Eye exams are pretty routine. It doesn't require a whole lot of skill to ask someone "1 or 2, "A or B" over and over again and then write up a prescription. Now if you're talking about glaucoma checks and other things, then that's a different story.
That stuff really should be considered part of a routine exam. It's an extra $20 or something like that, but why would anyone opt out of it? It's a huge risk not to.
So I'm pretty sure they look at my blood vessels, check my vision field, and do a glaucoma check every time I go in. But I think the original poster just needs a new prescription since the old one expired (1 year).
Well, it only takes about another 10 minutes or so to have the extra tests run while you're getting a new prescription. Why not do it every time? (once a year)
Wal-Mart is probably the most convenient/best priced place. The doctor I see there is pretty good too
Even if you're not a Sam's member, if they have an eye doctor on site they usually have good deals, and you don't have to be a member to visit the doc... and they're usually very good due to the volume of the practice, they kind of have to be to stay in the location. I just go to the one that takes my vision insurance.
