IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT.

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Tele-Optometry

Virtual, in-home eye exams in Tacoma, WA.telehealth-appointment-call-for-details

Presently not being offered.

Use our live, web-based platform to consult with Dr. George Meers of Tacoma Eye at Westgate. Call 253-220-2563 to schedule your appointment.

Together we’ll reach a tentative diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan.

These exams are NOT “comprehensive” exams or exams for new eyeglasses but rather “problem-focused”.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are telehealth, teleoptometry, telemedicine and telehealth? Are they all the same?

Answer: Telehealth allows doctors to use digital tools like a smartphone or laptop to see a doctor. Live!

E-medicine and Telemedicine have been used interchangeably. The technology has been around longer than one may think. While a resident at the Brockton VA medical center in Massachusetts, Dr Meers was involved in some initial studies where patients with Diabetes had virtual eye exams. This research was conducted with the New England College of Optometry, Harvard Medical School and the Joslin Diabetes Center in Massachusetts. Tele-Optometry allows your eye doctor to make house calls, virtually.

2. How hard is it to see my doctor for Tele-Optometry?

Answer: If you are able to use a computer or smartphone to have a videoconference, you can use Tele-Optometry for a virtual house call. A good Internet/wireless connection and a computer or phone with a built-in microphone and camera are required.

Tacoma Eye was one the first offices in Tacoma to offer Tele-Optometry. Patients of all ages have found it very easy to navigate.

3. Can I only use Tele-Optometry for a certain kind of eye problems?

Answer: At the moment we are unable to offer ACCURATE eyeglass exams via TELE-OPTOMETRY. Be wary of anyone that claims they can offer an eyeglass exam over the internet.

Since March we have been able to offer Tele-Optometry services to treat everything from Red eyes, Eye allergies, even Contact lens evaluations. We have had some patients that experienced eye emergencies where we could triage their needs and perform a baseline assessment before meeting them in our office to provide emergency care. The response to our Tele-Optometry services has been positive.

Patients should ask their other providers (Family medicine, pediatrician, Psychologist) what services they offer within the virtual visit setting as well as ask their insurance carriers.

4. How can the eye doctor really know what’s wrong if I don’t see him or her in person?

Answer: The doctor can “see” a patient via a video screen, but in fact, it’s the patient history (questions and answers) that provides a good portion the clinical diagnosis. A virtual consultation can prevent unnecessary trips and costs associated with a trip to the ER or urgent care.

5. How do I get started?

Answer: Click to request an appointment or call our office at (253) 220-2563.

Insurance information is taken and patients are scheduled as you normally would. But instead of coming in, your doctor is able to make a virtual house call and take care of you from the comfort and safety of your home.