Sudden Vision Changes or Eye Pain? How to Reach Spark Eye Care
Flashes, floaters, eye pain, or sudden vision loss need prompt evaluation. Call (512) 377-1076 during business hours for same-day evaluation when possible.
What to Expect
- Call (512) 377-1076 during business hours for urgent symptoms; same-day evaluation when possible
- Urgent symptoms include sudden vision loss, eye pain, new flashes or floaters, eye injury, and post-operative concerns
- A dilated exam and imaging such as OCT help identify retinal tears, retinal detachment, or an acute glaucoma attack
- If a condition needs a retina specialist or hospital care, we coordinate the referral
- After hours, our answering service can connect you with on-call coverage for urgent medical advice
- Severe trauma, chemical exposure, or sudden vision loss when we are closed: go to the nearest emergency room
Benefits
Guidance When You Call
Describe your symptoms when you call and our team will advise whether you should be seen promptly or go directly to the emergency room.
Your History on File
If you have been seen at Spark Eye Care before, your prior exam findings and imaging are already in your chart, which helps Dr. Plummer compare and act quickly.
Diagnosis at the Visit
A dilated examination and imaging such as OCT are used to evaluate for retinal tears, posterior vitreous detachment, acute angle closure, and other serious problems, so you get answers rather than guesses.
Common Questions About Urgent Eye Care
When should I call the office versus going to the ER?
Call us first during business hours for floaters, flashes, pain, blurred vision, or post-operative concerns; we will evaluate you or direct you to the emergency room. Go directly to the ER for severe eye trauma, chemical exposure, or if you cannot reach us and pain or vision loss is severe.
What counts as an eye emergency?
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, chemical injuries, significant eye trauma, sudden onset of flashes and floaters, and injuries with foreign objects all need urgent evaluation. Call and describe your symptoms and we will tell you what to do next.
Can I be seen the same day if I have an urgent problem?
For urgent but non-emergency concerns during business hours, call our office at (512) 377-1076 for same-day evaluation when possible. Availability varies, so please call as early in the day as you can.
What if my problem happens after hours or on a weekend?
For after-hours emergencies, our answering service can connect you with on-call coverage for urgent medical advice. In cases of severe trauma, chemical burns, or sudden vision loss when we are closed, go to the nearest emergency room. Our office is open Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Do I have to pay extra for urgent visits?
Urgent office visits are billed to your insurance as medical office visits, so your usual co-pay, deductible, or coinsurance applies. If you are referred to an emergency room or outside facility, their charges are separate. Our billing team can answer questions about your coverage.
Related Services
Urgent Symptom
Floaters and Flashes
A sudden increase in floaters or flashes can signal a retinal problem and needs prompt evaluation.
Urgent Condition
Corneal Abrasions
Eye pain and tearing from a scratched cornea, evaluated promptly to prevent infection.
Urgent Condition
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Often presents as sudden floaters and flashes; a dilated exam is needed to rule out a retinal tear.