If you have an eye exam coming up, you may be wondering just what you can do to prepare for it. Just like when visiting a doctor, bringing the right materials and the information your ophthalmologist needs will make the appointment run much more smoothly, and will also make the entire visit more beneficial for you as a patient. If you have an eye exam coming up, we encourage you to prepare for it by bringing these 3 key things:
Payment And Insurance Information
One of the most important things to remember when preparing for an eye exam is that, like any service, you’ll likely need to pay for your visit. However, the final out-of-pocket cost of an eye exam often varies from appointment to appointment (as well as from person to person), as it’s determined by everything from where you get the exam to whether an optometrist or an ophthalmologist performs the exam. The types of tests that are carried out can also affect the final cost of an appointment. And of course, the type of insurance you have will also have an impact how much you pay out of pocket.
To ensure that you are ready to pay the right amount for your appointment, it’s best to bring an accepted method of payment to your eye doctor. You should also always bring your vision and health insurance information, just so that you have both on hand in case one or the other is needed for verification purposes.
If, however, you need a more concrete idea of what your appointment will cost before going to it, it can help to speak to your insurance company about what is covered by their plan; calling your eye doctor can also help you get a general idea about what you will need to pay at your appointment. You are also more than welcome to discuss pricing for any tests your doctor recommends beyond a basic vision exam while you are in for your appointment.
A Current Medical History
During an exam an eye doctor should always take time to review your medical history, the same way a primary care doctor might. Preparing to answer these questions and being ready to provide this information will allow you to help your eye doctor build a more complete picture of your eye health, as well as reveal any risk factors they need to follow-up on.
To help your eye doctor carry out the exam and tests they need to for your benefit, you should mention any health issues that run in the family, especially if your family has a history of diabetes, high blood pressure or eye problems. You should also always mention any changes in vision you have experienced, including any blurriness or any appearances of floaters or lights in your field of vision. Finally, always be sure to mention if you are currently taking any medications, and always provide a list of any recent injuries, operations, or illnesses you’ve experienced lately; depending on the medicine you take or the care you received for an injury or illness, your doctor may want to follow-up on any vision risk factors that may be associated with them.
Vision Aides
You’ll definitely want to bring a couple vision aids to your eye exam, even if you don’t wear them on a daily basis. If you do happen to wear them, you should always bring a current pair of glasses or contacts so that your doctor can test and examine them if necessary. Additionally, and most importantly, both people who use and people who don’t use vision aids should always bring sunglasses that will protect your eyes from light after they are dilated during the vision exam. Patients who know they have particularly strong reactions to eye dilation are also advised to bring a friend or family who can drive them home after the procedure to their appointment – just to be safe!
Schedule An Exam Today
If you are due for an annual exam, we strongly urge you to schedule an appointment, and to use this list of information to help you prepare for it. An eye exam will ensure that any possible vision issues that may affect you down the line are caught as soon as possible. And remember, many eye issues are best treated early in their development.
To schedule an appointment, please call our Pittsburgh office at (412) 288-0858, or reach out to another location that is more convenient to you.
