therapy in our office is not covered by vision or medical insurance plans. These programs are considered functional or developmental rather than medically necessary by insurance providers.
We will clearly review the structure of the program, expected outcomes, and all associated costs before starting.
How often should a child have an eye exam?
Your child’s vision shapes the way they learn, play, and understand the world. That is why the American Optometric Association recommends a clear timeline for pediatric eye exams during key stages of development.
Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, even before they can speak, so we can ensure the eyes are developing properly. Another exam is recommended at age three to evaluate focusing, eye teaming, and early signs of conditions that can impact learning.
Before starting kindergarten, around age five, a full exam helps confirm that vision is ready for school demands.
After that, annual exams are recommended. Children grow quickly, and so do their eyes. Regular visits help detect changes early, reduce eye strain, and support reading, learning, and sports performance.
These exams are not just about seeing clearly. They are about giving your child the confidence and visual foundation they need to thrive.
Do you see adults as well, or only children?
We provide comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages. Many families appreciate having one trusted office for both children and adults.
What is a contact lens evaluation, and why is it required every year?
Contact lenses do more than correct vision, they sit directly on the surface of your eye. Because of this, they require additional measurements, monitoring, and care beyond a routine eye exam.
A contact lens evaluation includes assessing the shape of your cornea, evaluating how your lenses fit and move, checking how your eyes respond to lens wear, and ensuring the material and design remain appropriate for your eye health. It also includes updating your contact lens prescription and recommending improvements if needed.
Contact lens prescriptions expire annually because even small changes in fit, dryness, or corneal health can impact safety. A yearly evaluation ensures your lenses continue to fit properly, your eyes remain healthy, and you can safely order lenses with an active prescription.
Can I bring in my current glasses prescription to be filled at your office?
Yes. We are happy to fill valid prescriptions from outside providers. Our team will help you select lenses and frames that best match your lifestyle, visual needs, and preferences.
Do you perform diabetic eye exams?
Yes. We provide comprehensive diabetic eye exams with careful evaluation of the retina and blood vessels, including retinal imaging. These exams are essential for detecting early changes and protecting long-term vision and overall health.
What is retinal imaging and why is it included in my exam?
Your eyes tell a story, and the retina holds many of the most important details. Retinal imaging is a quick, comfortable, high-resolution photograph of the back of your eye that allows us to evaluate the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in remarkable detail.
Many eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic changes, retinal tears, and macular degeneration, can develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Retinal imaging helps us detect these changes earlier, monitor your eye health over time, and provide a more complete and proactive level of care.
Because of its value, we include advanced retinal imaging as part of every comprehensive eye exam. It is non-invasive, fast, and allows us to track even subtle changes year after year.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management is a proactive approach to slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. Instead of simply updating glasses each year, this approach uses specialized treatments such as contact lenses, glasses, or other strategies to help reduce how quickly myopia worsens.
Slowing progression is important because higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of eye health issues later in life. Our goal is not only to improve vision today, but to protect long-term eye health.
Is myopia management covered by insurance?
No. Myopia management is not covered by vision or medical insurance plans. Vision plans typically cover a routine exam and may provide a materials allowance, while medical insurance considers myopia a refractive condition rather than a disease.
Because treatment is aimed at slowing progression rather than correcting vision alone, it is considered non-covered. We will always review options, expectations, and costs with you before beginning care.
What symptoms might indicate a vision-related learning or binocular vision issue in a child?
Children can present in many ways, and symptoms are not always obvious. Some may struggle with reading, lose their place frequently, avoid near work, or complain of headaches and eye strain. Others may experience double vision, report that words appear to move on the page or show reduced attention and increased fatigue during schoolwork.
You may also notice behaviors such as covering one eye, tilting the head, or working harder than expected to keep up with reading and comprehension. Every child is different, and symptoms can be subtle.
If you have any concerns, we are happy to perform a comprehensive evaluation to better understand how your child’s visual system is functioning.
What does my vision plan cover?
Vision plans are designed to cover routine eye care. This typically includes a prescription check, a comprehensive eye health screening, and a contribution or discount toward glasses or contact lenses.
If a medical issue is identified during your exam, such as infection, inflammation, or disease, follow-up care is billed through your medical insurance rather than your vision plan.
What is the difference between a routine vision exam and a medical eye exam?
A routine vision exam is your yearly visit to ensure you are seeing clearly and comfortably. It includes updating your prescription, evaluating how your eyes work together, and screening overall eye health.
A medical eye exam focuses on diagnosing or treating a specific concern, such as red eyes, pain, sudden vision changes, dry eye, flashes, floaters, or ongoing conditions. Because these visits address medical issues, they are billed through your medical insurance rather than your vision plan.
Both types of exams are important, they simply serve different purposes. If you are unsure which you need, we will guide you.
Do you offer contact lenses?
Yes. We offer a full range of contact lens options, including specialty lenses for both children and adults. We will help determine the safest and most comfortable option based on your eyes and lifestyle.
Do you carry glasses in the office?
Yes. Our optical features a curated selection of high-quality frames and lenses. We will guide you toward options that balance clarity, comfort, durability, and style so you feel confident in how you see and how you look.
Ready for your next eye care appointment?
Schedule your next appointment today!
Call Our Office
(781) 222-3936
Where To Find Us in Needham, MA
The best Optometrist in Needham, MA
Dr. Yos Priestley is an optometrist and founder of Bright Eyes Needham, dedicated to providing thoughtful, comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. With advanced training and over a decade of clinical experience, she focuses on helping patients achieve clear, comfortable vision through careful evaluation and personalized care.
Address
464 Hillside Ave Suite 301
Needham, MA 02494
Call Us
(781) 222-3936
Our Hours of operation
Sunday
Closed
Monday
8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday
8:30am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
By Appointment Only
Thursday
By Appointment Only
Friday
8:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday
Closed
Emergencies are by appointment only.
