At Buena Vista Optical, we believe an eye exam is more than just updating your prescription. It’s about protecting your long-term vision, understanding your unique lifestyle needs, and making sure you leave confident in your care.
Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or it’s been a while since your last exam, here’s what you can expect from a comprehensive eye exam at our Chicago practice.
The Value of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Your eyes do more than help you see clearly—they offer insight into your overall health. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow us to detect early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and other issues that can impact your vision over time.
At Buena Vista Optical, our exams are designed to deliver both precision and comfort. We combine advanced technology with personal attention to ensure you get the best care possible.
Checking In and Parking
When you arrive, you’ll check in at our front desk where our friendly team will greet you. We aim to keep the check-in process smooth and efficient so you can feel at ease right away.
Parking in Chicago can be a challenge, but we offer free street parking near our practice. While there’s no parking garage or validation available, there’s usually ample street parking if you allow a little time.
Minimal Wait Times and Personalized Service
We respect your time. Most of our patients wait between 0 and 15 minutes before being called back for their exam.
While you wait, feel free to browse our curated selection of frames. To maintain quality, our displays are secured, but our staff is always ready to assist you in trying on styles and finding the perfect fit. We love helping you choose eyewear that suits your vision needs and personal style.
Our Guest Policy: Focused, Patient-Centered Care
For the best experience, our exam policy allows only the scheduled patient in the exam area. While we know it can seem strict, this policy ensures each visit is focused, efficient, and private—so you get the personal attention you deserve.
A Thorough Eye Health Assessment
Our comprehensive exam goes well beyond checking your prescription.
We screen for:
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic eye disease
- Retinal health concerns
We also include retinal photography at no extra charge. This advanced imaging technology allows us to see the back of your eye in detail, enabling us to detect early signs of potential issues that may not yet exhibit symptoms.
While retinal photos provide excellent information, they don’t always replace dilation. For certain conditions, dilation remains the most effective way to thoroughly examine your eyes. We’ll explain why we might recommend it and always respect your choice if you want to opt out.
Tailored Recommendations for Your Lifestyle
Your vision needs depend on how you live. During your exam, we’ll talk with you about:
- Computer use
- Night driving
- Reading habits
This helps us recommend lenses and coatings designed for your life. Options might include:
- Anti-glare coatings
- Blue light filters
- Progressive lenses for multifocal needs
Our goal is to help you see comfortably in all parts of your day.
Your Prescription and Measurements
During your visit, you’ll experience the familiar “which is better—1 or 2?” test to refine your prescription. We take time to ensure you’re confident in your choices.
If you bring your current glasses, we can compare them with your new prescription so you can understand any changes in your vision.
You’ll receive a copy of your prescription for glasses or contacts at the end of your visit. While pupillary distance (PD) isn’t part of the standard eye exam, we’ll measure it when you choose your frames in our office.
Comfortable, Open Communication
We understand that medical appointments can make some people feel nervous. Please let our staff know if you’re anxious—we’re here to help you feel comfortable.
We also encourage you to ask questions at any point. Whether you’re curious about the equipment we use or want to better understand your eye health, we’re always happy to explain.
Choose Buena Vista Optical for Your Eye Care Needs
We’d love to help you experience personalized, thorough eye care right here in Chicago. Call us at 773-863-9234 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and get answers to all your questions. Or stop by our office at 6455 S. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60629 to meet our friendly team in person.
Your vision deserves expert care in a welcoming environment. Visit Buena Vista Optical to see the difference our personalized approach can make. Let us help you choose the right frames, update your prescription, and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.