To help you be more prepared for your upcoming eye examination, here is a guide on what to expect and how to make your visit go smoothly. We want your experience at Southwest Eye Institute to be as efficient and comfortable as possible.
What to Know Before You Go
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Before Your Appointment
1
Appointment Confirmation
A few days before your exam, you will receive a text message or phone call to confirm your appointment time. Please respond to confirm or reschedule if necessary.
2
Online Preregistration
The confirmation message will include a link for preregistration. Completing your forms and updating your information online before you arrive will speed up your check-in process.
3
What to Bring
Plan to bring your photo ID, vision and medical insurance cards, and a list of any current medications. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring those or note your prescription. Having these items ready will help us verify your benefits and quickly understand your medical background.
Checking In at Southwest Eye Institute
Upon arrival at our clinic, you’ll check in at one of our self-service kiosks. These kiosks are easy to use and will guide you through the check-in steps. If you have any questions or need assistance, our front office team is happy to help.
During check-in, we will ask for your insurance information. Presenting both your vision insurance (if you have routine eye coverage) and your medical insurance will allow us to verify your benefits and determine how best to file your visit. Keep in mind that many insurance plans do not cover the refraction test (the part of the exam that determines your glasses prescription). If a refraction is performed and your plan doesn’t cover it, there could be an additional charge for that portion of the exam. Our staff can answer any insurance questions you have, so there are no surprises.
Before you see the doctor, an ophthalmic assistant will begin your examination with some preliminary tests. These basic screenings help gather important information about your vision and eye health.
This is a great time to mention any specific eye issues you’re experiencing and to share your medication list. Certain medications can affect your eyes, so having an up-to-date list of what you’re taking will help tailor your eye care. We encourage you to ask the assistant any questions that come to mind during these initial tests.
IMPORTANT: Dilated Eye Exams
Why We Recommend a Dilated Eye Exam
In most comprehensive eye exams, especially for new patients, a dilated pupil exam is recommended. If you are a new patient, your doctor will likely perform a dilated eye health exam before any refraction (glasses prescription test). Since we have not yet examined the back of your eyes, this step helps ensure your eye health supports an accurate new prescription. It also helps avoid using your vision plan benefits on a glasses prescription that may not be appropriate if an undiagnosed eye condition is affecting your vision.
What Dilation Does
Dilation involves placing special eye drops in your eyes to widen your pupils. This allows your eye doctor to thoroughly examine the back parts of your eyes, including the retina, macula, and optic nerve, for a more complete evaluation of your eye health.
What to Expect After Dilation
It takes about 15–20 minutes for the dilation drops to fully take effect. While your pupils are dilated, your vision may be slightly blurry, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light for a few hours afterward. We recommend bringing sunglasses for comfort. Many patients also prefer to arrange a driver, as driving with dilated eyes can be difficult.
Appointment Time
If your exam includes dilation, plan to spend about 1–2 hours at the clinic. This extra time allows for the dilation process and any additional testing that may be needed. We understand your time is valuable, and our team works to keep your visit efficient while ensuring we gather all the information needed to provide the best care.
In most comprehensive eye exams, especially for new patients, a dilated pupil exam is recommended. If you are a new patient, your doctor will likely perform a dilated eye health exam before any refraction (glasses prescription test). Since we have not yet examined the back of your eyes, this step helps ensure your eye health supports an accurate new prescription. It also helps avoid using your vision plan benefits on a glasses prescription that may not be appropriate if an undiagnosed eye condition is affecting your vision.
Dilation involves placing special eye drops in your eyes to widen your pupils. This allows your eye doctor to thoroughly examine the back parts of your eyes, including the retina, macula, and optic nerve, for a more complete evaluation of your eye health.
It takes about 15–20 minutes for the dilation drops to fully take effect. While your pupils are dilated, your vision may be slightly blurry, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light for a few hours afterward. We recommend bringing sunglasses for comfort. Many patients also prefer to arrange a driver, as driving with dilated eyes can be difficult.
If your exam includes dilation, plan to spend about 1–2 hours at the clinic. This extra time allows for the dilation process and any additional testing that may be needed. We understand your time is valuable, and our team works to keep your visit efficient while ensuring we gather all the information needed to provide the best care.
Cataract Evaluation and Advanced Options
One condition we pay special attention to is cataracts, which are very common as people age. As part of your exam, your doctor will check for signs of cataract development (clouding of the eye’s natural lens). If a cataract is noted and it’s affecting your vision, we will discuss it with you.
Southwest Eye Institute is proud to offer state-of-the-art cataract surgery options. If you are a candidate for cataract surgery now or in the future, your doctor will take the time to explain the available treatment options. We believe that understanding cataract surgery and setting realistic expectations is important for achieving a great outcome. Your doctor will review the different lens implant choices and surgical techniques we offer so you can make an informed decision. We encourage you to ask questions about the cataract surgery process, recovery, and results – we’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident if surgery is the right step for you.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Care and Questions
Our team prides itself on delivering comprehensive and compassionate care, with a special focus on patient education. We want you to leave your appointment feeling informed about your eye health. Throughout your exam (especially after the doctor has finished the evaluation), we encourage you to ask any questions you may have. No question is too small, whether it’s about your diagnosis, treatment options, or just general eye care advice.
Before you conclude your visit, your doctor will ensure all your concerns have been addressed. If there’s anything you don’t understand or want clarified, please let us know. We are committed to making sure you have a clear understanding of your vision and eye health status, as well as any next steps in your care.
After Your Exam and Next Steps
Once your examination is finished, you will return to the front desk to check out. Our staff will summarize any follow-up instructions and help schedule any future appointments if needed. For example, if the doctor recommends a yearly exam or a specialized follow-up, we can book that for you before you leave – this helps you secure an appointment in advance, since our doctors’ schedules tend to fill up.
Finally, we want to thank you for trusting Southwest Eye Institute with your vision care. We truly appreciate the opportunity to care for your eyes. Our goal is that you leave with all your questions answered and confidence in the health of your eyes.
We look forward to providing you with a positive, caring experience during your eye exam and at every visit!
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