A comprehensive eye exam goes well beyond a basic vision screening. Our doctors evaluate the health and function of the entire visual system, looking at how well your eyes work together, the condition of internal structures, and whether any early signs of disease are present. This kind of thorough evaluation is what makes comprehensive exams the standard of care recommended by leading eye health organizations.

During your visit, you can expect our team to assess a range of factors, including:

• Visual acuity and refractive error to determine your current prescription needs

• Eye pressure measurements to screen for glaucoma risk

• Examination of the optic nerve, retina, and macula through dilation or advanced imaging

• Assessment of eye coordination, focus, and binocular vision function

• Evaluation for conditions including cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and macular degeneration
  
  

These findings give us a detailed baseline for your ocular health and allow us to track changes over time with precision. Early detection through routine exams is one of the most effective ways to preserve long-term vision.

Vision changes gradually with age, and many of the conditions that most commonly threaten sight develop without obvious warning signs. Adult eye exams give our doctors the opportunity to identify refractive changes, monitor chronic conditions, and catch the early stages of disease when intervention is most effective. We recommend that most adults schedule a comprehensive exam at least every two years, and annually for those with existing eye conditions, diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or risk factors for glaucoma.

For older patients, the stakes become even higher. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma all become more prevalent with advancing age. Glaucoma management is a particular focus at our practice, as this condition causes irreversible optic nerve damage that progresses silently over time. Regular monitoring is the only reliable way to stay ahead of it.

Children’s vision plays a central role in how they learn, develop, and engage with the world around them. Many vision problems in children go undetected simply because kids do not realize what clear vision should look like or cannot articulate what they are experiencing. Children’s eye exams allow us to identify refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and other developmental vision concerns at the age when treatment is most effective.

​​​​​​​Our doctors approach pediatric exams with patience and care, creating an experience that is comfortable for young patients and informative for parents. We incorporate current treatment options such as binocular vision training and, where appropriate, tools like the Shaw Lens for children who are amblyopic or at risk of developing lazy eye.

Diabetes is among the leading causes of vision loss in working-age adults, and the damage it causes to the retina often develops without symptoms until it is already significant. According to the CDC, 60% of people with diabetes do not receive annual eye exams, even though dilated eye exams are one of the most important tools for catching diabetic eye disease early.

Our diabetic eye exams include a thorough evaluation of the retina and internal eye structures, giving patients with diabetes the monitoring they need to protect their vision over the long term.

Patients throughout the Lemmon area and across the broader region trust Vision Source Mandan because of the depth of care our team provides and the genuine relationships we build over time. Dr. Schauer, Dr. Aberle, and Dr. Dyke each bring specialized clinical expertise to every exam, from Dr. Schauer’s focus on glaucoma treatment and macular degeneration management to Dr. Aberle’s background in urgent care and diabetic eye exams to Dr. Dyke’s dedication to comprehensive family and pediatric vision care. As part of the Vision Source network, we have access to the most advanced diagnostic technology available, ensuring that every patient receives a standard of care that rivals any metropolitan practice.

We are proud to serve patients who travel to see us from Lemmon