Comprehensive eye exams in Sterling Heights
A comprehensive eye exam checks two things: how clearly and comfortably you see, and how healthy your eyes are. At Lens Society, Dr. Yousif Ghaleb, O.D., updates your glasses prescription, tests how your eyes focus and work together, and examines the front and back of each eye. You leave knowing your prescription and what, if anything, needs watching.
Who it is for
- Adults and teens who want an updated glasses prescription
- Anyone whose vision has changed, or who has headaches or eye strain with reading or screens
- People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma, who benefit from regular checks
- Anyone who has not had a full eye exam in the last two years
What to expect
Check-in and history
We confirm your contact details and coverage, then ask about your vision, your health, medications, and any family eye conditions. Sensitive history is collected in our patient system, not on the website.
Vision and prescription
You read letters at distance and near, and the doctor refines your prescription lens by lens so you can compare what looks sharper and more comfortable.
Focusing and eye teamwork
Simple tests check how your eyes move, focus at different distances, and work together. These help explain strain or tiredness at screens.
Eye health
The doctor examines the front of the eye, checks eye pressure, and looks at the retina and optic nerve. Dilating drops may be recommended for a wider view; the doctor will explain why before using them.
Results and next steps
You hear what was found in plain language, receive your glasses prescription, and plan when to come back. If you want new glasses, our optical team can start right away.
How to prepare
- Bring the glasses you wear now, including readers and sunglasses with a prescription
- Bring your contact lenses or the lens box if you wear contacts (contact lens fitting is a separate service)
- Bring your vision and medical insurance cards and a list of medications
- If your eyes may be dilated, bring sunglasses and consider arranging a driver
Exam or screening?
A screening, like the one at school or the Secretary of State office, tells you whether you can read letters at a set distance. It does not measure a prescription and does not look inside the eye. A comprehensive exam does both. Many eye conditions, glaucoma for example, cause no symptoms early on, which is one reason a full exam matters even when your vision seems fine.
What the doctor is looking at
The prescription part answers “how clearly do you see, and with what lenses.” The health part answers “is anything changing that needs attention.” The doctor looks at the eyelids, cornea and lens at the front of the eye, checks the pressure inside the eye, and examines the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve at the back. Changes there can be the first sign of conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and the doctor will tell you if something should be shared with your physician.
After the exam
You receive your glasses prescription. If you want new glasses, our optical team can help you choose frames and lenses during the same visit, or you can take the prescription anywhere you like. If the doctor recommends a follow-up, we schedule it before you leave.
Good to know
- A comprehensive exam does not include a contact lens fitting. If you want a contact lens prescription, book a contact lens exam.
- Some findings need follow-up visits or referral to a specialist; the doctor will explain and help arrange it.
Insurance and cost
Routine exams are usually billed to a vision plan. If you come in for a medical problem, such as a red or painful eye, the visit may be billed to medical insurance instead. Our insurance page lists plans as participation is confirmed.
Questions
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
Most of the time is spent on the prescription and the eye health check. We will tell you how long to plan for when we confirm your appointment, and whether dilation is likely.
Do I need to have my eyes dilated?
Not always. Dilation gives the doctor a wider view of the retina and optic nerve and is recommended more often for some people, for example those with diabetes. Your vision may be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours afterward, so bring sunglasses.
Is a vision screening at school or the DMV the same thing?
No. A screening checks whether you can see letters at a set distance. A comprehensive exam measures your prescription and examines the health of the eye, which a screening does not do.
Can I get a contact lens prescription from this exam?
A contact lens prescription needs a separate fitting, because the lens sits on your eye and has to be measured and checked for fit. You can book both on the same day; see contact lens exams.
Will I get a copy of my glasses prescription?
Yes. Federal rules require eye doctors to give you your eyeglass prescription at the end of the exam, and you are free to fill it anywhere. We would be glad to help you choose frames, but it is your choice.
How often should I have an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends an exam at least every two years for adults 18 to 64 with no symptoms or risk factors, yearly (or as the doctor advises) for adults at higher risk, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease or who wear contact lenses, and every year for everyone 65 and older. Dr. Ghaleb will recommend the schedule that fits your eyes and health.
Sources
- Comprehensive eye exams, American Optometric Association (AOA)
- Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination: Quick Reference Guide, American Optometric Association (AOA)
- Complying with the Eyeglass Rule, Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Last updated October 20, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Dr. Yousif Ghaleb, O.D. on October 20, 2026.