Make the most of your visit to the eye doctor with this eye exam checklist that outlines items you should have before and after your visit.
If you have ever visited a clinic or hospital and you were asked key questions about your health that you couldn’t answer, you are not alone. Many patients are unable to provide details about their health history, and other relevant information that could help the diagnosis and treatment of their conditions.
Information about your personal and family health history is essential for recommending the most appropriate eye care plan and treatment for you. Also, leaving the clinic with the right information about your eye problem can help you make better health decisions.
So, if you plan to visit the clinic, this eye exam checklist will help you make the most of your visit.
Go through it. Note the items you have. Identify the ones you do not have and try to get them.
Before your visit
Here are the items and information you should have before visiting the eye clinic.
To read the details, click on the plus icon beside each button.
Depending on your situation, some of them may not apply to you.
The chief complaint is the main reason for visiting the clinic. Note that down along with other issues you may have.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, take them along with you to the eye clinic. If you got the glasses or contact lenses from a different eye clinic, ensure that you have your prescription.
Make a list of medications that you are currently using and those that you finished using recently (within the past month). This also includes supplements
Get details of eye and general health conditions that people in your family from generation to generation tend to have. Examples of such conditions include myopia, glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, etc.
How is your work condition? Is your workspace eye-friendly? Do you spend a lot of time on the computer? Does your job expose you to materials or situations that can harm the eyes? If yes, what are the materials or situations?
Note the drugs, foods or relevant items that you react to.
These could be questions that arose from your search on Google, your experience or other people’s experiences. Write them down so that you do not forget to ask them before leaving the clinic.
Do you have a HMO plan or would you pay for services out of your pocket.
If you have HMO plan, is the eye clinic is a service provider for your HMO? What eye care services are covered under your HMO plan?
After your visit
Here are items and information you should have after you have seen the eye doctor.
To read the details, click on the plus icon beside each button.
Depending on your situation, some of them may not apply to you.
You should know the outcome of your test results and the name of the condition you have.
Get your eyeglasses/contact lenses with the lens prescription and the names of drugs prescribed (if any).
You should know how to use and care for your eyeglasses/contact lenses. You should also know how to use the drugs including the dosage, frequency of administration and duration of use.
You need information on the following:
- The exacts symptoms to monitor
- How frequently you should monitor them
- Tools to use to monitor them (if required)
- What to do when you observe abnormal changes.
Get your next appointment date.
Details of how to reach the clinic or doctor if you have questions or experience problems before your follow-up appointment date.