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Frequently Asked Questions

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» What eye care services are available?
» Do you need a referral to schedule an appointment?
» What insurance does the Institute accept?
» Is the Institute a Vision Service Plan provider?
» How do I get to the Institute?
» How do I find the right doctor for me?
» Is the Institute part of the University of California Los Angeles?
» How long should I expect to stay during my first visit?
» Does the Institute have food services?
» Does the Institute offer emergency services?
» Do the doctors at the Institute also practice in the community?
» Do the doctors at the Institute accept Medicare assignment?
» Is the Institute open on evenings or weekends?
» Are wheelchairs available for patients?
» Is there parking for patients?
» How soon will I be able to make an appointment?

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What eye care services are available?
The Jules Stein Eye Institute offers a full range of eye and vision care services to patients of all ages. Our broad scope of expertise makes the Institute an especially good choice for those who have complex eye conditions or want a second opinion. Eye surgery of every type, from cataract extraction to removal of ocular and orbital tumors, is performed in the Institute's state-of-the-art facilities. The Institute provides the latest refractive surgery procedures to correct vision and aesthetic rejuvenation procedures to enhance the eyes and face. It also provides complete eye exams, contact lenses and eyeglass prescriptions. For more information about eye care services available at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, click on the link below.

» Information about Eye Care Services




Do you need a referral to schedule an appointment?
A doctor's referral is not necessary to schedule an appointment at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. Many patients come to the Institute by referral from a private physician and many come on their own initiative. To schedule an appointment, simply contact the Institute's Ophthalmology Referral Service between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Experienced staff will schedule your appointment and assist you in selecting the appropriate doctor and service to treat your eye care needs. If you know the doctor you would like to see, you may contact the doctor's office directly. Of course, if you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and want your insurer to cover the cost of your care, then you must get an authorization from your primary care medical group before you receive services at the Institute.

Ophthalmology Referral Service: (310) 825-5000, ors@jsei.ucla.edu

» Scheduling an Appointment


What insurance does the Institute accept?

The Jules Stein Eye Institute accepts many kinds of health insurance. Whether you have Medicare, managed care or private insurance, it's likely that your insurance will cover all or some of the services you receive. It is difficult for the Institute to predict what insurance benefits will be covered by individual insurers. Since you are responsible for charges (deductibles, co-payments, etc.) not covered by insurance, we suggest that you check with your insurance carrier regarding the details of your coverage. If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), you must receive prior authorization from your insurance company or carrier before making an appointment at the Institute in order to receive any insurance coverage.

» Information About Insurance Plans


Is the Institute a Vision Service Plan provider?
The Jules Stein Eye Institute is not a VSP provider. The Institute has a special arrangement with VSP to provide vision care services to its members. For more information about VSP services provided at the institute, contact the Ophthalmology Referral Service.

Ophthalmology Referral Service: (310) 825-5000, ors@jsei.ucla.edu


How do I get to the Institute?
Conveniently located within UCLA at the corner of Westwood Boulevard and Le Conte Avenue, the Jules Stein Eye Institute is approximately 15 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, and easily accessible from all points in Southern California. Click on the link below for driving directions, maps and bus routes to the Institute.

» Travel Directions and Maps to JSEI


How do I find the right doctor for me at the Institute?
The Ophthalmology Referral Service is a valuable resource for patients and healthcare professionals who want to schedule appointments, refer patients and obtain information about the clinical activities at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. Experienced staff are available to answer questions and identify the doctors or services available for your specific needs. The patient care section of this web site is another resource for locating doctors and services at the Institute to treat your condition. Click on the link below and find the appropriate eye condition to obtain a list of doctors specializing in that area.

Ophthalmology Referral Service: (310) 825-5000, ors@jsei.ucla.edu

» Scheduling an Appointment
» Information about Eye Care Services


Is the Institute part of the University of California Los Angeles ?
The Jules Stein Eye Institute is a comprehensive center for research in the vision sciences, education in ophthalmology, and the medical and surgical eye care of patients at UCLA. It is part of the UCLA School of Medicine and closely coordinated with the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology. Its ophthalmologists are on the faculty of UCLA. For more information about the Jules Stein Eye Institute, click on the link below.

» Information about the Jules Stein Eye Institute


How long should I expect to stay at the Institute during my first visit?
No two patient visits are exactly the same. The initial visit is usually quite extensive, so be prepared to spend 2 to 3 hours at the Institute. If your condition requires special testing or immediate attention, or if there are emergencies or delays with other patients, your stay could be longer. Be assured that our doctors and staff will do their best to attend to your needs within a reasonable timeframe.


Does the Institute have food services?
Food and refreshment services are not available at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. There is a cafeteria nearby in the UCLA Medical Center, a deli across the street in the Medical Plaza and a wide variety of restaurants in Westwood Village just blocks away. If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, you are welcome to bring snacks with you to your appointment.


Does the Institute offer emergency services?
The UCLA Eye Trauma and Emergency Center provides immediate response to ophthalmic emergencies 24 hours a day for consultative, medical and surgical care involving both primary and secondary surgical repairs. From 8 am to 3:30 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8 am to noon, Wednesday, patients with eye emergencies should go to University Ophthalmology Associates on the first floor of the Jules Stein Building. During other business hours, or evenings, weekends and holidays, patients with eye emergencies should proceed to the Emergency Room of the UCLA Medical Center. An in-house ophthalmologist is available at UCLA 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

University Ophthalmology Associates: 310-825-3090
UCLA Medical Center Emergency Room: 310-825-2111


Do the doctors at the Institute also practice in the community?
Approximately 30 ophthalmologists representing every ophthalmic subspecialty are full-time UCLA faculty members who see patients exclusively at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. An additional 190 ophthalmologists are UCLA clinical faculty members who practice in the community and participate in the education, research and patient care programs of UCLA's Department of Ophthalmology. The clinical faculty represent an important extension of the Institute's services and are a valuable resource for patients who prefer to receive eye care closer to home. To schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist who practices at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, or request to see one with an office in your neighborhood, contact the Institute's Ophthalmology Referral Service.

Ophthalmology Referral Service: (310) 825-5000, ors@jsei.ucla.edu

» Scheduling an Appointment


Do doctors at the Institute accept Medicare assignment?
Most doctors at the Jules Stein Eye Institute accept Medicare assignment and will bill Medicare for your care. If you are a Medicare patient, you are responsible for any charges that Medicare does not pay such as deductibles and co-payments. It is against federal law for doctors to write off balances. Additionally, you are responsible for any non-covered services such as refractions. For more information about payment options for patients, click on the link below.

» Information About Payment Options


Is the Institute open on evenings or weekends?
The Jules Stein Eye Institute operates during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. An in-house ophthalmologist is available at UCLA 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to attend patients with eye emergencies.


Are wheelchairs available for patients?
The Jules Stein Eye Institute is fully equipped for wheelchair access and is able to provide wheelchairs for those who need them. Patients are advised to contact the Ophthalmology Referral Service prior to the appointment to request a wheelchair. This step will ensure that one is available at the time of the visit.

Ophthalmology Referral Service: (310) 825-5000, ors@jsei.ucla.edu


Is there parking for patients at the Institute?
Parking is available at the Institute for patients. The parking area is located immediately to the right as you turn off Westwood Boulevard onto Stein Plaza. It is next to the Doris Stein building at 200 Stein Plaza. Parking costs $11 for the day. Patients are able to leave and return during the day without being charged again.

» Travel Directions and Maps to JSEI


How soon will I be able to make an appointment at the Institute?
Appointment availability at the Institute varies by specialty and by doctor. In some cases, patients are able to schedule an appointment to be seen within days. In other cases, patients may need to wait months before they can be seen. The Ophthalmology Referral Service is a valuable resource for patients who want to schedule appointments. Experienced staff will identify the doctors or services for your specific needs and inform you about the earliest available appointment.

Ophthalmology Referral Service: (310) 825-5000, ors@jsei.ucla.edu

» Scheduling an Appointment

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