Eye Doctor Appointment: What to Expect

by EyeSee Optique A one stop Optical Boutique in the heart of Arling

Eye doctor walk-in exams are hard to come by, but they do exist. You are most likely to find walk-ins available at retail chains and big-box vision centres. But choosing a walk-in exam could potentially come at a cost: long wait times and even a rushed appointment, depending on how busy that location is. Before you head to the store or office, you might want to consider looking for a same-day appointment instead.

How can one find a same-day eye exam?

While some locations do offer walk-in eye exams, the convenience of walking in may not balance out the time you will wait to be seen or the potentially rushed exam. And even for eye doctors who do not directly offer walk-ins, there is an alternative that could save you a lot of time in the waiting room and hopefully ensure a more thorough exam: a same-day appointment. Same-day or next-day eye appointments can often be found locally, even for a routine exam. And checking availability is particularly straightforward with practices that offer online scheduling — you are a few clicks or taps away from finding the next open time slot. This is especially true with retail chains and the big-box vision centres attached to supermarkets.

What Happens During the Visit?

After you fill out the new patient paperwork, you will go to the exam room to meet the doctor. The exact type of exam will vary. But here are some things you can expect:

#1. Patient history. Your doctor will ask about your general health and any family history of eye diseases.

#2. Vision tests. The doctor will check your close and distance vision. You will read from charts of random letters. The doctor may also test other aspects of your vision -- like your ability to see in 3-D, your side vision (called peripheral vision), and colour perception.

#3. Tonometry. This is a glaucoma test. After numbing your eye with an eye drop, the doctor will measure the eye pressure with a puff of air or by using a device called a tonometer.

#4. Eye exam. The doctor will check all the parts of your eye. You may need drops to dilate -- or widen -- your pupils. This gives the doctor a clear view of the inside of your eye. These drops make your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours. You will need to wear sunglasses until they wear off. You may need someone to drive you home. The doctor will also check your peripheral vision and how well your eye muscles work together.

#5. Other tests. Eye exams can help spot early signs of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. If the doctor finds anything odd, you may need a follow-up with your regular doctor or a specialist.

How long will it take?

If it is your first visit to your new eye doctor, allow an hour or two. That includes time to get the exam and to get fitted for a prescription if you need it. Later appointments with Arlinton eye doctor will not take as much time.