Comprehensive Eye Exams in Chesapeake, VA

Clear vision matters, but seeing well doesn’t always mean your eyes are healthy. Many eye conditions can develop with few or no noticeable symptoms at first, which is why routine comprehensive eye exams help protect your vision throughout life.

At Southside Eye Care, we aim to help you maintain and achieve your best possible vision through attentive, individualized care. Our experienced doctors and skilled technicians provide thorough eye evaluations for patients in Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and surrounding communities.

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates both how well you see and the overall health of your eyes. Unlike a simple vision screening, it includes multiple tests designed to detect changes in vision and identify signs of common eye diseases.

Your examination may include:

• Measurement of your visual acuity
• Evaluation of your current glasses prescription
• Refraction to determine whether your prescription has changed
• Eye pressure testing
• Evaluation of how your eyes focus and work together
• Examination of the front structures of your eyes
• Assessment of the retina and other internal eye structures
• Additional testing based on your age, health, symptoms, or medical history

Why Are Routine Eye Exams Important?

Regular eye exams can detect changes in vision and eye conditions before they interfere with everyday activities. Some eye diseases may progress gradually, making professional evaluation especially important even when your eyesight seems normal.

Comprehensive examinations can help detect or monitor conditions such as:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic eye disease
• Dry eye
• Refractive errors
• Changes affecting the retina
• Other conditions that may threaten vision

Finding a problem early may provide more opportunities to monitor it, manage symptoms, or begin appropriate treatment.

Who Should Have Comprehensive Eye Exams?

Comprehensive eye exams benefit people of all ages. Exam frequency depends on factors such as your age, vision needs, medical history, family history, and whether you already have an eye condition.

You may need more frequent examinations if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have glaucoma or an increased risk of glaucoma
• Have a family history of eye disease
• Wear glasses or contact lenses
• Have previously had eye surgery
• Notice changes in your eyesight
• Take medications that can affect the eyes

Your eye doctor can recommend an exam schedule based on your individual risk factors.

What Happens During Your Eye Exam?

Your visit typically begins with questions about your vision, current symptoms, medications, general health, and personal or family history of eye conditions. A technician may then perform several measurements and preliminary tests before you meet the eye doctor.

Depending on your needs, your pupils may be dilated using eye drops so the doctor can examine the structures inside the eye more closely. Dilating drops can temporarily cause light sensitivity and blurry near vision, so you may want to bring sunglasses for your trip home.

After the examination, your doctor will review the findings and discuss whether you need corrective lenses, additional testing, treatment, or continued routine monitoring.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

Many people don’t get their eyes examined if they don’t notice any drastic changes in their vision. That may be less risky for those in their 20s and 30s, but it’s rolling the dice if you’re over 40.

Here is the timeline that the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends for when different age groups should get an eye exam:

• Children 5 years and younger — Children under three should see a pediatrician to check for the most common eye problems, such as lazy eye. Otherwise, children between 3 and 5 should see the team at Southside Eye Care for their eye examination.
• School-age children and teens — Your child needs their vision checked before they enter first grade. From there, check vision every one or two years to make sure their refraction/vision correction prescription hasn’t changed.
• Adults — If you don’t have vision problems and don’t have a family history of eye disease, this is the schedule for adults:
  • Every five to 10 years in your 20s and 30s
  • Every two to four years from 40 to 54
  • Every one to three years from 55 to 64
  • Every year after age 65

If you wear glasses, have a family history of eye disease, or have any chronic disease that can affect your eyes, we recommend scheduling more frequent eye exams at our Chesapeake, VA office.

Why Choose Southside Eye Care for Comprehensive Eye Exams

Southside Eye Care emphasizes each patient’s individual vision needs and attentive care. The practice employs qualified technicians and supports staff members pursuing professional ophthalmic certification, helping ensure that patients receive skilled assistance during eye testing and procedures.

The care team includes Michael R. Keverline, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and diabetic eye care. Theodore Hallberg, OD, has practiced optometry since 1996 and has provided family eye care and specialized contact lens services at Southside Eye Care since 2002.   Our newest team member, Kosha Patel, OD, joined Southside Eye Care in 2026 after moving to the area from New Jersey where she was practicing Optometry.