Information of Interest About Our Practice

In order to make sure your visit to the practice goes smoothly, we've put together some important information about how things work at the practice.

In general, the more information you can tell us about your eye health history, the more we can help you.

Please bring the following to your eye exam:  all current insurance card(s), referral information (if required by your insurance), eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and related prescription information, solutions, and a complete list of all medications and dosages.   If you wear contact lenses, wear them to the eye exam.  If you wear distance glasses, put them on after you are seated in the exam room (unless you are wearing contact lenses).  

If you want to update your eyeglass prescription…

Please inform us at the beginning of the eye exam if you would like to update your prescription, or you feel there may be a change in your vision or prescription.  In general, unless the tested vision is not good or you are having visual problems, a refraction may not be necessary. 

If you currently wear contact lenses…

It is important but not essential for you to know what contact lens prescription you are wearing (manufacturer, brand name, power, base curve, and diameter).  If you have the contact lens vial or packaging, bring this with you to the exam.  This will expedite the examination process.  If you are unable to obtain this information before the eye exam, a complete contact refitting needs to be performed.  We recommend that you wear your contact lenses to the eye exam.   Please inform the receptionist that you are wearing contact lenses when you check into our office.  

If you wish to have your eyes dilated…

Pupillary dilation, for the purpose of examining the back of the eye (retina, vitreous, blood vessels, optic nerves), is usually performed as part of the full eye examination with a few exceptions.  However, most patients do not require dilation every year.  Special situations will dictate how frequently your eyes need a dilation exam.  Dilation is performed towards the end of the eye exam because dilation will cause the vision to blur.  Once dilation drops are instilled, it is not possible to perform a refraction or contact lens fitting.  Therefore, it is important for you to inform us if you wish to have these tests performed before you are dilated.  Dilation is performed with special eye drops which sting momentarily.  It usually takes 15-30 minutes to achieve adequate pupillary dilation, and it usually causes significant light sensitivity and blurred vision for 2-4 hours.  The duration and severity of these side effects vary from person to person.   Bring your darkest sunglasses with you.  Although most people have no problem driving after they are dilated, we recommend that you bring a driver.  If you have any doubts, please bring a driver or defer the dilation.