Urgent visits
When an eye can't wait for a routine exam
If an eye is red, sore or scratchy, or something got into it, call us. We make room for urgent visits when we can, and we tell you honestly when an emergency room is the better choice.
Call first, so we can tell you where to go. If the problem fits our office, Dr. Settles sees you, and with your permission we send a note to your regular doctor.
Where to go
Call us, or go to an emergency room
Call our office for
A red or irritated eye
A feeling of grit or a scratch
An eyelid that is swollen or sore
Glasses that suddenly seem wrong
Go to an emergency room for
Sudden vision loss
Flashes of light, or a curtain over your vision
A chemical splash in the eye
A hard blow to the eye, or something stuck in it
- Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, a chemical splash or an eye injury needs care now. Call our office right away or go to an emergency room. If you can't reach us, call 911.
Before you come
How it is billed
A visit for an eye problem is usually billed to medical insurance, not a vision plan. If you pay yourself, we tell you the cost before the exam.
How fees workWhat to bring
Your glasses, and any contact lenses you wear
The name of any drops you use
Your medical insurance card
Someone to drive you, if your eyes may be dilated
About urgent visits
Do I need an appointment?
Call first. We ask a few questions, then tell you whether to come in, wait for a routine visit or go to an emergency room.
What if you can't see me?
We tell you where to go instead and what to say when you get there.
Is something wrong with an eye?
Call the office and we will tell you what to do.