Frequently Asked Questions
Making an appointment to get your eyes checked
- My eyes are fine — why should I bother going to an eye doctor?
- Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Optician...what's the difference?
- How do I make an appointment?
- Where are the Visual Service offices located?
- Do I need a referral?
- What if I have an emergency?
Insurance
Our services
- What services are offered?
- I wear contacts; can I have them checked and get new contacts at your office?
- Will I be able to get glasses at your office? How quickly?
Your appointment
- When I see an eye doctor another person sees me first and then the doctor comes in, why?
- Will my pupils be dilated? Do I need someone to drive me home?
- If I need surgery, what hospital will I go to?
My eyes are fine — why should I bother going to an eye doctor?
Thorough eye exams are important not just for detecting vision problems, but also for overall health. A thorough eye exam can detect a number of serious medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes and some forms of cancer. Caring for your eyes should always be a part of your regular healthcare routine.
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Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Optician...what's the difference?
An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes and in the prevention of eye disease and injury. They evaluate visual function, diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery.
Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, vision therapy and medicines to treat eye diseases. They evaluate visual function, and diagnose and treat eye diseases.
An optician makes, verifies and delivers lenses, frames and other optical devices and/or contact lenses accoring to prescription.
If you'd like more information, read about our general eye care services.
Back to topContact Visual Services dirctly to schedule an appointment. You don't need a referral if your primary care physician is within Harvard Vanguard.
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Where are the Visual Service offices located?
Click on a location to get phone numbers, hours, and directions. Note: Opthamology is offered at most sites.
| Braintree
Visual Services 111 Grossman Drive Braintree, MA 02184 |
Quincy Visual Services 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA 02169-4339 |
|
Chelmsford Visual Services 228 Billerica Road Chelmsford, MA 01824-3604 |
Somerville Visual Services 40 Holland Street Somerville, MA 02144-2705 |
|
Kenmore Visual Services Two Fenway Plaza Boston, MA 02215 |
Watertown Visual Services 485 Arsenal Street Watertown, MA 02472-5091 |
|
Medford Visual Services 26 City Hall Mall Medford, MA 02155-4765 |
Wellesley Visual Services 230 Worcester Street Wellesley, MA 02181-5491 |
|
Peabody Visual Services 2 Essex Practice Drive Peabody, MA 01960-2999 |
West Roxbury Visual Services 291 Independence Drive West Roxbury, MA 02167-3600 |
| Post Office Sq. Visual Services 147 Milk Street Boston, MA 02109-4818 |
Patients that select Harvard Vanguard to receive their care never need a referral to see a specialist within the Harvard Vanguard Practices.
If you are seeing one of our eye doctors for a medical eye problem and your primary care doctor is not at Harvard Vanguard, you may need a referral. Please check with your insurance company.
Back to topCall Visual Services during office hours. Urgent Care for adults and children is available after hours. Phone coverage and doctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Does my insurance cover a routine eye examination?
Please check with your insurer. Most insurance plans limit coverage for a routine eye exam to every year or two years. And some use a separate vision plan from your medical insurance.
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Does my insurance cover my medical eye care?
Medical eye care such as infections and medical eye exams for diabetes are provided under your medical coverage and are not subject to the same limitations as routine eye exams. However, you should check with your insurance provider for complete details.
Back to topWe offer comprehensive eye care services:
- Routine vision care for all ages
- Contact lenses
- Optical (eyeglasses)
- Medical eye care
- Pediatrics
- Cornea (and external disease)
- Glaucoma
- Retina
I wear contacts; can I have them checked and get new contacts at your office?
Contact lens appointments are available at:
- Chelmsford: (978) 250-6170
- Post Office Square: (617) 654-7150
- Somerville: (617) 629-6280
- Quincy:(617) 774-0780
Limited contact lens services are available for current successful contact lens wearers at:
- Braintree:(781) 849-2295
- Wellesley:(781) 431-5265
- West Roxbury:(617) 541-6375
Find out more about contact lens options.
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Will I be able to get glasses at your office? How quickly?
Most sites have Optical Shops on the premises and some have labs on site to allow you to get glasses very quickly.
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When I see an eye doctor another person sees me first and then the doctor comes in, why?
Usually the first person is a Technician or Assistant. They may gather information about your eyes and general health. They may also perform technical tests and gather data for the doctor. This allows the doctor to have information prior to seeing you and allows the doctor the opportunity to spend more time examining the health of your eyes.
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Will my pupils be dilated? Do I need someone to drive me home?
If you are having a dilated eye exam:
- Arrange for someone to drive you home from the exam or plan to take public transportation.
- Bring a pair of sunglasses.
- Bring a pair of glasses if you wear contact lenses.
If I need surgery, what hospital will I go to?
Most surgical patients are treated at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. In some circumstances, we may also utilize outpatient surgical facilities in your local community.
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