Good question! Ophthalmologists provide a wide range of medical, surgical and optical care. They complete four years of college and four years of medical school, one year of internship, and at least three years of medical and surgical training before practicing on their own.

Optometrists complete four years at a specially accredited optometry college and do not attend medical school. They can diagnose eye conditions and manage routine care, but normally do not perform surgical procedures or offer advanced medical management.

There’s quite a range! Because we provide comprehensive care, from annual exams to advanced laser surgery, please ask a staff member about your specific situation and expected costs.

One of the areas of cost that people often forget is related to contact lenses, beyond the amount paid by your health plan and beyond the cost of your lenses. Your initial fitting is an extra fee of $125 to $200. You’ll pay $50 to $130 for refitting if you are a current contact lens wearer switching to a new brand or type of lens. And your annual fee to ensure your contact ens prescription is an additional $35.

Our ophthalmologists and optometrists may be covered by your health insurance plan. A referral from your PCP for a medical eye condition may be required to ensure coverage.

The independent eyewear shops located in our offices accept most major vision insurance plans.

There are so many different health plans that you may wish to call the membership line of your insurance company to verify that our doctors are covered by your particular plan.

We are also happy to review your insurance before your appointment.

If your health plan or benefits change at any time, please notify us so that we can adjust our records and verify whether the change may affect the continuity of your care.

Your health is our top priority. Both of our offices follow all state- and CDC-recommended infectious disease prevention protocols to protect you, and our staff, from COVID-19 and any other germs on the loose.

Please give yourself plenty of time. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any paperwork.

If this is your first visit, welcome! Please plan to spend some time with your doctor to review your medical history, complete testing, and discuss your eye health and, if appropriate, your course of treatment.

Please bring your:

• Current glasses and/or contact lenses

• Eye care records or a records release (first visit only)

• List of current medications

• Insurance card and information

• Preferred method of payment (cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or CareCredit)

• Sunglasses, in case we dilate your pupils, which will make you temporarily sensitive to light

Yes! And no! As long as you’re coming to the same office, you’ll see the same optometrist each time.

Similarly, if you have an eye condition or disease that requires treatment, you will see the same ophthalmologist until the issue is resolved.

However, our team works together to step up your care when needed and to step it down when appropriate. In particular, if you’ve had surgery and recovered, and your condition no longer needs medical or surgical management, we will recommend that you resume high-quality care with one of our optometrists. These valuable members of our team can flag any changes in your condition and refer you back to our ophthalmologists if necessary.

We’re sorry to hear it! We understand these things happen, though.

Please call us at 518-782-7827 by 4 p.m. the business day before your scheduled appointment to avoid a $40 no-show fee.

If you are a first-time patient and miss your appointment without notice, we will reschedule your appointment only once.

If you are an existing patient and miss your appointment without notice three times, you will be discharged from the practice.

Beyond the $40 fee for a no-show after 4 p.m. the day before your appointment, any other fees are related to avoidable payment issues. If you have any questions about these issues, please call us or speak with a staff member during your visit.

• We are happy to accept payment by check. However, if your check bounces, a $35 fee will be added to your balance. The balance must be paid in full before we can book any future appointments.

• An extended period of nonpayment will result in your account being sent to collections. In the rare case where this is necessary, a $50 fee will be added to your balance. You will also be discharged from the practice.