Top Questions We Hear From Patients

What is an emergency Appointment/Office Visit versus a regular eye exam?

A regular eye exam is an exam in which a patient would like to receive a general eye check up, a prescription for glasses or contacts, or a to establish care with our doctors. Circumstances that would qualify as an office visit would be any; pain, swelling, oozing, floaters, flashes, and or any injuries to the eye. Office visits do not require an appointment and should be made as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms or injury. If you have questions about if what you're experiencing would qualify, call us! (805) 562-1300 for Goleta

Are you located in Costco?

Yes, we are! Call and make an appointment!

We are located inside Costco in Goleta

Do I need an appointment?

We recommend scheduling an appointment ahead of time, however we do offer walk in appointments when available. To guarantee you'll be seen you will have to make an appointment. You can also call first thing in the morning at (805) 562-1300 to inquire about same-day appointments.

Do you take my insurance?

We do not accept most major medical insurances and accept only a select few vision plans. If we do not accept your insurance we can provide you with an itemized receipt which you can submit to your insurance. See our INSURANCES page for more info.

Do I need a Costco card?

No. We are an independent practice and provide service to all Costco members and non-Costco members. However, to purchase glasses or contact lenses with the optical department next door, you must be a Costco member.

When can I do a walk-in?

Our office accepts walk in appointments when our doctors have time in their schedules. This means it is first come first serve when we are available. If you are wondering about our walk in availability for that day, call our front desk. (805) 562-1300 for Goleta

How long is an exam?

Appointments vary based on each patient's vision needs. If no other testing is required by the doctor, most patients spend around 45 minutes within our office.

Do you sell the glasses and contacts?

No. We only provide patients with an eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Patients then can take the prescription next door to Costco optical, if they are a member, or any other optical store.

I've never worn contacts before. How do I start?

We can get you ready for contact lenses! If you have never worn contact lenses before, in addition to the contact fitting you will need to book an appointment for a contact lens training with a staff member (this is a fairly inexpensive training). However, if the training exceeds one hour and the patient is still unable to properly put in and remove contact lenses in front of the trainer, they may be required to schedule another training for a later time.

You can also watch these great videos for help learning on our Contacts 101 page.