Appointment Information

We realize the need to see a Retina Specialist is unplanned in many cases and can cause a patient to feel anxious. We do our best to make your visit to Midwest Retina as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Retina exams are more involved than those for glasses or other eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma. Please allow approximately 2-3 hours for your initial visit so that we can fully assess the health of your eyes and do any additional testing that might be necessary.

We would also encourage you to have someone drive you for your appointment. This would be particularly important if you should undergo laser treatment or or additional imaging during your visit.

We make sure to give each patient adeqaute time for evaluating and addressing his/her concerns. However, since we do handle emergencies frequently, we may get behind schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding if delays occur.

Below is some information to help you make the most of your initial visit with us.

How Can I Prepare for My First Visit

You can help us by bringing the following with you

Your Drivers License or Photo ID
Names and addresses of your other health care professionals
Your current health insurance cards and insurance authorization, if applicable
Medicare/Medicaid card, if applicable
Workers compensation claim information, if applicable
Your most-up-to-date prescription glasses
Your current medications in their prescribed bottles or an up-to date list
Sunglasses to wear after your appointment
A driver to take you home

For your convenience, most of the forms you will need to fill out at your first visit are available online at the link below for to you fill out ahead of time.

Print Forms

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Initial Work-Up

An ophthalmic assistant will see you first to review your medical history, record what problems you are having with your eyes and check your vision and the intraocular pressure of your eyes. Your eyes will be dilated by the technician with eye drops so that the doctor can see clearly into the back of the eye. Please see below for questions about pupil dilation. You may bring a family member or friend with you to the examination rooms should you wish.

Why do my Eyes Have to be Dilated?

Looking at the retina is similar to looking into a room through a keyhole. If the keyhole is larger, then it is easier to see the entire room. Looking into the eye is similar. A dilated pupil allows for a thorough exam of the retina so that we can give you an accurate diagnosis and explanation of the treatment plan. Dilation of the pupil lasts 3-4 hours after drop administration. Be aware you will experience some light sensitivity and difficulty with seeing up close after dilation. You distance vision should remain about the same. Once the dilation drops are placed, you will have a brief wait between your visit with the assistant and your visit with the doctor to give the eye drops time to dilate the pupils of your eyes. Because your eyes are dilated you may wish to bring sunglasses for the ride home if it is a sunny day.

Physician Exam and Assessment

The doctor will then see you during which he will exam you eyes and then review his findings with you. After this, he will arrange for any additional testing or treatment. The doctor will communicate with your referring physician or other eye care professionals to coordinate your care. Patients who are sent to us are generally unable to improve their vision with glasses due to the condition of the retina. Therefore, we do not prescribe eye glasses in our clinic. Once the retina is stabilized, we send you back to your referring doctor for an updated glasses prescription.

If you cannot keep an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice so another patient can use the available time.