FAQs

We’ve answered the most common questions asked by our patients.

If you still have a question that we haven’t answered here, feel free to reach out to us
using the phone number at the bottom of this page or our contact us form.

  • Oculofacial (oculoplastic) surgery is a specialized type of surgery focused on the eyelids, tear ducts, eye socket, and surrounding facial areas. Oculoplastic surgeons treat both medical problems like droopy eyelids that block vision, tearing, eyelid cancers, and facial trauma, as well as cosmetic concerns such as facial rejuvenation. Oculoplastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who undergo a dedicated 2 year long fellowship focusing on the eyelid, lacrimal, and orbits, given them deep expertise in the delicate structures around the eye. We do not do cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, retinal surgery or glasses and contacts.

  • Dr. Pelton graduated from Hendrix College with honors as a chemistry major. He then spent a year in Austria on a Fulbright Fellowship studying Medical Biochemistry before moving to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. After 2 years of medical school at Vanderbilt, Dr. Pelton took a leave of absence for 4 years to get a Ph.D. in Cell Biology. He then went back to finish medical school and then started a residency in Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. He then took a 2-year fellowship in Oculofacial Surgery in Salt Lake City before moving to Colorado Springs. He is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is also certified by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) as well as the American College of Surgeons (FACS). See his full C.V. here (link).

  • Dr. Caroline Yu is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery through an ASOPRS fellowship at Mayo Clinic. She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Caltech, her medical degree from Stanford, and completed her residency at the University of Iowa. A participant in a face transplant surgery, she has authored over 27 publications, served on the EyeRounds editorial board, and received honors including the W.M. Keck Foundation Medical Scholarship and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Travel Grant.

  • Our practice focuses on Oculofacial Surgery. Our doctors do all types of eyelid surgery, eye socket surgery, lacrimal system surgery, facial fracture surgery as well as other facial procedures. We do NOT offer general ophthalmology services such as glasses, contacts, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, glaucoma surgery or retinal surgery.

  • We accept most insurances including Medicare Advantage Plans.

    We do not accept:

    • VA insurance

    • Select Health Medicare Plans

    • Rocky Mountain Health Plans

  • For most insurances and minor issues, we do not require a referral, although notes from your previous providers can help.

    We do require a referral for the following:

    • United Healthcare HMO Medicare Advantage Plans- starting in 2026 we do need a referral from your primary care provider, not just an eye doctor.

    • Tricare Prime requires an authorization from your PCM.

  • Our practice offers cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyelids and upper face. We offer upper and lower blepharoplasties, browlifts, and eyelid revision surgeries. Additionally, we offer cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections and filler. Because our surgeons are fellowship-trained specifically in oculofacial surgery, we specialize in the delicate anatomy around the eyes and face, balancing aesthetic enhancement with protection of vision and eyelid function. The goal is natural, refreshed results that help you look like yourself, well-rested and confident, not overdone. We cannot give you an estimate on what that may be, as every patient is unique. Cosmetic consultations are free with our doctors. Please call the office and we would be happy to get you scheduled.

  • After checking in and filling out the “new patient” forms at the front desk, a nurse will escort you to an exam room and start collecting your history and checking your vision (not a full refraction/vision exam.) After the nurse finishes, one of our doctors will come in and perform a detailed examination. Your doctor typically begins with a discussion of your concerns, goals, and medical history, followed by a detailed examination of your eyelids and surrounding structures. If needed, photographs and measurements are taken to evaluate function and determine insurance eligibility. Your doctor will review your treatment options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes so you leave with a clear, personalized plan and confidence in your next steps. In some cases, we can do a minor procedure that same day. Expect to be here for about an hour for your first appointment.

  • If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card, so that we can find out your level of benefits. If you have any CT scans or lab tests, please bring those. If you use reading glasses, please bring those with you. Also, if you received our new patient packet beforehand, please bring any completed paperwork that you have filled out. If not, don’t worry. You can fill out all the necessary paperwork when you get here. Please make sure you have your medication list if you need to fill out the paperwork in office, we can make a copy if that’s easier.

  • Quality care takes time. Delivery of health care is an inherently difficult thing to schedule. Patients often book appointments for “small” problems that turn out to be much more complex and complicated than they thought; other doctors and emergency rooms refer patients that need immediate attention; some patients have a long list of questions that they need answered, etc. Our doctors take pride in trying to give each patient the time that they need to get their problem addressed. We apologize for any longer-than-expected wait but please know that when it is your turn, our doctors will spend as much time with you as you need to get your problem addressed. Most new patient visits require you to be in the office for 1-2 hours depending on the issue.

  • This depends. Insurance may cover eyelid surgery when it is medically necessary such as when drooping eyelids significantly block vision. A consultation with formal measurements and visual field testing can determine whether insurance criteria are met. Cosmetic procedures such as lower lid blepharoplasties performed to primarily to improve appearance are not covered by insurance. We do cosmetic consultations for free.

Two medical professionals perform a surgical procedure in an operating room, using surgical instruments under bright lighting.

Compassion is part
of the treatment.

Two medical professionals, one male and one female, are performing surgery or a medical procedure in an operating room. Both are wearing scrubs, masks, and gloves. The female is wearing magnifying glasses and a headlamp, while the male is working closely with her under a bright surgical light.