Eye Exams in Springfield, MO
Clear Vision Today, Healthy Eyes for Life
An eye examination is a core part of routine primary care, and your vision deserves the same attention as the rest of your overall wellness. A yearly eye exam does more than update a glasses or contact lens prescription — it gives your eye doctor the chance to evaluate your eye health, catch changes early, and keep small issues from becoming lasting problems.
This matters at every age.
For children, vision is central to learning, since so much of early education happens visually. Without proper eye care and nutrition, undetected vision problems can quietly hold a child back — and if they aren’t caught early, they can become lifelong limitations.
For older adults, regular eye exams become just as important, since the risk of age-related eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration rises over time. Many of these develop gradually and show few, if any, early symptoms, so a comprehensive eye exam is often the first place the changes are caught. This is why the recommended exam schedule increases to yearly for adults 61 and older.
At every stage of life, regular eye exams are the best way to stay ahead of changes and protect your sight.
At Heffington’s, we believe a proper eye exam belongs in the exam room, not on a screen. You’ll see a real eye doctor in person, using the latest technology to assess your vision and eye health for clear, comfortable sight. That hands-on approach is what makes a truly comprehensive eye exam possible, rather than a quick, remote vision check.
More Than a Vision Check
What's Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam
- Retinal examination
- Visual acuity
- Pupil function
- Eye focusing and eye teaming
- External examination of the eyes
- Intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Refraction (objective and/or subjective)
- Ocular motility
- Slit-lamp exam
- Color vision
- Keratometry
- Special examinations such as retinal tomography, corneal topography, or electroretinography, which may be recommended by your physician
Should your exam uncover a treatable concern, we can point you toward the right care, whether that’s dry eye treatment, help with a range of eye conditions, or support for vision disorders.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
Recommended eye exam frequency depends on your age and risk factors, along with any history of eye health concerns. Review the guidelines below to find your recommended schedule.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency for Children
| Patient Age | Examination Interval | |
|---|---|---|
| Asymptomatic/Risk Free | At Risk | |
| Birth to 24 Months | At 6 months of age | By 6 months of age or as recommended |
| 2 to 5 years | At 3 years of age | At 3 years of age or as recommended |
| 6 to 18 years | Before first grade and every year thereafter | As recommended |
High-risk children include those born prematurely, at low birth weight, with low oxygen levels, or with intraventricular hemorrhage. Children from families with a history of eye-related conditions such as congenital cataracts or retinoblastoma are also at risk. A child born to a mother with a known infection during pregnancy — such as rubella, herpes, HIV, or another sexually transmitted infection — should be re-evaluated.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency for Adults
| Patient Age | Examination Interval | |
|---|---|---|
| Asymptomatic/Risk Free | At Risk | |
| 18 to 60 years | Annually | Annually or as recommended |
| 61 and older | Annually | Annually or as recommended |
At-risk adults may include those who are hypertensive or diabetic, or anyone with a history of ocular disease such as glaucoma. Other risk factors include certain occupations, prescription or non-prescription drugs with ocular side effects, wearing contact lenses, or any prior eye surgery.
Accessible Eye Care for Every Patient
Every Heffington’s location warmly welcomes patients with limited mobility. You’re free to remain seated in your own chair — there’s no need to switch to an exam chair. Our facilities are built for accessibility, with covered entries, ADA power doors, and four-foot-wide examination room doors.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Springfield Today
We rely on our eyes for nearly everything, so don’t wait for a problem to appear. Whether you need a routine eye exam, an annual checkup, or a first exam for your child, our Springfield, MO eye doctors are ready to help you see your best. Curious about coverage? Take a look at the insurance plans we accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a comprehensive eye exam?
It’s a series of tests performed in person by an eye doctor to evaluate both how well you see and the overall health of your eyes. It goes beyond a simple vision screening to give a complete picture of your eye health. Schedule your exam whenever you’re ready.
How often should I get an eye exam?
It depends on your age and risk factors. Most adults aged 18–60 should be seen every two years, while those 61 and older — and anyone considered at risk — should be seen annually or as recommended. Children have their own schedule, shown in the tables above.
Do you offer eye exams for children?
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
It varies depending on which tests your eye doctor includes for your specific needs. Contact your nearest Heffington’s location. We would be happy to give you an estimate when you schedule.
Can I still get an eye exam if I have limited mobility?
Absolutely. You can stay seated in your own chair throughout your exam, and every Heffington’s location offers covered entries, ADA power doors, and wide exam room doors for easy access.