Diabetic Eye Exam

Diabetic Eye Exam in Westlake Village — Your Integrated Care Partner. Specialized, unhurried exams by Dr. Pegah Raven, OD, collaborating with our endocrinologist and urgent care team for holistic diabetes management. Same-day access.

📞 Call Us: (805)410-4203

Why Diabetic Eye Exams are Crucial for Your Vision

Diabetes can significantly impact the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye, often without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular, dilated diabetic eye exams are essential to:

• Early Detection: Catch potential problems like diabetic retinopathy or macular edema before vision loss occurs.
• Effective Treatment: Identify changes early when treatment is most effective at preserving vision.
• Protect Your Sight: Maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come.

What to Expect During Your Diabetic Eye Exam

At LUXER Eye, your exam is focused, thorough, and designed for your comfort:

1. Focused Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of your vision, eye pressure, and overall eye health.
2. Dilated Retinal Check: A detailed examination of the retina to check for diabetic changes, performed comfortably on-site.
3. Clear Plan: Receive an easy-to-understand plan covering monitoring intervals, necessary treatments (if any), and precautions.
4. Integrated Care Coordination: A detailed report will be sent directly to the LUXER endocrinologist (if applicable) or the primary care physician (PCP) and/or endocrinologist the same week, ensuring the entire care team is in sync and facilitating seamless referrals.

If additional advanced testing (e.g., retinal photos, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)) would enhance care, coordinate with a trusted local partner for specialized diagnostics and review results with you promptly.

📞 Call Us: (805)410-4203

Why Choose LUXER EYE for Your Diabetic Eye Care

Integrated Specialist Team: Ocular health is managed by Dr. Pegah Raven, OD, working hand-in-hand with the on-site endocrinologist for comprehensive diabetes management under one roof. This collaborative approach enhances care.

• Expert Diagnosis: Ensuring an accurate assessment and effective management plan from the start.
• Unhurried & Thorough Visits: Enjoy ample time to ask questions and receive a clear, personalized plan tailored to your needs.
• Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: Benefit from precise pressure checks and thorough dilated retinal examinations using state-of-the-art tools.
• On-Site Urgent Care Resources: Access to an ER physician, full in-house lab, EKG, Ultrasound, and X-ray for immediate testing and rapid results if needed, especially in urgent situations related to diabetes or eye health. This capability significantly streamlines care and reduces the need for external referrals or costly ER visits for many diabetes-related issues.
• Comfortable & Efficient Environment: The tranquil, modern clinic offers short waits, easy parking, and same- or next-day access, making your visit convenient and stress-free.

📞 Call Us: (805)410-4203

Connecting Diabetes & Overall Health:

Diabetic eye health is intricately linked to overall diabetes management. The collaborative approach with the on-site endocrinologist, coupled with immediate access to urgent care resources, allows for seamless co-management of the condition.

Weight Management and Diabetes:

For patients needing support with weight management, the clinic offers a medically supervised Weight Loss Program led by our endocrinologist. This integrated approach can play a crucial role in improving blood sugar control and, consequently, long-term eye health. 

How Often Should You Have a Diabetic Eye Exam?

The recommended frequency for diabetic eye exams depends on the specific exam findings, duration of diabetes, and overall medical history. Many adults with diabetes require an exam every 12 months, or more frequently if diabetic changes are detected or risk factors are high. A personalized timeline will be determined during the visit.

📞 Call Us: (805)410-4203

Billing Options

Medical Insurance Accepted: Diabetic eye exams are typically considered medically necessary and are covered by medical insurance. Your copay, coinsurance, or deductible may apply after your benefits are verified.

Self-Pay / Cash: Prefer not to use insurance? A Good Faith Estimate will be provided before care and a superbill on request. HSA/FSA welcome.

>> Vision Services: Please note that refraction (determining a glasses prescription) and contact lens evaluations are separate cash items.

What to Bring to Your Diabetic Eye Exam

To ensure the most comprehensive and efficient visit, please bring:

1. The latest A1c results (if available) and any recent relevant lab notes.
2. A list of current medications and your glucose log (if you maintain one).
3. Current glasses/contacts and any prior eye records (if available).
4. The insurance card and photo ID.

When to Come to LUXER EYE vs. Seek Emergency Care

Come to LUXER EYE: for the routine yearly diabetic eye exam, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, or any non-urgent concerns related to diabetes and the eyes. Our on-sit ER Physician, Lab, EKG, Ultrasound, and X-ray capabilities for many diabetes-related urgent issues, offers you a superior alternative to freestanding urgent care centers for complex cases.

Go to the ER or seek immediate emergency care for chemical burns, penetrating eye injuries, or sudden, severe vision loss (especially if accompanied by pain), a sudden "dark curtain" or "shadow" across the vision, severe eye pain with nausea/vomiting, or a significant trauma.

If ever unsure, please call—the situation can be triaged over the phone.

📞 Call Us: (805)410-4203

FAQs

Will I be dilated during the exam? Yes, dilation is typically necessary to allow for a thorough examination of the retina, where diabetic changes are most likely to occur. Sunglasses are recommended for comfort afterward; some patients prefer to have a driver.

What if diabetic changes are found? If any changes are detected, the findings will be explained in detail, a follow-up interval will be set, and any additional testing or specialist care will be coordinated if needed, including seamless referrals to the on-site endocrinologist or leveraging the in-house diagnostic tools.

Why is integrated care important for diabetes? Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the eyes. The on-site collaboration between optometry, endocrinology, and the urgent care resources ensures a holistic approach, leading to better overall management of the condition, rapid response to urgent needs, and protection of the vision.

Can I book the vision test (refraction) too? Yes, you can add a Vision Exam & Refraction to your visit to determine your glasses prescription. Please note this is a separate cash service.

📞 Call Us: (805)410-4203