Our mission is to provide comprehensive eye care for families across San Diego. But many patients — especially parents — are often confused about the difference between a vision screening and a full eye exam. With more screen time and early signs of dry eye or glaucoma showing up in younger patients, knowing which type of test is truly effective matters more than ever.
Here’s what every California family needs to understand before trusting a screen or relying only on a basic eye test.
Vision Screenings: What They Do—and Don’t
Think of screenings as a checkpoint — not a diagnosis.
Quick Checks with Limits
Vision screenings are brief and typically performed at schools or local health fairs. They focus on whether someone can read letters on a chart at a distance, but don’t assess underlying eye health, interior eye disease, or the eye’s ability to work together.
Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam Matters
Unlike screenings, a full comprehensive eye exam at includes in-depth evaluations — covering peripheral vision, eye pressure, retina imaging, and dry eye evaluation. This level of detail allows early treatment of conditions like dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or retinal disorders.
The Early Detection Advantage
Many conditions — like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy — often present no symptoms early on. A glaucoma-certified optometrist is uniquely qualified to detect and manage these serious issues in their earliest stages.
What a Full Eye Exam Includes at
We don’t just check your vision — we evaluate your total eye health.
Dry Eye Screening & Digital Fatigue
Screenings rarely catch dry eye disease, even though it's now common in both adults and kids due to increased screen time. At , we use advanced diagnostics like LipiScan to evaluate the tear film, oil glands, and identify early signs of ocular irritation before they become chronic.
Diabetes, Glaucoma & Nerve Assessments
Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and optic nerve damage often go unnoticed in basic screenings. Our comprehensive eye exams include retinal imaging and nerve analysis, providing a complete picture — especially important for patients with underlying medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Eyewear That Actually Works
Vision screenings may suggest a prescription, but only a full exam ensures it’s accurate. We go beyond the chart with detailed refractions and lens recommendations tailored to your daily routine — whether you work on screens, drive at night, or spend time outdoors. And with our curated collection of designer eyeglasses and sunglasses, you’ll look as sharp as you see.
Book Your Family’s Eye Exam in San Diego, CA
Vision screenings can miss serious problems. Don’t take the risk.
Whether it’s time for your child’s first eye exam or you’ve noticed changes in your own sight, offers the professional care and advanced technology to protect your eye health for life.
Call us or request an eye care appointment today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam in .