FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What insurances do you accept?

Lake Travis Eye and Laser Center accepts most types of health insurance. Whether you have Medicare, private insurance, or managed care, it is likely that your insurance will cover all or some of the services you receive.

Do I need prior authorization before my clinic visit?

Many medical insurance companies, as well as HMOs, require pre-authorization for medical services. Please consult with your insurance company or primary care physician to obtain a pre-authorization for services, if required, prior to your appointment date at the eye clinic.

Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, Dr. Rhodes is a Medicare provider. Generally, Medicare pays for 80% of the approved fee. You are responsible for your annual deductible and the remaining 20%. This 20% can be billed to a secondary insurance if the plan is a Medicare supplemental policy.

What eye care services are available at Lake Travis Eye and Laser Center?

Our clinic offers the latest cataract and refractive surgery techniques, complete glaucoma analysis and treatment options, acute care for eye urgencies and emergencies, routine eye exams, and glasses prescriptions.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, in addition to accepting cash or checks, we also accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Co-payments and payment of non-covered services are required at the time of your visit.

Do you offer financing?

The entire range of procedures available at Lake Travis Eye and Laser Center is available at affordable prices. We do offer a 100% finance plan available through Care Credit. This enables you to begin your procedure and vision improvement immediately, and then pay with low monthly payments that are an easy fit into your budget.

Do you accept flexible spending accounts (FSAs)?

Yes. FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to be used for medical expenses. Patients can save hundreds of dollars by using an FSA to pay for an elective procedure with pre-tax money.

Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment at Lake Travis Eye and Laser Center?

Yes, please plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early for your first appointment, as there will be new-patient paperwork that you will need to complete. Alternatively, you can print and complete these forms at home prior to your visit by clicking HERE.

Do I need to bring my insurance card to every appointment?

Yes, please bring a copy of your current insurance card and any pertinent medical information, including a list of your medications, to each and every appointment.

How long will I be there?

It varies by appointment type and day. In general, new patients should set aside about an hour to an hour and a half. Follow-up patients are usually in the office for 30 minutes or under.

My vision is fine, are eye exams still necessary?

Some eye diseases can be “silent” or asymptomatic early in their course, so we recommend regular eye examinations in order to prevent and detect these problems early. Many times, this early detection allows for easier and more successful treatment.

If I have been dilated, how long will the effects last?

Generally, the dilation lasts 4-6 hours.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, optometrist, and optician?

An ophthalmologist is a medical (MD) or osteopathic doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the eye. Ophthalmologists also provide routine vision care services such as prescribing eyeglasses. The training required includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a one year internship, a three year residency in ophthalmology, and one to two years of additional fellowship specialization if desired.

An optometrist receives a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. They receive specialized training in prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and they provide routine vision care services. Currently, optometrists diagnose and medically treat eye diseases. They do not perform any type of surgery.

An optician is trained to design, verify, and fit eyeglass lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to help improve vision. They use prescriptions written by ophthalmologists and optometrists, but do not test vision or write prescriptions.

How does the eye work?

An eye works similarly to a camera. When you take a picture with a camera, the lens in the front of the camera allows light to pass through and focuses that light on the film that covers the back side of the camera. A picture is taken when the light hits the film. In our eye, the front (the cornea, pupil, and lens) allows light to pass through. The cornea and lens of the eye focuses the light on the back wall of the eye, the retina. Like the film in a camera, the retina is the “seeing” tissue of the eye, sending messages to the brain through the optic nerve, allowing us to see.

What is legal blindess?

A person is legally blind when their better eye’s best corrected visual acuity is less than 20/200. One can also be legally blind if the peripheral vision (visual field) in their better eye is narrowed to 20 degrees or less. Although someone may be legally blind, some vision still may be useful and helpful in everyday life. Legally blind people may qualify for certain government benefits.

Will sitting too close to the television hurt my child’s eyes?

No, there is no evidence that television sets produce light rays that are harmful to the eyes.

Will working at a computer screen hurt my eyes?

No, there is no evidence that working at a computer can damage the eyes. However, low light, glare on the monitor, or staring at a computer screen too long can cause the eyes to become fatigued. It is recommended to take frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest.

Will reading in dim light hurt my eyes?

No, there is no evidence that low light can harm the eye.

Are sunglasses good for my eyes?

Yes, wearing UV protective lenses can be beneficial in protecting your eyes from cataract formation.

What do I do if I injure my eye?

It is important to seek immediate medical care from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or primary care physician if you have an injury. This will help reduce the risk of any permanent damage.

What are “flashes” and “floaters”?

These are two extremely common symptoms that cause patients to visit eye clinics. Floaters refer to dots, spots, squiggly lines, and cobwebs that drift through vision. They are actually located in the vitreous jelly that fills the eye, or in the retina. Flashes are “lightning bolts” that intermittently appear in an eye. The “flashes” occur when there is traction on the retina.

It is very important to distinguish between “flashes and floaters” that are occurring naturally from those that are associated with retinal problems such as retinal tears or detachments.

If you are experiencing new onset “flashes” and/or “floaters”, you should see an eye doctor for a dilated eye examination as soon as possible.