Do I need an appointment? 

Appointments are always appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. We can often schedule same-day appointments to accommodate our out-of-town patients. Call us at 719-296-6597. 

I have astigmatism, can I wear contact lenses? 

Yes, there are lots of great new lens designs and materials that work well for correcting astigmatism clearly and comfortable.  Dr. Gowen will work with you to find the perfect fit for your eyes.

I need bifocals, can I still wear contacts? 

Yes. just because you can't read up close, doesn't mean you need to reach for the reading glasses. Dr. Gowen has a lot of success with the new soft multi-focal lens designs.

I have diabetes. How often should I get an eye exam? 

You should get a dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you have any signs of diabetic eye disease, you may need to be seen more often.  

When do my kids need eye exams? 

The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams at 1 year, 3 years and before your child starts kindergarten. After that, your child should be seen at least once every two years, or more often if your doctor recommends it. Don't assume that the in-school vision screenings catch all vision problems. 

Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?

Yes, we accept both Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid covers the cost of an eye exam and glasses for patients under 21. Over 21 there is a $2 co-pay for the exam. 

How much is an eye exam?

Your insurance plan may cover all or a portion of the cost of your eye exam.  Exams without insurance coverage are very affordable -- they start at $60 for glasses and $105 for contact lenses. 

When can a child start wearing contact lenses? 

There's no lower age limit for contact lenses. When trying to decide if your child is ready for contacts, consider how responsible they are and how well they take care of personal items. Dr. Gowen finds best success between the ages 11-14 when adolescents  develop more responsibility and have the motor control to place the lens on the eye. With younger children, parents will need to take a larger role in putting lenses in and for their care and cleaning. Dr. Gowen recommends daily disposable lenses for younger wearers.

Can I get my glasses the same day as my exam? 

The Eyemart optical lab is located onsite. Eyemart can make over 90 percent of the glasses the same day, including sunglasses, no-line bifocals and high power lenses. Often times you can walk out the door with your new glasses in less than an hour. 

How much are eye exams without insurance?

Exams without insurance coverage are very affordable -- they start at $60 for glasses and $105 for contact lenses.