Expert Eye Exam Services at Foley Vision Center, Amesbury, MA

Your eyes do more than help you see — they offer vital clues about your overall health. At Foley Vision Center, we offer comprehensive, personalized eye exams that assess your vision, screen for eye diseases, and detect early signs of systemic health conditions. Whether it’s your first visit or a routine checkup, our team is here to protect and enhance your vision with expert care.

---

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Eye exams aren’t just about updating your glasses — they’re a key part of preventive health care. Many eye conditions develop slowly and without symptoms, making early detection essential.

Conditions we screen for include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Dry eye syndrome

Beyond eye health, exams can reveal signs of systemic conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• High cholesterol

Many patients first learn about these conditions during a routine eye exam. That’s why we take a whole-health approach to every visit.

---

What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Our exams are designed to be comfortable, informative, and tailored to your needs:

• Visual acuity test: Measures how clearly you see at various distances.
• Refraction & retinoscopy: Determines your exact prescription for glasses or contacts.
• Visual field test: Detects blind spots or peripheral vision loss.
• Slit lamp exam: Examines the front of the eye for signs of disease.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Evaluates the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
• Tonometry: Measures eye pressure to screen for glaucoma.
• Retinal photography: Captures detailed images to monitor changes over time.

These tests help us detect problems early, create a personalized care plan, and keep your vision sharp.

---

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The right schedule depends on your age, health, and vision needs.

• Infants & Children: 6 months, 3 years, before school, then every 2 years until age 18
• Adults (18–60): Every 1–2 years
• Adults 61+: Annually
• Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or eye disease history: As recommended by your doctor (often annually or more)

Even if your vision seems fine, regular exams help track changes, update prescriptions, and prevent complications.

---

Advanced Technology for Better Eye Care

At Foley Vision Center, we use modern diagnostic tools to make your exam more precise, efficient, and comfortable:

• Digital retinal imaging: High-resolution photos of your retina for early disease detection.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Cross-sectional scans of the retina to detect subtle changes.
• Automated visual field testing: Quickly identifies blind spots and signs of glaucoma.

These tools enable us to identify problems early, track progress, and offer targeted treatment recommendations.

---

How Eye Exams Detect General Health Problems

Your eyes are a window into your body’s health. During your exam, we may detect signs of:

• Diabetes: Changes in retinal blood vessels
• High blood pressure: Swelling or bleeding in the retina
• Thyroid disease: Bulging eyes or eyelid changes
• High cholesterol: Deposits in the cornea or retina

If we identify signs of a systemic condition, we’ll coordinate with your primary care provider to ensure you receive the necessary follow-up care.

---

Preparing for Your Eye Exam at Foley Vision Center

To get the most out of your visit, here’s how to prepare:

• Bring your current glasses or contact lenses
• Make a list of medications you’re taking
• Note any vision changes, discomfort, or symptoms
• Be ready to discuss your health history and lifestyle

During your exam, Dr. Foley will review your medical history, perform a series of tests, and clearly explain your results. You’ll leave with a personalized plan to maintain or improve your vision.

---

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

Dr. Matthew Foley, O.D., founder and lead optometrist at Foley Vision Center, has over 20 years of experience caring for patients in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. A graduate with honors from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, he also studied at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Northeastern University.

Dr. Foley is known for his gentle approach, advanced diagnostic skills, and commitment to personalized care. Outside the clinic, he enjoys the outdoors at Lake Winnipesaukee, Plum Island, Maudslay State Park, and Hampton Beach.

---

Payment and Insurance

We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options, 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 help you understand your benefits and confirm coverage before your visit.

---

Contact Information:

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