How to Schedule and Prepare for an EyeMart Express Eye Exam

What to expect when you book an eye exam at EyeMart Express

EyeMart Express is an optical retailer that offers in-store eye exams performed by licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but booking ahead online or by phone reserves your spot and cuts your wait time. The exam itself takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers vision testing, eye pressure measurement, and a look at your eye health.

The exam produces a prescription you can use to buy glasses or contacts anywhere—not just at EyeMart. Many people schedule an exam at EyeMart because they plan to purchase frames there, but you're not required to. If you already wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you; the optometrist will use them as a reference point.

Key Takeaways

• You can book an EyeMart Express eye exam online through their website, by calling your local store, or by walking in without an appointment.
• Bring a valid photo ID and your insurance card if you have vision coverage, since many plans cover routine exams in full or in part.
• The exam takes 20 to 30 minutes and produces a prescription valid for glasses or contacts from any retailer.
• If you wear glasses or contacts now, bring them to the appointment so the optometrist can compare your current prescription to your new one.

How to book your appointment online or by phone

Visit the EyeMart Express website and use the store locator to find the location nearest you. Most locations have an online booking tool that shows available time slots for the next week or two. Select your preferred date and time, enter your name and phone number, and you'll receive a confirmation email or text.

If the online system doesn't show availability or you prefer to speak to someone, call your local EyeMart Express store directly. The staff can tell you which optometrist or ophthalmologist is working that day and may be able to fit you in sooner than the website shows. Store phone numbers appear in the locator tool.

Walk-ins are accepted at all locations, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the store is. If you have a flexible schedule, walking in works fine. If you need to be seen at a specific time—because of work or school—booking ahead is worth the two minutes it takes.

What documents and information to bring

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). If you have vision insurance through your employer, school, or a family plan, bring that card too. The optometrist's office will check your coverage before the exam and let you know what you'll owe out of pocket.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The optometrist will use your current prescription as a baseline and can compare how your vision has changed. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, mention that during check-in so the optometrist knows to test your vision at different distances.

Bring a list of any eye problems you've had—floaters, flashes of light, dry eyes, or trouble seeing at night—and any medications you take regularly. Some medications affect vision or eye pressure, and the optometrist needs to know.

What happens during the exam

You'll start at the front desk, where staff will confirm your information and ask about your vision history and any symptoms. Then you'll move to the exam room. The optometrist will use a machine called a phoropter—the one with the clicking lenses—to find your prescription. You'll look through it and say which lens is clearer: "One or two? Two or three?"

The optometrist will also check your eye pressure using a puff of air or a gentle probe (tonometry), test your peripheral vision, and look at the back of your eye with a light and magnifying lens. If you're over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma, they may dilate your pupils with drops so they can see the optic nerve more clearly. Dilation takes about 20 minutes to wear off, so plan for blurry vision and sensitivity to light for a short time after.

At the end, you'll receive a printed prescription. This is yours to keep and use anywhere. The optometrist may also recommend glasses, contacts, or both, and can discuss options with you before you leave.

Understanding your vision insurance coverage

Most employer and family health plans include vision coverage that pays for routine eye exams once a year. Coverage varies: some plans pay the full exam cost, others cover a set amount (like $100 to $150), and you pay the rest. A few plans don't cover exams at all but do cover glasses or contacts.

When you call or check in online, tell EyeMart Express that you have insurance. They'll verify your coverage before the exam so you know exactly what you'll owe. If you don't have insurance, EyeMart Express exams typically cost $50 to $150 depending on your location and whether the doctor is an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

What to do if you need glasses or contacts after your exam

Once you have your prescription, you can buy glasses or contacts from EyeMart Express, order online from another retailer, or visit a different optical shop. Your prescription is valid for one to two years (laws vary by state) and belongs to you.

If you choose to buy at EyeMart Express, staff can help you select frames and order lenses. Glasses typically arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you want contacts, the optometrist may need to do a separate fitting appointment to measure your eye and make sure the contacts sit correctly. That fitting is usually a separate charge.

Common reasons your appointment might be delayed or rescheduled

If the optometrist finds something unusual during your exam—high eye pressure, signs of an eye disease, or a vision problem that needs specialist care—they may spend extra time on your exam or refer you to an ophthalmologist. This can push your appointment past 30 minutes, but it's important for your eye health.

Occasionally, the optometrist or ophthalmologist calls in sick or the store has an unexpected closure. EyeMart Express will contact you by phone or email if this happens and offer you another time slot. If you booked online and don't hear from them, call the store the day before your appointment to confirm it's still on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an eye exam at EyeMart Express if I don't plan to buy glasses there?

Yes. The exam produces a prescription that's yours to use anywhere. Many people get exams at EyeMart Express and buy frames online or at another store. You're not required to purchase anything.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to get an eye exam at EyeMart Express?

No. You can schedule an exam directly without a referral. If your primary care doctor has recommended you see an eye specialist, bring that note with you, but it's not required to book the appointment.

What if I wear contacts and want to keep wearing them during the exam?

You can wear contacts to your appointment, but the optometrist will ask you to remove them during the exam so they can see your actual eye prescription. Bring your glasses or ask the optometrist to use trial lenses so you can see clearly during the exam.

How long is my prescription good for?

Prescriptions are typically valid for one to two years depending on your state's laws. Your prescription slip will show the expiration date. After that, you'll need a new exam to update your prescription.

What if I have astigmatism or other vision problems—does the exam cost more?

No. The exam cost is the same regardless of what vision problem you have. If you need special lenses (like progressive bifocals or high-index lenses) after the exam, those cost more, but the exam itself doesn't change in price.