FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INSURANCE AND APPOINTMENT RELATED QUESTIONS:
How can i make an appointment?
You can call our office at 810 989 7702. If you prefer, there is an appointment request form in the "Contact Us" tab. We look forward to hearing from you.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
Most patients do not need a referral to be seen by our ophthalmologists. Many of our patients initiate the first visit to our office simply by calling us.
Very few insurances require a referral to see a specialist, this includes Blue Care Network.
If you're unsure, call our office and we will be happy to find out for you.
Very few insurances require a referral to see a specialist, this includes Blue Care Network.
If you're unsure, call our office and we will be happy to find out for you.
Which insurances do you accept?
Our office is happy to accept almost all medical insurances, including medicare, medicaids, BCBS, and most commercial insurances. We also gladly welcome veterans using Tricare/Veterans Choice. Please call 810 989 7702 and ask for our billing specialist if you have a question regarding a specific insurance.
what does board certified mean?
The American Board of Ophthalmology maintains rigorous standards for knowledge, skills, and training in the specialty of ophthalmology. Not all ophthalmologists are Board Certified. Many practice in the state of Michigan without certification.
All of our ophthalmologists are fully licensed M.D.s and are Board Certified. So, you can be confident that you are receiving excellent care from expert ophthalmologists.
All of our ophthalmologists are fully licensed M.D.s and are Board Certified. So, you can be confident that you are receiving excellent care from expert ophthalmologists.
Do you accept urgent issues or injuries?
Yes. We are happy to see urgent issues. If you have an injury, an infection, or sudden vision loss, call us at 810 989 7702. We will try to accommodate you and have you seen by a specialist ASAP.
Do i need vision insurance to be seen?
No, since ophthalmologists are medical doctors, we accept medical insurance. Your insurance will be billed as it is when you seen any other medical specialist (Cardiologist, Orthopedic Surgeon, Etc).
You are not required to have vision insurance to see our ophthalmologists.
You are not required to have vision insurance to see our ophthalmologists.
Do you accept Care credit?
Yes. Our office accepts Care Credit. If you are interested, we can help you sign up for Care Credit in our office.
Do you accept payment plans?
Yes. We believe in providing excellent care to all patients regardless of your financial situation. Our billers can work with patients to create a budget payment plan when necessary.
Does medical insurance cover eye exams and eye surgery?
Yes. Medical insurances cover eye exams performed by ophthalmologists and any medically necessary surgeries or lasers that are needed.
EYE DISEASE RELATED QUESTIONS:
See "Our Patients" Page for more information
See "Our Patients" Page for more information
What is a cataract?
A Cataract is clouding or opacity of the natural lens which is inside your eye.
How is a cataract Treated?
Treating a cataract requires removing the cloudy lens via cataract surgery. After the lens is removed, a lens implant is placed in the eye.
Does cataract surgery require needles/injections?
No. Dr. Fahim uses a technique that does not require an injection (or a "nerve block"). Anesthetic drops are used to provide pain-free cataract surgery. Intravenous sedation is used to help relieve anxiety and keep patients relaxed and comfortable.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Cataract surgery is not painful. Patient comfort is our priority during surgery. That is why Dr. Fahim routinely does not use needle injections or sutures.
Can laser remove a cataract?
Since cataract surgery requires the removal of the natural cloudy lens, laser alone cannot be used to perform cataract surgery. Ultrasound is used to divide and emulsify the lens.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to your eye's optic nerve and gets worse over time. It's often linked to a buildup of pressure inside your eye. Overtime, the damage can cause vision loss and blindness.
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma is usually treated by lowering intraocular pressure. This is achieved by using laser (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), prescription eye drops, or surgical procedures that work on the eyes system to lower pressure. In Narrow angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma, a laser (peripheral iridotomy) is often required to bypass a narrowed fluid drainage system.
is there treatment for macular degeneration?
Yes. There are two types of Macular Degeneration. A specific vitamin formula called "AREDS 2 Formula" has been proven to slow the progression of moderate and severe dry macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration can be treated by injection of medications into the vitreous of the eye. In some situations, certain lasers can be used to help in the treatment of macular degeneration.
Wet macular degeneration can be treated by injection of medications into the vitreous of the eye. In some situations, certain lasers can be used to help in the treatment of macular degeneration.
Can diabetes cause eye problems?
Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults in America. Diabetes can result in retinopathy; bleeding and leakage from the small blood vessels inside the retina of the eye. These areas of bleeding can result in significant vision loss and blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment of retinopathy is critical to help prevent vision loss and blindness.
Diabetes also causes cataracts, glaucoma, and difficulty with focusing. Those diagnosed with Diabetes should schedule regular examinations with an ophthalmologist.
Diabetes also causes cataracts, glaucoma, and difficulty with focusing. Those diagnosed with Diabetes should schedule regular examinations with an ophthalmologist.
What is legal blindness?
Legal blindness is defined as vision that is worse than 20/200 in the better seeing eye or a visual field (peripheral vision) that is less than 20 degrees.