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For many people, visits to the ophthalmologist are stressful times. This is especially true if the person being examined is a child or if children are along for the trip. People may find themselves forgetting important information or instructions or realizing later that they have forgotten to ask a question. Following are some tips for getting the most out of these visits.
If you need new glasses, an optometrist will best be able to serve you. If you are having symptoms, an ophthalmologist will be able to provide the full array of diagnostic and treatment services. If you are seeking treatment for a known eye condition, you may need the services of a doctor specializing in this area of treatment.
If you are visiting this doctor for the first time, write down the address and clear directions to the office.
Make a list of the contact information for any other physicians and/or ophthalmologists whom you have seen previously and who will have information regarding your symptoms or eye condition. If you have copies of relevant medical records, gather them and take them with you so that your current ophthalmologist can make copies for review.
If you are visually impaired or will be having a procedure done after which driving will not be possible, arrange for transportation, allowing time for driver tardiness and locating the office.
If you are taking a child for an exam or being accompanied by a child, pack a small bag of items you will need. These may include bottles, diapers, medical supplies related to other conditions, and toys. Often you will have to wait some time before you are seen, especially if you are seeing a well-known doctor. Talk with your child about what will happen during the exam and why.
Make a list of any medications you take regularly, including dosages. On the day of your appointment, note the time when you take your medication. If you have had eye surgeries, note the type of surgery and the date. If you are seeing the doctor for the first time, this information will be required for your records.
Take notes about what the doctor tells you and his answers to your questions. If you are unable to write them on paper, take a handheld cassette recorder to the appointment. Often doctors will not mind speaking into a cassette recorder if they understand that your purpose in recording is to provide yourself with some notes to refer to later.
This will allow time for filling out forms and result in a better chance of being seen on time.
The doctor may instruct you in how to take your medication, care for your corrective lenses, or prepare for any surgical treatment available to you. Following these instructions will enable you to protect your eyes and vision most effectively.
This may be much easier said than done, but relaxing can make the exam much more tolerable.
Ask about information and support resources in the community, agencies or people who provide training in working with low vision or other alternative techniques, etc.
Do not assume that the doctor is able to provide appropriate information about your need for services such as orientation and mobility instruction or advice about whether or not you should learn braille or use other alternative modes of reading. All eye care professionals are not knowledgeable about the day-to-day impact of low vision. Furthermore, how well a person can read the eye chart does not necessarily reflect how well he/she will be able to read over a long period of time using different colors or fonts.
Follow-up care is very important. Routine eye care can enable early detection of conditions which can be treated. Follow-up care after treatment can enable the treating physician to monitor your progress and treat any complications which may occur. Unless you have need of a second opinion or are relocating, it is best to use the services of the physician who first provided treatment if you have recently had services. If you change physicians, be sure that your previous physician communicates with the new one about your history and current condition.
Medications are prescribed for specific purposes depending on your individual needs. Some may be prescribed for short periods of time; others may be necessary for a much longer period, even a lifetime. If you experience problems which you believe are related to using a specific medication, discuss them with the treating physician so that an alternative treatment can be found which can meet your needs.
It is not uncommon to think of questions after returning home from an eye exam. You may be able to call and ask them or discuss them at your next appointment. Alternatively, you may find the answers using other resources.
Educate yourself about your condition, treatments, blindness and visual impairment, and resources available to you for support and assistance.
Some people report feeling uncomfortable with a physician or not receiving satisfactory answers to their questions. Remember that being treated with respect and understanding your condition are your rights. If you desire a second opinion or need to see another specialist, ask for a referral. If you wish to look at your records, you should be permitted to do so. Most physicians' offices will provide you with your own copies. They may charge a fee to cover the costs of copying.
All doctors do not have the same philosophy about treatment and benefits, especially when the person has severe low vision. If you feel uncomfortable or that you have not been treated with respect or given an accurate diagnosis and information, a second opinion may be warranted.
Not all doctors are accustomed to seeing people who are blind or have low vision. They may be unaware of resources which can help you. Doing your homework is vital.
If your doctor is unaware of resources, offer to compile a list or information packet for him. You will be helping him to help others who may be much like yourself.
Eye medications can have side effects which affect other parts of the body. Not all doctors realize this. To minimize side effects, apply gentle pressure to the tear duct for one minute after applying eye drops. If side effects are extremely unpleasant, consult your prescribing doctor about an alternative medication.
Having your own copies on file ensures that you will be able to look at them while doing your own research. It also ensures that the records will always be available when you see a new doctor. This is particularly important if you have an existing eye condition. Most doctor's offices destroy records if a patient has not been seen for a certain number of years.
Use all sources of information and support in making decisions about treatment, and be involved in and proactive regarding your own care. This will enable you to feel much more comfortable with your care and your life.
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This document is copyright 2003 by Sarah J. Blake. For permission to reprint, please email Sarah at sarah@growingstrong.org.
Sarah J. Blake is a person with a visual impairment who has also studied blindness and eye conditions. She is not an eye care professional, and information on this site is not a substitute for face-to-face consultation with an eye care professional. This site is designed solely to assist patients and doctors in building cooperative relationships.
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