OPTOMETRIST IN OVERLAND PARK AND GARDNER

• Comprehensive Eye Examination
• Pediatric Eye Examination
• Contact Lenses
• Specialty Contact Lenses
  • Scleral Contact Lenses
  • Ortho-K
• Myopia (Nearsighted) Management for Kids
• Dry Eye
  • Intense Pulsating Light (IPL)
• Advanced Diagnostic Testing for Ocular Diseases
  • Fundus Photography
  • Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Comprehensive Visual Field Testing
  • Zeiss Humphrey Visual Fields
  • Heru Portable Visual Fields
  • Macular Pigment Testing
  • ICare Tonometer
• Neurolens
• Emergency Eye Care

OVERLAND PARK OFFICE
Mon: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tue: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thu: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: 7:00 am – Noon

GARDNER OFFICE
Mon: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tue: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thu: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Fri: Closed

We accept cash, checks, and most major credit & debit cards. If you’re unsure about your potential transaction method, please give us a call at (913) 856-6360 (Gardner) or (913) 341-4508 (Overland Park) and we would be more than happy to verify if we can accommodate!

A glasses examination and a contact lens examination differ in their focus and assessments. During a glasses examination, the eye care professional primarily determines the refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, etc.) and prescribes corrective glasses accordingly. In contrast, a contact lens examination involves additional steps, focusing on the fitting and suitability of contact lenses for the individual’s eyes. It includes measuring the curvature of the cornea and determining the proper lens type for comfortable and safe wear. Contact lens examinations also involve education on lens insertion, removal, hygiene, and follow-ups to ensure proper adaptation and eye health maintenance while wearing contact lenses.

Medicare only pays for medically necessary testing, a vision evaluation (refraction) is not considered medically necessary testing according to Medicare guidelines. Unfortunately, that part of the examination is out of pocket. We do give patients, who pay the day of their visit, a discount of 20%.

At Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers and Stoppel we take a comprehensive look at not only your visual needs but also your ocular health. Most vision insurances do not cover supplemental testing for eye health related issues. We like to make sure if we need to do additional testing we have all the information we need to make your visit as efficient as possible.

•  Identification: It helps verify your identity. Ensuring they have the right patient’s information is crucial for maintaining accurate medical records and preventing errors in treatment.
• Insurance Purposes: Your driver’s license often contains information that can be used for insurance verification. It helps the office confirm your insurance details, ensuring that they bill the correct provider for the services rendered.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) signifies the fluid pressure within the eye, crucial for maintaining its shape and function. This pressure is regulated by the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, a clear fluid circulating within the eye. Elevated IOP can pose risks, as it’s a significant factor in certain eye conditions like glaucoma, where prolonged high pressure can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. Regular eye exams include measuring IOP to monitor eye health, aiding in early detection and management of conditions related to changes in intraocular pressure.

Fundus photography, capturing detailed images of the retina’s back surface, holds paramount importance in eye care. These high-resolution images serve as valuable diagnostic tools, aiding eye care professionals in detecting and monitoring various eye conditions. By documenting the retina’s condition, fundus photography helps in identifying abnormalities such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal detachments, and glaucoma-related changes.Fundus photography also allows for comparisons over time, providing a comprehensive view of the patient’s eye health and the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.

By enlarging the pupils using specialized eye drops, eye care professionals gain a broader and clearer view of the internal structures of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This process enables the early detection of various eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment, which might otherwise remain undetected during a routine eye exam. Through dilation, eye care professionals can provide more accurate diagnoses, timely interventions, and personalized treatment plans, ultimately preserving vision and maintaining optimal eye health for their patients.

Most patients have both vision and health insurance. When we check your vision for glasses or contacts we are typically using the vision insurance. During the course of the vision examination if the doctor finds something he wants to investigate or evaluate further he’ll bring you back and utilize your health insurance (because it would be a health related issue). Most vision insurances don’t pay for supplemental testing and most health insurances don’t pay for glasses or contacts.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can adversely affect the eyes in several ways. The effects often occur gradually and may not initially cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. This damage can cause narrowing of the blood vessels, bleeding, swelling, or fluid accumulation in the retina, ultimately impacting vision.

Early identification of problems like refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), lazy eye (amblyopia), eye misalignment (strabismus), or focusing difficulties is crucial developmentally. Timely intervention can prevent these issues from impacting a child’s learning abilities, school performance, and overall development. Eye examinations also enable the detection of underlying eye conditions or diseases that, if left untreated, could lead to permanent vision loss. Regular screenings and prompt management of any visual concerns in toddlers and children are essential for ensuring optimal eye health, allowing them to thrive academically, socially, and developmentally.

Yearly eye examinations play a vital role in maintaining eye health and vision quality. These regular check-ups enable early detection of any changes in vision, allowing for timely intervention and treatment of various eye conditions. By assessing visual acuity, eye movement, and focusing abilities, these exams can detect refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Moreover, they aid in identifying potential eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts, often before noticeable symptoms arise. Through comprehensive evaluations, your doctor can provide accurate prescriptions, recommend suitable treatments, and offer guidance on preventive measures to safeguard eye health.