Need to consult an Ophthalmologist? Top five questions to ask your ophthalmologist when you consult for the first time

By admin | Dec 06, 2016

Seeing an Ophthalmologist for the first time can be overwhelming, particularly if you are being seen for changes in vision or potential eye disease. To make the most of your visit, it is important to go in knowing what to expect and have any questions you might have prepared for your doctor.

Before Your Visit

Before you consult your new ophthalmologist, it is helpful to consult with the office staff on what materials need to be brought with you or filled out for your appointment. Many offices will have new patient documents and a list of paperwork to bring with you, if any, on their website. Call your ophthalmologist’s office prior to your visit to confirm what you need to bring.

You will also want to confirm whether your eye specialist plans on dilating you at the visit. It is safe to assume, in most cases, that you will in fact be dilated so your ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive exam. This is particularly true for retina specialists. However, depending on what your visit is for, it would be best to confirm with the office ahead of time so you know what to expect.

It is also worthwhile to organize some questions for your ophthalmologist prior to your visit so you can remember exactly what you need to ask.

Here is a list of the Top 5 eye specialist questions you should ask your ophthalmologist when consulting them for the first time.

Top 5 Questions for your Visit

1. What is the likelihood my vision will get worse in the next 5-6 months?

Reading is something we all rely on heavily in our day to day lives and it will be important information for you to have regarding whether there is pathology present which could impact the quality of your reading vision.

2. Will cataract surgery improve my vision?

Your ophthalmologist or retina specialist will be able to give you a good idea of whether or not cataract extraction will actually improve your vision. If there is ocular disease affecting the integrity of the eye, sometimes cataract extraction will not change visual acuity. This will vary on a case by case basis and should be discussed with your doctor.

3. Will new glasses improve my vision?

Glasses aren’t always the quick fix to better vision, particularly if you’ve had vision changes irrespective of an outdated prescription. However, it is worthwhile to confirm whether a new prescription would improve your visual acuity.

4. What is the cause of my vision loss?

This is something your ophthalmologist will absolutely discuss with you, but sometimes it helps to ask the question directly, for your own clarity. This way, you can get a clear cut answer for what the issue is and details surrounding treatment plans and potential outcomes.

5. What changes in my vision should prompt me to call and schedule an appointment?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask your ophthalmologist. Odds are they will tell you that if you experience any changes in your vision, any pain, or discharge, that you should call the office right away to schedule an appointment. However, it will be important to know if there are any symptoms of which you should be wary.

Our retina specialists are taking on new patients, today. Call us today for a consult or an appointment!