Frequently Asked Questions

• Completed Paperwork
• Photo ID
• Insurance Card(s) / Ensure you have an authorized referral if needed
• Your eyeglasses
• If you wear contact lenses, please bring your current prescription box or details with you
• A list of all medications you are currently taking, including eye drops

Dr. Scott and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend regular dilated examinations and it is part of the comprehensive examination covered by your vision insurance or medical insurance. Dilating drops affect each patient differently and may last for several hours making near vision blurry and your eyes sensitive to light. We recommend that you bring sunglasses or a family member or friend to drive you after your appointment.

A complete examination generally requires around an hour to an hour and a half. The process involves an initial evaluation of your vision and eyes, instillation of drops, providing time for the drops to take effect (~15-30 minutes), and then further examination with Dr. Scott. We recognize that this is a significant amount of time for most patients, but at PVECS we believe in doing things right and not taking any shortcuts when it comes to your health.

Dr. Scott does not offer LASIK services at her practice, but would be happy to provide an initial evaluation and discussion in regards to whether LASIK is the right decision for you. She is also happy to provide referrals for LASIK services in our area.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which can lead to vision problems. The most common type of cataract is related to aging. More than half of all Americans over the age of 65 will have a cataract. Read more here.

Cataracts can be detected during a regular eye examination. Although many people have mild cataracts, your doctor may only discuss the finding with you if you have visual symptoms or if the cataract is likely to progress to needing surgery in the near future. Read more about the symptoms here.

In the early stages of a cataract, vision may be improved with glasses. If these measures do not help, surgery is recommended.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common, safest and effective surgical procedures performed in the U.S. today. In over 90 percent of cases, patients who have cataract surgery experience better vision.

Yes, you will likely need glasses to maximize your vision after cataract surgery. Insurance companies, including Medicare, do not pay for Laser Vision Correction or other procedures to eliminate your need for glasses. Medicare and all insurance companies have stated that cataract surgery should “allow the return of “functional” vision with glasses.” If you wear glasses or contact lenses now, you will likely still need them after your surgery.

Some people do achieve glasses independence following cataract surgery. Some newer options for multifocal or accommodating intraocular lenses may be an option for you. Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for this newer technology. Medicare does allow you to pay the difference to acquire this technology if you desire. If glasses independence is important to you, talk to Dr. Scott about what your options may be.

Although cataract surgery is typically painless and patients do not “feel bad”, the use of post-operative drops is important to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. Not using your drops can result in prolonged visual recovery, loss of vision, and potentially blindness.

The latest advancement in cataract surgery involves the use of the femtosecond laser to perform some parts of the cataract operation. Dr. Scott offers use of the LensX femtosecond laser in conjunction with your surgery, should you prefer this option.

Many of the steps of cataract surgery that are traditionally performed using handheld instruments can now be completed using the precision of a laser.

The treatment is highly customized, more accurate and may cause less intraocular inflammation. To determine if this treatment may be useful for your surgery, discuss further with Dr. Scott.

Most people experience little or no discomfort.

No, in nearly all cases, insurance only covers non-laser cataract surgery.

No, once the cataract has been removed, it does not grow back. 30% of the time, a small area of scarring can occur which blurs the vision after surgery. This can easily be treated with a common laser procedure by Dr. Scott.

Once a person has been on Flomax it permanently changes some structures of the eye making cataract surgery more prone to complications. If you are on Flomax now, or have taken a medication for urinary symptoms, please make sure to let Palm Valley Eye or Dr. Scott know.

If you have had previous LASIK or refractive surgery, the calculations that determine the intraocular lens implant are less accurate than in a normal eye. This means that there is a good chance that you will need glasses or contact lenses to achieve your best vision after cataract surgery.

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Medicare
• FL Medicaid
• Multiplan
• Tricare
• United Health Care
• WellMed
• VA CCN
• Davis Vision

For plans not listed above, please feel free to reach out to our office, as we are happy to review your benefits and expected costs.

Please note that while your Insurance Company may be listed, that does not guarantee that benefits will be available. There are also specific plans within each insurance company and your plan may not be included in our services. You may contact your insurance company for more specific information our call our office at 904-712-3315.

Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician prior to your appointment time. Please contact your insurance.

In most cases, payment is due at time of service. PVECS may offer a payment plan under special circumstances. For consideration or more information please discuss your situation further with Dr. Scott.