Office FAQs
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Spinak Medical Eye Center. We’ve put together a list of commonly asked questions and answers to those questions. Please contact us if you need additional information, 845-735-5666.
Making an appointment
Is the office wheelchair accessible?
Pearl River, NY office has a ramp that is at the right of our building parking lot.
Stony Point, NY office is wheelchair-friendly. First floor entrance and office.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Yes, during a comprehensive eye exam. In order for the doctor to get a clear view of all the parts of your eyes your pupils must be wide open. We will use dilating drops to accomplish this. Dilation could make your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours. Usually wearing sunglasses greatly helps with this. Most people are able to drive after dilation. If you are especially sensitive to dilation you may need someone to drive you home.
Can you schedule appointments so I don't have to wait?
We wish we could assure you that you wouldn’t have to wait, but our eye doctors want to give the best care possible to our patients. To do so, we spend time listening to our patients and answering their questions. Sometimes, this causes wait room times to increase. Spinak Medical Eye Center is also on a list of doctors to take in emergencies.
To make your wait less bothersome, we offer free Wi-Fi at both our Pearl River and Stony Point locations. Coffee, tea and water are also available for you. We have videos playing in our waiting room, though your tablet or phone may offer more entertaining material.
How long should I allow for my first office visit?
If it’s your first visit or a yearly exam, please allow extra time as the doctors will perform a comprehensive exam that involves testing and perhaps dilation. Please allow at least 2 hours. Follow up exams do not normally require as much time as initial visits.
Preparing for your visit
I wear contact lenses. Should I wear them to the visit?
NO, please follow the following guidelines:
If you are a contact lens wearer, please remove your lenses prior to your appointment.
Soft contacts should NOT be worn for ONE WEEK prior to your appointment.
Rigid contacts should NOT be worn for THREE WEEKS prior to your appointment.
If for any reason – you feel that you cannot remove your contact lenses – please advise our office prior to your appointment. Additionally, if you wear gas permeable contact lenses, and cannot remove them prior to your visit, Please bring in solution with your to the visit. It will be needed.
What should I bring to my visit?
If a new patient, please save time and fill out these new patient forms.
Always bring your eyeglasses/contact lenses, if you wear them.
Bring in a pair of sunglasses.
Please bring any current medications or a list of medications.
Bring a list of current and chronic health conditions and any known allergies.
Bring a photo ID and your current insurance cards.
Bring a current referral from your primary care physician if your insurance requires it.
Bring your co-payment. We take checks, cash, and major credit cards.
Emergency Procedures
Will I be able to reach my doctor in an emergency?
Yes. In the event of an emergency outside of our normal business hours, patients may call the office and our answering service will contact the doctor on call for you.
Office Policy
Is there a charge for completion of Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) vision forms?
There is no fee for completion of the DMV vision forms.
Is there a cost for copies of my medical records?
There is a charge of $.75 per page for copies of your medical records and reports. You will be required to sign a medical release form. Please allow 5-10 days for your records to be mailed or before pickup. Payment must be received before your records will be sent or be available for pickup.
What is the office no show fee?
If you do not keep your appointment, a $25 fee will be charged. No shows prevent other patients from being seen. We understand that there are instances in which you will not be able to keep your appointment. In such cases we ask that you inform us by telephone, 845-735-5666. We make every effort to make a courtesy confirmatory call regarding your appointment. No confirmation call does not excuse a no show fee.