Visiting Your Eye Doctor

When it comes to managing vision loss, visits to your eye doctor increase in number, and your anxiety about them may increase too. So we've got some tips to share to reduce the stress of appointments, and help you get the most out of these visits, too.

The first thing you can do when scheduling the appointment is let the office know if you'll need any special assistance, then find out as much about the appointment as you can. For instance, how much time will the doctor meet with you? Will tests be done? What information will you need to bring with you? Do you need to bring your glasses, sunglasses, or low-vision devices? Is there paperwork to be filled out? If so, ask to have the forms sent to you in the mail or via email, so you can complete them at home. That way, you can have privacy, take your time, and not feel rushed. Or you could also ask the office if someone will be available to help you complete the forms there if you arrive early.

Now, on to the visit itself. Know where you're going. If you're going to a large medical building, it will be helpful to know what door you'll enter, and what floor you'll be going to. So when scheduling your visit, ask for specifics and directions. And of course, you'll need to make arrangements for how you'll get to your appointment well ahead of time, and if a family member or friend is bringing you, make sure they know when you would like to be there. If you aren't rushing, you'll feel more relaxed, and ready for the appointment, so it's a good idea to arrive in the office at least 15 minutes early, and allow extra time for parking and getting into the office.

Prepare a list of any questions and concerns you may have. List the most important ones first to make sure they get answered. Include questions about your eye condition, treatment, and tests, and be sure to include any symptoms you want to discuss, and be detailed about those symptoms. For example, do you have headaches when reading or using a computer? Do bright lights bother you? Are you having trouble seeing at night? Our handout also has a list of questions you can use. Now, keep your list near you so you don't forget about it during your appointment, and use bold lined paper and a black marker, or a voice recorder, for your list. You'll find more tips in Hadley's workshop on note taking.

It may be helpful to invite a friend or family member to go in with you during the visit. Be sure to talk to them before your appointment regarding the questions or concerns you plan to discuss, and ask them to remind you of anything you may have forgotten. And it may help to have them take notes for you. Also, be clear with them about how much you want them to participate in the visit. If you need to, ask them to step out if you want to share something private with the doctor.

If you have a smartphone, it's a great way to record your visit. You'll just want to discuss this with your doctor, too. And don't be afraid to speak up and ask any questions you have as soon as possible. You don't want to wait until the doctor is halfway out the door before getting to the key question you have had on your mind for weeks.

Be prepared to answer your doctor's questions, too. Try to be as direct and specific when responding as you can. And because some medical terms can be hard to understand, it can help to repeat back information and instructions the doctor has given you using your own words, to make sure you really understand. And don't be embarrassed to ask, "What does that mean?" or ask for additional information to clarify what has been discussed. It's not just you who is confused by all the medical lingo. Most of us are, and you deserve to understand everything that's going on with your eyes.

Now, before leaving your appointment, ask for a recap. Be sure you know what happens next, and how to contact the doctor should you need to between visits. Will there be further tests? Do you need to schedule a follow-up? How often will you need to be seen? And if the doctor says there isn't anything they can do about your vision loss, ask them to refer you to a low-vision specialist. These specialists can help you learn new ways to approach everyday tasks with reduced vision.

Also, if the doctor doesn't have time to answer all your questions, ask to speak to a nurse or member of their care team who may have more time to talk with you.

Now, once your visit is complete, and you return home, review, then file, any paperwork, so that it all stays organized. If you don't receive test results when expected, go ahead and call the doctor's office. And if your doctor posts test results online, don't be tempted to diagnose yourself. Call the doctor's office and have the results explained, and put into context for you.

Make note of any new symptoms or changes in your vision, and let the doctor know right away if you experience any side effects from medications. Do research to learn more about your eye condition. That way, you can ask specific questions at your next visit. Your doctor's office may have suggestions for resources. You can also check out the resources section of this workshop for some ideas, too.

Learn all you can about the treatment options your doctor has recommended. What is the purpose of the treatment? What can you expect? Review any information the doctor has sent home with you, and if you belong to a low vision support group, other members in the group may be helpful in sharing their experiences.

Remember, it's important to be an advocate when talking with your eye doctor and other healthcare professionals. You will feel more confident and comfortable when you practice the three Ps: be prepared, patient, and persistent. As always, if you need more information, or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert.