Your office visit |
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Dr. Woodcome looks inside a patient's eye using a Volk lens and a slit lamp microscope, a routine part of every retinal exam. |
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On your first visit, the doctor will give you a complete evaluation and, if needed, additional testing may be done. Sometimes, if treatment is necessary, it may be initiated on your first visit. |
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We ask you to be prepared. You can expect to be in the office for a minimum of 2 hours. If you have diabetes, please bring a snack with you. |
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Your eyes will be dilated during your exam and will remain dilated for several hours after the examination. We suggest you bring someone to drive you home. Sunglasses may be helpful in reducing the glare and are available at the back desk when you leave. |
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Patient Forms |
New patients must complete the following forms. You may download all three here: |
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These forms are very important pieces of your medical record. If you have not received copies of these forms in the mail, you may view and print them by clicking on the above links. |
Be sure to complete these forms as accurately, legibly, and completely as possible. |
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What to bring with you |
Completed patient forms
• Patient Registration
• Medical History
• Review of Systems |
Health information
• A list of all medications you are taking, prescription and over-the-counter
• Health Insurance ID Card(s) or Forms
• Any co-payment required by your insurance carrier |
Glasses and contact lenses
• Your current glasses, both distance and reading
• Lens case in the event your contact lenses must be removed in the office |
Please remember
Because your pupils will be dilated, your eyes will be sensitive to sunlight and your vision may be temporarily blurred. Therefore, bring sunglasses and have someone with you to drive you home.
• Sunglasses
• Transportation assistance |
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Eye Examination |
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Dr. Smith examines a patient whose pupils have been dilated with eye drops. |
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Pupil dilation: A proper retinal examination requires dilated pupils. Drops may take from 15 to 45 minutes to be effective. These drops will blur your vision (especially for reading) and make your eyes sensitive to light for up to 24 hours. For your safety, we urge you to bring a pair of sunglasses and someone to drive you home. |
After your pupils have dilated, a complete examination will be performed. Special tests may be recommended. The exam may require retinal photography, fluorescein angiography, or ultrasonography and may take an hour or more. |
Educational videos: We make a special effort to explain everything regarding your condition and recommended treatment. Often the doctor who referred you to us will have already made a diagnosis. In such cases, we may ask you to watch a videotaped presentation while your eyes are dilating so you may discuss the problem in greater detail with the doctor and staff. You may view a number of educational videos on this site. |
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