FAQ
Is the Ocularist a Doctor?
No, an ocularist is not a doctor.
An ocularist is an individual who has had extensive training and experience that usually includes a college degree, a five-year apprenticeship, an exam, and certification administered by the National Examination Board of Ocularists that requires the highest professional standards.
An ocularist generally limits their activities to ocular and oculofacial prosthetic work. They often work closely with your eye doctor.
An ocularist is an individual who has had extensive training and experience that usually includes a college degree, a five-year apprenticeship, an exam, and certification administered by the National Examination Board of Ocularists that requires the highest professional standards.
An ocularist generally limits their activities to ocular and oculofacial prosthetic work. They often work closely with your eye doctor.
Will the process of making my artificial eye hurt?
No, this process is not going to cause any pain.
Our goal is to create a custom prosthetic that fits your exact eye socket so that you can barely feel the prosthesis. The recurrent response from most patients who have had an impression of their eye socket taken have said that the experience is cold, wet, and weird but never painful!
Our goal is to create a custom prosthetic that fits your exact eye socket so that you can barely feel the prosthesis. The recurrent response from most patients who have had an impression of their eye socket taken have said that the experience is cold, wet, and weird but never painful!
How do I make an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908.
LaNette, our Office Manager, will gladly assist you with all of your scheduling and insurance questions. Our regular business hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 am- 4 pm, and Friday, 9 am-12 pm. Please have your insurance cards ready and available when you call to expedite the process.
LaNette, our Office Manager, will gladly assist you with all of your scheduling and insurance questions. Our regular business hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 am- 4 pm, and Friday, 9 am-12 pm. Please have your insurance cards ready and available when you call to expedite the process.
Will my insurance cover a prosthesis?
Each individual's insurance coverage varies.
LaNette, our Office Manager, is happy to answer any of your questions regarding your specific needs and insurance. Please do not hesitate to call. 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908
LaNette, our Office Manager, is happy to answer any of your questions regarding your specific needs and insurance. Please do not hesitate to call. 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908
What is the prosthesis made of?
We make our custom prosthetic eyes from plastic, earth pigment oil-based paint, and silk thread.
The two primary layers of the prosthesis are made from Methyl Methacrylate Monomer. The base layer is the "white" part of the prosthesis or the sclera. The top layer is clear and gives the prosthesis the depth and life-like look of a natural eye.
Earth pigments are vibrant colors derived from the Earth. We use these pigments because they do not fade, which extends the life of the prosthesis.
The appearance of blood vessels is created using silk thread embedded in between the layers of the Methyl Methacrylate Monomer.
The two primary layers of the prosthesis are made from Methyl Methacrylate Monomer. The base layer is the "white" part of the prosthesis or the sclera. The top layer is clear and gives the prosthesis the depth and life-like look of a natural eye.
Earth pigments are vibrant colors derived from the Earth. We use these pigments because they do not fade, which extends the life of the prosthesis.
The appearance of blood vessels is created using silk thread embedded in between the layers of the Methyl Methacrylate Monomer.
How long will a prosthetic eye last?
Since each person is different, there is no definitive answer to this question.
The life of the prosthesis depends on several factors, including age, the type of implant used, the reason for the loss of the natural eye, and the age of the plastic itself. Usually, the slow atrophy (loss) of fat deep in the orbit can require prosthesis replacement.
We recommend that you be checked every six months by your ocularist to determine if there are any scratches, surface deposits, or anatomical changes to your eye socket.
The life of the prosthesis depends on several factors, including age, the type of implant used, the reason for the loss of the natural eye, and the age of the plastic itself. Usually, the slow atrophy (loss) of fat deep in the orbit can require prosthesis replacement.
We recommend that you be checked every six months by your ocularist to determine if there are any scratches, surface deposits, or anatomical changes to your eye socket.
How many visits will it take to get my prosthesis made?
It will take two days and a total of three office visits for us to make your custom prosthesis.
For more information on what to expect when you visit our office, please click here.
For more information on what to expect when you visit our office, please click here.
How often should I remove the prosthesis?
Only remove your prosthesis if it is bothering you.
If your prosthesis is bothering you, please remove it, clean it, and reinsert it. Please be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before removing your prosthesis. For more information regarding inserting, removing, and cleaning your prosthesis, click here.
If you feel that you are removing your prosthesis too frequently, please call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at and let us know so we can decide on a course of action.
If your prosthesis is bothering you, please remove it, clean it, and reinsert it. Please be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before removing your prosthesis. For more information regarding inserting, removing, and cleaning your prosthesis, click here.
If you feel that you are removing your prosthesis too frequently, please call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at and let us know so we can decide on a course of action.
How do I care for my prosthesis?
There are three key rules when caring for your prosthesis:
For more information regarding caring for and cleaning your prosthesis, click here.
- Only remove your prosthesis if your eye is bothering you. If you do remove your prosthesis, please clean it and then reinsert it.
- Never use any kind of abrasive cleaning materials to clean your prosthesis.
- Keep your prosthesis lubricated.
For more information regarding caring for and cleaning your prosthesis, click here.
Will I still be able to go about my daily activities with a prosthesis?
Absolutely! You can do the same activities you did before having a prosthesis.
Be sure to wear adequate eye protection to not only prevent your prosthesis from being lost but also to protect your natural eye. We recommend that you wear swim goggles when swimming, diving, or water skiing, as these are the most common activities that lead to the loss of the prosthesis.
Also, if you wear glasses, please wear them! You no longer have two eyes and must protect the one you have.
Be sure to wear adequate eye protection to not only prevent your prosthesis from being lost but also to protect your natural eye. We recommend that you wear swim goggles when swimming, diving, or water skiing, as these are the most common activities that lead to the loss of the prosthesis.
Also, if you wear glasses, please wear them! You no longer have two eyes and must protect the one you have.
What happens if I break or lose my prosthesis?
If you break or lose your prosthesis, you will need to have a new one made. Please put in either a clean conformer or clean older prosthesis so that your socket has something in it.
Call our office as soon as possible to schedule your appointment to get your new prosthesis. You can call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908.
If you need a conformer to wear, please contact your eye doctor or tell LaNette when you call to schedule your appointment for a new prosthesis.
Call our office as soon as possible to schedule your appointment to get your new prosthesis. You can call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908.
If you need a conformer to wear, please contact your eye doctor or tell LaNette when you call to schedule your appointment for a new prosthesis.
How long have artificial eyes been around?
There have been artificial eyes found in tombs from as far back as 2900-2800 B.C.E.!
The current method of manufacturing artificial eyes has been in practice since World War II. Before the War, artificial eyes were made from glass, giving rise to the common misnomer, "glass eye." The glass, however, came from Germany. As a result of the War, it was impossible to import the glass necessary to create artificial eyes. Ocularists needed to develop an alternative method, so they began to use plastic. The plastic they used during World War II is the same plastic we use today.
The current method of manufacturing artificial eyes has been in practice since World War II. Before the War, artificial eyes were made from glass, giving rise to the common misnomer, "glass eye." The glass, however, came from Germany. As a result of the War, it was impossible to import the glass necessary to create artificial eyes. Ocularists needed to develop an alternative method, so they began to use plastic. The plastic they used during World War II is the same plastic we use today.
I'm not from the portland area. do you have other office locations?
Yes! Our practice serves the entire state of Oregon, patients from our neighboring states, and Alaska.
To find out when we will be at our satellite offices, call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908. Please be sure to specify the location you wish to visit.
To find out when we will be at our satellite offices, call our office at 503-675-1320 or Toll-Free at 1-800-200-0908. Please be sure to specify the location you wish to visit.
