It is important to distinguish between initial/full appointments from post-operative/ routine appointments

During an initial/full appointment, you will undergo an initial complete vision exam during which we will check your refraction, glasses and determine your distance and near reading capability. Pupillary responses and extra ocular movements will be assessed. We will check your intraocular pressure and both pupils will be dilated. This is necessary to allow an adequate exam of the eye’s internal structure and the peripheral retina. Dilating the pupil will take about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the colour of your iris. Once your pupils are dilated, you will be seen by the eye MD.

Your eye doctor will question you about your current and past ocular health and condition. He will also ask you questions about your generat state of health and the medications you take. It would be good to bring with you a list of the medications you take and if possible a summary of your past medical history.

An ocular exam will follow, starting with an examination of the external eye structures using a slit lamp. The inside of the eye will be examined next using both the slit lamp and an indirect ophthalmolscope, which allows us to examine in detail the peripheral retina.

Additional exams may be required. If possible we will attempt to carry these out the day of your visit, but it might only be possible on another day. We will take into account your availability.

A complete exam will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Your pupils will remain dilated for 2 to 3 hours. It is generally not recommended to drive a car immediately after having an eye exam as dilatation can blur your vision. Please ask for our advice regarding your ability to drive a car.

For the first consultation, please don't forget to bring with you some documents:

• your insurance-card
• medical report from your referring physician
• medical exams (imaging) like OCT, angiography, ...
• your medication

Routine appointments are more focussed. We often will examine only the affected eye. if additional exams are needed, they are usually planned ahead of time and combined with the exam, and carried out while the pupil is dilating. A vision check is done in most cases prior to seeing the doctor. A follow-up or routine appointment will generally last 15 to 30 minutes.