How to properly prepare for an appointment with an ophthalmologist

Whether it's your first appointment or follow-up, the following may be helpful advice:

1. Make the necessary adjustments to your schedule to avoid unforeseen events on the day of your appointment and inform the important people that you will need to take the day off to attend to your health.

2. Remember to bring any documents or medical referral (if you have one).

3. Remember to bring your medical insurance information and personal identification.

4. Write down all of your symptoms, not only the ocular ones.

5. If you are under any treatment, keep a list of all the medications you take and include the following:

Name of your medication

Dosage of your medication

How many times a day you take your medication

How many tablets, capsules or drops you take or apply

6. Write down if any changes in treatment have been made.

7. Bring copies of all test results, x-rays or labs that have been referred to you recently.

8. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, have your refraction information (prescription) in hand.

9. Don’t drive to your appointment and please be accompanied by someone you trust.

10. Bring lunch and/or snacks, especially if you suffer from any other health condition. Bring some sunglasses and hospital appropriate clothing (like a hoodie, jacket, closed shoes, long pants, etc).

11. Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses on the day of your appointment.

12. If you have any questions, please contact the hospital administration or medical office in prior to your appointment.

13. You may want to bring sunglasses.

It is helpful to keep a folder or binder with all important documents related to your uveitis and/or any other health condition from which you suffer. This includes lab results and x-rays. It is of great benefit to patients and physicians alike to store copies of any information collected regarding your health.