Eye Exams

While your vision may be clear, many eye conditions can go unnoticed until they have caused irreparable harm. The doctors at GW Eye Associates have over 45 years of combined experience conducting eye exams for La Jolla, CA, patients.

During regular checkups, they can screen patients for signs of vision complications in their earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat.

Eye Exams Can Be Critical to Your Ocular Health

Our eye exams in La Jolla, CA, can help you:

Protect Your Eyesight 

Left untreated, conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts can slowly impair your vision and eventually cause blindness. Regular eye exams are critical to ensuring intervention when your vision is at risk.

Address Vision Changes

Many patients suffer from headaches and eyestrain because they do not have the right prescription to address and care for their vision issues. Exams allow our doctors to ensure you have the proper prescription. 

Diagnose Conditions Early

When conditions such as glaucoma are detected early, proactive eye care can help control the condition from advancing. Regular eye exams can help you get the vision care you need to avoid vision loss.

Save Money

The most important benefit of eye exams is the preservation of your vision, but did you know that identifying and treating eye conditions in the earliest possible stages can also save you money? Conservative optometry solutions at the onset of any eye disease are almost always more affordable than having to undergo an invasive or extensive procedure in the later stages of development.

Regular Eye Exams Can
Protect and Maintain Your Vision


Periodic eye exams and regular eye care are essential parts of maintaining good eye health. Most patients should undergo an eye exam every one to two years, depending on their age, current eye health, and other risk factors.

With regular eye exams, we can also monitor for changes in your vision and ensure that your prescription contact lenses or eyeglasses are up to date. The optometrists at our La Jolla and Del Mar offices proudly care for the residents of greater San Diego, Ca. To learn more about the importance of eye exams or request your next appointment, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.

(858) 454-4699

5-Star Reviews From La Jolla and greater San Diego, CA, Patients

1

Tyler Steudel

La Jolla, California

2024

Google logo

One of the better eye doctors I've been to. Doctors had the latest technology, nice brands, and were incredibly thorough explaining my benefits and options!

View on Google
1

Phyllis Jasin

La Jolla, California

2023

Google logo

Dr. Wong is extremely knowledgeable and explains everything. He emphasizes preventive medicine.

View on Google

What Will the Doctor Evaluate During my Exam?

an illustration of the inner workings of an eye with notes on which parts will be examined during an exam
The optometrists at our offices in La Jolla and Del Mar, CA, serving the entire San Diego area, will conduct a thorough exam to assess and care for all external and internal eye structures to ensure that your ocular health is at its best. 

The Step-by-Step Process of an Eye Exam

During your eye exam at one of our San Diego, CA offices, your doctor will assess your vision and evaluate your internal and external ocular health. These evaluations include testing for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal issues. We will also check your pupil reflexes, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

According to the National Eye Institute, by 2050, the number of people affected by blindness and other forms of visual impairment is expected to double. National Eye Institute
According to the National Eye Institute, by 2050, the number of people affected by blindness and other forms of visual impairment is expected to double. National Eye Institute

Vision Test

Dr. Wildon Wong or Dr. Gordon Wong will start the eye exam with an overall assessment of your vision from varying distances. For this initial step, you will read letters from an eye chart. 

Intraocular Pressure Test

We will evaluate intraocular pressure by blowing a quick puff of air onto the surface of the eye. This optometry test can reveal signs of glaucoma.

Cataracts Test

We will then use a slit lamp or an illuminated microscope to check your eyes for cataracts.

Additional Tests

Other tests are used to evaluate your eye muscles, pupil reflexes, depth perception, and color and peripheral vision.

Retinoscopy

We will also perform a retinoscopy, which is used to determine your corrective lens prescription, if needed. 

Contact Lens Fitting

If you wear contact lenses or want to wear them, your eye exam may include a lens fitting. During the lens fitting, we measure the eye lens's diameter, curvature, and refractive correction to ensure a proper fit. We offer a range of contacts to accommodate patients with various eye conditions, such as astigmatism, dry eyes, or those who require bifocal lenses. 

Glasses Right Away

Our La Jolla, CA office has an optical lab on site. This means that right after your eye exam, we can get to work on preparing your new lenses or eyeglasses. We offer a wide selection of designer eyewear and prescription lenses so that you can pick out a new pair of glasses the same day as your eye appointment if you wish.

The Bottom Line

If you have never had an eye exam, or if it has been a long time since you last consulted an eye doctor, right now is a great time to do so. Get in touch with our La Jolla practice to schedule an eye exam. This will give our eye doctors an opportunity to assess the current state of your ocular health and determine how often you should be undergoing routine eye exams.

We Use Advanced Technology For Your Routine Eye Care

Our advanced diagnostic equipment allows for more efficient eye exams.

Digital Retina Photos

Digital photos of your retina allow us to avoid dilating your pupils. Digital retina photo technology allows you to avoid the hours of sensitivity to light that result from pupil dilation. 

Diagnostic Equipment

Our other diagnostic equipment helps us determine your prescription for contact lenses or glasses by accurately measuring your visual acuity.

On-Site Lab

Our on-site lab allows for shorter appointment times and eyeglasses prepared the same day.

More 5-Star Reviews From La Jolla and greater San Diego, CA, Patients

1

Ishmeet kaur

La Jolla, California

2023

Google logo

Dr Wong and team is amazing and offer great explanation to my eye prescription and problems. I got my lenses from here and Dr Wong worked with me to figure out the best lens after multiple round of trials and patiently finding the right fit. They even worked me to get replacement lens for my specs as it got scratches ( informed they r under warranty). Also their dog Chloe is the best!!!!!

View on Google
1

Sam G

La Jolla, California

2023

Google logo

I love Dr Wong. He always gives thorough explanations and his recommendations are spot on. His staff is also very kind and welcoming. It’s always a great experience getting my eyes checked.

View on Google

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Exams

Patient education is important to the success of any medical treatment, and we want you to feel fully informed. We invite you to explore answers to the questions our San Diego-area patients ask most often when it comes to eye exams. If you have other questions, or if you would like to request an exam, please feel free to reach out to our La Jolla office.
woman getting eye exam

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

Medicare does not cover eye exams, but our practice accepts many insurance plans, including EyeMed, United Healthcare, Sigma, Blue Cross, and VSP Vision. Our staff is glad to reach out to your insurance provider to help you understand exactly what your plan will cover.

woman covering one eye

How long does an eye exam take?

This will depend on your ocular health history and other factors, but in general, you can expect that your exam will take 30 to 45 minutes. 

refractometer

What is a refraction eye exam?

This is the part of the eye exam that involves measuring your visual acuity to determine the right prescription for corrective eyewear such as contact lenses or glasses. Based on this information, we can determine whether it's time to update these vision aids.

a person getting eye drops in their eye

How long do eyes stay dilated after an eye exam?

Eye dilation usually lasts about four to six hours, but the effects can last up to 24 hours. The effects tend to last longer in patients with light-colored eyes. Dilation also lasts longer in children since their eye muscles are stronger and require stronger eye drops.

a woman receiving an eye exam

Which diseases can be detected in an eye exam?

Eye exams can detect a number of ocular health issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. You may be surprised to learn that an eye exam can also detect diseases such as brain tumors, skin and blood cancers, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, Vitamin A deficiency, and more.

Why La Jolla Trusts Us

1

Christina Laurin

La Jolla, California

2023

Google logo

Great service, courteous staff, wonderful selection of frames. After sale service is also stellar!

View on Google
1

Jared Rothenberg

La Jolla, California

2023

Google logo

It was my first time here and I had an amazing experience. The staff was extremely kind and patient staying over an hour after to help me get the right lenses/frames/contact combo. I’m an engineer and love to understand most things. Dr.Wong comes across as smart, competent, and willing to talk through different questions and curiosities. Overall seemed like a really cool person.

View on Google
GW Eye Associates Storefront

GW Eye Associates

Our team at GW Eye Associates in La Jolla and Del Mar can provide a wide range of high-quality eye care services. Dr. Gordon G. Wong and Dr. Wildon C. Wong have over 45 years of combined experience and belong to several prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Optometric Association
  • NVISION

For more information about our services, contact our office online or call us at (858) 454-4699 today.

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite