What To Expect

Whether this will be your first visit, or you have seen an ocularist for many years the team at Advanced Ocular Prosthetics is here to support you. The needs of our patients are top priority. We strive to make everyone feel comfortable and satisfied with their care.

The first step is the initial phone call. During this call, Lynn will gather some information from you and answer basic appointment questions. She will instruct new patients to complete the Patient Intake form or current patients can update their information on this form. The insurance process will be explained along with any financial information. Lynn will handle authorizations from the insurance company, if necessary, as well as collect clinical paperwork from the physician’s office. Lynn is here to advocate for you and your needs and with this first phone call, we establish a relationship with the patient and their support system. We encourage anyone to join the patient at their appointments.

The next step will be to set up a free consultation. The consultation will consist of a 30-minute session to discuss the step-by-step process of making an artificial eye and what the day of the fitting will look like. If not yet scheduled, the fitting appointment will be made. We understand you will have a lot of questions and may feel overwhelmed. There are three informational brochures you may take home with you and we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns that are not answered during this appointment.

The day of the fitting appointment will be broken up into three sections. It will start with a quick exam of the socket to ensure it is healthy and healed. The first part of the day is the actual fitting and will start with an impression of your socket being made and a wax duplicate created to give a custom shape that can be adjusted as needed. The ocularist will review every detail as they complete it and encourages questions.

Now it is time for a break. You will get around an hour and a half while the ocularist completes the behind-the-scenes process. We are located near Robinson Township which has every major retail and restaurant imaginable. Or feel free to relax in our welcoming waiting room.

After your first break, it is time to paint which is everybody’s favorite part of the day. During this process, you simply sit back, relax and be the model. The ocularist will hand paint the completed custom shape to match your companion eye. Once this is done the plastic needs to cure again and you will get another break. This one is only around 45 minutes and you are more than welcome to wait in the waiting room.

Now it is time to see the finished product. The ocularist will have you try it in and make any minor adjustments if needed. You will then be taught how to take the prosthesis in and out and basic care and maintenance. At this point, the day is finished and we will get you scheduled for a checkup and collect any payment needed.

The check-up appointment. Around one month after the fitting day, you will come back for a check-up. This allows the ocularist to see the prosthesis after it has settled in and you can share any changes you would like made. Then the ocularist can adjust the color, shape, or anything else that needs to be perfected. Our #1 goal is to make you happy with your prosthesis in every way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the prosthesis fall out on its own?

It is uncommon but it is not unheard of for the prosthesis to fall out. Typically this happens due to rubbing of the lids and prosthesis. This is why it is important to rub toward the nose. If you are having problems with the prosthesis falling out frequently, please contact your ocularist.

Does insurance cover ocular prosthetics? Does AOP accept insurance?

Most insurance plans have some coverage of prosthetics. However, the amount they will pay varies based on your insurance company and your individual plan. AOP does accept some insurance plans. Please see our insurance/payments page or for further information specific to you and your insurance plan, please contact Lynn at lynn@aopeyes.com or (412) 787-7277.

How much does an ocular prosthesis cost?

The cost of a prosthesis varies greatly depending on each individual’s situation. For information on how much your prosthesis will cost, please call the office to schedule a free consultation.

What is a scleral cover shell? How is it different from a regular ocular prosthesis?

Scleral cover shells are for patients who still have an eye present. Most often the eye is smaller than normal and blind. The scleral cover shell covers the eye, protecting it and often making it more comfortable. It also fills in the excess space left by its diminished size. A regular ocular prosthesis is for a socket where the eye has been completely removed.

Is there anything I can’t do with only one eye?

To the best of our knowledge, the only things one can’t do with vision in one eye is to join the military, get a pilot's license or get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). All other activities, including sports, driving a normal vehicle, and pursuing all careers are available to persons with monocular vision.

Does AOP have a warranty policy? What if I'm unhappy with my prosthesis?

AOP offers a 90 day warranty policy from the fitting day. During these 3 months, we will make every effort to make our patients happy with their artificial eye. On the rare occasion that the patient is still not happy, we will refund all money paid with the return of the artificial eye. This warranty does not cover surgery, loss, acts of war, or damage due to pets. 

Insurance/Payments

We currently participate with all UPMC plans and most Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans. Ocular prosthetics are deemed medically necessary by Medicare which means most insurance plans will have some coverage. We will happily take care of the phone calls, paperwork, claims and appeals for all insurance plans. Please contact the office and Lynn can answer any specific questions you have about your insurance situation.


We also accept cash, check and credit cards (with a 3% transaction fee).


If finances are an issue preventing you from getting the artificial eye that you need… please reach out as we have additional resources that can help. Everyone deserves a quality ocular prosthesis, regardless of financial circumstances.

Free Consultations

We are available via phone, email, Facetime/Zoom or in person to answer any questions you may have about what we do and how we could possibly help you, at no cost to you.

CONTACT

(412) 787-5999

1111 Oakdale Road
Suite 5

Oakdale, PA 15071

© Copyright 2022 Advanced Ocular Prosthetics, Inc. All Right Reserved. | Website by RedTree Web Design
Your cart is empty Continue
Shopping Cart
Subtotal:
Discount 
Discount 
View Details
- +
Sold Out