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8 essential things to bring to your next eye exam

Stock Photo by Sean Locke www.digitalplanetdesign.com

Save yourself the frustration.  Plan ahead for your next eye exam by remembering these items.

1. Any glasses you wear

Seems like a silly thing to list, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to bring their glasses with them to their eye exam.  It helps to see how well your current glasses are working so we can help you decide if it’s worth updating them this year.  Even if you only use them rarely, it’s great to have as a reference.  Plus, we’re happy to clean and adjust them for you while you’re here.

CL foil

2. Contact lens boxes

This is mainly for new patients.  I can’t tell you how many times a patient comes in, stating that they love their contacts and don’t want to change a thing.  Only one problem:  they have no idea what brand or power they wear.  So if you show up as a new patient, take an old box top or foil wrapper that has the powers and numbers listed of your current lenses.  This will give us a leg up on getting your contacts to work well for you.

3. Proper ID

In the highly cyber-driven world we live in, identify theft can even show up at your eye doctor’s office.  Be ready to prove your identity by presenting a copy of your Driver’s license or other government issued identification.  This will help us be sure that we are billing insurance correctly for you, which leads directly to the next point….

4. Insurance cards

Like most offices, we are happy to file insurance for you to help cover the cost of your eye exam and materials.  Most medical insurance plans come with a card with the necessary information.  Some vision plans do the same.  Check with your HR representative before your exam to see if there is a card you need to bring.

5. Updated medication list

Many medications can affect your eyesight and eye health.  It’s a good habit to carry a list of medications with you in your wallet in case of emergency.  Knowing what medications you are taking helps us give you the best eye care possible.

6. Sunglasses

Sure, we have really “fancy” paper sunglasses that you could use to help you drive home, but why not bring your own pair of nice sunglasses to help cut the glare until the drops wear off?  That drive home will be much easier with sunglasses to dim the brightness. Although, you may choose to….

7. Bring a driver with you

Not everyone responds the same to having their eyes dilated.  If you feel at all unsafe, it’s best to plan for someone to be available to drive you home.

8. Written list of problems

Having specific notes about what’s giving you trouble helps you feel confident during the eye exam.  From our perspective, it’s so helpful to see the pattern of when, where, how, and what is causing your symptoms.  Usually, this history can guide us in the right direction.  A good note is often more reliable than our memory.  Don’t be ashamed to make a quick list of things you’d like to discuss with us.  We’re happy to address what’s bothering you.

What did we miss?  Anything else that you always bring with you to your visits?

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The material in this post is for information purposes only, and is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Please contact our office to set up an appointment to discuss these matters in detail during your eye exam.