Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take my insurance?

We accept most vision and medical insurance plans. If we don't currently accept your plan, it is likely your network is not accepting new providers, as is the case with DMBA. However, we are actively working on getting credentialed with our most requested plans.

Do you charge extra for retinal screening?

Many offices build their retinal screening into their exam price. We have found, however, that patients like having a choice, so even though it is highly recommended to get a screening, it is optional.

Is Dr. Cook experienced?

Dr. Cook has over 10 years of experience practicing in a variety of office settings—everything from a surgical ophthalmology practice to primary care private practices and commercial settings. He completed additional training at Hoopes Vision in Draper, Utah, and the VA Hospital in Tucson, AZ. He has participated in school screenings and assisted at the Blind Children's Learning Center. He has extensive experience managing pre- and post-cataract surgical patients and monitoring patients with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, among other chronic eye diseases. He enjoys seeing patients of all ages, including children, and helping them achieve their best possible vision through correction with contact lenses, glasses, or co-managing surgical procedures.

Is being an optometrist a good job?

Of course, we will say YES! You have great hours, don't cause too much pain, get to improve people's lives, and people don't dread seeing you. That being said, to some, it can be too repetitive, but that's what we actually like here because it gives you a chance to perfect the craft. And we love people—each person who comes in is different and makes the day pass quickly and enjoyably. If you are considering becoming an optometrist and would like to shadow Dr. Cook or pick his brain, he loves to talk about it and would be happy to provide any information he can to help you make your decision.

What is the difference between an optician and an optometrist?

I like to call opticians magicians because what they do is pure magic. They are experts at seeing a person's face and knowing exactly what frames will look good on them. They can also magically reshape frames to fit someone's head, and let's be honest, most of us don't have perfectly shaped heads. It is a skill that is honed over time, and our leading optician and optical manager, Alex, has over 10 years of experience doing just that. Prior to coming to Cook Family Eyecare, Alex worked at Walmart Vision Center as well as Eyeglass World. We are lucky to have her because she can troubleshoot any problem and truly is an expert at knowing not only what frames to choose, but what lens options are best for each patient.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist?

Both are eye doctors that took different paths. An optometrist goes to optometry school (a specialized 4-year doctorate program) after getting a bachelor’s degree, making them an OD, whereas an ophthalmologist attends medical school, making them an MD. If they choose to do their residency in ophthalmology, they become an OMD and can do surgery such as LASIK, cataract surgery, retinal surgeries, and so much more. To be honest, while there are some politics involved and scopes of practice do overlap in some areas, optometrists and ophthalmologists ultimately share the same goal: taking great care of patients and preserving their vision to the highest level possible. This shared commitment allows great co-managing relationships to exist between the two fields.

Do I really need an eye exam?

The short answer is yes, absolutely! Why? Because a comprehensive eye exam is an essential part of preventative healthcare that is all too often overlooked. We like to think of it as going to see your primary care doctor for an annual checkup. You may not have any symptoms, but disease processes could be starting, and early discovery is key to a positive long-term outcome in many conditions. During your eye exam, we will assess your overall eye health, screen for common vision problems and eye diseases, and ensure that your glasses prescription is as accurate as possible to help you reach your full visual potential. Not only that, but we want to ensure that your visual system is operating comfortably and without undue stress or unnecessary effort on your part. Beyond that, since the eye is the only place in the body where we can directly observe nerve tissue and blood vessels without overlying tissue, we can uncover or monitor health conditions you might not even relate to the eyes, such as strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The Cook Family Eyecare team is devoted to improving and protecting your eye health and vision while providing you with a snapshot of your overall health as seen through the eyes.

So when should you have an eye exam?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends annual eye exams for all adults. If you are at high risk, more frequent exams might be suggested. Dr. Cook recommends that children have their eyes checked before preschool or kindergarten and then every year before school starts again. You might be considered "high risk" if: - You have a family history of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, corneal dystrophies or degenerations, cancer, autoimmune disorders, etc. - You have a history of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or other systemic health conditions that can affect the eyes. - You take medications that may have ocular side effects. - You work in a position that is visually demanding or in an environment that poses risks to your eyes. - You have poor vision in one eye. - You have a high prescription. - You wear contact lenses. - You participate in boxing or knife throwing contests. (Just seeing if you’re still awake.)

How much is an eye exam?

We offer fantastic discounts to all self-pay patients. Our prompt-pay baseline eye exams are $89. Contact lens exams are $60, and if you choose to do a retinal screening, that is an additional $40.

Do you recommend getting my eyes checked every year?

We're supposed to say YES, but we will level with you. Many people with healthy eyes and low risk can go multiple years without having an eye exam. However, if you choose this schedule, you must also be aware that something could be going on with your eyes that might be sight-threatening or, heaven forbid, life-threatening. So, while we recommend getting your eyes checked every year, it is ultimately up to you. We see it as a simple sacrifice of time to preserve and protect your vision and get an updated status on your overall health because, after all, the eye is the only place in the body where you can directly observe the health of nerve tissue and blood vessels without overlying tissue.

At what age should kids start getting their eyes checked?

If you suspect something is wrong with your infant’s eyes, get them seen. We are trained to check babies' prescriptions using a light refraction method called retinoscopy. We can also refer to a surgeon if something isn’t right. Otherwise, we definitely recommend that all kids have their eyes checked prior to entering preschool or kindergarten. Do not be deceived if your child appears to see well; often, that good vision may be occurring in only one eye, and the weaker eye, if left unchecked, may develop a potentially serious condition called amblyopia, where the eye goes dormant. It is imperative that each eye receives proper stimulation during the growing years to establish a strong eye-brain connection. Why does this matter? Because two eyes are better than one! Simply put, having two eyes is a backup plan. We have seen patients with one good eye and one bad eye lose vision in the good eye, resulting in the loss of their driver’s licenses and independence. Do your kids a favor and get their eyes checked while they’re young, even if it seems like they don’t need it.

Do you do LASIK in office?

If only! Yes, we wish we could perform LASIK because it is awesome. However, LASIK is a surgical procedure that only trained ophthalmologists can perform. You do not want us doing your LASIK, but we do partner with Hoopes Vision in Draper, UT, to co-manage patients who wish to undergo LASIK, PRK, or cataract surgery. What does this mean? We can perform your initial health exam prior to surgery as well as see you for your post-op visits. Having spent time at Hoopes, Dr. Cook is well-versed in what to look for and how to manage any complications.

Can you do cataract surgery?

Again, another surgery we wish we could perform because it is somewhat miraculous. As with LASIK, we refer our patients to a certified ophthalmologist for the surgery but are glad to handle the post-operative checkup appointments if that is more convenient for you.

I got something in my eye. Can you remove it?

Yes! We love removing foreign objects from people’s eyes more than we probably should. However, if you have something IN your eye, such as a penetrating injury, it would be best to see an ophthalmologist, and we would need to refer you out. But wood, metal, plastic, lashes, lost contact lenses, abrasions, mild lacerations, cactus needles, glue, antifreeze, firework explosions, rocks, shampoo, paper airplanes (all true stories)—pretty much anything you can get into your eye—we are glad to remove and treat any residual problems.

Can I manage my diabetic eye condition at your office?

Yes, Dr. Cook has invested in the latest and greatest equipment for identifying and tracking the progression of diabetic eye health over time. Dilation is the standard of care, but retinal imaging is highly encouraged for our diabetic patients. Why dilate AND take photos? Dr. Cook does not have a photographic memory, and comparing pictures and images side by side is by far the best way to determine the rate of progression and establish the level of severity. Just do it.

Do you carry my brand of contact lenses?

We carry all the mainstream contact lens brands, including Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Vita, Acuvue 1-Day, Acuvue Moist 1-Day, Air Optix with Hydraglyde, Dailies Total 1, Dailies Total 30, Precision 1 Day, Bausch and Lomb Ultra, BioTrue 1 Day, Biofinity, Biofinity Toric XR, My Day, Fresh Day, Reveal, Clariti 1 Day, and more.

Why is buying contact lenses online not the best option?

When buying glasses online, you run the risk of having a decentered lens, which can induce prism and cause discomfort, dizziness, and eye strain. It’s important for the optical center of each lens to align directly in front of the pupil when worn. When you pick out a frame in our office, we can measure the distance from the bottom of the frame to the center of your pupil so the lab knows exactly where to center the lens. While you can get and submit your "PD" (pupillary distance—not to be confused with "OC," optical center), you still may not end up with the most comfortable and effective glasses for you. The higher your prescription, the more induced prism you could end up with. For this reason, we typically do not recommend online glasses to our patients, though for some people with lower prescriptions, it might be appropriate.

Why does my vision fluctuate with contact lenses?

You might be over-corrected, meaning your prescription is too strong, you have an astigatism and the lens isn't fitting properly, or you have dry eyes. We love to trouble shoot all of these issues and help you see your best.

Are all glasses created equal?

No, they are not, especially when it comes to progressive lenses. The sayings "buy cheap, buy twice" and "you get what you pay for" come to mind. We focus on selling quality. Technology has come such a long way with digital lenses and premium coatings, so if it's something you're going to wear on your face day in and day out for a year or more, we see it as a good investment.

Can you diagnose diabetes with your eye exam?

Diabetes can cause microhemorrhages, among other issues, to occur on the retina. If we have concerns, we will refer you to a primary care doctor for an official diagnosis. It is a fairly common occurrence for us to inform patients that they might be diabetic and not know it. Once diagnosed, we recommend annual dilation with retinal photography and scanning, or more frequent exams based on disease progression.

Can I manage my diabetic eye condition at your office?

Yes, Dr. Cook has invested in the latest and greatest equipment for identifying and tracking progression of diabetic eye health over time. Dilation is the standard of care but retinal imaging is highly encouraged for our diabetic patients. Why dilate AND take photos? Well, Dr. Cook does not have a photographic memory and comparing pictures and images side by side is by far THE BEST way to determine rate of progression and establish the level of severity. Just do it.

How can I improve my dry eye symptoms?

We LOVE to talk about dry eyes here. As a sufferer of dry eye himself, Dr. Cook has tried all of the vitamins, gadgets, and tactics to improve dry eye. First, we need to uncover why your eyes are dry (it’s more complex than you might think!) and then educate you on all of your options. We offer dry eye treatment kits with all of Dr. Cook's favorite at-home maintenance tools. We can also start prescription medications such as Restasis or Xiidra if needed and monitor your progress to ensure improvement.

What is the difference between being nearsighted and farsighted?

Near-sighted people can see up close, while far-sighted people can see at a distance. Near-sighted people have a minus (-) sign in front of the spherical number on their prescription, whereas far-sighted people have a plus (+) sign. Think of it as a number line: someone with perfect vision has a 0 on their prescription. The higher the negative number, the more near-sighted you are, while the higher the positive number, the more far-sighted you are.

What is glaucoma?

Imagine pumping up a basketball with an air pump. When do you stop adding air? When it is full and tight. Your eye is like this basketball, except instead of air, it is filled with fluid and collagen material. Sometimes this fluid is produced too quickly or does not drain fast enough, causing pressure on the walls of the eye. The softest spot of the eye is a hole in the back where the optic nerve and blood vessels enter. This pressure pushes on this soft spot, causing nerve damage and resulting in vision loss. Glaucoma is a relatively slow-progressing disease in most cases, but it is important to identify it as soon as possible because it is very treatable. It is a "silent blinder" because you don’t feel high pressure, and since it attacks your peripheral vision first, you are not likely to notice any symptoms of vision loss until it is too late.

Why did my grandpa use eye drops?

He probably had glaucoma—either that or he was just very diligent with his dry eye treatments. Did he have long, flowing eyelashes? If so, it might have been glaucoma. Traditionally, the first-line treatment for glaucoma has been eye drops, one of which has the side effect of beautiful lashes. However, treatment strategies are evolving and improving. If you are concerned about a family history of glaucoma, as there is a genetic component, be sure to come in and we will perform an iCare tonometer test. Rest assured, this is not the same as its evil twin, the dreaded air puff test; you'll like it more, we promise. We will also recommend an OCT scan of your optic nerve to ensure glaucoma isn't present. If it isn’t, this scan will serve as an excellent baseline to monitor your eye health going forward.

What are cataracts?

Oh, cataracts—we could talk about them all day. Cataract patients are among Dr. Cook’s favorites to see. Why? Because, like LASIK, there is a definite "wow factor" once a patient with severe cataracts completes surgery. There are many types and stages of cataracts. They typically progress so slowly that you might not even notice they’re developing, much like the old story about boiling a frog. Inside your eye, there is a lens centered behind the colored part of your eye. It is about the size and shape of an M&M candy and is crystal clear when you are born. Over time, the proteins in the lens are damaged by aging and sunlight, causing it to become cloudy and yellowish—similar to old plastic that has yellowed. Cataract surgery is fascinating; if you haven’t watched one on YouTube yet, you should!

Why do I get headaches when I read?

While there can be many causes, triggers, and contributing factors to headaches, the status of your eyes is definitely worth investigating if you experience eye strain or headaches while reading. Are your eyes balanced? Are you a far-sighted person trying to see up close? Are your glasses strong enough? Too strong? Do you have mild strabismus or a tendency for your eyes to wander? Are you sensitive to blue light? These and other questions can be addressed with a comprehensive eye exam. If we can’t identify a specific eye-related cause, we also recommend getting evaluated by your primary care doctor for headaches.

Why do I see starbursts around lights while driving at night?

Starbursts— and not the delicious kind— are bothersome. Most likely, these annoying light scatter effects are caused by uncorrected or over/under-corrected astigmatism. However, your eye has two lenses, each of which can be affected by diseases or irregularities. This includes things like cataracts, corneal scars, corneal dryness, and keratoconus, just to name a few.

Why are my eyes so red?

It might be because you’re not drinking enough water or not getting enough sleep! True? Maybe. It’s also possible that you have chronic dry eyes, allergies, a bacterial or viral infection, or even an autoimmune disorder. When you come in, we will ask you a lot of questions, take a close look, and let you know how we can proceed to get your eyes back to their bright and shiny selves.

What is a cornea?

The cornea is fascinating. Essentially, the cornea is a lens made up of unique layers of tissue, each with a specific job to keep it clear. If one of these layers doesn’t perform its duty, clarity issues can occur in the form of corneal dystrophy or corneal degeneration. The cornea is "sexy" because that’s where LASIK happens. Did we just use that word? Yeah, we did. At any rate, it’s "cool" enough that some ophthalmologists specialize in this tissue alone and are called corneal specialists. The cornea is the primary factor contributing to "astigmatism" and is full of corneal nerves, making it highly sensitive to touch. These nerves are severed during LASIK, which is why dry eyes can occur afterward because, when severed, they can’t send the "Hey brain, I’m dry, send tears" message.

What is the conjunctiva?

Imagine you wrapped a meatball in saran wrap—really tightly! Kinda gross, but the saran wrap is like the conjunctiva of that meatball. It’s a thin, clear layer of tissue that protects and covers the outside of the eye. This layer is susceptible to infection and swelling, which is where the term conjunctivitis comes from.

What is pink eye? Is it contageous?

Yes, go wash your hands and stop touching your eyes! Whether it’s bacterial or viral, it’s best not to share eye droplets. Don’t share pillowcases or towels if someone in the household has pink eye. Other parents will be grateful if you keep your child home from school while the condition is active. We have great eye drops to soothe redness and knock out bacterial infections. Viral infections, on the other hand, have to run their course. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate which is the culprit without culturing the discharge, so antibiotics are usually given, sometimes in conjunction with steroids. However, we want to rule out other eye conditions such as allergies or autoimmune disorders.

What is a retinal detachment?

Something you definitely don’t want, a retinal detachment usually starts as a break or tear in the ever-so-fragile nerve tissue called the retina, which is plastered against the back wall of your eye. The retina gathers light as it enters your eye, traces it back to the optic nerve, and then onward to the visual cortex in the back of your head, allowing you to see your cute kids’ faces or the glowing pink Mount Timpanogos during winter sunsets. After it tears, like wallpaper, gravity continues to pull it down. Fluid can seep below the thin sheet of retina, lifting it up. Once it separates from the back of the eye, you essentially go blind in that area of your vision. Once this process starts, the clock starts ticking, and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches your central vision (aka your macula). A "macula-off" retinal detachment can be devastating both to your vision and mental health. Losing vision permanently is not something you want, so if you notice symptoms of a retinal tear or detachment, be seen that same day—do not wait! What are the symptoms, you might ask? Flashes of light, an increase in floaters, larger floaters, or a dark shadow coming down over your vision. If in doubt, just be seen!

Why am I seeing floaters?

There is a gelatinous substance that fills the space of the eye called the vitreous. It is a meshwork of collagen fibers, spaced ever so appropriately to remain clear so you can see through it. However, every now and then, some of these fibers clump together, creating little strands or chunks that cast shadows onto the retinal tissue. When you move your eye, they move as well, making your eye a human snowglobe of sorts. While they are common, they can be super irritating and annoying. In some instances, they can also be a sign of something more serious, like a retinal detachment.

How can I prevent eye disease?

Know your risks based on family history and take care of yourself. Dr. Cook highly recommends a diet rich in green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) and other bright, colorful foods. Get sufficient sleep, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. You know, all the things we know we should be doing. If something is happening with your eyes, don't ignore it—seek care promptly.

How does lack of sleep affect my eyes?

How does your iPhone perform on 7% battery? Get your sleep! Dry eye and overall eye comfort are closely linked to getting sufficient rest. If your eyes feel heavy or want to close even after a good night's sleep, it's time for an evaluation. You may have dermatochalasis or, in rare cases, something like Myasthenia Gravis.