What Should I Bring To My Eye Exam?
An annual eye exam is an excellent step in taking care of not only your eyes but your overall health. Eye exams can detect signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
At Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin, we understand that knowing what to bring for your eye exam can be quite confusing. If you are not prepared for your eye exam, then the whole ordeal can be a stressful or laborious task, but you can handle your eye exams quickly and easily with a little preparation.
As experts in optometry, we’ve created a handy checklist to help you go through your first eye exam with as little stress as possible. Visiting the eye doctor doesn’t have to feel intimidating, even if you haven’t been there in a while. Knowing how to prepare for the visit and thinking ahead is an important part of the eye exam process. Follow our checklist of what to bring to your eye exam so that you avoid last-minute surprises, problems, and unnecessary re-visits.
Bring your current glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses if you wear them
Bring all of the eyewear you have been using since your last exam. We will compare your new prescription to the one(s) you have been using and let you know if they are the best prescription for you. If you wear contact lenses, you will likely be asked to remove them at some time during the exam, so be prepared and bring your case and solutions along too. We can provide these if you forget them.
List your current medications, supplements, and any eye drops you use
For us to provide optimum care, we need to know about all the medicines, supplements, and eye drops you are currently using, not just the ones that are directly linked to your eyes. Many medications have side effects that can affect your eyes and vision. It is best if you can include the dosage and how often you take these medicines when you prepare your list.
Know your family history
Having a clear family history can also be very helpful in diagnosing and monitoring any eye condition. We want to know if anyone in your immediate family has an eye disease. It is also beneficial to know about general health conditions that your family members may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions.
Carry appropriate health care cards or insurance information
Depending on your age and your eye conditions, you may receive some coverage for your eye exam through Alberta Health, so bring this card just in case. If you have extended health benefits through work or other health insurance, you should check into their specific coverage before coming to your examination so that you are prepared. However, even with all of that, there may still be some out-of-pocket expenses. So, be prepared with cash, debit, or credit cards.
Know the name of your primary care doctor
Optometrists work as part of your overall health team and, with your consent, may want to communicate with your family physician about the results of your eye examination or request further information from them to assist in your vision care plan.
If you have any concerns about your eyesight and need advice on eye care, reach out to our professional optometrists in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. At Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin, we strive to deliver high-quality care, products, and services to people of all ages. Our friendly and knowledgeable doctors and staff look forward to the opportunity to provide you with exceptional eye and vision care and the latest in eyewear technology and styling. Our services include comprehensive eye exams, contact lens exams, treatment of sore eyes, red eyes, LASIK and refractive surgery co-management, eye disease management, emergency eye care services, dry eye clinic, and on-site optical lab. We serve patients across Wetaskiwin, Millet, Maskwacis, Pigeon Lake, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our services, please click here. If you have a question, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us here.