Why are my eyes so dry and itchy in St. Augustine?

Pollen from live oaks and pines peaks from February through April and causes itchy allergic eyes across Northeast Florida. Dry eye is also common because of air conditioning running most of the year, screen use, coastal wind and the number of residents over 50. An optometrist can tell the two apart and treat them, since the fixes are different. Over the counter drops help mild cases but can make dry eye worse if they contain redness relievers.

How much do glasses cost in St. Johns County?

Complete single vision glasses run about 150 to 400 dollars at local practices and chains, and progressive lenses with anti-reflective coating typically run 350 to 800 dollars. Designer frames and premium progressive designs push higher. Vision plans usually cover a frame allowance of 130 to 200 dollars plus lens copays. Given the Florida sun, ask about polarized prescription sunglasses or photochromic lenses as a second pair.

Eye Doctors in Jacksonville & Northeast Florida, FL

Eye Doctors in Northeast Florida

Eye care in St. Johns County covers a wide age range, from school vision checks in Nocatee and Julington Creek to cataract and macular degeneration monitoring for the large retiree population in World Golf Village, Palencia and the Ponte Vedra communities. Florida sun is the local factor that matters most. UV exposure speeds up cataracts and pterygium, and anyone who fishes, surfs, golfs or walks the beach needs real sun protection, not just dark lenses. Spring pollen drives allergy visits, and screens add dry eye and myopia concerns for kids. Optometrists in Florida are licensed by the Florida Board of Optometry under the Department of Health, and certified optometrists can prescribe many eye medications. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who do surgery. Routine exams and medical visits bill to different insurance, so ask when you book.

How to choose a eye doctor in Northeast Florida

Match the doctor to the need

An optometrist handles exams, glasses, contacts and most medical eye conditions. If you need cataract surgery, LASIK or retina treatment, you will see an ophthalmologist, and many local optometrists co-manage before and after surgery. Ask who they refer to in St. Johns County or Jacksonville.

Verify the Florida license

Florida optometrists are licensed by the Board of Optometry under the Department of Health. You can check license status and discipline history at flhealthsource.gov. Certified optometrists can prescribe oral and topical medications for eye conditions.

Ask how insurance is billed

Routine exams usually run through a vision plan like VSP or EyeMed, while medical visits for dry eye, infections or diabetes go through medical insurance. Confirm the office takes your specific plan and whether a contact lens fitting fee is covered or separate.

Check the equipment for retinal imaging

Retinal photography and OCT scans catch glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic changes early. Many St. Johns County practices offer them for a 30 to 60 dollar fee in place of dilation. For patients over 50 or with diabetes, this is worth asking about.

Consider independent versus chain

Chains in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra often have lower frame prices and longer hours. Independent optometrists tend to offer more time per exam and continuity with one doctor. Both can be good, but know which you prefer before you book.

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Eye Doctor questions, answered by local experts

How much is an eye exam without insurance in St. Augustine?

A comprehensive eye exam without insurance typically costs 100 to 200 dollars at St. Johns County optometrists in 2026, with retinal imaging adding 30 to 60 dollars. Contact lens exams add 50 to 150 dollars for the fitting and trial lenses. Optical chains sometimes run exam specials under 100 dollars. Medical visits for an eye infection or injury are billed to health insurance and priced like a doctor visit.

How often should I get my eyes checked in Florida?

Adults with no eye problems should have an exam every one to two years, and yearly once past 60 or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of glaucoma. Children should be checked before kindergarten and then every year or two. Florida's sun and the aging population in St. Johns County make yearly checks sensible for most retirees, and Medicare covers a yearly diabetic eye exam.

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or glasses, but it does cover medical eye care, including yearly diabetic eye exams, glaucoma tests for high risk patients, cataract surgery and one pair of glasses after cataract surgery. Many Medicare Advantage plans sold in St. Johns County add a routine exam and an eyewear allowance. Ask the office to check your specific plan before the visit.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

An optometrist holds a Doctor of Optometry degree and provides exams, prescriptions for glasses and contacts, and treatment of many eye diseases with medication. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who also performs surgery such as cataract removal, LASIK and retina procedures. Most people in St. Johns County see an optometrist for routine and medical care and get referred to an ophthalmologist in St. Augustine or Jacksonville when surgery is needed.

Eye Doctors in Northeast Florida

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Eye Doctors in Northeast Florida

How to choose a eye doctor in Northeast Florida

Eye Doctor questions, answered by local experts