FAQs
What should I bring to my eye appointment?
Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring those as well — your provider may need to review your current prescription. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
Will my eyes be dilated during the exam?
Many visits include dilation, which allows your provider to see the full back of your eye and check for signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Dilation drops may cause light sensitivity and blurred near vision for a few hours after your appointment. Plan to have someone drive you home if you are concerned about driving after dilation.
How often should I have an eye exam?
Most adults benefit from a comprehensive eye exam once a year — even if your vision seems fine. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or a family history of eye disease, your provider may recommend more frequent visits. Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam before starting school.
Do I need a referral to be seen at the Eye Center?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care provider before seeing a specialist. Please check with your insurance company before scheduling, or call our office at 615-341-4170 and our scheduling team will help you find out.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and TennCare. If you have questions about your specific coverage, visit our Billing & Insurance page or call 615-341-4968 before your visit.
How long will my appointment take?
Most appointments last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of visit and any testing needed. If your eyes will be dilated, plan for additional time for the drops to take effect before your exam.
What should I do if I have sudden vision changes or eye pain?
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, new flashes of light, or a sudden increase in floaters can be signs of a serious condition requiring urgent care. Call our office immediately at 615-341-4170 during clinic hours, or go to the nearest emergency department. Call 911 if you are in severe pain or cannot safely travel.
How do I access my medical records or test results?
You can view visit summaries and results through the HealtheLife Patient Portal. Ask our front desk team during your visit to get started with portal enrollment.
How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Please call 615-341-4170 as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your appointment. We ask for at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible so that appointment time can be offered to another patient.
