Frequently Asked Questions | North Shore Eye Specialists, Danvers MA

General Eye Care Questions

  • How often should I get an eye exam?

    Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Children, seniors, people with diabetes, and those with existing eye conditions may need more frequent visits.

  • What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

    An optometrist (OD) like Dr. Prentiss provides primary eye care, including exams, vision correction, contact lens fittings, and diagnosis and management of many eye diseases. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who performs eye surgery. Many patients see an optometrist for routine and ongoing care and are referred to an ophthalmologist only when surgery is needed.

  • At what age should children start getting eye exams?

    North Shore Eye Specialists offers comprehensive eye exams starting at age 5. See our Pediatric Eye Exams page for signs that a child may need an exam sooner.

  • Do you treat eye infections or emergencies?

    Yes, we evaluate and treat conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, corneal abrasions, and other urgent eye concerns. Call our office as soon as symptoms appear.

Contact Lenses & Eyewear

  • Do I need a separate exam for contact lenses?

    Yes. A contact lens fitting is a separate service from a standard eye exam, since it involves measuring your cornea and evaluating how a lens sits and moves on your eye.

  • Can I get contacts if I have astigmatism?

    Yes. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. See our Specialty Contact Lens Fittings page for details.

  • What brands or types of glasses do you carry?

    We carry a wide range of frames, from trendy to classic styles, along with prescription sunglasses and digital progressive lenses. Visit our Eyewear page or call our office for current selections.

LASIK

  • Am I a candidate for LASIK?

    Candidacy depends on factors like your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. We work with our affiliate, The Laser Center, to evaluate candidacy and provide pre- and post-operative care.

  • Do you perform the LASIK surgery itself?

    Dr. Prentiss provides pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care; the LASIK procedure itself is performed by our surgical affiliates at The Laser Center.

Diabetic & Ocular Disease Care

  • How often should a diabetic get an eye exam?

    Most people with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam once a year. See our Diabetic Eye Exams page for more information.

  • Do you screen for glaucoma?

    Yes. Glaucoma screening, including eye pressure measurement and optic nerve evaluation, is part of a comprehensive eye exam. See our Glaucoma & Ocular Disease Management page.

Insurance & Appointments

  • What insurance plans do you accept?

    We accept a range of vision and medical insurance plans. Visit our Insurance & Payment page for details, or call our office to verify your specific plan.

  • Do you accept CareCredit?

    Yes, CareCredit is accepted at North Shore Eye Specialists.

  • What are your office hours?

    Monday and Thursday: 9am–5pm; Tuesday: 9am–6pm; Wednesday: 9am–7pm; Friday: 9am–4pm; Saturday: 9am–12pm; Sunday: Closed.

  • Where is your office located?

    North Shore Eye Specialists is located at 85 Constitution Ln, Ste 100c, Danvers, MA 01923.

  • How do I schedule an appointment?