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General FAQ

Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions about our office and our standard eye examination procedures.

01

How often should I get an eye exam?

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Generally, we recommend getting your eyes examined every year. Even if your eyesight doesn't feel like it has changed, getting your eyes examined may detect other heath issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and sometimes even brain tumors!

02

What happens in an eye exam?

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A comprehensive eye examination at Cochrane Family Eyecare generally takes around 20-25 minutes. During the course of your exam, Dr. Cochrane will check your visual acuities (how well you see at various distances), the eye's interior and exterior surfaces, and the pressure inside your eyes (too much pressure in your eyes- Glaucoma- can be very damaging).

You will also receive Retinal Photography, which is when we take a picture of the very back part of your eye. Because of our Retinal Imaging technology, we do not normally have to dilate you.

03

Do you do that annoying "puff of air" test?

 

The "puff of air" test is a method of checking the internal pressure of the eye. Too much pressure in the eye is a symptom of Glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

There are other methods of checking this pressure, aside from the "puff of air" test, including the method we use- the iCare Tonometer- which is a no-discomfort way to check the pressure.

04

Does Dr. Cochrane do children's eye examinations?

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Yes, Dr. Cochrane can see people of all ages. He even has eye charts designed for children too young to know their alphabet.

Because children's eyes are so adaptable, it is easy to overlook the fact that a child may, in fact, need glasses. If you visit our "Kid's Glasses" page, you will find a list of signs and symptoms that your child needs to be wearing glasses.

05

Should I See an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist?

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It really depends on what your eyes need. If you are looking for a new prescription, treatment for a eye infections, and diagnosis of eye disease, the optometrist is definitely the place to start. If you need eye surgery or treatment for serious eye diseases, then you should see an ophthalmologist.

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If you are still unsure, stop by our office or give us a call. Dr. Cochrane (who is an optometrist) is able to prescribe medications for certain eye infections, and will know exactly which ophthalmologist to refer you to, should you need to see someone else for a more serious condition.

06

Can Dr. Cochrane Do Lasik?

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No. Eye surgeries, including Lasik, are performed by an ophthalmologist. Dr. Cochrane does work in conjunction with Reno ophthalmologists, however, and will gladly do your pre- and post-op follow-up procedures.

07

What types of payment do you accept?

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We take Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. We also take checks, Care Credit cards, most Flexible Spending (FSA) /

Health Savings (HSA) cards, and good, old-fashioned cash. 

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