Your First Visit
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR VISIT?
- Patient History – You will be asked about your general health and eye health.
- Vision Testing – You will read from a chart to test your visual function.
- Tonometry – The pressure in your eyes will be measured.
- Dilation – Your pupils will be dilated. Dilation makes your pupils open wide, so the doctor can get a clear view of the inside of your eye. Dilation will make your eye sensitive to light and typically lasts up to 3 hours. Many patients prefer to bring someone to drive them to and from appointments.
- Eye Exam – Your doctor will perform a thorough examination of your eyes.
- Other Testing – Depending on your eye condition you may require additional testing.
HOW LONG WILL THE APPOINTMENT TAKE?
- Patients who are visiting us for the first time can be in our office for a few hours. It takes time to get your medical history and to review and record your symptoms and concerns. A personal interview followed by a vision test and ocular pressure test will occur. Dilating drops will then be given. You will then wait in a dilation area as it takes at least thirty minutes for your eyes to dilate. Dr. Blem will then perform a comprehensive ocular and retinal exam. Depending on your condition, a series of diagnostic tests may need to be performed. These often have to be planned and you will be rescheduled for another day. Some testing may be able to be done at the initial exam for your convenience or if necessary because of the urgency of the condition, however this will extend the duration of the exam.
- The diseases treated at Louisiana Retina Center are the most serious and complex ocular diseases that exist. The possibility of permanent blindness from many of these conditions without urgent treatment is very real. As a result you will see that the clinic is often very busy and this also extends the wait time. Your condition and treatment is of the utmost importance to Dr. Blem and his staff. You will have his undivided attention and the appropriate amount of time will be spent examining you, determining your diagnosis, developing a treatment plan, and answering your questions. This level of commitment and professional care can take several hours to complete, so please be patient and plan accordingly, after all it is for your benefit.
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR VISIT?
- Photo ID and Insurance Card(s)
- List of all health conditions and allergies
- List of all your medications and supplements
- List of questions and concerns about your eyes
For your convenience, you can complete your new patient form prior to your first visit.
We always suggest that you bring someone to drive you home since your eyes will remain dilated for several hours. Sunglasses may help reduce glare; if you need some, please ask at the front desk before you leave.