At 512 Eye, we provide thorough and personalized eye exams for adults and children in South Austin. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision and detecting potential eye diseases early—especially for those with risk factors like age, diabetes, or a family history of eye conditions.
How Often Should you Have an Eye Exam?
Most eye care experts recommend having a comprehensive eye exam once per year. Individuals at higher risk for eye diseases—such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of glaucoma—may need more frequent exams. Regular visits help ensure that any changes in vision or eye health are caught early.
What to bring to your eye exam?
To make your visit as effective as possible, please bring:
• any glasses or contact lenses you currently use (including reading glasses)
• a list of medications and supplements you’re taking
• questions you want to ask your eye doctor—especially if you’re interested in contacts or LASIK
• your vision and medical insurance information, if applicable
What’s the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?
If you’re wondering whether a vision screening is enough to check your eye health, it’s important to understand the difference. At 512 Eye, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Austin that go far beyond basic screenings.
A vision screening is a brief, general test often performed by a school nurse, pediatrician, or at the DMV. While it can detect obvious vision problems, it doesn’t provide a full picture of your eye health. Many serious conditions can be missed in a screening.
A comprehensive eye exam at 512 Eye in South Austin is conducted by a licensed optometrist and includes a thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health. We test for a wide range of issues, including refractive errors, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, and more.
Only an eye doctor can create a customized treatment plan, whether you need prescription glasses, contact lenses, medical treatment, or monitoring for early signs of eye disease. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining long-term vision and catching problems early—before they lead to permanent vision loss.
Annual Contact Lens Evaluations in Austin

At 512 Eye, we provide thorough annual contact lens evaluations for patients who wear or are interested in wearing contact lenses. These evaluations are essential to ensure that your contacts are fitting properly, your prescription is accurate, and your eyes remain healthy.
During a contact lens exam, we assess the fit and comfort of your current lenses and make any necessary prescription adjustments. We also check for signs of irritation, allergic reactions, or redness that may result from ill-fitting or outdated lenses. If needed, we may recommend switching to a different brand or material that better suits your eyes.
An annual contact lens evaluation is also a great opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in contact lens technology. Many patients benefit from upgrading to lenses that offer greater comfort, improved breathability, or longer-lasting moisture. If you’re happy with your current lenses and they fit well, we can simply renew your prescription for your preferred brand.
If you’re new to contact lenses, our experienced team will walk you through the process. We offer hands-on training to help you learn how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses safely and comfortably.
If you wear contacts, your contact lens evaluation can be conveniently performed during the same visit as your annual comprehensive eye exam. Protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy with regular exams at 512 Eye in South Austin. You can find more information about the contact lens products here.
Eye Exams for Diabetics in Austin
If you have diabetes, scheduling an annual dilated diabetic eye examination is essential for protecting your vision. High or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a serious condition known as diabetic retinopathy.
Retinal damage caused by diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. In many cases, early-stage diabetic retinopathy can be reversed or improved with proper management of blood sugar and timely intervention. A comprehensive diabetic eye exam allows for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent progression and preserve your vision.
At 512 Eye in South Austin, we perform diabetic eye exams to monitor your eye health and detect early signs of damage. If you are diabetic and experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not delay. These signs may indicate serious complications:
- Blurry vision
- Trouble reading signs of texts
- Double vision
- Eye pain in one or both eyes
- Persistent redness in the eyes
- Pressure behind the eyes
- Floaters or spots in your vision
- Straight lines appear wavy
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
Call us today at 512-596-5544 to schedule your diabetic eye exam in Austin. Regular monitoring is key to preserving your sight and catching issues early before permanent damage occurs.
Pediatric Eye Exams in Austin
Early eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems in children that may impact learning and development. It is generally recommended that children receive their first pediatric eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, followed by additional exams at age 3 and again at age 5. These early evaluations help identify any need for vision correction or further medical attention.
At 512 Eye, we provide eye care for children ages 7 and older. For younger children, especially those under the age of 7, we recommend seeing a pediatric ophthalmologist for specialized care. We often refer families to the trusted specialists at Dell Children’s Medical Center for early pediatric vision needs.
If your child is 7 or older and due for a comprehensive eye exam, we’re here to help with everything from vision checks to glasses prescriptions in a supportive, kid-friendly environment.

Call 512-596-5544 or visit our online scheduling page to schedule your eye exam today.