Whether it’s been many years since you visited an optometrist or you’re just now considering your first visit as part of maintaining good eye health – , you may not know what to expect. The fact is that whether you choose an established, large practice like Toronto Eye Care, with multiple practitioners specializing in various aspects of vision care, or visit a solo-practitioner optometrist, your eye doctor has the information, tools and resources to effectively assess your eye health, assist in correcting vision, and refer you to trusted specialists. That’s why a visit to your doctor of optometry is so important to your overall eye health. Here’s how to make the most of your time together.
Your optometrist is expertly trained
It is very important that a first examination by an optometrist is comprehensive and involves a series of crucial tests which may last up to 60 minutes
During your visit, you can expect your optometrist to do the following, as indicated by your own unique needs and situation:
- Take a comprehensive case history
- Examine your eyes for risk factors and signs of ocular diseases
- Measure various aspects of your vision, such as peripheral vision, eye movements, ability to focus and see colours/depth, and sharpness of vision
- Provide a prescription for vision correction
- Recommend the right kind of glasses or contact lenses
- Recommend prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, eye exercises, diet, supplements, or other forms of therapy
- Refer you to a specialist for certain kinds of medications and/or surgery
Clearly, seeing the optometrist is about so much more than just updating your prescription!
How to take an active role in your visit to the optometrist
Visiting the eye doctor isn’t about sitting passively through an exam; patients who participate actively in the process generally experience better vision care outcomes. If you have a specific complaint such as blurry vision, be up front and clearly communicate your concerns like myopia or macular degeneration.. Even if you are simply coming in to make sure that your eyes are healthy, be prepared to discuss your medical history and any medications you may be taking, as some medications can affect vision.
Along with any existing eyewear, it’s a good idea to bring in the name and telephone number of any previous optometrists or ophthalmologists, so that records may be transferred if necessary. If possible, have a family member or friend accompany you so you can a) remember to ask all your questions b) take note of any treatment protocols, advice or explanations the optometrist has for you during the visit and c) assist you going home when your pupils are dilated.
If you are currently without an optometrist or are being more proactive about your eye care, we welcome you to call us for a comprehensive eye exam and take charge of your eye health today!
