Eyeglass Prescriptions at Foley Vision Center, Amesbury, MA

Clear, comfortable vision starts with the right prescription. At Foley Vision Center, we make sure your eyeglass prescription is accurate, up to date, and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re updating your glasses or getting your first pair, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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Why Regular Prescription Updates Matter

Your eyes change over time — even if you already wear glasses. A prescription that worked last year may no longer give you sharp vision today.

When prescriptions are out of date, you may notice these symptoms:

• Blurry vision at near or far distances
• Frequent headaches after reading or screen use
• Eye strain or fatigue, especially at the computer
• Difficulty seeing at night

Regular exams also protect your overall eye health. During your visit, we check for early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease — conditions that often show no symptoms at first.

Most adults should schedule an annual eye exam. Children, older adults, or those with certain health conditions may need more frequent visits. At Foley Vision Center, we help families stay on track with their regular eye exams and prescription updates.

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How Your Prescription Is Measured

An eyeglass prescription may appear as a page of numbers, but each detail holds meaning. Each eye is tested separately, and the results are written individually. Lenses are then crafted to these exact measurements so both eyes work together comfortably. At Foley Vision Center, we take time to explain your results so you feel confident about your care:

• Nearsighted (myopia): Trouble seeing far away
• Farsighted (hyperopia): Trouble seeing up close
• Astigmatic: Blurred vision from an uneven cornea
• Presbyopic: Needing help with both near and distance vision

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Signs You May Need a New Prescription

Keep an eye out for these common changes:

• Blurry vision when reading, driving, or looking far away
• Frequent headaches after visual tasks
• Squinting to bring objects into focus
• Eye strain or tired eyes after long days
• Difficulty seeing at night

Children may show different signs, such as sitting too close to the television, holding books near their face, or struggling with schoolwork. If you or your child experience any of these issues, it is a good idea to schedule an eye exam.

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Advanced Technology for Accurate Results

We utilize modern tools to ensure your prescription is accurate and your eyes remain healthy.

Vision clarity tests:

• Visual acuity test: Checking the sharpness of vision with an eye chart.
• Refraction test: Using different lenses to find your exact prescription.
• Retinoscopy: Shining a light into the eye to estimate the required correction.

Eye health tests:

• Slit lamp exam: Checking for cataracts and other eye conditions.
• Visual field test: Looking for blind spots in your peripheral (side) vision.
• Retinal photo screening: Taking pictures of the back of your eye.
• Tonometry: Measuring the pressure inside the eye to screen for glaucoma.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Examining the retina and optic nerve.

These tests do more than measure vision — they help detect health problems early, often before symptoms appear.

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Lens Options: Single Vision, Bifocal, Progressive

The type of lenses you need depends on how your eyes focus at different distances.

1. Single Vision Lenses: These are the most common type of lens. They have one strength to help with either distance vision, like seeing a whiteboard in class, or near vision, like reading a book.
2. Bifocal Lenses: Bifocals feature two distinct strengths in a single lens. The top part helps with distance vision, while the bottom part helps with near vision. A visible line separates these two areas.
3. Progressive Lenses: Progressives also help with both distance and near vision, but they do so without a visible line. The strength gradually changes from top to bottom, allowing you to switch easily between distances for activities like driving, using a computer, and reading.

The right prescription for you depends on your age, lifestyle, and daily activities. For example, a student may only require single vision lenses, while an adult who frequently switches between driving and computer work may benefit from progressive lenses.

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What to Expect During Your Eyeglass Prescription Eye Exam

While some people may feel apprehensive about eye exams, the process is straightforward and comfortable. Understanding the steps can help you feel more at ease:

• Vision Check: You will read letters from an eye chart to test the sharpness and clarity of your vision.
• Refraction Test: Your doctor will have you look through a series of lenses to determine the exact prescription that provides the best focus.
• Eye Health Evaluation: The doctor will examine the internal structures of your eye to check for signs of disease.
• Pressure Test (Tonometry): This is a quick and simple test that measures the pressure inside your eye, helping to screen for glaucoma.
• Consultation: After the exam, your doctor will review the results with you and address any questions you may have.

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Meet Dr. Matthew D. Foley, O.D.

Dr. Foley, owner and lead optometrist, has been caring for patients in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for over 20 years. A graduate of the New England College of Optometry, he specializes in advanced dry eye treatments and comprehensive family eye care.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Foley enjoys the outdoors at Lake Winnipesaukee, Maudslay State Park, Plum Island, and Hampton Beach, and is passionate about helping children and rescuing animals.

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Payment & Insurance

We accept most major insurance plans, including:

• AARP
• Aetna
• AllWays Health Partners
• Anthem
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Eyemed
• Fallon Health
• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
• Health Plans
• Humana
• Humana Military
• Mass General Brigham
• Medicare
• Spectera
• Tufts Health Plans
• UniCare
• United Healthcare
• VSP Vision Care
• Wellpoint

Our staff will review your benefits and address any questions you may have. Call us to confirm your coverage.

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Contact Information:

Foley Vision Center
100 Macy St STE K
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-4400

Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference a clear vision can make.