Appointment

When to see an Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye exams, diagnose and treat diseases such as glaucoma, ARMD and diabetes, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT: Please plan on being in the office for 1 to 2 hours. If this is your first appointment or it has been more than 6 months since your previous appointment your eyes will be dilated. You will require a driver, your care card, glasses and a list of medications and allergies. It is advisable to bring sunglasses with you.

What’s the difference between a diagnostic eye exam and an exam for the purposes of refraction?
A diagnostic eye examination requires knowledge and experience provided by a medical doctor with specialty certification in ophthalmology

A refractive examination involves the taking of measurements for visual acuity and the prescribing of correction. This examination does not require a medical doctor.

The use of supporting vision team personnel to perform certain non-medical procedures or tests is appropriate as a means of increasing the availability of ophthalmologists to provide medical services, and to provide comprehensive and efficient eye care to the greatest number of people.

Supporting personnel on the vision team work with and are supervised by ophthalmologists. The ophthalmologist is responsible for the delivery of comprehensive eye care, which includes primary, secondary or tertiary care.