Making the Best of Your First Appointment with Us
Submitted by Elman Retina Group on September 28, 2019
At Elman Retina Group, Drs. Michael J. Elman and Sidney A. Schechet strive to provide every patient with compassionate and personalized care, beginning with the first appointment. Here, we explain what you can expect during your first visit with us, as well as how to make the best out of it.
What Happens During Your First Appointment
Your first appointment with us will take two to three hours. It is a chance for our retina specialists and the rest of our team to get to know you and your visual needs.
When you first come in, you will fill out basic medical paperwork, including our new patient forms, so we can get a full assessment of your medical history and eye health.
Next, one of our medical technicians will examine your vision. They will check your visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and pupillary reaction, among other things.
Depending on your specific case, your eyes may be dilated so we can examine their internal structures, including the vitreous and retina located in the anterior portion of the eye. There are several ocular imaging tests that can be conducted during an eye exam. The dilation process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You may need someone to drive you home, but oftentimes patients are able to drive after with sunglasses.
Our doctor will explain their findings to you and, if necessary, make recommendations for additional testing. This may be necessary to diagnose a potential problem. Once a diagnosis is made, our doctor will discuss your treatment options, answer any questions that you may have, and send an extensive report to your referring doctor, including recommendations for future care.
Tips on Preparing for Your First Appointment
Come to your first appointment ready with the following:
- A list of current medications you are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter medications
- Your prescription eyewear (if applicable)
- Your medical insurance cards
- Sunglasses to wear home after your appointment
- A list of questions to ask us
- Contact information of your primary care physician and/or primary eye care provider
Last but definitely not least, you should arrive to your first appointment ready with questions. We firmly believe that the most satisfied patients are those who are prepared and educated on their choices in care. At Elman Retina Group, our board-certified retina specialists and medical team will answer all of your questions and help you navigate your options in detail.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elman or Dr. Schechet, please contact one of our Baltimore area offices today.
