Eye Doctor Visits Should be as Simple as Possible
Have you ever shown up to your appointment to find you had heaps of paperwork to fill out, you’d forgotten vital information that you needed to complete the paperwork, or there were questions you didn’t know the answer to? We’ve all been there. You may have even forgotten items you needed to bring to the appointment or didn’t know what all the appointment would entail. Any of these situations could leave you a bit rattled. When we’re nervous, we aren’t at our best. Doctors’ offices need to be places where we feel comfortable enough to ask important questions. This way, we are doing our best to preserve our wellness. Not every visit to a doctor needs to be intimidating. This list is to help you prepare for your next eye appointment so you will feel more confident walking in and less confused or rushed when stepping out.
Steps You Need to Take
There are three steps for each appointment. First, what you should do before your appointment, what actions to take during your visit (including the items you should bring), and aftercare and follow-up.
There are a few items to look at once the exam itself has concluded, including:
- Should you arrange for transportation after your exam (someone to drive you because your eyes may be dilated)?
- How will the exam affect you?
- Do you need to call back to check in about how your eyes are doing after the visit?
- Will you need to make a follow-up appointment?
Pre-exam Checklist
Before you even make your appointment, call your insurance to check your current coverage. Does that involve vision, health coverage, or your yearly physicals for eye-related health issues? Also, find out if your insurance covers your preferred eye doctor.
Next, list current medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that you take. If you’re unsure, find out if your family has a history of eye-related health problems such as glaucoma or cataracts. These lists will be helpful for your medical questionnaire and paperwork when you come in to see us at Eyes of Lubbock. These health-related questions are important, so you can be prepared for how your eyes may be affected.
Before you call to schedule your appointment, write down any questions you may have about the appointment and your eyes. These may include the following:
- What types of examinations should you expect during your appointment?
- Will you need to bring your sunglasses even if they aren’t prescription?
- Are there activities that make you nervous, like driving at night?
- Do you get headaches while reading?
- Do you notice eye sensitivities during certain times of the year?
- Are allergies a factor?
Write down any vision-related issues affecting your quality of life or causing concern. For example, if you’ve had eye injuries or surgeries, mention it when you schedule your appointment. We may need to take special care to check for additional symptoms and look to see how you’re recovering.
These lists are essential when you’re speaking with our doctors as well. So, you can let them know when and how the injury or surgery occurred.
At the Doctor
It would help if you arrived a few minutes early for your appointment so that you can fill out the paperwork. You should also bring glasses and contact lenses. You may bring a sample of what you use to clean them if you have questions about contact lens irritation or foggy glasses.
Carefully list your symptoms, all your medications, questions and concerns, and your family history. Have your sunglasses and prescription contacts and glasses with you, along with insurance cards and any other relevant health information we might need to know. Ask if there have been changes in your prescription, vision, or eye health.
After the Appointment
If you have a new prescription for your glasses, don’t forget to call your doctor to let them know how it works. It may take some time to adjust if you have new contacts, but you should still ask questions if you’re experiencing discomfort or your vision doesn’t seem positively affected.
If you have further questions or are experiencing vision problems or eye discomfort, contact Eyes of Lubbock immediately! Our helpful staff is here to support your needs with comprehensive eye care services and reliable support for your vision everyday.
