610-628-2022 [email protected]

What Does this Test Do? Part 1 – AutoRefractor

What is the first test we do when you come into the office for a complete vision exam?

Autorefractor measures vision.

The Autorefractor measures your prescription

We take a measurement of your vision with the AutoRefractor.

Image used for measuring your prescription

Focus on the balloon!

When you take a seat at the autorefractor, we ask you to look into the device.  You will see a blurry hot air balloon at the end of a long straight road. As the balloon comes into focus, we measure your prescription.

We ask you to focus on the image (balloon) to keep your eye centered while we take measurements.  It only takes just a few seconds to measure using an autorefractor.  The balloon is at the center of the image, which aligns your eye perfectly for the test. 

When we use this machine, nothing touches your eye, and there is no puff of air!sisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.ccsisipisi.cc

The autorefractor provides an objective measurement of a person’s refractive error and prescription for glasses or contact lenses.  The device measures how light is changed as it enters your eye.

Calculating your glasses prescription

Better 1 or Better 2?

We don’t use the numbers from the device to order your prescription glasses or contacts. The autorefractor is just part of the process.  The information from the autorefractor is used as a starting point to determine your best prescription.  We take these numbers and dial them into the phoropter.

Here is where your opinion comes in.  As we cycle through lenses, we ask, “Is it Better 1 or Better 2?”  Your responses help us to pinpoint your best vision.  When we show you different choices, we aren’t trying to trick you!  We are showing you different options to find your best correction.

 

Insurance and Eye Care

 

Health insurance can be very confusing. We talk to patients about it everyday, so we thought it would be helpful to outline the basics.

We can’t stress enough that every plan is different. While you may be covered for a service, you may have a co-pay or deductible that must be paid. If you aren’t sure, please check with your human resources department or insurance company.


MEDICAL INSURANCE: Exams that qualify for Medical Insurance include care and treatment of eye disease and injury. Among the conditions covered are Glaucoma, Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degneration, Injury to the Eye, and Infection.

Most medical insurances do NOT cover the cost of checking to see if you need new glasses. This part of the exam is called Refraction (Better 1 or 2?), and is NOT part of medical eye care. Refraction is a separate charge.


VISION INSURANCE: Some benefit plans include vision insurance. Each plan’s coverage is unique, so you need to check specifics with your insurance plan. Items that MAY be covered under vision insurance at a reduced cost or co-pay include your routine eye exam, contact lens fitting, glasses and contact lenses.


Again, we recommend checking with your insurance company to verify your coverage, co-pay and deductible.

We are here to help if you need any treatment information or diagnosis codes so that you can discuss specifics with your insurance provider.

Ultimately, your insurance company considers you responsible to investigate your coverage and will often only provide that information to you, not to your doctor.

It’s Our 2nd Anniversary!

our office in Fountain Hill

Two years have passed since the start of Moran Eye Associates in Fountain Hill! We are so happy to have welcomed Dr. Moran’s former patients and many new patients too!

Although our practice is young, we’ve all been together for a long time. Here is a look at Moran Eye Associates by the numbers.

  • Dr. Moran has been practicing in the Lehigh Valley since 1990. He started Moran Eye Associates in April of 2017, where he continues to provide quality, compassionate medical and surgical care for his patients.
(again!) Dr. Moran’s first employee was Beth Handwerk, who was a member of the team at Trachtenberg-Moran. After almost 30 years, Beth & Dr. Moran are still working together. Beth is the office manager here at Moran Eye Associates.
Mandy Bolton & Cindy Male both started working with Dr. Moran at the turn of the century! They have been part of Dr. Moran’s team for 19 years.
Bobbi has worked with Dr. Moran’s surgical patients since 2011. Starting first as his LASIK coordinator, she now works with cataract patients too.
Dr. Tang joined our growing practice one year ago. She quickly became an essential part of our team. Dr. Tang has expertise in all aspects of medical eye care, contact lenses and low vision devices.

The numbers add up to an experienced team of eye care professionals that continue to work together to give our patients quality eye care. You can benefit from our commitment to our patients by making an appointment for yourself and your family!

 

Proud of our Eagle Scout!

 

Congratulations to Jagger Bolton, Eagle Scout!

Jagger Bolton, Mandy’s son, started with scouting at age seven with Troop 58 in Slatington, nine years later, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  Jagger’s Eagle Scout project was to rejuvenate the fish pond outside of the Springside Fish Hatchery in Slatington.

PA State Representative Zachary Mako was on hand to recognize Jagger’s achievement with a special commendation from the State of Pennsylvania.  Family and friends were all on hand to congratulate Jagger at his Eagle Scout ceremony.

 

The renovation project took months to complete.  The first step was to remove all of the fish from the hatchery, transferring them to local creeks. After the fish were relocated, he began work on the fish pond itself.  The project included repair and painting of the fence, beautification of the landscaping and installing a new bench so local residents could enjoy the view.

A project on this scale was not possible without the help of the community.  Jagger acknowledges the generosity of area businesses who donated items or gave discounts for supplies and equipment.

Jagger also wants to thank his friends and family who donated their time and energy.  They persevered through a rainy summer to get it all done.  From spreading mulch to preparing meals for the volunteers, Jagger’s crew made it all possible.

 

Quick Q&A: Diabetes & Your Eyes

 

How does Diabetes affect your eyes?

Diabetic eyes

Diabetics need to see their eye doctor at least once a year.

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina.  These damaged blood vessels may leak, swell or bleed causing problems with your vision. Diabetes can also increase the growth of cataracts, and increase your risk of glaucoma.  Changes in your blood sugar can cause blurriness in your vision, and fluctuations to your glasses prescription.

What is the best way to keep my eyes healthy?

Annual eye exams are important, because left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can worsen, and lead to blindness.  Patients with uncontrolled blood sugar are at a higher risk for problems, but even patients who control their diabetes can develop issues.

Are there warning signs of diabetic eye disease?

Whether you are diabetic or not, if you notice any changes to your vision, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.  If you notice a change in prescription, any cloudiness, blind spots or increased floaters in your vision, you should see your eye doctor.

Will controlling my blood sugar help my vision?

Yes. Swings in your blood sugar readings can cause changes to your vision.  High blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye, which can affect your vision.  If your blood sugar fluctuates, your vision will fluctuate too, and you may find that your glasses don’t work effectively.

Is there a way to treat diabetic retinopathy?

There are different options for treating diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Moran and Dr. Tang can discuss which options are best for your needs.  There laser treatments which target the damaged vessels, as well as medications which can help preserve your vision.

If you are Diabetic, Annual Vision Exams are a MUST!

Diabetics have special needs when it comes to taking care of their eyesight.  With a dilated exam, your doctor can detect and begin to treat diabetic eye disease before you notice any vision changes. Your annual exam allows our doctors to check for early onset cataracts and glaucoma.

If you (or someone you care about) has diabetes, make sure to connect with the trusted eye care team at Moran Eye Associates.
Call our office to schedule an appointment 610-628-2022.

 

Office Art Gallery

Our favorite artist has created new paintings for our office collection.  They are so beautiful, we just had to share! 

You might notice that the paintings are signed Moran…but it’s not Dr. Moran’s talent on display.  All of the paintings in our office have been created by his very talented mother, Jeanne Moran. Dr. Moran said that his mother has been painting as long as he can remember.  She paints still life, landscapes as well as other nature scenes.  Her vibrant use of colors is especially stunning in person!

Purple Mountain Majesty

This colorful bird greets you in the reception area.

Side view of office

Moran Eye Associates Bergen Street View

You might recognize this painting to the right.  It is the Moran Eye Associates office, as seen from Bergen Street.  You will see this painting in our waiting room. If you park in our parking lot, it is the view of our office as you cross the street.

Vibrant colors accent a country scene

Patients often comment about the beautiful artwork that we have on display. We feel very fortunate to have her work to share with our patients. It seems appropriate to have paintings in an ophthalmologist’s office, where we help patients achieve their best vision.

We have included some of her artwork her, but to see the full collection, you’ll have to come in to our office at 1204 Delaware Avenue for an appointment!