Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the more common questions we get asked her at See Well Eyecare.

Why is my child’s glasses prescription getting worse every year?

This is a very common concern and is often a sign of progressivemyopia (nearsightedness). Standard glasses only correct blurry vision; they do not slow the underlying problem: the eye growing too long (axial elongation). This constant growth stretches the eye’s internal structures, which leads to a stronger prescription annually and increases the risk of serious eye diseases like retinal detachment and glaucoma later in life. We specialize in Myopia Management to stabilize this progression.

What is the best non-surgical nearsightedness treatment for kids?

There isn’t a single “best” treatment—the most effective solution is a personalized Myopia Management plan. All successful non-surgical treatments aim to slow the eye’s growth. The most common and effective options we offer in our Cincinnati office include:

• OrthoK (Overnight Lenses): Customized lenses worn while sleeping to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.
• MiSight Contact Lenses: FDA-approved daily disposable soft contacts that correct vision while slowing myopia progression in children.
• Low-Dose Atropine Drops: Prescription eye drops used nightly to reduce the stress that causes the eye to elongate.
• Stellest Myopia Control Glasses: Specialized spectacle lenses designed to slow progression while providing clear distance vision.

If your child’s prescription has changed by -0.50 Diopters or more in the last year, it’s time to explore these options.

Recycle your used contact lenses (all brands) and packaging here!

We proudly partner with TerraCycle (through the Bausch + Lomb ONE by ONE Program) to collect used lenses, blister packs, and foil tops from any brand. This ensures these small plastic items are properly recycled and diverted from landfills and waterways, with a portion of the materials collected supporting the charitable work of Optometry Giving Sight.

Do you accept private pay or cash payments for services?

Absolutely! We welcome patients who choose to pay for their eye examination or optical purchases privately. Payment is due in full at the time of service. We’ll provide you with an itemized receipt containing the necessary codes and details, which you can use to submit a claim directly to your insurance company if you have out-of-network benefits. This is often the preferred choice for cosmetic services, elective procedures, or when a patient simply doesn’t have insurance coverage.

How to Use My Insurance at See Well Eyecare

Understanding which insurance to use for your visit is simple. Your coverage depends on the reason for your appointment.

Using Your Vision Insurance (For Routine Care)

Vision Insurance (like VSP and EyeMed) covers routine visits when your only need is checking your prescription for glasses or contact lenses and ensuring your eyes are healthy for basic care.

• When to Use It: For a standard annual eye exam, updating your glasses or contact lens prescription, and purchasing new eyewear.
• Plans We Accept: We are in-network with the major vision plans:
  • VSP (Vision Service Plan)
  • EyeMed

Using Your Major Medical Insurance (For Eye Health)

Major Medical Insurance (like Anthem, Medicare, etc.) is used when your visit is focused on a specific eye health problem or medical diagnosis.

• When to Use It: For medical conditions like dry eye, eye infections (pink eye), sudden vision loss, monitoring cataracts or glaucoma, or managing eye issues related to systemic conditions like diabetes.
• Plans We Bill: We bill your major medical insurance for these medically necessary visits. We are proud to be an in-network provider for the following major medical plans:
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Humana
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna
  • Medicare Part B
  • AARP (often related to Medicare plans)
  • Medical Mutual of Ohio

Important Note for Your Visit:

When you call to schedule, please let us know the main reason for your visit (e.g., “routine checkup” vs. “dry eye concern”) so our team can accurately determine whether to bill your Vision or Medical policy. We always recommend you confirm your specific benefits and coverage with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.

Why are my measurements frame-specific?

At See Well Eyecare, we use advanced electronic technology to measure your Pupillary Distance (PD) and Ocular Center (OC). This measurement is customized to the specific frame you have chosen because the way a frame fits on your face can vary drastically between different styles and manufacturers. Factors influencing measurements include the amount of wrap or tilt on a frame, as well as the distance it sits from your face. This customized approach ensures the best possible visual clarity.

While you are able to request your measurements, please note that using our frame-specific measurements for a different pair of glasses—especially those purchased online or from another retailer—carries an inherent risk. The measurement may not be optimally suited for that new frame, which can affect the quality and clarity of your vision. The PD Release Form acknowledges that we cannot replace or guarantee the fit/quality of eyeglasses purchased elsewhere using this measurement.

Can I use my own frames for new lenses?

Yes, you can! We are happy to place new lenses into your existing frame, provided the frame is in good condition and structurally sound. However, please be advised that there is always a small risk of damage when lenses are placed into an older or previously worn frame. See Well Eyecare is not responsible for damage that may occur to personal frames during the lens mounting process. We will inspect your frame and discuss any potential concerns before proceeding. There are lab order processing, shipping and handling fees that are subject as well.

Why does my prescription not include the pupillary distance (PD)?

Many patients expecting a Pupillary Distance (PD) measurement on their prescription are surprised to find it absent, as the doctor does not take this measurement during the eye exam; it is a critical task reserved for the professional optician who crafts the eyewear. An accurate PD is essential because an inaccurate measurement can lead to consequences far beyond minor inconvenience—it may result in discomfort, eye strain, and in severe cases, dangerous double vision, representing a potential medical complication when patients ‘freestyle’ their optical care by circumventing the necessary professional measurement. Since the most accurate PD and segment height for complex lenses (like bifocals and progressives) must be taken with the chosen frame on the patient’s face, relying on generic or self-taken measurements is effectively non-compliant with the established standard of care for optimal vision correction, especially for those with stronger prescriptions or high sensitivity. A professional optician would never rely on someone else’s measurements, reinforcing that precise measurements are a professional service that requires expertise and is monetarily valued even by online retailers, which is why services like professional measurements, adjustments, and verification are covered by our office’s optical service plan to ensure the highest level of visual health and satisfaction.

Buying Glasses Online?

Online vendors are not able to ensure accurate measurements, nor are they able to ensure a proper fit of the frame. Studies have shown up to 50% of lenses ordered online have some form of error. Online retailers are not held to the same standards optometrists and opticians are to ensure accuracy for your eyewear. Many of their lenses are made of inferior materials that lack impact resistance and UV protection. Therefore, there is inherent risk in purchasing glasses online. If you are accepting of these risks and wish to still proceed with your online order,we offer an optical service plan to ensure your glasses have the correct prescription strength and measurements, as well as ensuring they are properly adjusted to your face. Many online retailers will reimburse this fee, so please be sure to check their policy for adjustment fees and returns.

What warranties are available for my glasses?

Our Eyewear Protection Program is available for additional purchase. This warranty program gives discounts on frame replacements for one year and lens replacements for up to two years.