How can I schedule an appointment?
The best way to schedule an appointment is to call us at (518) 450-1080. If we’re helping others at the time of your call, please leave us a voicemail and we’ll return your call promptly. If you’d prefer we call you, simply use our convenient online Request an Appointment form, or email us at appointment@ziekereye.com.
What if I need to change an appointment?
We request you let us know as soon as possible if you cannot keep an appointment as scheduled. We are grateful when patients extend us this courtesy because it facilitates our ability to help others in need.
What should I take to an appointment?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment with your photo ID and your medical insurance card/s. Fees including copays, co-insurances, and/or deductibles are set by your insurance carrier and we are required to collect these fees at the time of service. We accept cash, check, and credit cards. Please bring a list of any/all medications, allergies, and personal/family medical histories. Please bring any glasses you wear often, and a pair of sunglasses in case you are dilated.
Will I have to fill out paperwork?
We require patients to complete simple paperwork in the office once a year, starting with their first visit.
With whom will my appointment be?
We offer appointments with Christopher Zieker MD and appointments with Steven Clark PA-C. Both providers spend quality time with patients, answering questions and explaining medical issues in terms that patients can understand. Their philosophy of care is based on respect for the patient and unwavering dedication to achieving the best results for the patient.
Why do I need to be dilated?
Pupil dilation during an eye exam is very important in revealing the status of your optic nerve and retina, and is critical in aiding in the prevention and treatment of eye conditions that could potentially lead to vision loss. When your pupil is small, a physician may see your optic nerve and macula, but the view is limited. In order to see the entire retina, the pupil must be dilated. This is achieved through the use of eye drops. They typically take about 15-30 minutes to fully dilate the pupils, depending on an individual’s response to the medication, and typically take 2-6 hours to wear off. Most dilated people are comfortable driving while wearing sunglasses.
Are there long wait times?
We are often able to offer appointments the same day or week that you call, and most people are in our office for 1-2 hours or fewer.
How can I get glasses and contacts?
We work with many local optometrists and opticians in order to best serve our mutual patients. At ZiekerEye we provide comprehensive eye care that includes medical, surgical, and optical care. We can provide a script for glasses if requested, but we do not provide scripts for contacts. We strongly encourage patients to have their scripts for glasses/contacts produced at the location they are buying their glasses/contacts.
Can I make an appointment for my child?
Pediatric Ophthalmology is a subspecialty that we generally do not practice. We do see children under age 18 for urgent eye care, and we do require a parent be present.
Do you accept medical insurance or vision insurance?
As a medical practice we submit claims to medical insurance, not vision insurance. Medical insurance is designed to cover medical eye care services such as evaluation and management of medical conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, dry eye, eye infections, eye injuries, etc. Vision insurance is designed to cover routine eye care services & often offers allowances toward new glasses/contacts.
Do you accept my medical insurance?
We accept most plans offered by the following carriers: Aetna, BlueShield of Northeastern NY, BlueCross/BlueShield, CDPHP, Cigna, Empire BCBS, NYSHIP Empire Plan, GHI HMO Select, Health Now, Humana, Medicare, MVP, Today?s Options, Tricare, and United Healthcare.
Please call us at (518) 450-1080 to ask us about your insurance.
Do I need a referral?
Please call your medical insurance carrier and ask them if your contract requires a referral to go to a medical specialist. If a referral is required by your insurance carrier, please then call your primary care physician as soon as possible. Your primary care will need to submit the referral request to your insurance carrier prior to your visit.
Does medical insurance pay for eye exams?
YES! Insurance carriers including Medicare consider eye exams to be medically necessary if there is a medical condition or diagnosis. Most people at the age of 50 will have conditions that are covered such as dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, and hypertension. Insurance plans vary greatly and change often. Contact your insurance company if you have questions regarding your coverage. Deductibles, co-pays, and/or coinsurances may apply.
Does medical insurance pay for eye surgery?
YES! Insurance carriers including Medicare consider several eye surgeries including cataract surgery, to be medically necessary. Insurance will be billed for the surgical consultation, office-based surgical measurement scans/technologies, anesthesia fees, and surgery center fees. Insurance plans vary greatly and change often. Contact your insurance company if you have questions regarding your coverage. Deductibles, co-pays, and/or coinsurances may apply.
Do you offer financing for non-covered advanced technologies?
At ZiekerEye we are proud to offer the most advanced technologies and eye care treatments to help achieve your personal best vision. Laser-assisted cataract surgery, multifocal lens implants, and astigmatism treatments are not covered by insurance. We accept cash, bank checks, and credit cards including MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. We also offer deferred interest financing options through CareCredit.
Where is ZiekerEye?
ZiekerEye is conveniently located minutes from Saratoga Springs New York with easy access to the Northway/I-87 exits 15 & 16, and plenty of free parking. Our address is:
ZiekerEye Ophthalmology
14 Mountain Ledge Drive
Wilton, NY 12831
When is ZiekerEye open?
We are open Monday through Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm EST and Friday from 8:00am – noon. We are closed daily for lunch between 12:00pm-1:00pm. Hours are subject to change. Calls will be returned during business hours. Messages left outside of business hours will be returned the next business day.
What’s the best way to contact ZiekerEye?
Please call us at (518) 450-1080. We’d love to hear from you! Helpful extensions include assistance with appointments, records, and payments by phone, questions regarding eye drops and medications, questions about your surgery or surgery schedule, and questions about a bill received. If we’re helping others at the time of your call, please leave us a voicemail and we’ll return your call.
Can we exchange emails with each other?
The best way to communicate online is to enroll in our Patient Portal. The Patient Portal is a convenient and secure online tool that allows you to request appointments, medication refills, and medical records. You can also use the Patient Portal to pay a bill, or to send us a secure message. The Patient Portal is similar to email, only it’s more secure.
What is your fax number?
Our main fax number is (518) 478-8500.
How do I get to ZiekerEye?
From the north:
Take I-87 South to exit 16 for Ballard Road
Follow toward Gansevoort/Wilton
Turn right at Ballard Road/County Rd 33
Turn left at Route 9 South/Saratoga Road
Follow for approximately 3.5 miles
Turn left onto Waller Road
Turn left onto Mountain Ledge Drive
Take first right into the office complex; a series of brick buildings will be before you
Take your first left after the median
14 Mountain Ledge Drive will be the second building on your left
From the south:
Take I-87 North to exit 15
Go left onto Route 50 South
Take second right onto Route 9 North/Marion Ave
This will become Maple Ave
Follow for approximately 2.7 miles
Take a right onto Waller Road
Take first left onto Mountain Ledge Drive
Take first right into the office complex; a series of brick buildings will be before you
Take your first left after the median
14 Mountain Ledge Drive will be the second building on your left
The Patient Portal is a convenient and secure online tool that allows you to request appointments, medication refills, and medical records. You can also use the Patient Portal to pay a bill, or to send us a secure message. Enroll today!
When should an adult with no risk factors for eye disease be examined?
Experts recommend that eye exams for adults are performed on the following basis, unless otherwise advised by a physician:
- Patients between 20-39 years of age should have an eye exam every 3-5 years.
- Patients between 40-64 years of age should have an eye exam every 1-2 years.
- Patients 65+ years of age should have an eye exam every year, even with no symptoms present.
- High risk adults should be seen annually regardless of age. High risk includes, but is not limited to:
- Patients with diabetes
- Patients with elevated blood pressure
- Patients with glaucoma or family history of glaucoma or other eye disease
Damage can occur to the eye before vision loss is noticed. Being proactive and getting annual eye exams may help prevent vision loss before it occurs. Do not wait until vision loss is noticed before scheduling your annual exam.
What are the differences between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist and an optician?
- Ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care that includes medical, surgical, and optical care. Ophthalmologists must complete four years of premedical college, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and a three year residency of medical and surgical training in eye care. Ophthalmologists provide surgical and medical eye care, including performing comprehensive medical eye examinations, diagnosing diseases and disorders of the eye, and using the appropriate medical, surgical, and laser procedures necessary for treatment.
- Optometrists are trained in eye care and their practice primarily involves performing eye exams and vision tests, prescribing and dispensing corrective lenses, detecting certain eye abnormalities, and prescribing medications for some eye diseases. The optometric education consists of four years of undergraduate college followed by four years in an optometry school. Optometrists are licensed to diagnose and treat eye conditions, but they re not licensed to perform surgical eye treatments in most states.
- An optician usually has a combination of college (or two years of opticianry school) and on-the-job training. An optician is trained to fit and dispense eyeglasses or contact lenses based upon a prescription from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. An optician specializes in fitting glasses and is knowledgeable in the latest lens materials, coatings, and finishing techniques for eyeglasses. An optician also can help in choosing frames that are right for different facial shapes and coloring.
- All three specialties have a role in helping you achieve your best visual outcomes. ZiekerEye works closely with many area optometry practices in order to best serve our mutual patients.
How does the eye work?
When you take a picture, the lens in the front of the camera allows light through, and focuses that light on the film that covers the back inside wall of the camera. When the light hits the film, a picture is taken. The eye works in much the same way. The front parts of the eye (the cornea, pupil and lens) are clear and allow light to pass through. The light also passes through the large space in the center of the eye called the vitreous cavity. The vitreous cavity is filled with a clear, jelly-like substance called the vitreous or vitreous gel. The light is focused by the cornea and the lens onto a thin layer of tissue called the retina, which covers the back inside wall of the eye. The retina is like the film in a camera. It is the seeing tissue of the eye. When the focused light hits the retina, a “picture” is taken. Messages about this picture are then sent to the brain through the optic nerve. This is how we see.
What does 20/20 vision mean?
A patient with 20/20 vision is able to see what the normal human eye can see from 20 feet away. This is normal vision and does not require a person to use contact lenses or glasses to improve their vision. In comparison, 20/40 vision means that the patient sees at 40 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet.
What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error that is a result of an irregular curve of the cornea, or the front part of the eye. This uneven curvature can cause your vision to appear blurred up close and afar. Blurred vision due to astigmatism can usually be improved with corrective lenses or contact lenses. It may also be corrected during cataract surgery through the use of specialized intraocular lenses and/or the use of a laser as part of the surgical process.
What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is blurred distant vision. This hereditary condition is usually discovered in childhood and can progress as one ages, thus requiring a stronger prescription. It is usually correctable with glasses, contact lenses or, in some cases, refractive surgery.
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness is also referred to as hyperopia. This eye condition causes up-close objects to appear blurry. This is most common among children and may improve as a person ages. It is usually correctable with glasses, contact lenses or, in some cases, refractive surgery.
Why have I gradually found it harder to read without glasses?
The ability to focus on near objects decreases steadily with age and is referred to as presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural aging of the lens. It is usually near the age of 40, when glasses or bifocals are prescribed to correct this condition.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye causing blurred vision. Research shows that 50 percent of all Americans will develop cataracts by age 80, per the National Eye Institute. Dr. Christopher Zieker specializes in surgical removal of cataracts, including laser-assisted cataract surgery, and advanced technology intraocular lenses.
Why does my eye twitch?
Mild twitching of the eyelid is a common phenomenon. Although these involuntary contractions of muscles may be annoying, they are almost always temporary and completely harmless. The medical name for this kind of twitching is ocular myokymia. Ophthalmologists often are asked what causes the twitching and what can be done to stop it. Lack of sleep, too much caffeine or increased stress seem to be root causes. Often, very gently massaging your eye will relieve the symptoms. Usually, the twitch will disappear after catching up on your sleep.
Is pink-eye contagious?
Yes, viral conjunctivitis (pink-eye) is very common and is extremely contagious. Avoid touching eyes with your hands, wash hands frequently, do not share towels, and avoid work, school or daycare activities for at least five days or as long as discharge is present. You should have an eye exam to confirm the diagnosis as it is often misdiagnosed.
Are sunglasses good for my eyes?
There is a benefit to wearing UV protective lenses wearing them may slow the progression of cataract formation. Clear lenses with UV protection may offer greater protection than dark lenses because they allow the eyes to be exposed to more light. This causes greater constriction of the pupil which lets less light enter the eyes.
Will working at a computer screen hurt my eyes?
There isn’t any evidence that a computer screen is harmful to a person’s eyes in terms of long-term visual health. However, staring at a computer screen for too long can cause your eyes to become fatigued and/or dry. This makes it important for you to take occasional breaks to rest your eyes.
Will reading in dim light hurt my eyes?
No. There hasn’t been any evidence found that suggests that dim light can damage the eyes.
Will carrots help maintain good vision?
Yes, carrots contain a small amount of Vitamin A, which is highly beneficial toward maintaining good vision. Vitamin A is also found in many other foods, including milk, egg yolk, cheese, and broccoli.
Do you recommend any OTC medications for general eye health?
Consider a regular multivitamin or one of the following vitamins designed specifically for eye health: PreserVision, Ocuvite, or I-Caps. Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Purified Fish Oil, Natural Triglyceride Form, is also suggested for dry eye and retinal protection.
Do you recommend any OTC medications for irritation or discomfort?
Refresh tears lubricant eye drops may be purchased over the counter and used as often as needed for irritation or discomfort from dry irritated eyes caused by wind, sun, heat/air conditioning, and/or computer use/reading, etc.
What else can I do to help my eyes?
Abstain from tobacco, include plenty of leafy greens in your diet, and maximize vascular health by keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control.
Where can I find more information regarding eye health?
Our Patient Portal is a convenient and secure online tool that offers more patient education. Schedule your appointment today to speak with our providers about your own eye health.