Frequently asked questions

Hamade Eye Care Clinic | Ophthalmologist. Eye Specialist

We are a trusted eye care clinic dedicated to providing advanced, reliable, and personalized vision care.

Please call to confirm appointment availability.

+(961) 81 883 144

Eye Exams and Vision

Find answers about eye exams, appointments, treatment options and looking after your eyes. For advice about your own symptoms or treatment, please speak with your eye doctor.

Urgent eye symptoms. Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or a serious eye injury needs immediate medical assessment. Go to the nearest emergency department if you cannot get immediate eye care. Do not wait for a reply to an online booking request.

What common eye problems can be detected early?

Comprehensive eye exams can detect signs of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, sometimes before you notice symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate care can help protect your vision.

How often should I get my eyes checked?

The right schedule depends on your age, symptoms, medical history and risk of eye disease. Dr. Issam Hamade can recommend an interval after examining your eyes. Diabetes, glaucoma or other eye conditions may require closer monitoring. Arrange an assessment sooner if your vision changes.

What does a comprehensive eye exam include?

An exam usually includes a discussion of your symptoms and health history, vision testing, an eye-pressure check and an examination of your eye health. Dilating drops or additional tests may be recommended to examine the retina and optic nerve or investigate a particular concern. The tests you need depend on your eyes and the reason for your visit.

Do I need eye exams if my vision seems fine?

Yes. Some eye conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can develop without noticeable symptoms at first. Clear vision does not rule out eye disease. Keep the examination schedule recommended for you, even when your eyes feel comfortable.

Will my eyes be dilated, and can I drive afterwards?

Dilating drops may be used to give the doctor a clearer view inside your eyes. They can temporarily blur your vision and make your eyes sensitive to light. Bring sunglasses and arrange someone to take you home if dilation is planned. Do not drive until the effects have worn off, your vision is back to normal and you can see safely.

Appointments and Your Visit

How do I book an appointment?

Call +961 81 883 144 or use the appointment form on our website to request a visit. Please confirm the date, time and clinic location with our team before travelling. Online appointment requests should not be used for eye emergencies.

How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?

Please call +961 81 883 144 as soon as you know you need to change or cancel your appointment. Our team can help you arrange another suitable time and explain any notice requirements that apply.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring your current glasses, contact lens prescription if you have one, a list of medicines and eye drops, and any relevant eye reports or test results. If you plan to use insurance, ask the clinic which documents are needed. Bring sunglasses in case your eyes are dilated.

Can I get a same-day appointment?

Please call the clinic to check current availability and describe your symptoms. Same-day appointments cannot be assumed. Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or a serious eye injury needs immediate medical assessment; do not wait for a routine appointment or an online reply.

Where are your clinics, and how do I check visiting hours?

Our clinic locations are in Hamra, Gallery Semaan and Ghobeiry. Please see our Contact Us page or call +961 81 883 144 for directions and to confirm the location and opening hours for your appointment.

Should I stop wearing contact lenses before my visit?

Tell the clinic that you wear contact lenses when you book. For some appointments, especially assessments for laser vision correction, you may need to leave them out beforehand because they can affect corneal measurements. The required time depends on your lens type and planned tests, so ask for specific instructions rather than guessing.

Conditions and Treatments

What eye care services do you offer?

Our services include comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fitting, retinal care, diabetic eye care, pediatric eye care and refractive consultations. Please contact the clinic to discuss your concern and confirm which appointment and location are appropriate for you.

Do you offer care for children's vision problems?

Yes, we provide pediatric eye care. We assess common childhood vision problems such as refractive errors, amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). If your child has failed a vision screening or you notice a concern about their sight or eye alignment, arrange an eye examination.

Can cataracts be treated?

Yes. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Whether and when surgery is appropriate depends on how cataracts affect your vision and daily activities, along with your overall eye health. Your doctor will discuss the expected benefits, risks and available options with you.

Can glaucoma be treated?

Glaucoma can be managed with prescription eye drops, laser treatment or surgery, depending on the type and severity. Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and slow or prevent further damage. It cannot restore sight already lost from glaucoma, so ongoing treatment and follow-up are important.

How is my treatment plan decided?

Dr. Issam Hamade considers your examination findings, medical history, symptoms and visual needs when recommending care. Your plan may include monitoring, glasses or contact lenses, medication, further tests or a discussion of procedural options. Ask about the benefits, risks, alternatives and expected costs before deciding on treatment.

Do I need eye checks if I have diabetes but no vision problems?

Yes. Diabetic retinopathy may have no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Most people with diabetes need a dilated eye examination at least once a year, although your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your circumstances. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol also helps protect your eyes.

How do I know if LASIK or another vision correction procedure is suitable for me?

Suitability can only be determined after an examination. Important factors include the stability of your prescription, corneal shape and thickness, tear-film health and medical history. A consultation can help you understand the benefits, risks and alternatives. Laser vision correction is not suitable for everyone and does not guarantee that you will never need glasses again.

Do I need a contact lens fitting as well as an eye exam?

Yes. Contact lenses need a separate assessment of fit and suitability; a glasses prescription alone is not enough. The fitting considers your prescription, the shape and health of your eyes, and how the lenses sit on them. Tell the clinic when booking if you would like a contact lens assessment.

Fees and Payment

How much will my appointment or treatment cost?

The cost depends on the consultation, tests and treatment you need. Please contact the clinic for current fees and ask what is included in any estimate, including whether additional tests, procedures, lenses or follow-up visits are charged separately.

Do you accept my insurance?

Please check with the clinic and your insurer before your appointment. Confirm whether your plan covers the consultation and any proposed tests or treatment, whether pre-approval is required, and what you may need to pay yourself.

Which payment methods are accepted, and are payment plans available?

Please contact the clinic before your visit to confirm accepted payment methods and whether any payment arrangements are available for your proposed treatment.

What are your cancellation and refund policies?

Please ask the clinic about the terms that apply before paying for treatment or ordering a custom product. Confirm any deposit, cancellation charge or refund restriction in advance. To change an appointment, call +961 81 883 144.

Follow-up and Everyday Eye Care

How often will I need follow-up care?

Follow-up depends on your diagnosis, test results, treatment and response to care. Your doctor will tell you when to return. Attend the recommended visits even if your vision feels unchanged, and contact your doctor sooner if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

Can I arrange my next appointment in advance?

Ask the clinic about booking your next visit before you leave, or call when it is due. Keep a note of the date your doctor recommends and ask whether appointment reminders are available.

Which eye symptoms need urgent medical attention?

Seek immediate assessment for sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, a serious eye injury, new flashes or a sudden increase in floaters, especially with a dark curtain or shadow across your vision. Go to the nearest emergency department if immediate eye care is unavailable. Do not wait for an online reply. If a chemical splashes into your eye, immediately rinse with plenty of clean, lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes while arranging urgent medical help.

How can I use contact lenses safely?

Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Follow the prescribed wearing and replacement schedule, and use the recommended cleaning and disinfecting solution. Keep lenses away from tap water and remove them before showering or swimming. Do not sleep in them unless your eye doctor has specifically advised it. Keep a pair of glasses available.

What should I do if my contact lenses cause pain or redness?

Remove your lenses and contact an eye doctor promptly. Pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision can indicate a serious problem, including infection. Do not put the lenses back in until an eye care professional advises that it is safe. Seek immediate care for severe pain or a sudden change in vision.

What can help with screen-related eye strain or dry eyes?

Take regular breaks from close-up screen work, blink fully and often, and reduce screen glare. Avoid air blowing directly at your eyes. If dryness, burning or blurred vision persists, arrange an eye examination so the cause can be assessed and suitable treatment discussed. Sudden vision changes or significant eye pain need prompt assessment.

Still have a question? Call +961 81 883 144 or visit our Contact Us page. For a non-urgent visit, you can use the appointment form.

These FAQs provide general information and do not replace an individual eye examination or medical advice. Follow the instructions given by your treating clinician.