We have answered the questions our patients ask most often. Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us or book an appointment and we will be happy to help.
We recommend a full eye exam every two years for healthy adults with no known eye conditions. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, are over 40, have diabetes or high blood pressure, or have a family history of glaucoma, annual exams are advisable. Children should be seen every year as their vision can change quickly during growth.
Your examination at Dothan Eye Centre includes visual acuity testing, auto refraction, slit lamp examination, non-contact tonometry for intraocular pressure, ophthalmoscopy, and a clear discussion of findings using our modern diagnostic equipment. A full exam typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Not at all. A standard eye exam is completely painless. The air-puff test used to measure eye pressure may feel slightly surprising but causes no discomfort. If dilating drops are used to examine the back of your eye, you may notice mild light sensitivity for a few hours after your visit.
We recommend a child's first eye exam between ages 3 and 4, ideally before starting school. Conditions like lazy eye, squint, and refractive errors are much easier to treat when caught early. Children often do not realise their vision is poor, so do not wait for them to complain before booking an exam.
Yes. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eye — a condition called diabetic retinopathy — which can cause sight loss if left undetected. We recommend that all diabetic patients have a dilated eye exam every year. Our specialists are trained to identify early signs of diabetic eye disease.
Yes. Glaucoma screening is available as part of our comprehensive eye exams at Dothan Eye Centre. We measure intraocular pressure, assess the optic nerve, and evaluate visual field status. Because glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, regular screening is the only reliable way to detect it before vision is lost.
No referral is needed. You can book directly online, call us, or walk in. We also accept referrals from general practitioners and other specialists, and we provide detailed clinical reports back to your doctor when required.
Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses, a list of any medications you take including eye drops, your HMO card if applicable, and any previous prescriptions or eye health reports. Arriving a few minutes early to complete a short health questionnaire is also helpful.
Standard single vision lenses are usually ready within 3 to 5 working days. Varifocal, high-index, and specialist lenses may take 5 to 10 working days depending on the prescription and lens type. We will give you an estimated collection date when you place your order and notify you as soon as your glasses are ready.
We offer single vision, bifocal, varifocal, photochromic (transition), polarised, and digitally surfaced non-glare lenses for optimal vision. Our dispensing team will recommend the best lens type for your prescription, lifestyle, and daily visual demands.
In many cases, yes. If your frames are in good condition and compatible with the new lenses required, we can reglaze them for you. Bring your frames in and we will assess their suitability. Very strong prescriptions may require a specific frame size or shape for the best optical result.
We stock a wide range of designer frames aimed at all age groups, taking current trends and fashion into account. Visit our optical floor or ask our dispensing team to show you our full collection — we are confident you will find a frame you love.
Yes. We offer frame adjustments, nose pad replacements, screw replacements, and minor repairs — usually while you wait and at no charge for glasses purchased from us. A small service fee may apply for frames purchased elsewhere.
A short adaptation period of 1 to 2 weeks is completely normal for first-time varifocal wearers. If after two weeks you are still experiencing distortion, headaches, or difficulty reading, come back and see us. We will reassess the fit, prescription, and lens design until it is right for you.
Most people with a refractive error can wear contact lenses. Suitability depends on your prescription, corneal shape, and lifestyle. Advancements in contact lens technology mean successful contact lens wear is achievable for most patients — we assess this properly during a dedicated fitting appointment.
A contact lens fitting is a separate appointment where we assess your corneal shape and eye health, select a trial lens, and teach you how to insert and remove lenses safely. A follow-up is scheduled to confirm fit and comfort. Note that a contact lens prescription differs from a spectacle prescription and must be issued separately.
Most contact lenses should not be worn for more than 10 to 12 hours per day. Your cornea relies on oxygen from the air, so prolonged wear can cause dryness, irritation, and in serious cases, infection. Never sleep in lenses unless your optometrist has specifically approved them for overnight wear.
No. Always remove contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Water — including tap, pool, and sea water — can carry micro-organisms that cause serious eye infections when lenses are worn. If your lenses come into contact with water, remove and discard them immediately.
Remove your lenses immediately and do not reinsert them. If the redness is mild and settles within 30 minutes, it may be simple irritation. If redness persists or is accompanied by pain, discharge, or blurred vision, contact us or seek urgent eye care straight away — these can be signs of infection requiring prompt treatment.
No. Contact lenses are medical devices and require a valid prescription from a registered optometrist. Wearing lenses without a proper fitting puts your eyes at serious risk. At Dothan Eye Centre, we supply contact lens brands to patients with a current and valid contact lens prescription.
A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye's natural lens, which lies directly behind the pupil. Risk increases with age, and common signs include blurred or cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, and colours appearing faded. With early detection, it's possible to preserve or restore clarity of vision — we offer cataract screening and treatment at Dothan Eye Centre.
Glaucoma describes a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually associated with high intraocular pressure. Left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss, but it can often be managed successfully when caught early. We offer glaucoma screening and custom treatment plans designed to preserve your vision.
The most common form of glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. Vision loss begins at the periphery and advances slowly, making it easy to miss until significant damage has occurred. Regular eye exams with glaucoma screening are essential — especially if you have a family history of the condition.
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. We run a comprehensive assessment — including tear volume and tear quality testing — to determine the cause and recommend suitable treatment for your dry or itchy eyes.
Most floaters are harmless and caused by tiny clumps in the vitreous gel of the eye. However, a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow across your vision are warning signs of a possible retinal tear or detachment — a medical emergency. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek urgent eye care immediately.
Prolonged screen use does not permanently damage your eyes, but it can cause digital eye strain — tired eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and dryness. We recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Yes. We accept cash, cards, POS, and HMO as forms of payment. Please bring your valid HMO card to your appointment. If you are unsure whether your plan covers eye care, contact your HMO directly or call us and we will help you verify your coverage.
We are located at El-Elyon Plaza, 108 Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6:30pm and Saturday 8am to 3pm. We are closed on Sundays.
You can book online via our appointment page, call us on +234 817 945 3998, or visit us in person. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially for comprehensive eye examinations which require a longer appointment slot.
A comprehensive eye exam takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are also choosing frames and ordering glasses on the same visit, allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes for the dispensing consultation. Contact lens fitting appointments are typically 45 to 60 minutes including the trial fitting and instruction session.
Absolutely. We welcome patients of all ages, from 6 months to our most senior patients. Our team is experienced in examining children and making the process calm, comfortable, and engaging. A parent or guardian should be present for children throughout the examination.
We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule, so we can offer your slot to another patient. To cancel or rearrange, please call us or send a message via our contact page.
