Frequently Asked Questions

 What follows are answers to some of the questions we're asked most
frequently about SJEA and eyecare-related issues. If you have a question
that is not covered here, please contact us.


What are your office hours?
 
Monday 8:00am-7:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday 7:00am-6:00pm
Thursday 8:00am-6:00pm
Friday 7:00am-4:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
 
If I have an emergency, how can I reach your office?
 
We have a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week on-call policy should you experience an emergency and need to contact us. Call us at: 856-455-5500.
 
What insurance plans do you accept?
 
For a partial list of insurance providers SJEA participates with, please vist our insurance page. If your provider isn’t listed or you have any additional questions, please contact us at 856.455.5500.
 
What information do you need prior to my first appointment?
 
Our optional online appointment form details the information we request from you prior to your first visit. (You can also make an appointment with us by phone at 856.455.5500.) You can refer to our optional online pre-visit form to get an idea of the kind of additional information we like to know prior to your first visit. Your responses to these questions help us better address your vision needs at your first appointment.

What's the difference between an optometrist, an ophthalmologist and an
optician?

It's not uncommon for patients to be unclear about the differences between
optometrists, ophthalmologist and opticians. All three types of eyecare
professionals on staff at SJEA.

Optometrists (ODs), like SJEA partners Dr. Cole and Dr. Feinstein, are
primary healthcare practitioners qualified to diagnose and treat vision
disorders and certain diseases of the eye. An optometrist prescribes
eyewear, contact lens and some medications.

Ophthalmologists (MDs), like Dr. Lebowitz, are trained eye surgeons and
physicians specializing in medical and surgical treatment of vision
disorders and diseases.

Registered Dispensing Opticians (RDOs), like the ones working in our
optical department, are trained and accredited to fill prescriptions issued
by our optometrists for corrective eyewear. Opticians, unlike optometrists
and ophthalmologists, do not perform comprehensive eye exams.

 
 
My job requires that I wear safety glasses. Can I get them through SJEA?
 
Yes! SJEA’s eyewear division South Jersey Eyewear stocks a wide variety of safety glasses, goggles and visors for both on-the-job and at-home conditions.  We can work with both you and your employer to address your safety needs in the workplace.
 
Why are regular eye exams important?
 
Regular comprehensive eye exams play an important part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Your optometrist not only checks your vision to see if you need glasses; he also checks for eye diseases and other conditions that may not be exhibiting obvious symptoms to you yet. Catching these problems early greatly increases your chances of be able to manage or eliminate them. The eyes can also often show early indications of other diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, giving you the opportunity to avert problems before they start.
 
How often should I get my eyes examined?
 
The Vision Council of America recommends that, even if you aren’t experiencing vision problems, you get a complete eye exam at least once every two years. Your optometrist may recommend more frequent regular exams if you display any risk factors that may affect your vision.
 
When should my child first visit the optometrist?
 
During the early weeks, months and years of your baby’s life, your neonatologist and pediatrician will regularly exam your baby’s eyes as part of his or her routine check-ups. At six months of age, your baby should have a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. If your child doesn’t display any vision problems, the next eye exam should follow at age three with another coming at the age of five—or before your child enters kindergarten.
 
How often should my child receive eye exams by an optometrist after he or she enters kindergarten?
 
School age children should see an optometrist at least once every two years—more frequently if they wear eye glasses or experience vision difficulties. A child can be unaware of a vision problem affecting their ability to learn and succeed in school.
 
What are some of the warning signs that my child may have vision problems or risks?
 
Children don’t always recognize when they’re experiencing vision problems, and a school nurse may not be able to detect them either.  The American Vision council recommends that your child receive a comprehensive eye exam if they fall into one of the following risk categories or display any of the following symptoms.
 
• Squinting, closing or covering one eye
• Constantly holding materials close to the face
• Tilting the head to one side
• Rubbing eyes repeatedly
• One or both eyes turn in or out
• Redness or tearing in eyes
• Premature birth
• Developmental delays
• Family history of "lazy eye" or "thick glasses"
• A disease that affects the whole body (such as diabetes, sickle cell or HIV)