Vision Care Services

Emergency Eye Exams

Emergency Eye Care

In an emergency, every second counts.

Call us for same-day help with eye injuries, infections and sudden vision changes.

Our doctors treat urgent eye problems in the office, often the same day you call.

Dr. Tumolo reviewing a patient's eye scan
Having an eye emergency right now? Call the nearest office: Odessa (813) 926-5993 or East Lake (727) 242-8388. For severe injuries or chemical burns, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Is it an emergency?

If you think it is, trust your instinct and get help. These should always be treated as urgent:

  • Eye infections, redness with pain or discharge
  • Something in the eye, such as glass, metal or wood
  • Cuts, scratches or punctures of the eye or eyelid
  • Chemicals in the eye causing pain or vision problems
  • Sudden vision loss or a sudden change in vision
  • A sudden shower of floaters or flashes of light

First aid while you get help

  • Chemicals in the eye: rinse with clean water for 15 minutes. Don't cover the eye.
  • Something in the eye: don't rub. Try to gently rinse it out.
  • A blow to the eye: use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • A cut or puncture: don't rinse or press on the eye. Cover it loosely and get help right away.

Urgent eye problems we treat

Medical & urgent eye care: what to do, and when to go to the ER.

Prevention

Wear protective eyewear for yard work, home projects and sports. Keep eyewash and sterile gauze in your first aid kit.

Common questions

Can I be seen the same day for an eye emergency?

Yes. Same-day medical visits are available at every Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists office, and at our Odessa and East Lake offices we make room for medical eye emergencies every day we are open. Call first so we can get you in quickly.

Should I go to the emergency room or an eye doctor?

For most eye problems, such as red or painful eyes, infections, scratches and something in the eye, an eye doctor is faster and better equipped. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for a penetrating eye injury, an object sticking out of the eye, a severe chemical burn after rinsing, or sudden vision loss with stroke symptoms.

Can your doctors prescribe medication for eye emergencies?

Yes. Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day.

Do you remove metal or other foreign bodies from the eye?

Yes. Our doctors remove foreign bodies from the surface of the eye in the office, including embedded metal and rust rings.

Is an emergency eye visit covered by insurance?

Medical eye visits are usually billed to your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. Call the office and we will help you check your coverage.

Seen through our slit lamp

These photos and videos were taken with the camera on our slit lamp microscope during real exams and are shared without any identifying details.

A corneal abrasion from eyelash-extension glue
A corneal abrasion from eyelash-extension glueFluorescein dye lights up the scratch in green. Abrasions are painful but usually heal within a few days with prompt care.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage
A subconjunctival hemorrhageA broken blood vessel under the clear surface of the white of the eye. It looks alarming but is usually harmless and fades in one to two weeks. See us right away if it comes with pain, vision changes or an injury.

Narrated by Dr. Tumolo

Corneal abrasions and ulcersDr. Tumolo explains how he follows a scratch or ulcer on the cornea from visit to visit as it heals.
Lash removal and foreign body removalDr. Tumolo discusses removing ingrown lashes (epilation) and objects stuck on the eye.
“I had a very irritating eye infection and was able to get a same day appointment with Beyond 2020 Vision Specialist in Odessa. The entire staff was nice and very professional. We appreciate Dr. Austin. He was extremely helpful and took the time to answer all my questions. I would recommend him 100%”
Karla A. · Odessa, Google review