Prepping Protocol For Eye Exams - What You Should Do Before Your Office Visit

Coming prepared to your eye exam can lead to a more successful overall visit. Not only does preparation help expedite the process, but it also can help your doctor give you the most thorough exam possible. When you give your eye doctor the most accurate and complete information, he or she will be able to treat you to their maximum potential. You should always remember to check out whom you are seeing and your insurance options before your visit. Also remember to bring along your current prescription as well as any medications you are on.

Know Who You Are Seeing

To be completely prepared for your eye exam, you should start by knowing exactly whom you are seeing. There are three types of eye professionals that could be listed in your phone book. Knowing the difference between them and who you are seeing is part of being prepared. Obviously you should be seeing the professional that is most likely to be able to help you with your eye care needs. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors. They specialize in eye care and eye conditions. They can prescribe eyeglasses, contacts, treat eye conditions, and perform eye surgery.

An optometrist is someone who is also considered an eye doctor. They have less training than ophthalmologist, but can also prescribe glasses, contacts, and treat some eye conditions. They can perform minor surgeries on the eye, but nothing as elaborate as what an ophthalmologist.

Opticians are not doctors at all. They are simply eye care professionals that often assist ophthalmologists and optometrists. They are typically the assistants that will help adjust your glasses and repair them for you. T hey will also sometimes teach you how to use your contacts and will often help in constructing your glasses. Most of the time, eye care professionals will receive training on the job or from a technical school.

Have Insurance Authorizations

If you are lucky enough to have vision insurance, then you will need to be sure everything is ready regarding your coverage. You may have to call your insurance company before your visit in order to get it pre-authorized. You may also need to be sure the eye care professional you are seeing is covered on your vision plan. If you don't have vision insurance, you will need to be sure you know how much the exam will cost you. Having all of the financial aspects of your visit figured out before you arrive will help make your visit go as smoothly as possible.

Take Glasses & Contacts with You

Even if you are going to the eye doctor for a new prescription, you should always take your glasses and contacts with you to the visit. Your doctor may want to examine them. He or she may want you to read with them on and then again with them off. Different doctors will try different techniques. Some doctors won't need you to bring them at all. To be on the safe side however, take them along unless you have previously asked the receptionist and she informed you not to bring them.

Remember Your Medications

Some medications will cause changes in your vision. Therefore, it is important to bring all medications with you to your eye exam. If you cannot bring them all, make a list of each one and the dosage prescribed. Take the list with you to the doctor. Your eye care professional will want to see this list in order to conduct the best and most thorough eye exam possible. Those who are on high blood pressure pills or medication for diabetes should always remember this preparation step.

If you take a little time before you exam to prepare your insurance, medications, and your current prescription, you will find that your eye exam will fly by. If you don't take the time to prepare, you will be stuck in the eye professional's office waiting for the assistants to call your insurance company to get everything strait. You might also not be able to get the best care possible if you can't remember your medications or your current prescription. So, be sure to take a little time to prepare for your eye exam visit. You will be glad you did!