Walk-in eye exams are hard to come by, but they do exist. Some eye doctor’s offices and retail eye care locations may be more likely than others to offer walk-in availability.
But choosing a walk-in exam could potentially come at a cost: long wait times and even a rushed appointment, depending on how busy the practice is. Before you head to the office or retail location, you might want to consider looking for a same-day appointment instead.
How can I find a same-day eye exam?
While some offices do offer walk-in eye exams, the convenience of walking in may not balance out the time you’ll wait to be seen or the potentially rushed exam.
And even for eye doctors who don’t directly offer walk-ins, there’s an alternative that could save you a lot of time in the waiting room and hopefully ensure a more thorough exam: a same-day appointment.
Same-day or next-day eye appointments can often be found locally, even for a routine exam. And checking availability is particularly straightforward with practices that offer online scheduling — you’re a few clicks or taps away from finding the next open time slot.
HOPING TO SEE THE EYE DOCTOR TODAY? Find an eye doctor near you and schedule an appointment.
Why do so many eye doctors require appointments?
Appointments lead to better time management and patient care.
Without proper appointment scheduling, your optometrist or ophthalmologist could see days that looked less like a doctor’s office and more like a driver’s license office. This can have a rebound effect on how much time eye doctors feel they can spend with each patient.
Sorting exams into scheduled appointment times allows for an even flow of patients and shorter wait times.
“Optometrists rarely offer walk-in exams unless there is an ocular urgent or emergent situation,” says Dr. Mesheca C. Bunyon, former President of the Maryland Board of Examiners in Optometry.
“For routine eyeglass and contact lens exams, it is best to have an appointment to allow for the proper amount of time to complete testing and be educated by the doctor.”
Dr. Bunyon also notes the possible need for eye dilation, which can require an additional 30- to 45-minute wait while the pupils fully dilate. Without the stability of a scheduled appointment, you could end up waiting much longer.
Stores and offices that do allow walk-in exams can experience wait times well over an hour during busy periods.
When to see an eye doctor ASAP
If you develop pain, a sudden decrease in vision, significant redness or new flashes/floaters, discomfort, it’s important to be seen as quickly as possible.
Dr. Bunyon, who practices optometry in the Washington, D.C., area, says that finding a quick appointment shouldn’t be an issue when acute symptoms are present. She explains that most eye doctors will squeeze people in same day, because they “realize the importance of getting patients in sooner.”
“The best course of action for a patient who needs an eye exam ASAP is to call the office immediately,” she says
NEED AN EYE EXAM ASAP? Find an eye care specialist near you, ask how quickly they can fit you in and schedule an appointment.
