Comprehensive Eye Care Services at Vision Plus in Vero Beach FL

Healthy eyes start with regular checkups, and we make it simple. At Vision Plus, we keep eye exams easy, thorough, and maybe even a little fun. Every patient gets the care they need to see clearly. No stress, no hassle, just healthy vision. Eye exams check for vision changes, detect early signs of eye diseases, and ensure prescriptions are up to date. Our team makes sure every visit feels smooth and comfortable. We explain each step so there are no surprises. Need a routine exam? A new prescription? Just some advice? We’ve got you covered. New patients can find appointment details and insurance info on our website. Or give us a call; we’d be happy to help!

---

Why Routine Eye Exams Matter More Than You Think

Skipping an eye exam is like driving with a dirty windshield. Everything seems fine until you realize you are missing important details. Your vision may feel normal, but hidden issues can develop without warning.

• Catch vision problems early – Nearsightedness and farsightedness often worsen gradually. Regular checkups keep your prescription sharp.
• Spot serious eye diseases – Conditions like glaucoma and cataracts develop quietly. Exams help detect them before they cause significant damage.
• Uncover hidden health issues – Some diseases, such as diabetes, exhibit early signs in the eyes before symptoms appear elsewhere.

Many people adjust to blurry vision without even realizing it. They squint, struggle, and push through discomfort when a quick examination could resolve the issue. Vision Plus makes checkups simple and stress-free. The expert team keeps prescriptions up to date and eye health in check. Minor issues can escalate into significant problems when left unaddressed, so regular exams are the best way to maintain a strong vision.

---

What Happens During Your Eye Exam at Vision Plus?

An eye exam at Vision Plus is simple and helps keep your vision sharp. The doctor runs a few tests to check different parts of your eyes.

• Medical and vision history – The optometrist asks about past eye problems and general health.
• Refraction test – This test finds the right prescription for glasses or contacts
• Eye muscle check – The doctor makes sure your eyes move as they should
• Glaucoma test – A quick pressure check helps find early signs of disease
• Retina and optic nerve exam – The doctor looks for severe eye conditions

The exam typically last approximately 45 minutes. You may be given eye drops to dilate your pupils so the doctor can examine the inside of your eyes. Some tests may feel a little strange, but they do not cause harm.

---

How Routine Eye Exams Differ from Medical Eye Exams

Routine and medical eye exams follow the same steps. The difference is in how they are billed.

• A routine exam checks for general vision issues. Insurance companies classify this as a basic checkup.
• A medical exam is for patients with specific eye problems. This includes conditions like dry eyes, infections, or diabetes-related eye issues.

A medical examination is recommended if you experience pain or an eye disease. Understanding this difference helps you know what to expect with insurance coverage.

---

Common Eye Problems

Eye exams do more than check if you need new glasses. They find hidden problems that you might not notice until it’s too late. Some eye conditions start quiet, with no warning signs, nothing. But an exam spots them early.

• Glaucoma – Too much pressure in the eye. No pain and no obvious symptoms at first, but it can lead to blindness if ignored.
• Cataracts – Cloudy patches in the lens. Things look foggy, colors seem dull, and headlights at night feel way too bright.
• Macular Degeneration – Damage to the center of your retina. It makes it difficult to see details, such as reading small text or recognizing faces.
• Diabetic Retinopathy – A problem for people with diabetes. Blood vessels in the eye weaken over time, causing blurry vision or even blindness.
• Refractive Errors – Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism. When your eyes struggle to focus right.

Most people don’t think about their eyes until something feels off. By then, the damage could be worse. Regular checkups help keep everything in check, so you’re not squinting at road signs or wondering why your phone screen looks blurry.

---

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Eye exams keep your vision in check. How often you need one depends on your age and eye health.

• Kids – The first exam should happen before school starts. After that, regular checkups every one to two years help keep their vision sharp.
• Adults – If your eyesight appears normal, schedule an exam every two years. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, have your eyes checked at least once a year.
• Seniors (60 and up) – Eyes change with age. A yearly exam helps catch problems like cataracts early.
• Existing Issues – Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may be affected by changes in their vision. Regular checkups help prevent serious health issues.

Skipping exams means missing early signs of trouble. A simple checkup can help prevent more serious vision problems later.

---

What to Bring to Your Vision Plus Eye Exam Appointment

Preparing for your appointment at Vision Plus helps ensure a smooth process. Bring the following items:

• Photo ID – Required for patient verification.
• Insurance Card – Ensures proper billing for your visit.
• Current Glasses or Contact Lenses – This helps the doctor verify your prescription.
• Medication List – Some medications affect vision. The doctor needs to know what medications you are taking.
• Referral (if needed) – Some insurance plans require a referral.

These items help the optometrist provide an accurate evaluation. Arriving prepared saves time and makes your visit more efficient.

---

How Long Does a Comprehensive Eye Exam Take?

A full eye exam usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. The time depends on the tests needed.

• The first step is discussing your medical history
• A vision test checks for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
• The doctor may use eye drops to dilate your pupils
• If necessary, additional tests check for eye diseases like glaucoma

Some tests take longer if further evaluation is needed. Vision Plus streamlines the process, ensuring a thorough exam without unnecessary delays.

---

Do You Need Eye Dilation During an Exam?

Dilation lets the doctor see inside your eyes. Not every exam needs it. The doctor makes a decision based on your eye health.

• Why is it done? – It gives a better look at the retina and optic nerve
• How long does it last? – Blurry vision sticks around for two to four hours. Bright light feels extra harsh, so bring sunglasses
• Who needs it? – People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or sudden vision changes usually do

---

Why Eye Exams Matter Even If You Have Perfect Vision

Some people think they do not need an eye exam if they see clearly. However, exams check for more than just blurry vision.

• Eye diseases can develop without symptoms.
• Certain conditions, such as glaucoma, can cause damage before you notice any changes in your vision.
• Exams detect underlying health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

---

Meet the Vision Plus Team

At Vision Plus, our team is more than just eye doctors. We are passionate professionals dedicated to helping people see clearly.

Dr. Kris “Doc” Smith
Dr. Kris Smith, better known as “Doc,” has been helping people with their vision for decades. Originally from Michigan, he studied chemistry before earning his degree in optometry in 1983. He began his career in a private practice focused on contact lens research, working closely with the FDA. In 1989, he moved to Vero Beach and eventually opened Vision Plus.

The doctor provides comprehensive eye exams, treats infections, and checks for glaucoma and cataracts. His office can make many glasses on the same day. He works six days a week with a dedicated team, including three licensed opticians. You might spot him and his wife Lynn cruising around in their vintage Nash Metropolitan or relaxing at the beach when he is not at work.

Dr. Craig Horner
Dr. Craig Horner has been practicing optometry in Vero Beach since 1985. His passion for eye care started when he worked as an apprentice optician. After earning his degree, he joined his father-in-law’s optometry practice, continuing a family tradition that began in 1919.

Dr. Horner is an active member of the community. He raised four children in Vero Beach and now enjoys time with his seven grandchildren. He is excited to be part of the Vision Plus team and looks forward to helping patients see their best.

---

Vision and Medical Insurance

Two types of insurance can cover eye care. Vision plans typically cover routine checkups, glasses, and contact lenses. They may include an essential screening for eye diseases but do not cover treatment.

Medical insurance helps cover the costs of eye diseases and injuries. It covers diagnosis, management, and treatment. The doctor decides which insurance applies based on your needs.

If you have both, some services may go under vision insurance while others go under medical insurance. Sometimes, a follow-up visit is needed. We help coordinate benefits to keep your costs low.