Should i have to pay for this eye exam?

Question

Intially I went to get examined for contacts in nov '07 i tried 7 types of contacts and was unable to wear any of them in my right eye because it would give me headaches and make my eye feel droopy.I just figured I could not wear contacts& Dr. said not everyone can wear contacts.Now it is July '08 and my glasses have broken so i need to get some new glasses.i go get new glasses but when i go pick them up I can't wear them because the right lens just feels funny to me as soon as I put the glasses on. So I have the eyeglass tech check the prescription of my old broken glasses and the new glasses and she says there is a difference of one diopter (the new glasses are quite weaker) than the older ones. finally I am like that is what the problem has been I must have been examined wrong back in Nov '07.that is why I could not wear the contacts.I call the dr's office and ask to be rexamined and they want to charge me.Isn't that unfair since the prescription is less than a year? any suggestions

Answer 1

I know it seems unfair, usually you have 6 months to have a re-check at no charge. The prescription can change in 6 months, I know that it was wrong from the beginning, and it's not your fault, but from the doctor's point of view, it has been 8 months since your exam. If you had an eye exam for glasses, the FDA gives you six months to get a contact lens fitting before you have to get a whole new exam, that's why it's typically 6 months. I would call your doctor or his office manager and explain the situation (do it calmly and sweetly, and don't out right accuse the doctor of giving you the wrong prescription, explain that you couldn't see out of your right contact and now out of the right eyeglass) and see if you can get a recheck at no charge. Ultimately it's the doctor's decision, if you were a patient in my office, if you were nice, we'd do it at no charge, if you yelled and accused, well, I'm sorry, but we need to charge you for yelling at us....

Good luck!

Answer 2

Of course you should not pay for a second exam if you were examined by that same doctor less than a year ago.

Here is what you do.  Look up in yellow pages for the American Optical Association. Tell them where you live and ask them to give you address of the State Optometric Board.

A short letter or phone call to them and they will promptly inform that optometrist to examine you at NO CHARGE and supply a proper Rx until you are satisfied.

Another way would be to ask any local eye doctor for the address of the governing board. He will gladly give it to you since all OD's want the best for their patients.

If it were me I might go even a shorter route. I might phone the doctor that wants to charge you (or his secretary is just as good) and say these following words:

" I've been advised to contact your State Board and ask for help. Would you prefer me to do that or how would you prefer to handle my problem?"

I am almost sure they will bend over backward re-examining your eyes and giving you the proper Rx.